Now Psalm 69 is indeed a dark psalm, even by Ash Wednesday standards (The day when we are reminded that "we are dust and to dust we shall return"). David describes a level of anxiety and panic (a feeling of drowning) I have never experienced yet I am sure many others have.
"Save me, O God, for the waters have come up to my neck. I sink in the miry depths, where there is no foothold. I have come into the deep waters; the floods engulf me. I am worn out calling for help; my throat is parched. My eyes fail, looking for my God." (Psalms 69:1–3)
Add to this a debilitating fear of disappointing others:
"Lord, the LORD Almighty, may those who hope in you not be disgraced because of me; God of Israel, may those who seek you not be put to shame because of me." (Psalms 69:6)
What a double burden to carry? I'm not sure if this psalm offers any great encouragement amidst such despair, yet what it does offer is an invitation to be like the "little drummer boy" and offer whatever gift of praise and thanksgiving we can muster, for this courage to seek after God does indeed please God more than we could ever imagine:
"I will praise God’s name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving. This will please the LORD more than an ox, more than a bull with its horns and hooves. The poor will see and be glad— you who seek God, may your hearts live!" (Psalms 69:30–32)
"MAY OUR HEARTS LIVE" indeed. Amen
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