There are seasons of life where everything that can go wrong, does go wrong. Our best efforts to mitigate and avoid problems has proven unsuccessful. Normally, we have our human strength and ingenuity as insurance policy for these moments, only to discover it isn’t enough to cover the size and magnitude of the trial we are facing. Once this reality begins to sink in, distress makes its appearance and consumes out thoughts. In this Psalm, David has enemies on all sides who were bigger and strong than he was. He details to God the perilousness of his situation:
- His distress had brought him to tears. He was deeply troubled to the core of his being, thus he says, “my eye is wasted from grief; my soul and my body also” (v9).
- His friends forsake him. Rumors and gossip of plots against his life surrounded him in the hearing of others. Therefore his neighbors and friends did not want to be involved and they avoided him like a leper. They wanted no association with one who appeared to have lost creditability and was mired in disgrace, thus he adds, “Because of all my adversaries I have become a reproach, especially to my neighbors, and an object of dread to my acquaintances; those who see me in the street flee from me” (v11). I always say, you find out who your real friends are when you life is falling apart.
In spite of the chaos all around him, David was a man of great faith. He turned to God for help, thus, “But I trust in you, O Lord; I say, ‘You are my God’” (v14). Here are some highlights of his prayer that should be an encouragement to us in moments and seasons of great difficulty:
- Our chronicles of God. When we are “going through” something, how quickly we can forget the testimony of God’s deliverance in our past. We become just like the children of Israel who witnessed the mighty hand of God’s salvation many times, but yet faith was still lacking in the present season of trial. Surely if God can deliver his people from Pharaoh by parting the Red Sea, can not this same God provide food and water in the wilderness where none exists? (Ex 16-17, cf., Jn 6). David reflects on all God’s past saving works in his own life and he draws strength in his faith from it, “My times are in your hands; rescue me from the hand of my enemies…” (v16). Though our problems change in magnitude and complexity, our God remains steadfast in character and power. Surely the arm of the Lord is not too short to save, nor is his ears to dull to hear our cries.
- Make your request known to God. David continues his prayer, “O Lord, let me not be put to shame, for I call upon you; let the wicked be put out shame; let them go silently to Sheol” (v17). He knew God would hear him and deliver in his timing. Why then does David asks for God’s salvation anyway? Here is why: To turn to God fortifies our faith. To turn to God, we acquire what we need the most to strengthen us in midst of trial while we wait……..the peace of God that is not of this world. Paul affirms, “do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. (7) And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Phi 4:6-7).
Such peace clears the fog of fear clouding our heart and mind so that we can regain clarity to remember the abundant goodness God has stored up for those who fear him. Such peace reminds us that God is a refuge for those who seek him. Such peace reminds us that God hears our prayers and preserves the faithful by his steadfast love. These truths should encourage us as we deal with life’s afflictions. David exhorts in the closing of the Psalm, “Be strong, and let your heart take courage. All you who wait for the Lord!” (v24). Let this hymn reign in your hearts,
“They that wait on the Lord,
Shall renew their strength.
They shall mount up with wings,
like eagles and soar.
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall run and never faint,
They that…wait on the Lord!”
Hallelujah! Give HIM the glory!
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D.
www.springoflivingwaters.com