2024-01-03 “Our bones are scattered”

Psalms 141:7  “Our bones are scattered at the grave’s mouth, as when one cutteth and cleaveth wood upon the earth.  8  But mine eyes are unto thee, O GOD the Lord: in thee is my trust; leave not my soul destitute.

The phrase, “Our bones are scattered at the grave’s mouth”, is a word-picture of defeat, misery, and utter discouragement.  Their “bones” were perceived as piled high “as when one cutteth and cleaveth wood upon the earth”, reflecting a state of total despair and hopelessness.  “But” for the “born again” (John 3:1-8) Child of God, there is always reason to hope; thus, the Psalmist immediately goes into sincere prayer.  In the very midst of the cloud of despair, he worshipfully declares “mine eyes are unto thee, O GOD the Lord”; that is, when the powers and authorities that are to keep us safe have failed and we have even failed ourselves, we can still be strong and be of good courage when we look above ourselves to our merciful and gracious “GOD the Lord”.  The Spirit within us assures us that we can “trust” in Him; for, He issued this Command to us: “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28) and “he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee” (Hebrews 13:5).  We can indeed “trust” Him; for, He is our Almighty “friend that sticketh closer than a brother” (Proverbs 18:24).  Therefore, no matter how severe our “calamities” (Psalms 141:5) may be, let us lift our eyes above our troubles and spend our time “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2)!