Look on my suffering and deliver me, for I have not forgotten your law. – Psalm 119:153

Today's Scripture Reading (September 4, 2022): Psalm 119:145-176

As the war between Russia and Ukraine continues to drag on, it is becoming apparent that neither side seems to have the strength needed to win the conflict. That single fact was unexpected at the beginning of the war; most expected that the Ukrainians would fall in weeks, if not days, including the Ukrainians. They needed immediate assistance from Western Europe and their NATO allies. And they continue to need support. What is surprising is that Russia is showing signs that if they want to win the war, they will also need help. And if both sides were not extremely careful, the conflict could still become another World War, possibly a larger war than either of the first two.

But again, Russia's need is a surprise. Before the war began, almost all the world believed Russia was too strong for Ukraine, even with the West's help. What Ukraine needed was not just weapons but boots on the ground. Ukraine surprised the world, and no one seems to be more surprised than Russia. They had fallen from the security of their ivory tower to the unenviable position of not being able to win a war with a country that most of the world considered to be their inferior militarily.

In our consideration of Psalm 119:97, I mentioned that the Psalmist almost seemed to belong to that Ivory Tower. To meditate on the law all day long seems like something that would be impossible when the demands of life intrude on our time. But this Psalm indicates that this was not the reality. The Psalmist did not live separated from the difficulties and trials of life. He lives in their midst. And like Ukraine and Russia, he is looking outside of himself for the solution.

Yet, there also doesn't seem to be any panic in the Psalmist's request. Charles Spurgeon adds this comment.

There is no impatience: he does not ask for hasty action, but for consideration. In effect he cries – 'Look into my grief, and see whether I do not need to be delivered. From my sorrowful condition judge as to the proper method and time for my rescue' (Charles Spurgeon).

The Psalmist requests that God would examine his life and then decide what the next move should be. And the Psalmist was willing to trust God with whatever He thought was right.

Many in our culture are driven away from God in times of sorrow and stress. Why would God allow this problem to enter my life? Why does God allow political leaders to wage war, killing innocent people? Are these the actions of a loving God? But for the Psalmist, these were the times he was drawn to God, moments when he realized how deep his need for God really went.

Today's Scripture Reading: Psalms 120 & 121