Psalm 38:6 " I am troubled; I am bowed down greatly; I go mourning all the day long".

As David speaks these words, his heart is troubled greatly because his iniquities have become a burden far too heavy for him to bear (Ps. 38:4). We know all too well that the foolishness of sin will always, sooner or later, result in a heavy heart. While the context of this statement concerns sins that cause distress, the thought keeps echoing through my mind that the sentiment of these words are true as they relate to the feelings that so often engulf us because of many different circumstances we are faced with as we journey down life's pathway.

 

 We do not always understand why some things happen in this life and like Gideon of old, we  sometimes cry out "Why" (Judges 6:12-13). Why this burden? Why this suffering? Why this sickness? Why this death? Sometimes the road of life is going to be smooth and easy. Sometimes that same road is going to be rocky and hard and we will encounter those moments when an unspeakable weariness will sweep down over our souls and we simply want to cry out, "O wretched man that I am".

 

For the faithful child of God it is not a matter of not knowing what to do or where to turn when the way is rocky and hard, For you see, we know where comfort and peace of mind can be found (Phil. 4:6-7; Heb. 4:16; Isa. 12:2-3; Isa. 40:31: Rom. 8:28, 31, 35-39).

 

When we are troubled, when we are bowed down under a burden that seems too heavy for us to bear, it is then that our souls must be fastened to the rock that cannot be moved. That rock is Jesus Christ, our Lord, our strength, our fortress, our deliverer (Psalms 18:1-2). Burdens, trials, heartaches are a part of life for all of us. We sing a beautiful song that says, "O sometimes the shadows are deep and rough seems the oath to the goal; And sorrows how often they sweep Like tempests down over the soul". The chorus then rings out, "O to the rock let me fly, to the rock that is higher than I". As we walk this earthly pathway, our prayer should ever be, "Lead me to the rock that is higher than I", for it is there that we will always find rest in this weary land.

 

To God be the glory and dominion forever and ever, Amen (1 Peter 5:11).

 

Charles Hicks