As the afflictions of this temporary life burden us, are we encouraged by God’s plans for our eternity? Let’s begin in Psalm 102.
A Prayer of the afflicted, when he is overwhelmed and pours out his complaint before Yahweh. (WEB)
Have we ever made an urgent prayer to God needing a quick answer?
Hear my prayer, Lord; let my cry for help come to you. Do not hide your face from me when I am in distress. Turn your ear to me; when I call, answer me quickly. (Ps 102:1-2 NIV)
Are our lives like a puff of smoke? Have we ever felt so all alone like a solitary bird?
For my days are consumed like smoke, And my bones are burned like a hearth. My heart is stricken and withered like grass, So that I forget to eat my bread. Because of the sound of my groaning My bones cling to my skin. I am like a pelican of the wilderness; I am like an owl of the desert. I lie awake, And am like a sparrow alone on the housetop. (Ps 101:3-7 NKJV)
Do enemies lie, try to scam us, mock our faith, taunt us daily? Have we ever felt like God has abandoned us?
My enemies taunt me day after day. They mock and curse me. I eat ashes for food. My tears run down into my drink because of your anger and wrath. For you have picked me up and thrown me out. My life passes as swiftly as the evening shadows. I am withering away like grass. (Ps 102:8-11 NLT)
How long will the Lord last? Does He take pity, have mercy upon Jerusalem, Zion?
But you, Yahweh, will remain forever; your renown endures to all generations. You will arise and have mercy on Zion, for it is time to have pity on her. Yes, the set time has come. For your servants take pleasure in her stones, and have pity on her dust. (Ps 102:12-14 WEB)
Will the nations eventually honor God’s name as God cares for the poor and needy?
The nations will honor the Lord’s name; all the earth’s rulers will honor your glory because the Lord will rebuild Zion; he will be seen there in his glory. God will turn to the prayer of the impoverished; he won’t despise their prayers. (Ps 102:15-17 CEB)
Does God have a plan to rescue those imprisoned and doomed to die in systems that tread on the poor and needy?
Future generations must also praise the Lord, so write this for them: “From his holy temple, the Lord looked down at the earth. He listened to the groans of prisoners, and he rescued everyone who was doomed to die.” (Ps 102:18-20 CEV)
Will all nations eventually gather to worship the Lord rather than idols, or human political systems, or other things of this world?
that they may declare in Zion the name of the Lord, and in Jerusalem his praise, when peoples gather together, and kingdoms, to worship the Lord. (Ps 102:21-22 ESV)
Even if God allows our lives to end early rather than at full years, do we trust his plans for all generations?
He has broken my strength in midcourse; He has shortened my days. I say: “My God, do not take me in the middle of my life! Your years continue through all generations. (Ps 102:23-24 HCSB)
Who designed and created the heavens and the earth and will outlive them all? Without God’s help, will we?
You established the earth long ago; the heavens are the work of your hands. They will perish, but you will remain; and they all will become worn out, like a garment. You will change them like clothing, and they will pass away. But you remain the same; your years never end. May the descendants of your servants live securely, and may their children be established in your presence.” (Ps 102:25-28 ISV)
Did the writer of Hebrews quote this Psalm in his letter? Will there be a new heavens and new earth?
And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands: They shall perish; but thou remainest; and they all shall wax old as doth a garment; And as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail. (Heb 1:10-12 KJV)
As the afflictions of this temporary life burden us, are we encouraged by God’s plans for our eternity? You decide!
