A Plea From The Disgraced

You know of my shame, scorn, and disgrace.

You see all that my enemies are doing.

Their insults have broken my heart,

and I am in despair.

If only one person would show some pity;

if only one would turn and comfort me. . . .

I am suffering and in pain.

Rescue me, O God, by your saving power.

Then I will praise God’s name with singing,

and I will honor him with thanksgiving.

Psalm 69:19-20, 29-30

The old African-American spiritual captures the feeling of this psalm so well: “Nobody knows the trouble I’ve seen, nobody knows but Jesus.” This lament reflects David’s sentiments. He felt that everyone had turned against him. He was being shamed, scorned, disgraced, and insulted. It is clear that David was hurting inside. He wished for even one human being to show him pity and offer him comfort. But in the midst of all his pain and loneliness, he continued to pray to God. He trusted that, no matter how bad his suffering might get, God was still going to save him.

In your moment of trial, you may feel completely abandoned by those around you. But never think that God will ever abandon you. He will answer you when you call, and he knows what is best for you.

• Dear God, I am suffering and in pain. Rescue me by your saving power . . .