Spiritual maturity is a byproduct of testing through trial by which (sometimes) no human provision or ingenuity is able to aid us. Peter taught that our faith is tested to reveal its quality and produce the glory of God in our lives that is witness by others, “In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, (7) so that the tested genuineness of your faith – more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire – may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1 Pt 1:6-7). In the focus Psalm, David testifies to the delivering power of God through the vehicle of trial and tribulation. He described his desperation and dire state of his situation, ”The cords of death encompassed me……..the cords of Sheol entangled me; the snares of death confronted me.” His life was in the grips of death, ”…the torrents of destruction assailed me.” The strength of evil forces was engulfing him like a flood. He was overwhelmed.
In distress, David looks to the only place where help for him actually exist…..in God, thus he declares, “…From his temple he heard my voice…” How does David’s testimony of God’s wondrous works apply to us today?
God’s intervention saves. When God delivers, he demonstrates his great might and power. David likens him to a warrior who fights for his people, “The Lord also thundered in the heavens, and the Most High uttered his voice, hailstones and coals of fire. (14) And he sent out his arrows and scattered them; he flashed forth lightnings and routed them” (v13-14).
Reflection: What are the two methods by which God saves his people? Preservation and deliverance. Further, there is future rescue and redemption promised that we all hope for. Why is this an important truth to hold fast to? Though God will deliver and keep us through life’s troubles, more trials will continue to invade our lives like an unwelcome intruder as long as we live (cf. Jn 16:33). The promise we look forward to is the second coming of Christ where will come to judge the living and the dead. He will put to an end (permanently) the trials and tribulations we face. The Gospels and the Book of Revelations teaches that his appearance from heaven will be preceded by a great shaking (like an earthquake) in the natural order and creation of this life. In this Psalm, David looks forward to this future final vindicating work of God, “Then the earth reeled and rocked; the foundations also of the mountains trembled and quaked, because he was angry…….Then the channels of the sea were seen, and the foundations of the world were laid bare…” (v7,15, cf. Mt 24:29-31, Rev 16:1-21, 20:11-15). We look forward in faith to a God who will set right the affairs of humanity in the final analysis. This hope is granted by our God who is a promise-keeper to strengthen us in present day afflictions.
God delights to save his people. David declares, “The Lord has dealt with me according to my righteousness; according to the cleanness of my hands he rewarded me” (v20). God rewards him with deliverance because he has kept his faith and integrity (obedient lifestyle).
Reflection: David’s life was governed by an OT covenant which was transactional. In short, in exchange for obedience, God offered prosperity and protection from their enemies (Deut 28). God dealt with his people according to their own righteousness (i.e., cleanness of hands). This covenantal arrangement revealed man’s inability to obey God and offer any righteousness that would satisfy the requirements of God. This all changed under the new covenant (Lk 22:20). Through Christ, God now deals and rewards with us according to his OWN righteousness (His Son Jesus), who was perfectly obeyed and fulfilled all the OT law in his death and resurrection. God delights in intervening in his chosen people’s lives based on the righteousness of his Son which was credited to us (Rom 10:4, 2 Cor 5:21).
Our performance in obedience and daily failures in sin does not change God’s mind on this matter. His covenant is fixed, because Jesus is our surety. His grace abounds and covers our lives with his preserving and delivering power now and in eternity. God must save us and keep us, otherwise we have no hope. It is wonderful encouragement (like a cold ice water in the desert) to know that something greater than ourselves has the wheel of our lives.
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D
www.springoflivingwaters.com