6 I am worn out from groaning; all night long I flood my bed with weeping and drench my couch with tears. 7 My eyes grow weak with sorrow; they fail because of all my foes. 8 Away from me, all you who do evil, for the LORD has heard my weeping. 9 The LORD has heard my cry for mercy; the LORD accepts my prayer. 10 All my enemies will be ashamed and dismayed; they will turn back in sudden disgrace.

Please note that the Psalmist is giving thanks to God for answering his prayer, even as it is uttered. This reminds us of when Paul said “The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (Phil. 4:5b-6) We are so sure that God will hear and answer our prayers that we can actually thank him at the time we make the requests.

Paul and the Psalmist understood what it meant to suffer when doing right. They both were attached by those who were wicked when they had done nothing wrong or to deserve the ill treatment. Paul spent time in prison and David hid in caves while running for his life. And yet, Paul could declare that he could “do all things thru him who gives me strength.” Did they either have moments of despair and depression? They were human so we can be sure they did.

But even in this they trusted God to bring them thru. But how can we have this same confidence and joy in the Lord?
First we need to look at our own lives and count our blessings. Someone has suggested keeping a prayer journal. Just write down your requests to God and be conscious of when he answers (remembering it may not always be a yes answer). Don’t forget to thank him for his answers. Remember that we are God’s children and he loves us and wants what is best for us.

Did you ever help teach a small child to walk or later ride a bicycle? You are there, ever present with arms outstretched, ready to catch them when they fall. Yet, this is done without them being aware that you are even there. So it is in our lives. God is always present, ready to catch us when we fall, to hold us erect so we keep our balance but giving us the freedom we need to mature. In this way we learn to trust him and feel his presence.

Father in heaven, holy is your Name. My heart is filled with reverence and awe when I come before you. I know that as God you are in complete control and I ask that you please look down on me in mercy and forgive me for my sinfulness. I thank you for this forgiveness in Jesus. I thank you for your love and constant care shown to me. I thank you for the many fellow Christians who make my life so much better in so many ways. Use me as a blessing in the lives of others. Help me not despair in my problems but trust you and thank you for your goodness. In Jesus name I pray.