Browse Bible Study Resources

Daily Devotions

Psalms

Psalms 
Day 
Day 86

Psalm 102:6a "I am like a pelican of the wilderness..."

Day 86 – Psalm 102

“I am like a pelican of the wilderness…” Psalm 102:6a

DEPRESSING THOUGHTS

The psalmist found himself fighting severe depressing thoughts. The following text reveals what he struggled with.

“I am like a pelican of the wilderness;
I am like an owl of the desert.
I lie awake,
And am like a sparrow alone on the housetop.”
Psalm 102:6-7

1. Strong imagery employed

a) “A pelican”
i) The psalmist may not be actually thinking of a seabird.
ii) This word can be used to describe a bird similar to the owl.
iii) It is unlikely that a pelican would be able to survive in the wilderness.
b) Loneliness is in mind
i) A “pelican” of the wilderness.
ii) An owl of the desert.
iii) A sparrow on the housetop.

2. “I lie awake”

a) Insomnia has set in.
b) He is so distressed that sleep had departed from him.
c) Some reasons for the loss of sleep.
i) His physical health had suffered.
ii) His emotions were not stable.
iii) His mind was distressed.
iv) Spiritually he was afraid that God would not hear his prayer.