8 Even when I call out or cry for help, he shuts out myprayer. - P62
17 I have been deprived of peace; I have forgotten whatprosperity is.
18 So I say, "My splendor is gone and all that I hadhoped from the LORD." - P63
The author expresses his personal anguish. His body is weary to the bone, andhe feels God‘s hand against him. He feels walled in and his prayers go unheard.
- P63
He describes his suffering with vivid imagery-it is like he has been draggedand mangled by a lion. God has allowed him to become a laughingstock, and he has no peace. - P63
It would be easy to think that God is far away when your nation isin ruins and your people have been taken captive. - P64
However, in thiscarefully constructed poem, the prophet claims that all his affliction isfrom the Lord. Everything that has gone wrong convinces him of God‘spower and presence. - P64
He attributes his physical weakness and psycholog-ical depression to God being against him. Even God‘s silence is evidenceof His divine punishment. - P64
And yet, the prophet does not curse Godor accuse Him of injustice. He understands that unlike attacks fromhis enemies, affliction sent by God is not intended for his destructionbut is for his good. - P64
Let us remember the prophet‘s attitude when weexperience hardship and trust in God‘s sovereignty. - P64
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