As David’s song—preserved for us as Psalm 13—reaches its climax, David’s posture has changed once again. David on His Feet. “But I have trusted in Your lovingkindness; My heart shall rejoice in Your salvation. I will sing to the LORD, Because He has dealt bountifully with me.” (Psalm 13:5–6)
Read MoreCategory Archives: Crisis
From Despondency to Ecstasy
David’s struggle with despondency grew very intense, perhaps prompting him to write the song we know today as Psalm 13. We can’t be certain of the issue plaguing the poet-king. We do know, however, that some of David’s darkest days came before he was officially promoted to the throne of Israel. God was preparing him for an immense task, and He used the trials to shape him into a man of maturity and inner strength.
Read MoreFor Endurance in Trials
“Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the LORD your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6) Lord, we all remember times of passing through the waters and going through the fire—overwhelming tests and furnace-like trials. And we have the scars to prove it.
Read MoreFor Protection and Strength in the Face of Terrorism
“Cease striving and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” The LORD of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our stronghold. (Psalm 46:10–11) O God, as never before in this generation, we are dependent upon You for protection and strength. Though the mountains quake, though bridges fall, though tunnels are destroyed, though ships sink
Read MoreAnchor of Renewal
Can you imagine fighting a storm for two weeks and getting virtually no nourishment? That’s what the men on Paul’s ship experienced. Even more amazing, that’s how most people respond to life’s storms.
Read MoreAnchor of Stability
The anchor of stability holds firm when your navigation system fails. It’s easy to lose your bearings in the storm. You can’t find your way through the circumstances you face. Life rolls along fairly smoothly until suddenly the seas grow rough.
Read MoreStraight Thinking
Have you ever felt the ground move under your feet? Do you know what it’s like to pitch from side to side in a small boat on strong seas? Have you ever had to run for cover, dodge bullets, or duck out of the way of advancing troops?
Read MoreSufficient Grace
Release the idea that contentment requires comfort. Contentment is possible no matter how dire your circumstances. While under house arrest, Paul wrote, “I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am.”
Read MoreNothing New
Remember that suffering is not new. In what is probably the oldest book in the Bible, the book of Job, we read, “For man is born for trouble, as sparks fly upward” (Job 5:7). Now there’s a statement we need to teach our children.
Read MoreGrace That Won’t Let Go
This is a good time to correct faulty thinking. It is not always God’s will that you be healed. It is not always the Father’s plan to relieve the pressure. Our happiness is not God’s chief aim.
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