1. My soul is full of trouble (1-9a)

This is the prayer of a man in distress. His life is in danger (3). He is powerless. And he is lonely. Perhaps he lives in exile in a foreign country (8). He is full of sorrow, so he cries out to the Lord day and night. He knows that God is sovereign and God isth. one who saves. His time of sorrow is the time to meet God.

2. I cry to you for help (9b-18)

Grief, fear of death and despair close in on him like darkness. He remembers the suffering of his youth. But he cries out to God in the morning. He asks God to spare his life so that he may praise God and testify to his wonderful deeds. How can a dead man praise God? Or preach the gospel? The Psalmist is lonely; he says that God has taken away his friends. But in his loneliness he draws close to God. God is ready to answer those who cry out to him.

Application: Lord, teach me to seek you in times of suffering or in loneliness. Darkness is not my closest friend--you are.
One Word: Don't despair--pray!