“When my Spirit was overwhelmed within me,
then You knew my Way.” ~ unknown (Psalm 142:3)

 

Psalm 142 generally speaks of a man in a state of hopeless despair, calling out to God for support and assurance.  Interestingly, the Hebrew word here for “overwhelmed” is “ataph,” a word which can also mean “failed” or “weakened” or “shrouded” (see Strong’s #5848) … As such, an “overwhelmed Spirit” is actually a repressed spirit; a Spirit overshadowed by fear or anxiety or desire or sadness.  And this verse seems to relay the Truth that even in such instances – indeed especially in those instances – the heavenly Father within still knows The Way; still calls for us to Love & still calls for us to Serve & still calls for us to Give to others anyway.  And if we heed these Holy Summons, the Spirit that was once so “shrouded” is freed from its oppressions, and no longer overwhelms us (or better stated – no longer allows the ego to do that overwhelming).

 

Note as well that the Hebrew here for “knew” is “yada,” a word which can also mean “acknowledged” (see Strong’s #3045), implying the Truth that in those times when we feel most lost, the Advocate within us (John 14:20-26) will point us back towards our true Path – away from fear & despair, and towards Love & Faith in Love.

 

Amen … Let it be so.

 

Filed under: My Favorite Verses by Scaughdt