Psalm 119:76 | “Let your steadfast love comfort me according to your promise to your servant.”

The psalmist has already confessed the righteousness of God in his affliction. Now he turns to God’s mercy. Although the affliction we receive is ultimately from the Lord, God’s people still cry out to him for comfort and deliverance. He does not demand that the rod be removed. Instead, he asks for comfort while he bears it. He knows that the kindness and love of the Lord is the only remedy strong enough to heal a hurting and broken heart. Any parent understands this. There are moments when we allow for or even arrange temporary pain for our children because we love them and want what is best for them in the end. God is a perfect Father. He allows painful circumstances in our lives, yet he promises to work every sorrow and every trial for our good, as Romans 8:28 assures. May God’s steadfast love be our comfort in every trial, and may we rest in the promise that his perfect mercy is always near to those who trust him.