https://odb.org/MY/2022/11/14/the-love-of-god-2
We know life like the weather is unpredictable. It may be smooth sailing for some of us but there are and will be turbulence. There are ups and downs. Happy and sad moments. Times of joy and sadness. As we find our way in the world, we will have milestone achievements and yet failed expectations, disappointing results even unrealised potential due to lack of opportunities. We want to shine but was not given the avenue.
In Psalm 57, David had the misfortune and bad experience of needing to deal with Saul, the king he had been anointed by Samuel the prophet to replace. God had chosen him over Saul and yet Saul instead of yielding, seeks to kill him! As much as it is natural for people to preserve their position, Israel was a nation with a covenant with the LORD, with a God appointed prophet who has spoken. Isn’t that an open defiance against God when Saul sought to kill David?, God’s appointed successor?
For David, it must have been heart wrenching to experience this development of events. From a shepherd boy to the famous one who killed Goliath and redeemed Israel, to a successful army commander designated to be king one day and now a fugitive being hunted like a wild animal and needing to hide in caves. Caves are smelly, suffocating and dark but to save his life and fulfil God’s plan and purpose for him, he needed to persevere and stay alive.
What’s the message this morning? There are and will be difficult and disappointing times. Whether at work, in college or even in church. Like David in Psalm 57, we must find refuge in God and reach out to His unfailing love. Let Him be exalted above the heavens and let His glory fill all over the earth. His love is great, reaching to the heavens and His faithfulness reaches to the skies. Most importantly, we must not give up because if we do, we will not be able to do His will for us. Plough on despite the setbacks, despite the discouraging turn of events. Like David, we need to turn to God and not give up so that His plans and purposes for us remain intact. David needed to stay alive so that He can be king one day, as anointed and appointed by the LORD.
We need to persevere on so that whatever the Lord wishes to achieve through us may be fulfilled. Never lose sight of Christ but turn to Him in times of despair and disappointment. Surely He will lift us up and strengthen us as there is yet much to be done for Him!
Ronnie's Thoughts 