Towards the end of Psalm 94 is this little “if you blink you’ll miss it” verse – “When the cares of my heart are many, Your consolations cheer my soul.” Do you need cheered up today? This verse is for you.
What cares of your heart do you have today? Or put another way, what thoughts are you having? Anxious thoughts. Perplexing thoughts. Confusing thoughts. Fearful thoughts. Worrisome thoughts. Doubtful thoughts. Conflicting thoughts. The list goes on. The author had a lot of thoughts on his mind, he wrote about wickedness in the world and enemies and evil-doers – it makes no sense. It’s frustrating and overwhelming. It’s not fair! “Do you see this God, do you care?” It sounds like he could write that today: suicides, cancer, handicaps, and birth defects, crime, and violence, and war. Economic hardships, broken hearts, and broken relationships, and broken homes. Where is God? I am crushed and afflicted, “The cares of my heart are many.” Please help!
And God helps. He sees and perceives and hears. He gives rest from days of trouble and will not abandon His people. The Lord helps and the Lord holds up; my foot does not slip. His steadfast love holds you up. That’s why the author can say in v. 19, “Your consolations cheer my soul.” What are God’s consolations and comforts? All His many promises that are “yes” and “amen” in Christ. “I will not leave you nor forsake you.” “I will be with you always.” “I am coming again to gather you and take you to where I am, for where I am, you will be.” The Lord is a stronghold and rock of refuge in troubling times. He will wipe out all iniquity and wickedness. He will bless and make a straight path and even ground. Trust in Him. “When the cares of your heart are many, His consolations cheer your soul.”