"Psalm 59:1-8
Faith and opposition
God is our strength in times of difficulty. Belief in God is not the recipe for an easy life. In fact, the reverse is the case. Those who put their faith in God are likely to face all kinds of opposition.
David’s life was under threat. Saul had sent men to watch David’s house in order to kill him. He finds himself surrounded by ‘enemies ... mutineers ... dirty tricks ... hit men ... desperadoes ... ambush ... they’re after me, determined to get me’ (vv.1–4, MSG).
Yet in the midst of this, David prays, ‘Rescue me ...’ (vv.1,2, MSG) and has total confidence that the Lord can and will deliver him (v.8). Later in the psalm, twice David calls on God: ‘O my Strength’ (vv.9,17).
The reason that David was under attack was not because of his own sin. He is able to say, ‘I did nothing to deserve this, God, crossed no one, wronged no one’ (v.4, MSG). Of course, we know from the account of David’s life that there were times when he did wrong, (see, for example, 2 Samuel 11). However, on this occasion, the opposition did not arise from his own sin.
This psalm is a reminder to us that we can cry out to God for help in times of personal difficulties. David prays a personal prayer, ‘Arise to help me; look on my plight’ (Psalm 59:4b). We can also cry out to God for help at times of international crisis. The very next sentence is a prayer for the nation (v.5a). At whatever level the opposition appears, we can ask the Lord for his deliverance, help and intervention.
O my Strength, help us to trust you in times of difficulty and opposition, both personally and as a nation. Deliver us from those who oppose your plans."
1. Thank You that You have always made clear that there is opposition. May I be ready to face it always.
2. Thank You that everything will work out for good. I pray for a final home, O, God.
3. Thank You for easy packing. :)
