Psalm 94:12-15
Blessed is the man whom you discipline, O LORD,
and whom you teach out of your law,
13 to give him rest from days of trouble,
until a pit is dug for the wicked.
14 For the LORD will not forsake his people;
he will not abandon his heritage;
15 for justice will return to the righteous,
and all the upright in heart will follow it.
When the Eagles quarterback, Jalen Hurts, lost the Super Bowl a few years ago, the wisdom of this young man impressed me. Though dejected, he said, “You either win, or you learn.” This learning from trial and tribulation is hard, even for those twice or three times his age. In the moment, tough times feel like punishment from God, as if he is not even there and has turned his back on us. The psalmist knew that is never the case. Israel had been through enough trouble to destroy any nation, yet the Lord sustained them. He promised never to forsake his people.
This means you and me. For myself, 2025 has presented some challenges with the loss of a brother. It is at those times that we can feel alone, yet it is also at those times that we can feel the Lord’s comforting hand on our shoulder. The Prodigal Son didn’t see the Father until he returned to him. If you are having a rough 2025 so far, may you know truly that the Lord is not forsaking you. In fact, he died for your sake. Come, all who are weary and find rest. The Lord will not forsake his people.
O Heavenly Father, may we remember this psalm when the next round of bad news comes to us. May we remember that you never leave us. In Jesus’ name. Amen.