Monday, September 28, 2009
Help for the Helpless
(Psalm 3)
“Troubles run in packs,” the old saying goes. And such was David’s experience in Psalm 3. He had fearlessly faced down a lion, a bear, and a giant (I Sam. 17:34). He had fled from King Saul, later to ascend Israel’s throne. Now, David found himself running—and praying—again. This time trouble sprang from his own household: His son Absalom had led a rebellion and usurped David’s throne. The immediate success of Absalom’s rebellion was so complete, some even speculated that God Himself couldn’t help David (2).
When things are at their worst, God is at His best! David knew what the skeptics did not: The God who had seen him through the previous rough spots of life had not changed. In fact, David claimed God as his shield, his glory, and his encouragement (3). Contrary to the taunt of the skeptics, God’s resources had not run out. David had not seen the last of God’s intervention!
A survey of David’s life begs the question, “How could David make it through so many trials?” The answer is simple: David went through each trial with an increasing awareness of God’s presence. The shepherd boy who thrilled at slaying a lion, a bear, and a giant had come to know God in the tough moments of life. Apart from those tough moments, David would not have known the power of the presence of God.
Did you catch it? We meet God, learn of Him, and rely upon Him when the going gets tough. Walking the tough road with God brings sweet peace (5) and confidence inspired not of men, but of God Himself (6)!
