The theme of today’s readings is a familiar one, prayer to God in time of trouble. But despite the familiarity of the theme, there are at least a couple of very worthy things to consider.

Betrayal of a friend (Psalm 55:12-15) — Few things can be more heart-piercing than the betrayal of a friend. It’s easier to take (as the psalm points out) when it is someone who is clearly an enemy — you expect it, you know to guard against it. But from a friend… It’s a heartbreak that even Jesus felt. But God avenges even these sorts of things.

You have put my tears in a bottle (Psalms 56:8) — Have you ever wondered if God cares about your heartaches, your griefs, your tears? There’s an old hymn that asks the question, “Does Jesus Care?”  (Frank E. Graeff). Its stanzas go like this…

Does Jesus care when my heart is pained
Too deeply for mirth or song,
As the burdens press, and the cares distress,
And the way grows weary and long?

Does Jesus care when my way is dark
With a nameless dread and fear?
As the daylight fades into deep night shades,
Does He care enough to be near?

Does Jesus care when I’ve tried and failed
To resist some temptation strong;
When for my deep grief there is no relief,
Though my tears flow all the night long?

Does Jesus care when I’ve said “goodbye”
To the dearest on earth to me,
And my sad heart aches till it nearly breaks—
Is it aught to Him? Does He see?

Refrain:
Oh, yes, He cares, I know He cares,
His heart is touched with my grief;
When the days are weary, the long nights dreary,
I know my Savior cares.

The Lord does care and keeps our tears in a bottle; a symbol of how God keeps a record of every tear, and why it fell.