Flying machines

I am weary with my groaning; all night I make my bed swim; I drench my couch with my tears. — Psalm 6:6

Recording artist James Taylor exploded onto the music scene in early 1970 with the song “Fire and Rain.” In it, he talked about the disappointments of life, describing them as “sweet dreams and flying machines in pieces on the ground.” That was a reference to Taylor’s original band Flying Machine, whose attempt at breaking into the recording industry had failed badly, causing him to wonder if his dreams of a musical career would ever come true. The reality of crushed expectations had taken their toll, leaving Taylor with a sense of loss and hopelessness.

The psalmist David also experienced hopeless despair, as he struggled with his own failures, the attacks of others, and the disappointments of life. In Psalm 6:6 he said, “I am weary with my groaning; all night I make my bed swim; I drench my couch with my tears.” The depth of his sorrow and loss drove him to heartache — but in that grief he turned to the God of all comfort. David’s own crushed and broken “flying machine” gave way to the assurance of God’s care, prompting him to say, “The Lord has heard my supplication; the Lord will receive my prayer” (v. 9).

In our own seasons of disappointment, we too can find comfort in God, who cares for our broken hearts. — Bill Crowder

Even in my darkest hour

The Lord will bless me with His power;

His loving grace will sure abound,

In His sweet care I shall be found.— Brandt

READ: Psalm 6

God’s whisper of comfort quiets the noise of our trials.

The Bible in one year:

• Deuteronomy 14-16

• Mark 12:28-44