Last night in the Monday night class we studied with good discussion on the 63rd Psalm. In that, David said, “When I remember you on my bed, I meditate on You in the night watches.” v.6. David showed he had complete trust in God when his enemies hunted him down, v9ff. But such faith to turn to God in times of trouble is not common. Many are not like David.

Note the contrast in the book of Hosea which says, “They do not cry to Me with their heart when they wail upon their beds.” His. 7:14.

Hosea is God’s last appeal to Israel, also referred to as Ephraim and Samaria, who has turned to idolatry and complete unfaithfulness to God. But unlike David, when Israel becomes burdened by the fruit of its wickedness, she does not turn to God. Hosea says, Instead of repentance and godly sorrow, Israel turns to man and her many idols which always fail.

Another way of contrasting the way men respond in times of trouble can be seen in Peter and Judas. When Peter denied Jesus, he went into the night and he wept. His heart was broken with repentance so that the path back to God was prepared. Peter was like David. But when Judas betrayed Jesus and then went into the night, he did not repent but instead killed himself. Judas was faithless like an ungodly king of Israel. One man wails from his heart to God and the other man has no answer.

Boast in your weakness. Paul said, “Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” 2 Cor. 12:9. You for sure have troubles. Maybe even they are on a par with the Apostle’s infirmities. If not, still we all know some degree of adversity and challenges. So how we respond during these times will prove if we believe and trust in God. When I am feeling pain, maybe it is for my learning. Maybe it is a reminder of my weakness so that we trust in God. And when you lie down at night, remember God and He will give you grace.