TRUST

Psalm 57:4—I am in the midst of lions; I lie among ravenous beasts—men whose teeth are spears and arrows, whose tongues are sharp swords.

He was treated like an outlaw, a condemned man with an entire army pursuing him. Despite the fact that he had committed no crime, the ruler of the land was determined to kill him. With a band of ragtag followers he skillfully ran and hid always remaining one step ahead of his countrymen tracking his every move.

Consider what obstacles he faced. He had to survive in the En Gedi desert, a place with venomous snakes, scorpions and dangerous animals. A broiling sun, high desert winds and cold nights made just living painful. His emotions plummeted to depression and leaped to joy only to fall again as new obstacles replaced old triumphs. On top of his own needs, he carried the burden of leading and caring for his loyal friends and fellow warriors. Finding food and water was a major challenge. At night they slept the fitful sleep of the hunted. Every noise could be the advance of an approaching enemy.

He found a cave to hide in. His enemies camped outside not knowing they literally had him trapped. Most astonishingly, the jealous king who sought his death came into the same cave to rest. Now the hunted became the hunter. With one quick thrust of a sword he would be the conqueror putting an end to the mad king obsessed with killing him.

Instead, David spared Saul’s life. Rather than act in his human strength to be rid of his pursuer he chose to trust in God Most High, the One “Who fulfills His purpose for me. He sends from heaven and saves me, rebuking those who hotly pursue me; God sends His love and His faithfulness . . . Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let Your glory be over all the earth” (Psa.57:2,3,5). You can find this incredible story in 1 Samuel 24.

Yes, David had problems. He also had a steadfast heart capable of generating praise songs in dire occasions. Why? Because beneath the coat of unfair he was forced to wear was a heart that beat the indestructible theme--I trust God! How about you? Do you sometimes feel like a rusted VW Bug trying to avoid being run over by three lanes of SUVs and 18-wheeler trucks? Does life seem unfair? Excellent—now is the perfect time to praise God. That’s right! The best way to understand problems begins with praise. God, Who fulfilled His purpose in David’s life, will fulfill His purpose in your life. Will you let Him? Will you let go of solving problems your way and trust in His way? I hope so—you won’t regret it.

Inspiration
The problems of life are only explainable by means of a right relationship to God.—Oswald Chambers in Conformed to His Image