Psalm 119:82 Waiting Words

Looking out on a crowd of women in the prison chapel, I see several faces that are weary, their eyes drooping, their light dimming and their liveliness failing.

They've been beaten down by life, long before they ever hit rock bottom and landed in prison. Now their only reason to get up in the morning is to do the bare minimum required to survive another dreary day in prison. The only thing they have to look forward to is that out-date.

They come to the chapel seeking comfort. Joy, hope, and purpose seem too much to hope for. But a small portion of comfort just might get them through this day. Any sort of more long-lasting comfort would be too much to ask.

Many of them would echo the words of David, if their souls still had the capacity for poetry.

My eyes fail, looking for your promise;I say, “When will you comfort me?”

Psalm 119:82

We try to teach them to follow David's example, to carry on a conversation with the God who is the Comforter.

In the original Hebrew, this verse describes an exchange of words.

My eyes fail, looking for a word from you
While I speak a word: When will you comfort me?

It's natural to cry out to the Lord. It's tempting to complain to Him. It's more productive to actually exchange words with Him.

He wants you to cry out. He will listen patiently to your complaints. He loves it when you talk to Him, no matter what you have to say. Pour out your deepest heartfelt thoughts in detail. Tell Him those things you don't tell anyone else. Do it often. Do it for a long time or a short time. Just talk to me, He asks.

In return, He invites you to turn those weary eyes to His words, in His Word. Search the scriptures for those promises. Memorize them. Write them on your heart.

The more you do that, you'll find yourself exchanging words with Him as you go through your day. You tell Him what's on your mind, and His words will come to you in response.

And occasionally, if you're listening, He'll tell you more, guiding your heart and your thoughts, giving you not only comfort but purpose. He'll direct your weary eyes to see others around you who are also weary.

And then, as you exchange words with your fellow weary travelers, a greater comfort and joy and hope will begin to grow in your broken heart.