In his desperation, David cried out to God – “Have mercy upon me, O Lord” (31:9) – not only because of his enemies, but also because of his own transgressions – “My life is spent with grief, and my years with sighing: my strength faileth because of mine iniquity, and my bones are consumed” (31:10). (Yep, that’s right, here at the end of the year, I am quoting from the King James translation. When in the Psalms, I almost can’t help myself.) Furthermore, David cried, “I am forgotten as a dead man out of mind: I am like a broken vessel” (31:12). Wow, someone thinks, “What a terribly depressing way to end the year in God’s Word!” Well, not really. When we think about it, we live in a fallen world and we experience fears and sorrows just as David did. But David knew what to do about it. He testified, “But I trusted in thee, O Lord: I said, Thou art my God. My times are in thy hand” (31:14-15).
Hear David’s additional testimony: “Oh how great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee . . . O love the Lord, all ye his saints: for the Lord preserveth the faithful, and plentifully rewardeth the proud doer. Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord (31:19-24). Let us always be counted among those who hope in the Lord!
I am weak, and I need Thy strength and power
To help me over my weakest hour;
Let me through the darkness Thy face to see,
Lead me, O Lord, lead me.
Lead me, guide me along the way;
For if You lead me, I cannot stray;
Lord, let me walk each day with Thee.
Lead me, O Lord, lead me. -- Doris Akers (1977)
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