In the Multitude of My Thoughts

When I read Psalm 94, I am reminded that God is not distant from the things that trouble us. The psalmist sees injustice, wickedness, pride, and people who seem to get away with doing wrong. He asks God how long this will continue.

Sometimes our minds can become just as crowded. We think about what has happened. We think about what might happen next. We replay conversations, carry concerns, and wonder why God has allowed certain things. One thought becomes another, and before long there is a multitude of thoughts within us.

That is why Psalm 94:19 stands out to me.

“In the multitude of my thoughts within me thy comforts delight my soul.” — Psalm 94:19 (KJV)

I especially love how the NLT expresses this verse because it speaks so directly to those moments when doubts and anxious thoughts fill our minds. Instead of pretending that God's people never struggle with these thoughts, the psalmist brings them honestly before God. God does not tell us that He has missed what is happening. The psalmist asks whether the One who created the ear can hear and the One who formed the eye can see. Of course He can.

God sees. God hears.

There are things I may not understand, and there are situations I cannot control. But I can trust the God who sees everything. Then the psalm gives another promise:

“For the LORD will not cast off his people, neither will he forsake his inheritance.” — Psalm 94:14 (KJV)

People may disappoint us. Circumstances may change. Our own thoughts may become overwhelming. But God does not abandon His people and then comes another verse that I love:

“When I said, My foot slippeth; thy mercy, O LORD, held me up.” — Psalm 94:18 (KJV)

I love the connection between verses 18 and 19.

My foot was slipping.
God's mercy held me.

My thoughts were multiplying.
God's comfort delighted my soul.

Sometimes I think I need to become strong enough to hold everything together myself. But Psalm 94 reminds me that God is the One who holds me. His mercy supports me when I am slipping, and His comfort meets me when my thoughts become too many. The chapter eventually brings the psalmist to this confidence:

“But the LORD is my defence; and my God is the rock of my refuge.” — Psalm 94:22 (KJV)

The chapter begins with a cry of “How long?” It passes through injustice, questions, weakness, and many thoughts but it ends with God as our defense and our rock of refuge. Maybe I do not need an answer to every thought today. Maybe I need to bring those thoughts to the One who sees everything, hears everything, holds me when I slip, and comforts my soul. When there is a multitude of thoughts within me, there can also be a multitude of reminders of who God is.

He sees me.
He hears me.
He has not forsaken me.
His mercy holds me.
His comfort reaches me.
He is my defence.
He is my rock and my refuge.

Reflection

What thoughts have been multiplying within me lately? Instead of carrying every thought by myself, can I bring each one to God and allow His Word, His presence, and His promises to comfort my soul?

Prayer

Lord, You know every thought within me. Sometimes there are so many thoughts that I do not even know how to put them into words. Thank You that You see what I cannot explain and hear the prayers I struggle to express. When I feel that my foot is slipping, let Your mercy hold me up. When my thoughts multiply, let Your comforts delight my soul. Help me remember that You have not forsaken me. You see what is happening around me, and nothing is hidden from You. Quiet my heart in Your presence. Teach me through Your Word, correct me where I need correction, and help me trust You with the things I cannot control. Be my defence, my rock, and my refuge. In Jesus' name, Amen.