We are strengthened when we wait on the deliverance of the Lord. Sometimes our faith grows faint in the “waiting period”, when it seems that God does not answer our prayers right away. Anxiety can begin to cloud our perspective on our situation, and empower our emotions to guide our decisions (rather than a sound mind guarded in Christ). This is what David is wrestling against, as he prays earnestly, “Hear, O Lord, when I cry aloud; be gracious to me and answer me!” Only by seeking the face of God are we assured of His help. What promises was David reminded of that kept his focus on God in the midst of the evil and chaos he faced?
God is faithful to his servants (v9). In David’s life, the Lord was his guiding light, thus he declares, “…O you have been my help.” He appeals to God not to reject him (i.e., hide his face). He was confident that God would not abandon him, even if his own parents cast him out, thus, “For my father and my mother have forsaken me, but the Lord will take me in.” None are perfect in our walk with the Lord. What appears to be delays in God’s deliverance could cause us to question whether He is still for us. But we are assured that those who are in Christ, that nothing in all creation (even our sin) will separate or cause God to reject his children (Rom 8:37-39). We are encouraged by Solomon words when he says, “for the righteous fall seven times and rises again” (Prv 24:16). This is because God bears us up.
God is a light in the darkness (v11-12). When the fog of trial surrounds us, it can be hard to discern the way out of it. David ask of God, “teach me your ways, O Lord, and lead me on a level path because of my enemies.” His enemies plotted in secret (false testimonies) and hid themselves in dark places (that he could not see) to ensnare him. David wanted assurance from God that his enemies would not be victorious over him. Likewise, though we can suffer many things at the hands of those who hate our testimony and witness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, they will not have final victory over us. God has a purpose for allowing suffering for appointed seasons of our lives. Remember, the hells of the cross, his adversaries, death and sin did not have the final say over Jesus who conquered all when he rose from the grave! We shall not fear them, but rather God. Why? Like David declare in verse 1 of this Psalm, “The Lord is the stronghold of my life, of whom shall I be afraid?” The will of our adversaries will not prevail, because Jesus has the last say in the life of his people. We are not waiting for such victory, for we already have it in Christ! (1 Cor 15:57)
These truths should strengthen our confidence in God. It certainly did for David who says, “I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living!” (v14). This promise gave him strength to exercise patience and not get ahead of God’s will. Being still before God and waiting for his deliverance takes courageous faith. By waiting on the Lord we shall benefit from his refuge that is restorative and protective in the midst of life’s storms. Isaiah declares, “…they who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not be faith” (Isa 40:31). Amen.
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D.
www.springoflivingwaters.com