There is a concept of spirituality that would suggest that a believer should always be on top of every situation, and that any sign of weakness is indicative of spiritual failure. Such an idea does not arise from a careful study of the scriptures.
David and Job both remind us that the human situation in this present world can be overwhelming for even the most mature believer. The apostle Paul sought deliverance from his "thorn in the flesh," and even the Son of God struggled with the prospect of His affliction, crying, "If it be possible, let this cup pass from Me."
Just as our physical strength and powers of endurance vary, so it is with our emotional resources. One can bear much and another will struggle with a much lighter load, but all have this in common: there is a limit to our emotional resources and when they are sufficiently tested, it will seem that we have more than we can bear. Like David, we will cry, "I would hasten my escape from the windy storm and tempest (cf v.8)."
What is important is how we react when we have reached that breaking point. Here there is no pretense. David, for example, does not pretend a victory he does not have in an attempt to appear spiritual. Rather, his faith enables him to acknowledge his struggle to the One Who knows our frame and remembers that we are dust. We should be candid with God.
It is important, however, to note that it is to God that David carries his weakness and struggle. He quakes, but he does not quit. The man of faith falters, but his faith does not falter. Job did not understand God, but never did he abandon Him. Lacking wings to fly away, we had best abide under the shadow of the Almighty. If we remain there long enough, relief will come.
David begins with a cry, "I mourn in my complaint and make a noise (v.2)." He proceeds with a confession, "I would hasten my escape from the windy storm and tempest." Finally he emerges with a shared confidence; "Cast thy burden on the Lord, and He shall sustain thee: He shall never suffer the righteous to be moved (v. 22)."
If perchance you are carrying what seems an unbearable burden, you are not alone. If you are bowed down beneath the weight of it, you have only joined the company of one who says here, "horror hath overwhelmed me." Job's troubles, David's trials, Paul's thorn and the savior's tragic prospect were all different in nature and degree, but they had this in common; each reached a point where he would have liked to "fly away, and be at rest."
When the apostle Paul took his burden to the Lord, he did not experience deliverance. Rather, he tells us, "For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong [II Cor 12:8-10]."
Many of life's problems come with no easy answers, and no early solution. While we carry those burdens we may fear collapse. Flight is not an option, and it comes as a suggestion from the enemy, as David recognizes in another place: "In the LORD put I my trust: how say ye to my soul, Flee as a bird to your mountain [Ps. 11:1]?" Those who find their refuge in God and approach Him with openness and honesty will find Him able to sustain and secure them until the deliverance comes— whether here or hereafter.
Yours for a sustained faith,
"Pastor" Frasier
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