You made me suffer a lot, but you will bring me back from this deep pit and give me new life (Psalm 71:20, CEV).

The Waters Edge — photo by David Kitz

Reflection

This week’s I Love the Psalms theme is suffering.

If you look closely at the photo above, you can see new leaves that have emerged on the shrubs. The long winter is over; new life is stirring. It will be another month before we see shrubs at this stage here in Ottawa, Canada, but the great snow melt has begun. The sap is beginning to flow.

We are witnessing a resurrection in nature. We see the same resurrection theme in today’s verse from the Psalms.

You made me suffer a lot, but you will bring me back from this deep pit and give me new life (Psalm 71:20, CEV).

Jesus, our Savior and Lord, suffered a lot. He suffered the penalty of sin that we deserved. But God the Father brought him back from the deep pit of death and gave him new life. Through faith in Jesus, the promise of this verse is ours as well. Whatever state you find yourself in—in suffering or rejoicing—make that promise your own today.

Response: LORD God, through the death and resurrection of Jesus, I receive new life now with the promise of eternal life. A thousand thanks are not enough. Amen.

Your Turn: Have you received new life through Christ?