Day 19: Psalm 123 - Eyes Lifted to God
Take a moment to close your eyes and take a few deep breaths. Then open your eyes and slowly read and pray today's psalm in the image above.
People who are suffering sometimes face added grief when others respond with contempt instead of compassion (3). Speak honestly with God about any disappointments and frustrations with how others have treated you.
Your difficult situation may have been made worse by people's clichés, neglect, or advice that seemed to come more from arrogance or ignorance than love (4). Tell God about the ways you have been hurt.
While this psalm ends by voicing frustration, it begins by lifting our eyes to God, enthroned in heaven (1), and it longs for him to show mercy (2). Slowly pray Psalm 123 again. Notice that you don't have to choose between affirming God's rule and honestly naming how others have let you down.
Reflection Questions
Personal reflection:
Do you feel that others have made your suffering worse through their words or actions (3-4)? Speak honestly with God about those disappointments and frustrations.
Community discussion:
This psalm acknowledges God's rule while also voicing real frustration about mistreatment. Do you allow yourself to bring complaints to God while also trusting his rule? What makes that easy or hard for you?