2 Samuel 22:2–7 (ESV) — 2 He said,
“The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer,
3 my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge,
my shield, and the horn of my salvation,
my stronghold and my refuge,
my savior; you save me from violence.
4 I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised,
and I am saved from my enemies.
5 “For the waves of death encompassed me,
the torrents of destruction assailed me;
6 the cords of Sheol entangled me;
the snares of death confronted me.
7 “In my distress I called upon the Lord;
to my God I called.
From his temple he heard my voice,
and my cry came to his ears.
NOTE: This is a Psalm outside of the psalms that encompasses many other songs of David. Early in the passage we see repeated images which give us insight into David's reliance upon God. David calls God a rock, a fortress or stronghold, and a deliver or savior. David could stand firm because he stood upon the rock. David always had a place to turn for protection. And David always had a savior who would come to his aide when he needed. In the next part, the imagery starts out as an ocean of waves that continually break against the shore. It never seems to end. David always felt that he was only a step from death. Something or somebody was always trying to trip him up. And the third part shows David's secret. God was always there, he could hear him. He did not need to be at the temple. He did not need to take the ark into battle. God was always one prayer away, and always aware.
The struggle, is that the statements are true but don't seem true. God does not answer when we call, or at least it seems that way. God does not hear or at least does not seem to hear. We are not delivered or at least not when we want to be delivered. But that is there where faith is most important, because the "seem to" is the real illusion. The statements are true even when the appearance is not to our liking. He does hear; he does answer; he does deliver. Below are my three favorite verses which say exactly the same thing.
Hebrews 11:1 (ESV) — 1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
Hebrews 11:6 (ESV) — 6 And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.
Romans 8:28 (ESV) — 28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
PONDER:
- Do I have faith? Or am I just trying to control God for my good?
PRAYER: Father, I am entering a new phase in life. I have planned prudently, but it is meaningless if I do not trust you. This last phase of life has to be live for you just as the preceding phases. There is no time off. I am here for your purpose, help me to see it, do it, and fulfill it.
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