If you're having a bad day, don't read Psalm 102. You're not going to want to read this cry for help from someone in pain. You won't want to read about someone who is reduced to skin and bones, who cannot sleep, who is eating ashes for food and drinking something mixed with tears. Who wants to read this, especially at Christmastime?
But, if you do read it, you'll find this cry for help becoming transformed into a prayer of eschatological hope. The psalmist discovers that God will act in such a way that affliction will give way to healing, strength and release. Future generations (us?) will praise God for what God has done. Hope is realized, thanks be to God. What begins as despair ends in praise. Isn't that what Christmas is about?
On second thought, if you're having a bad day, read Psalm 102 the whole way to the end.
Gracious God, hear us as we pray. Give us hope that sees beyond our present circumstances to your glorious future in Christ. Amen.
Ken Foust is the pastor of Grace Community Presbyterian Church.
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