Saturday, October 17, 2009
A Poor Man’s Cry
God’s help in trying times is the theme of many of the psalms. The multiple troubles of David provided a backdrop for these psalms, and the Holy Spirit provided the words—expressed through the oft heavy heart of the psalmist. Psalm 34 is a testimony song of God’s delivering David from yet another difficult situation.
Running from Saul and fearing for his life, David made the unwise decision to seek refuge among the Philistines—his arch enemies. (Read the entire story in I Sam. 21:10-15.) They recognized him and brought him before the pagan king. In a last ditch effort to escape, David pretended to be crazy. David’s indignity was an affront to the heathen king, and he ordered David out of his presence. Thus, David fled once again.
David was well aware that his “acting” could not have succeeded apart from God. And, though some feel David’s deportment demonstrated a lack of faith, David ultimately had the good sense to credit the Lord with his escape. Verse 6 sums up David’s feelings about the unfortunate incident:
This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles.
In this simple verse we see (a) the condition of the man—“poor,” (b) the cry of the heart, (c) the compassion of the Lord—“heard,” and (d) the completeness of deliverance—“all.” Perhaps we would do well to reference this simple verse when our less-than-intelligent actions get us into a tight spot!
