Psalm 102:13

New King James Version

You will arise and have mercy on Zion;
For the time to favor her,
Yes, the set time, has come.

Your Encouragement

Optimism!

That is the attitude of faith, which settles the troubled heart and brings peace to a soul under assault by terrible forces, extreme circumstances, and great distress. Armed with such optimism, the saint does not succumb to anything but looks to draw strength from the only Person who endured the worst savagery and pain on the cross and scorned its shame—Jesus Christ, our Savior (Heb. 2:2). 

In Psalm 102, the Psalmist vividly expresses his deep anguish, pain, and suffering as he pleads for God’s attention and mercy (1-11). The wickedness of his people provoked God into anger and punishment, resulting in their national and personal suffering. Babylon had been instructive, and now he laments and calls on the compassion of the Lord to hear His cry and petition (1-2).

The Psalmist views God as enthroned forever, whose fame goes through all generations (12). He is confident that God will arise and show mercy to Zion, for His anger is for a short time, but His compassion never fails. It will shine forth in His set time because of His irrevocable covenant with His people (13). What assurance of peace that brings to the soul!

Your situation this morning may be difficult and distressing. You are suffering in various ways, both physically and emotionally. Your strength is failing, and despair is pushing you into depression, if you are not there already.

Is it sickness that has stuck to you like a flea, a battered marriage, professional stress, a financial crunch, or the death of a dearly loved one? You can relate to the Psalmist this morning and pour your soul before the only unchanging and everlasting God (25-27).

Can you rest on the assurance that whatever your affliction and pain, your covenant-keeping God will arise to show you mercy and give you the grace to endure? (Hebrews 4:16).

So, stand in this divine favor and plead for your deliverance, recalling His Passion, which has made it all possible. Be optimistic, my friend, and rest in His unfailing kindness.

May God wrap His peace around you, settle your heart, and remove your anxious thoughts in the gracious name of Christ Jesus. Amen!

Shalom and good morning.