It is easy to read Psalm 102 because it is so relatable. If you can’t personally relate to the trials and tribulations this psalmist records, you definitely know someone near you that is facing hardship. We can all identify with the frustration and discouragement we read in this chapter.
The first eleven verses of Psalm 102 describe the trials we face…
102:3 – my days disappear like smoke, my bones burn like a furnace
102:4 – my heart is struck down like grass and has withered
102:5 – because of my loud groaning, I am skin and bones
102:7 – I lie awake, lonely
102:8 – my enemies taunt me day after day
102:9 – my tears run down into my drink
102:11 – My life passes as swiftly as the evening shadows. I am withering away like grass.
BUT…..
The the psalmist gives us hope and changes everything with this one word…”but”.
But you, O Lord, will sit on your throne forever. Your fame will endure to every generation.
Psalm 102:12
This life gives us challenging and scary circumstances, BUT one day, it will change! When Christ returns to rule and reign for 1000 years, it will all be different. He will have mercy on those living.
You will arise and have mercy on Jerusalem – and now is the time to pity her, now is the time you promised to help.
Pslam 102:13
The city and the people have endured much hardship, but will be restored. Jesus will appear and rule and reign again. The prayers of those with little hope will be heard. The Lord will be praised. Life on earth will be different.
Let this be recorded for a generations, so that a people not yet born will praise the Lord. Tell them the Lord looked down from his heavenly sanctuary. He looked down to earth from heaven to hear the groans of the prisoners, to release those condemned to die. And so the Lord’s fame will be celebrated in Zion, his praises in Jerusalem, when multitudes gather together and kingdoms come to worship the Lord.
Psalm 102:18-22
We will face struggles, fears and trials, BUT we have God’s promises to hold onto. We have the promise that life on earth will be different. We have hope when we put our trust in Him. Jesus promises that He is with us to the end of the age. This is His promise to us.
And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.
Matthew 28:20