Psalm 102 – Day of Distress
Are you in distress? The writer of Psalm 102 – day of distress, is facing his own day of distress. What can we learn from this psalm about those days?
Psalm 102
Psalm 102 – day of distress is considered one of the seven penitential psalms (along with Psalm 6, 32, 38, 51, 130, 143). It begins with a cry for help. The writer asks God to not hide his face from him – one source of distress.
“Hear my prayer, Lord; let my cry for help come to you.
Do not hide your face from me when I am in distress.
Turn your ear to me; when I call, answer me quickly.” (1-2)
The psalmist then describes the many physical ailments he is experiencing.
“For my days vanish like smoke; my bones burn like glowing embers.
My heart is blighted and withered like grass; I forget to eat my food.
In my distress I groan aloud and am reduced to skin and bones.
I am like a desert owl, like an owl among the ruins.
I lie awake; I have become like a bird alone on a roof.” (3-7)
His enemies deride him.
“All day long my enemies taunt me; those who rail against me use my name as a curse.” (8)
And if that wasn’t bad enough, he is depressed, with good reason.
“For I eat ashes as my food and mingle my drink with tears because of your great wrath, for you have taken me up and thrown me aside.
My days are like the evening shadow; I wither away like grass.” (9-11)
God’s Promise
After listing off his problems, the psalm shifts to trust in God.
“But you, Lord, sit enthroned forever; your renown endures through all generations.
You will arise and have compassion on Zion, for it is time to show favor to her; the appointed time has come.
For her stones are dear to your servants; her very dust moves them to pity.
The nations will fear the name of the Lord, all the kings of the earth will revere your glory.
For the Lord will rebuild Zion and appear in his glory.
He will respond to the prayer of the destitute; he will not despise their plea.” (12-17)
In this stanza the psalmist shifts from his personal struggles to the communal struggles of Zion. Some claim this psalm refers to Jerusalem after the Babylonian conquest and the destruction of the temple. “Others observe that the glorious promises do not match the more modest rebuilding of Jerusalem at that time.” (Why does Psalm 102 speak of Zion’s restoration without any clear historical fulfillment during the time it was written?) They may look at the day of distress as end times with the promise of a New Jerusalem.
This is not just a promise to the writer but to future generations.
“Let this be written for a future generation, that a people not yet created may praise the Lord:
“The Lord looked down from his sanctuary on high, from heaven he viewed the earth,
to hear the groans of the prisoners and release those condemned to death.” (18-20)
The psalm ends with confidence in the Lord.
“But you remain the same, and your years will never end.
The children of your servants will live in your presence; their descendants will be established before you.” (27-28)
What is the Day of Distress?
We all experience challenging times in our lives. Perhaps because of health problems, or losses of loved ones, jobs, homes. Communities and nations also experience challenging times, such as natural disasters and wars. All are reminders of our need for God.
“The “Day of Distress” is a term used in the Bible to describe a time of trouble, calamity, or adversity that individuals, nations, or the people of God may experience. This concept is woven throughout the biblical narrative, often highlighting the human condition in a fallen world and the need for divine intervention and deliverance.” Topical Bible: Day of Distress
Through it all, scripture reminds us that our God is present and saves us.
“The “Day of Distress” serves as a reminder of the reality of suffering and the brokenness of the world. It calls believers to trust in God’s sovereignty and faithfulness, even when circumstances seem overwhelming. The biblical narrative consistently points to God’s ability to deliver and redeem His people from distress, ultimately culminating in the hope of eternal salvation through Jesus Christ.” Topical Bible: Day of Distress
Psalm 102 – Day of Distress
I ask again, are you in distress? Perhaps the approaching holidays are causing distress because of an empty seat at your table or family gatherings that are fraught with conflict rather than laughter and joy. Whatever form the distress may take, Psalm 102 – day of distress, reminds us that our God remains the same, loving and forgiving to all who turn to him. And when the ultimate day of distress arrives, the day of our departing from this world, our God will be there waiting with open arms to welcome us into New Jerusalem.
(For another take on this psalm, see Psalm 102: Like A Worn-Out Garment – Patricia M Robertson)
Are you struggling because of the loss of a loved one? My book, Walking with Families through Grief – Patricia M Robertson, provides ways to navigate loss, your own loss, or helping others through loss and grief.
This post is part of a series of blog posts on the Psalms. Sign up to follow this blog and receive a free copy of Still Dancing, the second book in my Dancing through Life Series. click here to sign up
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