Several years ago, after a time of prayer for many of the folks that we were ministering to, and searching His Word, we wrote a scripture song to the passage below. Every time I sing this song it seems to allow me to identify with a deeper understanding of the suffering of others as well as the my own suffering. In studying the Psalm in its entirety, we realize that David's submission to His own suffering, and offering his suffering as a sacrifice for others ("for my sake") allowed Him to walk prophetically in the sufferings of Jesus. Hundreds of years before the Cross of Christ, David would identify so closely with that suffering that God would allow a "flash forward" inspiration to flow through David's thought and words. Take a little time and read the entire Psalm and see the foreshadows and striking beams of light that flow through the passage.
For now ... with out the Musical accompaniment this is the way the Words flow in the song:
Psalm 69:1-3
Save me, O God; for the waters are come in unto my soul.
Save me, O God; for the waters are come in unto my soul.
I sink in deep mire,
where there is no standing:
I am come into deep waters,
where the floods overflow me.
Save me, O God; for the waters are come in unto my soul.
Save me, O God; for the waters are come in unto my soul.
I am weary of my crying:
my throat is dried:
mine eyes fail
while I wait for my God.
Save me, O God; for the waters are come in unto my soul.
Save me, O God; for the waters are come in unto my soul.
Here comes the right heart attitude towards our own suffering (soak on the next verse):
Let not them that wait on thee, O Lord GOD of hosts, be ashamed for my sake:
let not those that seek thee be confounded for my sake, O God of Israel.
When you are reaching out in prayer for His help in your suffering ... stop ... pray for others. Allow the "flash forward" inspiration of His goodness to flow through your thoughts, your words, and your actions. Let his life - live through you.
Others.
HLFA,
Jeff