A Prayer I Understand

The book of Psalms is an actual songbook used during worship in Old Testament times. It’s also considered a poetic book.

Some of David’s psalms sound more like prayers to me.

I can even relate to the emotion behind many of them. Different ones on different days.

In a Tuesday night Bible study, we discussed Psalm 4, Psalm 5n and Psalm 6. Psalm 4 was marked as an evening prayer. Psalm 5 was called a morning prayer.

My bible said Psalm 6 was a prayer asking God for healing.

It reads more like too many prayers I’ve prayed. In fact, I can understand where David is coming from.

O LORD, rebuke me not in thine anger, neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure.

Psalm 6:1 KJV

We had a lively discussion about this verse, and the entire Psalm. But in context of the entire Psalm (you can read it here) I take this to mean, “God it feels like you’re mad at me.”

I’ve prayed many times and wondered if God might be angry. Because the ceiling feels solid as a rock. Because my heart remains burdened after I ask God to lighten my load.

Because I’ve been praying for the same thing (and I know it’s God’s will) for five years and there’s no movement from God.

He must be mad at me. Maybe I have unconfessed sin. I must not be doing enough for him.

Stop this downward spiral into self-pity that leads to blaming God.

David was soul-sick as he wrote this song or prayed this prayer.

I am weary with my groaning; all the night make I my bed to swim; I water my couch with my tears.

Psalm 6:6 KJV

Have you been there? Crying all night because of the burden weighing on your heart and mind?

Is God listening? Does he even care that my heart aches and breaks?

Yes. And yes.

David knew God would answer. “The LORD hath heard my supplication; the LORD will receive my prayer.” (Psalm 6:9).

But what he really wanted was for the people around him to understand. I wish I could tell him, “I understand, David. I know what it feels like to be so discouraged that you weep and weep and pray and pray and it feels like God’s mad because the answer isn’t coming. And all the godly people around don’t understand why you’re so “vexed” about this thing.”

I’d thank him for writing this poem – song – too, because it’s one I read when I’m feeling overwhelmed and misunderstood.

Because God isn’t angry. He isn’t standing afar off with a stopwatch waiting for the right time to swoop in and answer.

He’s in my heart. He hears every word and he receives my prayer.

Even when no one else understands how we’re feeling, Jesus does.

What psalm helps you understand the pain of its writer?