RR Psalm 31:8 Part 8

Shalom,

Psalm 31:8 I will be glad and rejoice in Your lovingkindness, for You saw my affliction. You knew the troubles of my soul.

Yesterday, we studied God’s “Chesed” (grace) response to us, which created within us feelings of joy and gladness.  Today we will go beyond that, to the rest of the verse that is beyond the comma.  First, “You saw my affliction.”  Then, “You knew the troubles of my soul.”  God sees us, and God knows us.  Why is that so hard to believe?

The Hebrew word for “affliction” is An’yiy from Ana (Ayin-Nun-Hey) meaning  poor, afflicted, and down-cast.  It is used hundreds of times in the Hebrew Scriptures.  God sees us in our depression and misery.  King David asked the question in Psalm 8:5(4) what is man, that You are mindful of him? And the son of man, that You care for him?  We’re answering the question, “Why is it, that God both sees and knows you, so hard to believe?”  

To answer that question, we must ask another question, why does anyone have children?  It’s the same reason God has children.  God (like parents everywhere) has more love than He can contain.  He wants to both love more, and be loved more.  Therefore; He has children to both love them (us) and be loved in return.  He wants each of us to grow strong in Him, so we will be resolute in loving Him.  Therefore; He allows adversity to develop strength within us.  Strength to withstand the enemy in times of trouble.

Psalm 46:2(1b) God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.

There are hundreds of other verses on this subject, but I’m going to limit myself to just this one.  1Peter 5:7 Cast all your worries on Him, for He cares for you.  Trust in God, for He alone is able to meet every need.  Shalom shalom.

Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Tue17-June-2025 21st of Sivan, 5785
Nu 14:8-25 Jer 32Dan 81 Co 14       (Mk 14:43-72)

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Rabbi H Michael Weiner

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