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Psalms 69:10 (BSB)
I wept and fasted, but it brought me reproach.
THE HOLY BIBLE
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Scripture quotations (main text) are from the Berean Study Bible (BSB), © 2016, 2018 by Bible Hub. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), ©2001 by Crossway, is used for comparison and word study only.
Bible Copyright & Permissions“I wept and fasted, but it brought me reproach.” — Psalms 69:10
Imagine you’re in a tough spot, feeling low and overwhelmed. You’re pouring your heart out, tears streaming down your face, and you're trying to find clarity through fasting—giving up something you love to focus on what really matters. In this moment, the writer is expressing that instead of finding relief or support, this deep, personal struggle has become a source of shame for them. It’s like trying to reach out for help and feeling misunderstood or judged instead. It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s a reminder that vulnerability can sometimes feel like a burden, but it’s also part of being human.
This book was written by someone who deeply understood the ups and downs of life—often referred to as David. He was a king, but also a poet and a musician, pouring out his heart in these verses. By including this detail about weeping and fasting, David is sharing his own struggles. He wants you to know that feeling weighed down, even when you're trying to humble yourself, is a common experience. It's his way of saying, 'You’re not alone in this. I’ve been there too.'
This was written during a time when the people of Israel were facing challenges from other nations, along with internal conflicts. The culture was filled with pressures and expectations, and the idea of fasting was often seen as a spiritual act. But here, David’s timing is critical because it shows a real human response to hardship. At a time when many were focused on outward appearances and rituals, David is getting real about the inner struggles we face. It’s like saying, 'While everyone else is putting on a brave face, I'm here to tell you it's okay to break down too.'
This verse matters today because it speaks to the reality of your struggles. Everyone goes through periods of feeling defeated or misunderstood, especially when you’re trying to make a change or seek deeper meaning. It’s a reminder that it’s okay to feel heavy-hearted and that your efforts to connect with something greater—even through fasting—might not always bring immediate relief. This honesty about pain can be a powerful part of your journey, showing that vulnerability is part of being truly alive. It encourages you to lean into those feelings rather than shy away from them.
This week, try setting aside some time to reflect on what’s weighing you down. It could be through journaling, talking to a friend, or even fasting from something that distracts you. When you feel those emotions rise—whether it’s sadness, frustration, or confusion—don’t shy away. Instead, embrace them. Allow yourself to be honest about what you’re going through, like David did. You might even want to write down how you’re feeling and what you hope for, creating a space where your struggles can be heard and understood.
In this chapter, the writer is feeling intense pressure and isolation. They've been facing criticism and rejection, and they turn to fasting as a way to humble themselves and seek relief. This specific verse comes right in the middle of that emotional whirlwind, highlighting the tension of trying to connect with something greater while feeling pushed down by the weight of their circumstances. It’s a pivotal moment that shows how their sincere efforts to seek help haven’t been met with understanding, which adds to their pain. This moment of fasting and weeping becomes a crucial part of the narrative, illustrating that even in our most honest struggles, we can sometimes feel even more alone.
Have you ever felt like your efforts to connect with something deeper were misunderstood or dismissed? What emotions came up for you in that moment?
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