Surprising God

Psalm 6

A funny thing happened on the way to verse 8. There is an abrupt change in mood here. For seven verses there is deep sorrow, even on the verge of death. He even argues with God for deliverance on the basis of not being able to praise him after he is dead – a pre-Christian sentiment that involves no heavenly praising of God.

We are not told of anything happening; the psalmist shares no sudden insight of something different, nor are we told of a counselor entering his space to show him hope in some way. Evidently he just finds God in his outpouring. He has confidence – knows – that his prayers have been heard and the effects are in motion. We don’t need to see gloating in the last verse, just more confidence that the answering of his prayer will have in effect in the here and now – and that’s the encouragement we would take from his witness.

Prayer:
God, thanks for being both dependable and unpredictable. I know you will answer my prayers; I just never know when or how. Keep surprising me. Through Christ. Amen.