MY LAST RESORT

 

Monday, June 26, 2023

 

MY LAST RESORT

 

Ps 69:13-18

13 But as for me, my prayer is unto thee, O LORD, in an acceptable time: O God, in the multitude of thy mercy hear me, in the truth of thy salvation.

14 Deliver me out of the mire, and let me not sink: let me be delivered from them that hate me, and out of the deep waters.

15 Let not the waterflood overflow me, neither let the deep swallow me up, and let not the pit shut her mouth upon me.

16 Hear me, O LORD; for thy lovingkindness is good: turn unto me according to the multitude of thy tender mercies.

17 And hide not thy face from thy servant; for I am in trouble: hear me speedily.

18 Draw nigh unto my soul, and redeem it: deliver me because of mine enemies.

 

          Some of the calmest, sweetest, most gracious people are those with miserable circumstances. No doubt, they cried out for healing or relief, but were given grace instead. It seems a cruel bargain.

 

          Paul prayed three times for the removal of “a thorn in the flesh.” He does not tell us what it was, and some wild speculation is the result. One reasonable theory is that he had an eye disease, and another even suggests it might be a troublesome wife.

 

          Jesus encountered a sick woman who crept up behind him to touch the hem of his robe because she had determined in her mind He could heal her. That is how “last resort” hope works. She was instantly healed and both she and Jesus felt it. Jesus said, “virtue is gone out of me.” (See Luke 8:46) When strangers meet us, shake our hand, or touch our clothes, are they benefited?

 

          We borrow all these pleading Psalms whenever we need a “last resort” answer, but this is a Messianic Psalm. We can see that from the following portion.

 

Ps 69:20-21

20 Reproach hath broken my heart; and I am full of heaviness: and I looked for some to take pity, but there was none; and for comforters, but I found none.

21 They gave me also gall for my meat; and in my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink.

 

          Last night, while watching THE CHOSEN, Phillip said to another man “Try Jesus. If it doesn’t work out, I will refund your misery.”

 

Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who brings forth peace from suffering. AMEN