The theme for today is: Groaning 2.0.

Psalm 6. A penitential psalm. From groans to grace.

David is weary and worn out with groaning. He is exhausted. The man of constant sorrows becomes the man of constant groaning. So constant, that his bones ached. So constant, that he became faint. So constant, that he cannot bear the weight. So constant, that he cannot sleep.

Exhaustion wasn’t new to David. Groaning wasn’t new to David. He’d been there done that. But he still slept. “In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety” (Psalm 4:8). Now there is no sleep. Just tears. Tears all night. Tears on the bed. Tears on the couch. A tsunami of tears. Tears that have blurred his eyes. Tears that have weakened his eyes.

David’s confidence and assurance in the Lord was always enough to make him sleep well. To sleep securely. That confidence has vanished. That assurance has been shaken. So, he can’t sleep. Sleep turns into groans. Groans that do him in. Groans that make him repent. Groans that make him cry. Groans that make him pray.

The groans were prayers. The tears were prayers. God hears groans. God hears cries. God hears prayers. All day long. All night long.

This portion of Zach’s race has had its own share of groans and tears. Sleep still comes at a premium. God knows that. God feels our groans. He collects our tears. David knew that. We know that. Because He’s right here to hear it all. He’s right here to see it all.

His presence is a sight for sore eyes! The night-time eyes. Pulling off an all-nighter. An all-nighter of groans and cries. An all-nighter of prayers. God hears those. God accepts those. God answers those. God is faithful. God is merciful. There will be more crying. There will be more praying. There will be more groaning. There will be more grace.

Today’s Updates:

Zach started the morning on a bit more sedation than yesterday. The nurse said he became restless overnight and they want him to conserve his energy so his body can focus on breathing and healing. They attempted to decrease his sedation today, but Zach’s heart rate spiked and he became restless so they went back up on the meds to get him to rest.

They decreased Zach’s ventilator settings today. He only needs low levels of oxygen (which is good), but still requires pressure from the ventilator to prevent his lungs from collapsing. Zach has chest tubes on both sides because of the air leaks in both lungs, so the doctors want to get him off the ventilator soon so that the holes in his lungs can heal. An x-ray of Zach’s chest this morning showed that his left lung is re-inflating well with the help of the chest tube.

The infectious disease team found out which infections Zach has, so they adjusted his antibiotics accordingly. Zach seems to be responding well to this treatment as he hasn’t had a fever all day.

Zach’s kidneys are slowly improving but not completely healed yet. The doctors believe his kidneys will bounce back on their own, so they will reassess his kidney function tomorrow. We are happy to see that Zach has also been tolerating his continuous tube feeds. Zach hasn’t thrown up since Saturday and is much improved from his state over the weekend.

We thank God that Zach’s condition continues to improve. We ask that you join us in thanking the Lord for preserving Zach’s life thus far, and ask for his continued healing on Zach, especially Zach’s brain. Thank you for your all prayers.

“Lord, do not rebuke me in your anger
 or discipline me in your wrath.

Have mercy on me, Lord, for I am faint;
 heal me, Lord, for my bones are in agony.

My soul is in deep anguish.
 How long, Lord, how long?

Turn, Lord, and deliver me;
 save me because of your unfailing love.

Among the dead no one proclaims your name.
 Who praises you from the grave?

I am worn out from my groaning. All night long I flood my bed with weeping
 and drench my couch with tears.

My eyes grow weak with sorrow;
 they fail because of all my foes.

Away from me, all you who do evil,
 for the Lord has heard my weeping.

The Lord has heard my cry for mercy;
 the Lord accepts my prayer.

All my enemies will be overwhelmed with shame and anguish;
 they will turn back and suddenly be put to shame.”

(Psalm 6)