“In the multitude of my anxieties within me, Your comforts delight my soul.” ~ Psalm 94:19
REFERENCE:
We live in a noisy world. Political leaders and their cronies rant all day; the economy, bills, marital strain, projects to execute, and bad news all over the TV and social media are noises we contend with. Today, many things seem out of proper balance, weigh on the mind, and often cause anxiety and panic attacks. However, God has ways He comforts His own.
In this Psalm, David relates his contentions with wicked men who prospered in their wickedness. They haunted him with their hurtful and rude words; they oppressed the saints, killed the innocent, and bragged that they were above the law and that neither could God stop them. They now had David as their target, conspiring to eliminate him, making him anxious.
David was overwhelmed with various thoughts; he said, “…multitude of my anxieties.” It was as if David’s head was host to a noisy crowd jostling for free food packs in a refugee camp. The Hebrew word used here pictures thick and tangled tree branches; it means perplexed and distressing thoughts. David struggled with unruly, sorrowful, fearful, and anxious thoughts. I imagine he worried that the wicked might prevail against him, his throne, and his people.
David gives a hint about how he surmounted his anxiety. He said, “Your comforts delight my soul.” What were these comforts that God used to encourage David’s heart and a cure for his anxieties? The assurance of His Holy Spirit, His past mercies and dealings with him, promises made to him by God, the remembrance of God’s power and greatness, and the entirety of His word. These are guaranteed to silence one’s unquiet thoughts and keep the mind at peace.
Are you anxious? Tell God, “I need Your comforts.” In the multitude of your anxieties, think about God’s faithfulness and love, the Holy Spirit’s help, the testimonies of other saints, past victories, His covenant promises, unchanging word, our redemption in Christ, and the promise of heaven. Nothing in the world can delight our soul as much as these. The comforts the world gives are temporal, and the world can take them away, but God’s comforts delight and satisfy the soul.
May God heal your anxieties and wrap your heart in the assurance of His love, in Jesus’ name.
PHOTO QUOTE
ADDITIONAL TEXTS:
Psalm 61:1-2, Psalm 119:92-93, and Philippians 4:6-7
PRAYERS
+ Father, I thank You because You know my thoughts (my anxieties, fears, worries, and concern), and You can give me victory in them all.
+ I bring my overwhelmed heart to You, my Father. Lead me to the Rock that is higher than I.
+ I receive Your various timely comforts right now. Give me victory in my current battles, in Jesus’ name.
