HOLDING ON, NOT HANGING ON

Although David yielded his devastation over Absalom’s rebellion to God, he still struggled with the grief and remorse it brought him. Wounds like that do not heal overnight; they must be bathed in the balm of forgiveness. It’s one thing to deal with treachery coming from an enemy, but the heart and mind are not prepared to handle deceitfulness coming from your own flesh and blood. Perhaps those around him often heard him crying out inside his palace, “How could this happen to me!” So after a long sleepless and tearful night he composed this prayer for God’s strength to help him cope.

“Don’t let my lack of faith upset You O LORD Eternal, so that You punish me out of disappointment and frustration. Be lenient with me O LORD Eternal; for I feel weak inside, my knees are knocking, and I’m completely stressed out, so don’t wait too long before You answer me. O LORD Eternal, don’t let this go on any longer. Because You are so loving and caring, please get me out of this somehow. If I die like this and end up in the grave, there’s no way I can testify of Your goodness. I’m completely worn out with moaning and groaning, that’s why every night I drench my bed, and every day I soak my couch with tears. My eyes have turned blood red and I can hardly see anymore because of the heartbreak I feel. That’s why I’m turning a deaf ear to those who tell me I won’t make it, because I believe the LORD Eternal will hear my sobbing, and my cries will touch His heart. He understands what I’m going through, and I believe my critics will end up being sorry and ashamed they didn’t support me, and it will be a huge embarrassment to them.” Psalm 6:1-10

Reflection: In 1883 engineer John Röbling was inspired to build a spectacular bridge connecting New York with Long Island. Bridge experts throughout the world told Röbling to forget the idea; that it was not practical and had never been done before. But Röbling could not erase his vision. He convinced his son, Washington, to help him construct it. So they hired a crew and began building their dream bridge. After only a few months a tragic accident took John Röbling’s life. His son Washington was also injured with partial brain damage and total paralysis. Everyone felt the project was jinxed and should be scrapped. Yet in spite of his handicap, young Washington refused to give up his father’s dream. He was able to move only one finger and slowly developed a code of communication with his wife. Suddenly he had an idea, so he touched his wife’s arm telling her to call the engineers; he wanted to keep the construction going. For 13 years Washington tapped out his instructions until the bridge was finally completed. Today the spectacular Brooklyn Bridge stands in all its glory as a tribute to the triumph of one man’s indomitable spirit and his determination not to be defeated by circumstances. Since Washington Röbling held on to the end with the picture of a bridge in his mind, how much more should we be able to hold on with the picture of the crown of righteousness in our mind.