Overwhelmed

by J.L. Ferguson, Barrhead | Category: General | Nov 1975

Many a dear saint of God has been overwhelmed. It is a human experience, which knows no confines of time or space. At one time or another, in the lives of most, and even the most devoted, the heart is overwhelmed. It may be the reader is at the present moment.

The word "overwhelmed" occurs only eight times in our English Bible and each instance is in the Book of Psalms. Somehow this is not surprising, for to which other book does the heart so naturally turn in trouble? Luther called it "A Bible in miniature". Many of these precious psalms were written in days of affliction, to be read, century after century, by others experiencing similar difficulties. Similar, though probably quite different. It was often the persecution of enemies which overwhelmed the psalmists and that is sadly shared by many of our brethren in the world today. But for most of us it is the affliction of our circumstances.

Three different Hebrew words are translated "overwhelmed" in the

eight occurrences, as shown in the footnote. These Hebrew words are translated into other English words elsewhere in Scripture, but for the moment we are only thinking of "overwhelmed", and in particular of ATAPH only - shrouded as in darkness. This is so real a description of the overwhelmed heart. The word occurs in five psalms, as shown in the footnote.

David wrote three of these psalms, 61, 142 and 143, the second being written "in the cave". Asaph wrote one of them, 77. But an unknown writer gave us 102. And in that anonymity many a dear saint has seen himself or herself. It is "A prayer of the afflicted", in the darkness of his circumstances, the pouring out of his complaint before the God in whom he trusted.

Maybe the word "complaint" here gives a slightly wrong impression. The Hebrew equivalent is also translated "meditation". It comes from a root meaning to ponder, and by implication to utter one's thoughts aloud.

All unknown to others, many of God's children are, at this present time, calling on the Lord out of an overwhelmed heart; not necessarily complaining in their affliction, but simply in their deep inward musings calling out, "Why?" And no one understands better than the Lord Jesus. For He Himself called one day out of the darkness which enshrouded Him, "Why...?" So He understands.

Maybe some overwhelmed heart, reading these lines, would like to take time to go through the five psalms referred to, that is 61, 77, 102, 142 and 143. If you do, the Holy Spirit will give you His own ministry from them, peculiarly and directly from Him to you in your own circumstances.

It may be in Psa. 61 the thought of the great Rock (v.2), the refuge, the strong tower (v.3), the covert of His wings (v.4) will bring comfort.

It may be in Psa. 77 a consideration of earlier experiences (v.6), a remembrance of help in past days (v.11), a meditation on His works, a musing on His doings (v.12) will bring cheer.

It may be in Psa. 142 the fact that God knows your path (v.3), that He is your refuge and portion (v.5) will bring strength.

It may be in Psa. 143 as you remember, meditate and muse (v.5), your overwhelmed spirit will so respond, as David's did, that you will say aloud to the Lord,

Cause me to hear Thy loving kindness (v.8),

Cause me to know the way (v.8),

Deliver me, 0 LORD (v.9),

Teach me (v.10),

Quicken me (v.11).

Take courage, overwhelmed heart. Fay Inchtawn put it choicely doubtless having Gen. 45:27 in mind.

"for o'er your bare, brown, hopeless hill

The wagons may be coming, nearer still." They used to say, in the days of the shadows, "Thou hast beset me behind (the past) and before (the future), and laid Thine hand upon me (the present)" (Psa. 139:5). So all was well, and in those long past days overwhelmed hearts trusted Him. They came through fire and water is the strength of such promises as Isa. 43:1,2: "But now thus saith the LORD that created thee... formed thee... redeemed thee... called thee by thy name, thou art Mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee".

But now the true light is shining, whereby we can say with even greater confidence, "And we know that to them that love God all things work together for good, even to them that are... foreordained... called...justified... glorified" (Rom. 8:28-30). No wonder Miss Havergal, musing in life's latest hours on Jude verse 1, commented, "Called ... beloved... kept... well I'll just go Home on that".

"Before us is a future all unknown,

A path untrod.

Behind us is a Friend, well loved,

That Friend is God."

Footnote:

KACAH, meaning to fill up or to cover. It occurs in Psa. 55:5 and 78:53.

SHATAPH, meaning to gush or to inundate. It occurs in Psa. 124:4.

ATAPH, meaning to shroud, as in darkness. It occurs in Psa. 61:2; 77:3; 102 (title); 142:3; 143:4.

(All meanings from Dr Strong.)

J.L. Ferguson, Barrhead | Nov 1975
General