“Help, Lord—for the Godly man ceases. . .for the faithful fail from among the children of men.”
Psalm 12:1
It’s the “Cry of the Ages.”
“Help, Lord—for the Godly man ceases.”
The Pilgrim Pathway is a lonely “Highway to Heaven.” Although there are many who profess to walk it, in reality “few there be that find it” (Mt. 7:14). That’s why we, like the psalmist-shepherd-king, David, in today’s Manna must always remember we never walk alone during our sojourn to that Celestial City.
Truly, David was a “man after God’s own heart” (I Sam. 13:14), even though our omniscient Lord knew he’d end up committing adultery with Bathsheba and having her husband murdered later on in life (II Sam. 11:1-27). This didn’t mean the God of Abraham was/is “soft on sin;” instead, it shows He is truly of God of Grace (“receiving what we don’t deserve”) and Mercy (“not getting what we deserve”).
Even so, following Christ and seeking to live a righteous life in this sinful, fallen world is quite difficult.
And, it certainly is lonely—especially if we seek consolation from others’ arms of flesh (Ps. 142:4b).
That’s why David penned these mournful lyrics for his melancholy melody: “Help, Lord—for the Godly man ceases. . .for the faithful fail from among the children of men.”
Like Elijah sitting under the juniper tree in discouragement—crying “It’s enough; now, O Lord, take away my life—for I am no better off than my fathers” (I Kings 19:4). Even though he’d just called down fire from Heaven atop Mt. Carmel and killed 850 false prophets (18:20-40), he now felt so all alone (19:14). And, like Jeremiah, who’d “grown weary in well-doing” (Gal. 6:9). . .was ready to turn in his resignation (Jer. 20:9a). . .and wish he’d never been born (20:14-18). . .David was battling discouragement, depression and despair when he composed our Manna.
And, dear Pilgrim, if we’re honest, we, too, will say “Yes, Lord, I need your help—for those who are seeking you are growing fewer with each passing day. Those who are faithful are becoming a rare breed now-a-days and I’m about to go down for the count (cf. Ps. 73:2-15).”
It’s in those times that we must feel the Comforter draw near and brush up against us (Jn. 14:18). And, it’s in those times that we must quietly sing the words to that old Gospel song of yesteryear: “I traveled down a lonely road and no one seemed to care. The burden on my weary back had bowed me to despair. I oft complained to Jesus how folks were treating me. But, then I hear Him say so tenderly: ‘My feet were also weary upon the Calvary Road. My Cross became so heavy, I fell beneath the load. Be faithful, weary Pilgrim, the Morning I can see. Just lift your cross and follow close to Me’.”
Amen and amen. Thank You, Jesus.
By Tom Smith Morning Manna Dated November 28, 2010
