Psalm 102:1-17
A lament. The psalmist seems to be in personal, physical pain, calling on God to deliver him. There are a few things to note about the psalmist’s pain:
- He feels it! (vv. 3-5)
- He is alone and feels that loneliness. (vv. 6-7)
- His enemies mock him and make him feel worse. (v. 8)
- He blames God for his condition. (v. 10)
Yet even after getting angry with God, the psalmist quickly repents and acknowledges the Lord’s greatness, His majesty, and His love. (v. 12) He even goes beyond his own condition and seeks the Lord’s favor on all of Israel (vv. 13-14), with confidence that all the world will come to know the Lord when they see His greatness and His glory (vv. 15-16). To me, verse 17 is the key verse for today’s reading; it summarizes the psalmist’s feelings: He regards the prayer of the destitute and does not despise their prayer. (v. 17)