Praise befits the upright, as a response for Gods’ people who receive his benefits. Though He does not shield us from all the hardships of life, His steadfast love preserves and leads us through them. It can be a struggle to holdfast to our faith in this truth when are bearing the burdens of health afflictions, financial hardships, and dysfunctional relationships. It is in these seasons that we must remember this principle: Trust what we know about God, rather than how our present circumstances make us feel. The Bible reveals God’s unflinching dependability which is like a anchor to our faith in times of trouble. David offers the following wisdoms that should encourages us he closes this Psalm.
Does God see what I am going through? In our human condition, our foresight is limited as to how each day will unfold (cf., Mt 6:25-34). Like looking at a map, you and I only have “street view” of our lives. If we can barely see 50 feet down one street, we certainty have no visibility of what is around the corner at the end of that same street. Staying with this imagery, God has “Google Earth,” view of our lives. He sees the whole course of our lives from beginning to end (and from the end to the beginning, cf., Isa 46:9-10). From where does God carry out this administration? High and lifted up on his throne, thus David declares, “The Lord looks down from heaven; he sees all the children of man; (14) from where he sits enthroned he looks out on all the inhabitants of the earth…” (v13-14). Often, the origins of our discouragement stems from a belief that God pays no attention to what we are going through here on earth. The Bible reveals this is not true. Beloved, trust that He sees you, and He is already at work for you (and ahead of you) from a position of absolutely authority over your life, “Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear him, on those who hope in his steadfast love” (v18).
Doesn’t God help those who help themselves? This is common way of thinking in a society that lacks compassion. Unfortunately, many Christians have embraced this as biblical truth. Please understand, we will have no success finding scripture to support this cultural proverb, any more than the one that says, “Cleanliness is close to Godliness.” Neither are true. Sure, God has given all (as means of common grace) abilities, talents, and wisdom to solve pragmatic issues of the day. For example, if we discover our car has a flat tire in our driveway, logic informs us to change the tire with a spare. Arriving to that answer does not require prayer. However, there are periods of life where our problems are too large and many to bare. Our human effort and ingenuity has failed us. Even seeking the help of others offers no deliverance from our situation. In these seasons we are reminded that God is our only true Helper. Only he saves, thus, “The king is not saved by his great army; a warrior is not delivered by his great strength. (17) The war horse is a false hope for salvation, and by its great might it cannot rescue” (v16-17). By coming to the end of self, we draw closer to true deliverance.
As humans we are conditioned to place our trust in what they see and hear. True peace in the midst of troubles comes from God whom we do not see (Heb 11:1), or as Jesus would say, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed” (Jn 20:29). In other words, there is deeper truth we must trust in: God delivers our souls from eternal condemnation. Surely, if we have trusted Him for our eternal estate, how difficult could it be for God to be our help and shield in earthly matters? Is his arm too short to save? If He has made provision (before the foundations of the world) for the greater, how hard can the lesser (temporary) things be for God? Trust him today. This is the key to the preservation of our joy in the midst of it all. David embraced this truth, “For our heart is glad in him, because we trust in his holy name.” Amen.
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D.
www.springoflivingwaters.com