Today’s reading, written by David either during or in response to his time hiding from Saul, gives us a front-row seat into his soul. Here, we go beyond the historical context straight into David’s emotions. The Word of God puts his fears and resolve, doubts and confidence, confessions and innocence, and desires and frustration right in our laps! Here, we see the great struggle of David’s humanity, his spirituality, his laments, and his praises. And in so many ways, here we see us! Three thoughts resonated with me this morning.
Fears
David experienced fear! Fear is a nasty enemy, not just of the soul but also the body! In fact, David was in such distress from fear that he experienced times of physical illness. Notice his testimony.
Have mercy on me, Lord, for I am in distress. Tears blur my eyes. My body and soul are withering away. (Psalm 31:9, NLT)
But David cried out to God, and what did God do? God delivered David from his fears!
I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. (Psalm 34:4, KJV)
Notice David speaks of the LORD delivering him from all his fears. The word delivered means to be rescued. Fear had taken David captive, but God rescued him! Also, notice God didn’t deliver David from the situation that caused the fear; He delivered David from the fear of the situation. Now that’s deliverance!
Trust
Having been rescued from fear, David grows in his trust in God. In Psalm 27:1-3, David testifies that even if Saul surrounds him with Israel’s army and attacks him, he is confident that God will save him. In Psalm 27:13-14, David expresses great confidence that he has a future, and he will see the LORD’s goodness in that future! Eventually, David encourages others to do the same, as shown in Psalm 31:23–24.
Praise
What did David’s rescue from fear and growing trust produce in his life? Praise! In Psalm 31:19–21, David couldn’t keep quiet about what God did for him and what He does for those who trust Him. In fact, he couldn’t stop singing about it.
I will praise the LORD according to his righteousness: and will sing praise to the name of the LORD most high. (Psalm 7:17, KJV)
Believers, we have this same God! We have a God who can rescue us from all our fears, regardless of the situation! We have a God who can be trusted and is worthy of our trust! Holy confidence in Him replaces fear, distress, and panic! Because we have this same God, praise to God and encouragement to others are our conversations! And the song we sing amid trouble turns heads and hearts towards the God of our salvation. Let us rejoice in this, our God!
When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. (Psalm 34:17, ESV)
Thank you for joining with me as I read and journal chronologically through the Bible! This devotional reflection comes from Psalm 7; 27; 31; 34; 52.