Help for the Troubled Soul
Posted: Sunday, June 06, 2010
by Jean Purcell
OpineBooks.com
"I love the LORD, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy" (Psalm 116: 1-NIV).
The soul in trouble sails a ship of confusion, chaos, and fear. Resentments, tears, accusations, and lack of forgiveness are parts of its suffering.
The writer of Psalm 116 knew the pains of the soul in torment. He faced gigantic waves of chaos too hard for anyone to manage alone. He wrote: "The cords of death entangled me" (v 3). He experienced the "anguish of the grave" in overwhelming sorrow and trouble.
Then, realizing his utter helplessness and affliction, he cries out to God. It is a sincere cry, "O LORD, save me!" (V 4), and God hears, turns to him, and saves him.
Had this man gone through this before? Had he been repeating the same mistakes, or disobeying God? Perhaps he suffered because he refused to be drawn away from God's ways, and the ways of the world punished him for it. Whatever his situation, when God comforted his troubled soul, the psalmist sighed with deep relief: "Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the LORD has been good to you" (v 7).
The soul finally at peace in God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit sees with discerning, like-new eyes. The soul at peace lives within the fresh air of the calm of God, even in the midst of turmoil. By His mighty power, God breaks the chains of desperation, and the soul is set free. No matter what new troubles may threaten, the soul trusting in God has a secure anchor; in times of trouble they have One to cry to, and He hears and helps those who truly trust in Him. Man's faith cries to God for relief, and faith is not disappointed. God, who is ever faithful, helps even beyond human understanding.
Calm strength and peace describe the soul quieted by God, divine strength that sustains the soul of those who put their trust in Him. The soul at peace on whatever ship of confusion can raise many banners of celebration of the LORD's faithfulness, His Almighty Power. "The LORD is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion. The LORD protects the simplehearted" (v 5,6).
Reconciling love appeals to the one not strong in his own eyes. The one who sees his extreme need is blessed when he cries out to God and receives God's provision of strength and whatever material and spiritual help is necessary: "Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live," the psalmist proclaimed (Psalm 116:2). He believed, and experienced God's goodness and faithfulness. Receiving God's strength and compassion, this man desired never to depart from the saving grace of the Helper of the troubled soul.
Let all who know this is true praise the LORD. Amen.
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