Discover His heart: He understands our sorrows and collects our tears
When I was a young girl, I had a friend who really let me down, and I was heartbroken. My mom consoled me by letting me know that throughout life most of my friends would let me down at one time or another and that she would too. I remember saying something along the line of, “Thanks, Mom, for that encouragement.” She went on to say that I would let my friends down on occasion as well, and sadly, she was right. However, she continued by saying that there was one friend who would never let me down, one that I could trust in every situation every day of my life. Of course, that friend is Jesus.
I’ve found my mom’s words to be true. Sometimes we disappoint each other, but today we read about David who knew rejection and pain from those who were the closest to him. The pain was unbearable. Hopefully, we’ll never experience the depths of his sorrow, but if we do, we can run for comfort to the one who will never let us down just as David did.
@ Psalm 55
Most believe Psalm 55 to be David’s response to the rebellion of his son Absalom, and the betrayal of one of his closest advisers, Ahithophel, a story we will read in 2 Samuel 15-19. Absalom was out to kill him and steal his throne, and rather than face his son, David cried out to God, “Oh, that I had wings like a dove; then I would fly away and rest! I would fly far away to the quiet of the wilderness. How quickly I would escape – far from this wild storm of hatred.” (6-8) Unless we’ve experienced it ourselves, it’s difficult to grasp the depths of pain associated with this kind of hatred from a relative or close friend. I, too, would want to run away rather than face this pain head-on.
David’s description gives us a brief look into what Jesus may have felt at the betrayal of Judas. “It is not an enemy who taunts me—I could bear that…Instead, it is you—my equal, my companion, and close friend. What good fellowship we once enjoyed as we walked together to the house of God.” (12-14) I think about how the denial of Peter must have stung the heart of Jesus at the most difficult moment in His life on earth. God understands more than we can imagine our pain when we are hurt by others.
@ Psalm 56
“You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book.” (8) The One who knows how many hairs I have on my head, and probably the only one who knows their true color, also keeps track of all my sorrows and collects my tears. This intimacy with my Creator and my God brings me to my knees. How can I remain glum and sorrowful with Him on my side? David expressed it well, “I trust in God, so why should I be afraid? What can mere mortals do to me?” (11)
Although I’ve known my share of pain, I have not walked this path of despair to the degree of David, and none of us have experienced what Jesus did. However, God keeps track of all our sorrows, and this tells us that we are not alone. He is with us, collecting teardrops along the way. Even in all of this pain, David encouraged, “Give your burdens to the Lord, and He will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.” (55:12)
Moving Forward: With the knowledge that He is with me and caring for me, I step out bravely today because I trust Him.
Tomorrow @ Job 37-38
Phyllis Benigas 