The Lord Knows Our Deepest Needs and He Cares
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The Lord Knows Our Deepest Needs
The need for acceptance and approval is a powerful force inside us. Most of us are unaware of how this motivates or drives us. But it does.
I've seen this powerful need in the lives of young and old and those who've been abandoned and abused by others. I've seen it in those closest to me and seen it in myself.
The intensity of this inner need may vary for a myriad of reasons and is often proportional to the intensity of hurt or rejection a person experiences in life. Sometimes it runs so deep that a person gets lost in it, which can lead to depression—a sense of hopelessness.
An important part of the need for acceptance and approval is to be understood. If others knew what we've experienced in life, we believe they'd understand who we are and why we are the way we are.
No one knows the depth of bitterness or joy of another person's heart (Prov 14:10), and it's often beyond our capacity to express it in words.
Have you ever noticed how a song lyric or scene in a movie can move you emotionally? It taps into something within us. What fascinates me is how the same thing can evoke different responses in different people at various times.
Take some time to read through Psalm 123 thoughtfully. It’s short but powerful. Reflect on how simple and repetitive this prayerful song is.
Scripture
A song for going up to worship.
I look up to you, to the one who sits enthroned in heaven.
As servants depend on their masters, as a maid depends on her mistress, so we depend on the Lord our God until he has pity [mercy] on us. [vss 1-2]
Have pity [mercy] on us, O Lord. Have pity [mercy] on us because we have suffered more than our share of contempt.
We have suffered more than our share of ridicule from those who are carefree. We have suffered more than our share of contempt from those who are arrogant. [vss 3-4]
(Psalm 123:1-4 GW) [Context– Psalm 123]
Reflections and Insights
This is the fourth of fifteen of the psalms collected as the Songs of Ascent. These songs were to be sung by Jewish worshippers as they traveled up to Jerusalem. These psalms are a mix of prayerful appeals and confident songs of praise.
Psalm 123 is a prayerful appeal. It begins with a simple, childlike confession of faith. The primary focus of the psalmist is upon the Lord, who is the sovereign Creator and Sustainer of our lives.
This focus is like that of a servant or maid in ancient times—attentive and acknowledging the power of the master over their lives. He alone extends mercy to those who confidently trust in Him. Then the psalmist ends his prayer with a reminder of what God’s people endured and what their needs are.
God knows everyone and their deepest needs. He understands us better than we understand ourselves. Once we grasp and comprehend this, we can start receiving His acceptance and approval.
Knowing that God understands us begins with our accepting and receiving His mercy (pity). His mercy is more than forgiveness. He knows us and understands us and forgives us (Psa 103:8-14).
When we genuinely open our hearts to God, we'll experience His mercy in the very depths of who we are. We will see how He alone can meet our deepest needs.
Reflection—
Have you experienced hurt, rejection, contempt, and ridicule from others? The Lord knows this. He knows you and your deepest needs and wants to pour His mercy upon you.
Prayer Focus—
Ask the Lord to remind you of who He is and how He’s watched over you thus far in your life. As you pray, turn your heart and mind to the Lord with confidence that He hears and sees you in all and every situation of your life.
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Click the link for a free Psalms Study Guide
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