David was a man who knew all about trouble. His life was frequently surrounded by danger. His youth was spent looking after sheep, and he frequently encountered wild animals, such as wolves, bears, and mountain lions. Most of his young adult years were spent fleeing for his life from King Saul. Then as king he had to fight many battles with the surrounding nations, along with an attempted coup by his son, Absalom. David certainly did not have a life of ease. Throughout all of these often life-threatening difficulties, however, David knew the Lord God’s protection and care.
Our Psalm for today was one that David wrote, possibly later in his life. It does not refer to any specific incident, but rather reminisces over how God came to his aid and defense each and every time he was in danger. Do you ever feel overwhelmed with troubles, problems, and struggles? Do you feel as if surrounded by enemies, either literal or figurative? This psalm is for you. Let’s take a look, and see how David could put his trust in God.
David knew first hand that God, not himself, was his protection. He describes God’s care in many ways (vs 2). God is a rock. Not a small stone we kick down the street, but a boulder where we can find both safety and shelter behind. He is also a fortress. In times of battle we can run to Him for safety, and the enemy cannot follow. He is a shield that comes between us and harm, and a horn of salvation, a symbol of might and power. God is our stronghold, high above our enemies. In our hour of need we must look to God for our protection.
In his dark hours David didn’t depend on himself or anyone else for help. He cried out to God (vs 6). Throughout Scripture many people have cried out to Him. Those who were afraid, and those who were sad. There were those who were sick or grieving a death, who were slaves, or who were lonely. Whatever our need is, if we cry out to God He will hear us.
The psalm continues to describe in very descriptive ways how God comes to our aid (vs 7-15). The cherubim (vs 10) are a rank or type of angelic being. One of their functions are as guardians. They guarded the way to the tree of life. They also guarded the Most Holy Place where the Ark of the Covenant was in the Temple. Here God uses them in our aid and defense.
Sometimes our troubles overwhelm us so much we feel like we are drowning, or that our enemies are exceedingly strong, and we are weak (vs 16-19). David was not a weakling or a coward. He was a mighty warrior. He knew, though, that even with his strength and ability he needed God. When we feel like drowning, call out to God for His help. He will hold us steady and protect us.
Again, David called God his shield and rock (vs 30-31). He is a shield for us to protect us when we are too weak to face some trials by ourselves. David called God a rock just as Moses did in his song about the Lord (Deuteronomy 32:4). God is a massive, unshakeable foundation and source of protection. God won’t always eliminate our problems, but He will give us strength and help through them. He will never leave us alone in our time of need.
We can run to safety in God’s care whenever we need to. Be quick to run to God instead of trying to deal with problems on our own. Pray to Him for help. Be faithful in following God in all our ways and in all our days. We can find refuge in God’s love any time. When we feel overwhelmed and frightened by the enemies in our life, remember this psalm by King David. God is our rock and our protector.
No comments:
Post a Comment