Affllicted...

Afflicted… Webster says: affected with continued or often repeated pain, either of body or mind ….

My parents and grandparents called people ‘afflicted’ when today we say ‘handicapped’ or ‘special needs’.

Tonight, as I am afflicted with sleeplessness, I got up to continue my reflecting on Psalm 119. I find verse 153...“Look on my affliction, and deliver me..”

I am so thankful God continues to love, continues to care, and continues to listen. Aren’t you? He could stop.

The word in the original language is ‘oniy’. It is defined as a state of oppression or extreme discomfort, physically, mentally, or spiritually. Depression. Misery.


It made me think of the song on Hee Haw from years ago…

“Gloom, despair, and agony on me,
Deep dark depression, excessive misery,
If it weren’t for bad luck, I’d have no luck at all,
Gloom, despair, and agony on me….”

Those hillbilly characters were afflicted. (…and maybe a little lazy. )

When the afflicted cry out to God for deliverance, God hears, and answers. He cares…. “Lord, You have deep concern for me. Keep me alive as You have promised. (v.156)

How well do the afflicted listen for His answer, how well do they follow His instructions as He provides deliverance?

When affliction comes, we can’t sit around with a jug and a gang of buddies, wallowing in self pity.

When affliction comes, it is more important than ever to kneel at The Throne of grace and mercy…It is the ONLY place to find help, true deliverance, and recovery. The only way to remove the deep darkness…

Excessive misery and all….