This psalm made me super sad thinking about the suffering of poor Heman and others who might be suffering as well. I already was empathizing with this man before I got to verse 15: “I have been sick and close to death since my youth.” Eke. This guy knows what it means to suffer. And his words really poured into my heart this morning about people who live with chronic pain and illness. I have a few consistent aches and pains with bouts of anxiety here and there, but honestly, I don’t feel like any of these things hinder my lifestyle much. However, I have friends and loved ones who have lived with lifelong conditions that I know cause them pain and suffering daily. Yet, somehow, they march on. They keep going. And maybe it’s because they have the strength and peace and courage as our lost friend Heman did. He sounds completely miserable, to be sure, but his words also showcase a spirit of hope and faithfulness.
Sum it up:
Lord, I cry to you so often,
But still I suffer.
I may as well just die
Because I am near death anyway.
What good am I?
But then again,
What good am I dead?
I can’t tell anyone about You.
I can’t share my testimonies of Your goodness.
Though I am but a shell,
At least I still can speak Your name to others.
Writing prompt: Heman
Don’t lie. I know you want to pronounce it He-Man. Write about a Heman or a He-man in your life today.
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