Promise of Health

“Have mercy on me, O LORD, for I am weak; O LORD, heal me, for my bones are troubled. My soul also is greatly troubled … Return, O LORD, deliver me! Oh, save me for Your mercies’ sake!”—Psalm 6:2–4

As the Bible makes clear, David was troubled by a range of real-life problems: opposition from armies and even his own son, issues with his health, various pressures, and anxieties. His body at times needed healing. He was so disturbed that his mind was troubled and upset. He desperately needed restoration. Facing these needs, he called out to God to provide the help he needed.

His cry? “My body is sick, and I am upset and disturbed, my mind is filled with apprehension and with gloom” (TLB). These words sound so relatable that we might assume that they were written by someone living in our time. We might say things like this ourselves.

There are many options when we are faced with problems. We can complain or become worried or depressed. We can try to escape through pleasure, drugs, or alcohol, or simply wallow in our problems. But David had discovered a godly alternative.

If we follow David’s example, we will turn to God. He is with us and ready to help us, just as He helped David when he cried out. God is our true source of deliverance and hope from generation to generation.

We need to cry out if we are upset, disturbed, or sick, or if our hearts are apprehensive. We need to have faith that God will hear us, answer our prayers, deliver us, heal our bodies, and give us His peace.

Reflection Question: Compose your own psalm expressing your feelings to God.