Psalm 6 - An Encouraging Example

Here we are on day 6 of our 150 day challenge to read a Psalm a day. The first Psalm contrasts the wicked with the righteous. The second tells the nations to quit rebelling against God. The next four, including today's Psalm, have the psalmists (sometimes identified as David, sometimes not) asking God for help.

I can think of two reasons why this is the case.

1. Even if a person is living righteously - following God - he/she will still have enemies. In fact, Jesus said that if we follow Him we will have people who hate us. Luke 21:17 Everyone will hate you because of me. But He also said that we would be blessed or happy if men hate us because of Him. Matthew 5:11 "Happy are you when people insult you and persecute you and tell all kinds of evil lies against you because you are my followers. 12 Be happy and glad, for a great reward is kept for you in heaven. This is how the prophets who lived before you were persecuted."
2. God knew we would have so many troubles in life that we would need several Psalms that talk about how our enemies have surrounded us, how we're wasting away, crying out for help, etc. But more importantly, these Psalms always end with statements of confidence in God, praise to God and/or assurance that God will answer his prayers.

So be encouraged if you are in the middle of a bunch of troubles, especially if your troubles are people hating you because you are a follower of Christ. Follow the example of the Psalmist. Cry out to God. Let Him know how bad you feel. Notice how dramatic David is in telling God how bad life is. Then tell your enemies to get lost because God has heard you.

8 Psalm 6:8-10 Away from me, all you who do evil,
    for the Lord has heard my weeping.
9 The Lord has heard my cry for mercy;
    the Lord accepts my prayer.
10 All my enemies will be overwhelmed with shame and anguish;
    they will turn back and suddenly be put to shame.