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Thursday, April 10, 2008

PSALM 102 ~ 11 APRL 2008

Author Unknown

Prayer of An Afflicted Man

This psalm was likely written long after the destruction of Jerusalem, v8, 14, 16 and around the time where Judah would be restored after the 70 year captivity, v13.

During the captivity, life was difficult in the land of Judah. The psalmist described his plight with images associated with loss of appetite v4, food tasting like ashes & drink like tears v9, he was skin & bones v5, he compared himself to unclean birds who are outcast & lived alone v6, sleepless & lonely v7, his name was cursed by enemies in the land v8 & he was thrown away like trash v10.

The psalmist then looks to the promise of God v12-13. “You will arise and have compassion on Zion, for it is time to show favor to her; the appointed time has come.” Psalm 102:13

He trusts that although Judah & Jerusalem may be experiencing shame, nations will one day praise God again v15-16, 21 for indeed we serve a God of compassion v13-14, 17-20.

Application:
We all have our own set of trials & struggles. Have you lost appetite & taste for food & are struggling in relationships? God allows you to go through unpleasant journeys & will have compassion on you. Restoration is in the pipeline when you look to Him.

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