God’s providence
You faithfully answer our prayers with awesome deeds, O God our savior. You are the hope of everyone on earth, even those who sail on distant seas. You formed the mountains by your power and armed yourself with mighty strength. You quieted the raging oceans with their pounding waves and silenced the shouting of the nations. Those who live at the ends of the earth stand in awe of your wonders. From where the sun rises to where it sets, you inspire shouts of joy. Psalm 65:5-8
When David wrote Psalm 65 he was in the wilderness. It was barren and desolate place where he was deprived of the comforts of home and exposed to bad weather and hostile enemies.
These things were in and of themselves enough to make the wilderness a very troubling and trying experience. David found it to be even more so for another reason. While in the wilderness he was away from the sanctuary of the Lord (v. 2). There are those who tell us that the child of God should never go through a spiritual wilderness, that he should never feel barren and desolate spiritually. But most of us know that it is inevitable for us to have such times. Even though David was blessed by God, he was not exempt from the wilderness experience he describes in this psalm. The question is not whether we, as God’s people, will have to go through wilderness experiences, but rather how to face them. David focused himself not in the barrenness of the wilderness but in the knowledge that God is with him. He was on the run threatened to be killed by King Saul (see 1 Samuel 22). He was the supposed successor of King Saul, but it appeared that he was not coming near to the throne. This was in spite of the fact that he was a loyal and devoted follower of the king. He defeated Goliath on behalf of King Saul and provided soothing music for the King. In return to the goodness he had shown the King, he was the recipient of his bitter envy and murderous rage. David did not allow the difficulty of his situation to overcome him, instead he reminded himself of the promises of God. He recalled specific moments where God manifested His lovingkindness towards those who have relationship with Him. On this basis, he made his resolve that he need not fear whatever eventualities he will be facing. The more occupied we are with God and His lovingkindness for His children, the more bearable our trials and difficulties will be. We need to delight in God and this requires diligent and determined effort. This is not just about what God can give us but rather to have God Himself to be the Lord of our lives. Like David, always believe that the Lord can come to you in the midst of your difficulties and that He will make known His presence.
Blessings,
Noel De Guzman
Westside Baptist Church
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