Experiencing trouble, the psalmist fills his mouth with expressions of deep feeling: a flood is overwhelming his soul, he is sinking in deep mire, he is crossing a body of water and it is about to cover him, he is tired of crying, his throat is dry, he has difficulty seeing.

Much of David’s misery had to do with others. His enemies hated him and they had no reason to be his enemies. Even members of his family had turned on him. People gathered in groups to drink and ridicule him. Some considered him a religious fanatic.

In his sorrow, the psalmist turns to the Lord for help and expresses confidence that the Lord will hear him in an acceptable time. But what is an acceptable time? To whom is this time acceptable?

David is simply expressing the wonderful truth that we can all call upon the Lord when we are having trouble. Some shrink from praying when in difficulties, thinking they will be accused of only coming to God in times of great need. Christians need to remember that they are invited to come to Christ with their burdens at precisely the time of need: “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16).

Come then when you feel overwhelmed with problems.

Come when the lump in your throat won’t go away.

Come when others have turned against you.

Come when people gather in little groups to talk about you.

Come NOW…it’s an acceptable time.