The Pilgrim Path---Psalm 56

Be gracious to me, O God, for man tramples on me; all day long an attacker oppresses me; my enemies trample on me all day long, for many attack me proudly.

When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.

In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me?

All day long they injure my cause; all their thoughts are against me for evil.

They stir up strife, they lurk; they watch my steps, as they have waited for my life.

For their crime will they escape? In wrath cast down the peoples, O God!

You have kept count of my tossings; put my tears in your bottle. Are they not in your book?

Then my enemies will turn back in the day when I call. This I know, that God is for me.

In God, whose word I praise, in the LORD, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can man do to me?

I must perform my vows to you, O God; I will render thank offerings to you.

For you have delivered my soul from death, yes, my feet from falling, that I may walk before God in the light of life.

ARE THEY NOT IN YOUR BOOK?

There are many tears in the world. Wonder when you cried last? Some people have not cried in so long---Well, they cannot even remember. I wanted to shed some tears years ago because of a host of issues: money / relationships / work pressures. I was separated from my wife at the time. It seemed I would not really be able to “let loose” until I was with her again. What a relief when I was finally “back home” and could “let go.” Have you ever felt such a strain---then, such relief---and care? Life giving. In a sense, a reminder of what it is to be an image bearer of God…

King David is something of the “Master of Emotion” within the Psalms. Here is a “song” about when he was taken by the Philistines (his enemies) at Gath. Frightening. The free-fall experience of life. Yet, David let us know---the LORD knows. Not only does Jehovah-Jesus understand---HE is intimately in touch and in tune with His people! You have to love the wording of this text in verse 8, “He knows my tossings; He has put my tears in His bottle. Are they not in your book?” My—my---Jehovah-Jesus lovingly records the “tears” of His sons and daughters. He keeps up close---personal contact with His beloved ones. He wants us to understand because He acts on our behalf. Random events are not shaping our lives---He is. For His glory and the ultimate good of our soul. What a personal LORD is Jehovah-Jesus…

---We have never been “lost” in the multitude…

---We have never been overlooked in the ZOOM rush…

---We have never been forgotten…

---We have never shed an uncounted tear…

---We are quite precious to The Master Jesus!

Belonging to the Living Christ, we have the privilege of walking before God in the light of life (v. 13). We rely upon Him---time and time again in child-like confidence (v. 3). We count His Word as the sole guide for life---always worthy of praise---never worthy of doubt (vs. 4, 10). We revel in eternal life---which has already “begun” for us through Jesus Christ the LORD (v. 13). We honor the promises we have made Him---for The KING is worthy of All we can give (v. 12).

From Isobel Kuhn: Yes, my Master is thorough. He wounds, but He binds up, and His balm of Gilead heals without stinging; it cools, refreshes, and restores in every part. He gives the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness and brings beauty out of ashes.

From Robert Murray M’Cheyne: Suffering brings out graces that cannot be seen in a time of health. It is the treading of the grapes that brings out the sweet juices of the vine; so, it is affliction that draws forth submission, weaning from the world, and complete rest on God. Use afflictions while you have them.”

HYMN

Jesus, I am resting, resting in the joy of what thou art;

I am finding out the greatness of thy loving heart.

Thou hast bid me gaze upon thee, as thy beauty fills my soul,

For by thy transforming power, thou hast made me whole.

O how great thy loving kindness, vaster, broader than the sea!

O how marvelous thy goodness lavished all on me!

Yes, I rest in thee, Beloved, know what wealth of grace is thine,

Know thy certainty of promise and have made it mine.

Jesus, I am resting, resting in the joy of what thou art;

I am finding out the greatness of thy loving heart.

Jean Sophia Pigott, 1876; alt.

Grace and Peace in Jesus, the Only Redeemer of broken and wretched souls, Pastor Jason