The afflictions of the righteous can be many, but God delivers his people out of all of them (Ps 34:19). David had experience with being slandered, despised, and persecuted. He knew what it was like to have enemies stronger than himself, where God was his only salvation. This is truth he reflects on in the opening verses of this Psalm. He encourages us to be strong and of good courage. We need not be afraid, because God is our stronghold against attacks of evil. David declares, “In you, O Lord, do I take refuge.” Our faith helps us to recognize:
- …when our circumstances (or adversaries) are too enormous for us to handle or fight against ourselves.
- … that God is our only help; therefore, we flee to him, like survivors who escaped the burning of their village by a great and powerful militia force.
The primary purpose of a stronghold is to protect and preserve life for all who run into it. David cries out, “Be a rock of refuge for me, a strong fortress to save me!” God was his confidence. Trust preserves our peace so our joy in the Lord is not stolen from us. In great affliction this truth keeps us, thus David says, “Into your hands I commit my spirit;” In other words, in the midst of turbulent waves of life, David rested in God for his faith anchored him there. It should be an encouragement to know that the Lord can identify with all we suffer. Remember, in the midst of great suffering and onslaught of wickedness, he (also) rested in Father, thus he called out with a loud voice just before he died, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” (Lk 23:46). Though he suffered according to the will of his Father, he trusted his promised deliverance.
Dear Christian, commit all your troubles into the mighty hands of God. Persist in prayer. Know that he hears you and he will answer in his timing. While you wait, rest in his protection of your soul. Let us pray with confidence, “The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me? (7) The Lord is on my side as my helper; I shall look in triumph on those who hate me. (8) It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man” (Ps 118:6-8). Let us rejoice and sing within our whole hearts, “He is my rock, my sword, my shield!” Let Peter’s words of exhortation be a refreshment to you today, “…Therefore, let those how suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good” (1. Pt 4:19). Why? Because he is our Confidence. Amen.
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D.
www.springoflivingwaters.com