Praising From the Pit
“For he who avenges blood remembers; he does not ignore the cries of the afflicted. LORD, see how my enemies persecute me! Have mercy and lift me up from the gates of death, that I may declare your praises in the gates of Daughter Zion, and there rejoice in your salvation.” (Psalm 9:12–14, NIV)
For he who avenges blood remembers; he does not ignore the cries of the afflicted.
Heavenly Father, it’s such a comfort to know that you do not ignore the cries of the afflicted. When I’m beat down, tired, and worn out I can come to you with complete confidence that you hear me. When someone takes advantage of me, or cheats me, or abuses me I also find comfort in knowing you “avenge blood,” that you will make things right.
You also remember. Even when justice doesn’t come quickly or when I cry out for comfort for days, weeks, or months, you haven’t forgotten. You remember every injustice. You remember every tear I’ve cried. You remember every affliction. You remember, and you make things right in your time.
Father, thank you for being MY God, and for making me your child.
LORD, see how my enemies persecute me! Have mercy and lift me up from the gates of death…
Father, my life hasn’t always gone as smoothly as I would have liked. Even though I don’t like to think about it, I have had enemies over the years—people out to get me. I still have enemies—people who continually mock me for my faith, people who try to trample on my trust in You. At times, it gets exhausting, Father. At times, I don’t know what to do or where to go.
So, I turn to you and cry out for help. Have mercy on me, Father. Lift me up from the pit of frustration and despair. I feel so weak. I feel so “unable.” I need you. I need your strength. I cannot lift myself up. I’m not strong enough. So, please Father, lift me up from this pit I’m in and give me strength to take the next step you’ve called me to take.
That I may declare your praises in the gates of Daughter Zion, and there rejoice in your salvation.
Thanks for the reminder, Father, that the “next step” is to declare your praises. That’s the next step after you’ve pulled me out of the pit—telling everyone about your mercy and grace. Helping them to see how great and glorious you are. Helping them to see your faithfulness. Helping them to see that You can pull them out of the pit too.
Yet, you call me to praise you FROM THE PIT—before you pull me out. Even though I’m in the pit—and don’t feel like it—I know you’ve been good to me—you’ve given me more than I deserve. You ALWAYS deserve praise—even when I don’t feel like it.
Yet, Father, I ask you to stir my heart and my faith to declare your praises. Help me to more fully rejoice in my salvation. Even in the pit, cause my heart to proclaim, “Though [You] slay me, I will hope in [You]…” (Job 13:15, NIV).