Devotion Corner

Psalm 10:1 - Why standest thou afar off, O LORD? Why hidest thou thyself in times of trouble?

The words of the opening of Psalm 10 have run through the mind of every true believer at some point in life. In those troubled times where we are cast down, drained of strength and spirit, it can feel as though our Lord is so far away from us. The Psalmist knew these troubled times well, and felt the same distance from his beloved Saviour that many of us have known.

The psalmist had committed no great sin, yet he suffered under the cruel weight of persecution from the godless. He had lived faithfully, suffered many attacks for his faith, and yet it seemed as though no respite from the battles and trials would come to him. 

Yet there was a purpose to it all. A purpose crafted by the gracious hands of God to draw His beloved ever closer to His loving embrace. These dark and troubled times came to the psalmist and us alike, to remind us that we cannot stop the black skies from forming overhead. However, we have a God who can move aside even the heaviest and bleakest of days with but a word! 

The Lord is never far from us, it is only the tears of our sufferings that blinds us to the nearness of His love. As Mary Magdalene experienced at the empty tomb in her moment of great grief, her Saviour was right next to her, ready to revive her failing spirit once more. As the Lord helped the psalmist and Mary in their hour of sorrow, He will come to us also, if we seek Him as they looked for Him. Let’s take our tears to Christ Jesus and pour out our hearts to Him. Then, with unfailing love, He will wipe away those same tears and point our cleared eyes up to Heaven, where He prepares a place for us. Amen.