Passage: Psalm 102
The Big Idea
Psalm 102 is “A Prayer of the afflicted, when he is overwhelmed and pours out his complaint before the Lord.” His days vanish like smoke; he’s like a lonely sparrow on a rooftop. But he lifts his eyes: God will arise and have mercy on Zion, and He shall regard the prayer of the destitute. Heaven and earth will wear out like a garment, but You are the same, and Your years will have no end. Hebrews 1:10-12 applies these words to Jesus.
Reflections
Hear my prayer, O Lord, and let my cry come to You (v. 1). Sometimes I struggle to believe You want to hear me. I’m bombarded with thoughts that I’m too sinful, that my problems are my own fault, that You’re passive. But I need You.
Do not hide Your face from me in the day of my trouble (v. 2). I guess David felt the same. I know I get angry and want to control things. Change me by Your power.
For my days are consumed like smoke (vv. 3-5). Every day feels wasted, and every day hurts more. You know how I feel better than I do. Because of the sound of my groaning my bones cling to my skin. Well, I’m not wasting away yet!
I am like a pelican of the wilderness… like a sparrow alone on the housetop (vv. 6-7). Scavenging for life, out of place and vulnerable. You see every sparrow. Do You see me? (Jesus says You do: Matthew 10:29-31.)
For I have eaten ashes like bread, and mingled my drink with weeping (vv. 8-9). My heart feeds on sorrow.
Because of Your indignation and Your wrath; for You have lifted me up and cast me away (v. 10). I feel this. But You’re in me, upholding me unseen. Show me where I’m wrong and help me change.
My days are like a shadow that lengthens (v. 11). Remind me of Your faithfulness and promises before my days are done.
But You, O Lord, shall endure forever (v. 12). Do I even factor into Your long story? Do my prayers make a difference? I’m looking to You.
You will arise and have mercy on Zion; for the time to favor her, yes, the set time, has come (v. 13). May it be today! Bless Your church. Bring healing and bring lost sheep to hear Your grace.
For Your servants take pleasure in her stones, and show favor to her dust (v. 14). I love the little church You’ve established, even its dust and failures. Show Your special love through us.
So the nations shall fear the name of the Lord (vv. 15-16). We’re small and weak, which makes us a great place for Your grace to be poured out. Both our growth and our glory are by grace.
He shall regard the prayer of the destitute, and shall not despise their prayer (v. 17). I’m destitute, poor in spirit. Forgive my weakness and sin, and hear me again.
This will be written for the generation to come (v. 18). Let the next generation praise You.
He looked down from the height of His sanctuary… to hear the groaning of the prisoner, to release those appointed to death (vv. 19-21). I’ve felt that. You look down to help the weak and the prisoner, because You love the brokenhearted and You get glory for it. See my heart today and step in with power and creative genius.
When the peoples are gathered together, and the kingdoms, to serve the Lord (v. 22). This is the promise I hang on to. I wait with joy for that day. Help me not to fail, and show me clearly what to do and not do.
He weakened my strength in the way (vv. 23-24). You use broken tools. You delight to use the small; not many mighty are called. I have a small part in Your story. Let anything I do be by Your power alone.
They will perish, but You will endure… but You are the same, and Your years will have no end (vv. 25-27). The new creation will be lasting, my real home. Possess me so I share Your enduring life. Teach me to delight in You alone now.
The children of Your servants will continue (v. 28). Again the promise. I need to believe, and I will.
Grace Takeaway
When you feel like a lonely sparrow, remember: He regards the prayer of the destitute. Everything else wears out like old clothes, but Jesus is the same, yesterday, today and forever. Your small life is held by the One whose years have no end.
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