I kept the faith, even when I said,
“I’m greatly discouraged.”—Psalms 116:10
These are perilous times. We’re troubled by the political chaos all around us, the ever-encroaching pandemic and the pandemonium that reigns in our cities. Anxiety and depression are normal reactions to the unsettling nature of our days.
To be discouraged and to voice our despair—even in wild tones of panic—does not mean that our faith has failed. (“We should never be discouraged” is a hymn-line that Carolyn excised from her hymn book and replaced with her own rendition:"We can always be encouraged.") Discouragement and dismay are not failures of faith, but an invitation to turn to our LORD and cling steadfastly to him.
The psalmist said that his mind was filled with discouragement and dread, yet he "kept the faith” (116:10). Faith is not cold, unfeeling stoicism, but clinging to God in our fear (116:2,4,13,17). "I will continue to call on Him," he vowed.
Paul quotes the Septuagint's version of the psalmist's words (2 Corinthians 4:13), agreeing that faith and fretfulness are often found together. Paul despaired of life itself, yet he clung to his belief in God's help in time of need. As pain cries out for God's healing, so fear cries out for God's help.
This, and not the stiff upper lip, is what the psalmist called “keeping the faith.”
David Roper
11.6.20
