The Book Thief

While beautifully written, it is heart-breaking to get a small picture into life in the early 1940s.

Psalm 86:1-17

Reference: v.13 For great is your love toward me; you have delivered me from the depths, from the realm of the dead. (TNIV Bible)

Explore: I have just finished reading an amazing book by Markus Zusak called, “The Book Thief”. Set in Germany during WWII, the book follows the life of a young girl who is fostered out just as her brother dies and her mother flees in fear.

This time was not a happy period for many people and, while beautifully written, it is heart-breaking to get a small picture into life in the early 1940s. Millions of Jews were being poorly treated and killed, thousands of soldiers gave their lives for their leaders, and every day people were starved of basic needs.

While this book will stay with me forever, it was a reminder of how harsh life can sometimes be.

Application: The Psalmists are often the most expressive when it comes to hardships in life. The writer of Psalm 86 says they have been through the realm of the dead. While this may not be literal, I know there have been times in my life when I’ve felt close to the realm of the dead.

We all experience hardships. Our faith does not make us exempt from such times, but they can often be the make or break of our relationship with God.

When we go through times of trial and grief it is good to hear from the Psalmist and be encouraged to call out to God.

Prayer: Lord, during times of trial I often ask the question ‘why?’ While I may not always know the answer, may I draw closer to you and be swept into your arms of compassion and grace. Amen.

Have you ever felt like you’ve experienced the ‘realm of the dead’?

book, death, faith, grief, pain, Psalm