"Preserve me O God, for in You I put my trust" (Psalm 16:1).
In our Sunday school class this week we studied Psalm 16, a short Psalm that can be read in a few minutes, and a great source of Scriptural comfort. As is often the case the Lord has used this portion of Scripture in my life this week as I have ministered to others.
Among Brooksyne's many homemaking tasks one she especially enjoys is making jams and preserves. My favorite jam is her strawberry rhubarb recipe which she preserves during the summer months so that we can enjoy it throughout the year. In fact as I prepare today's message I am having a piece of toasted sour dough bread topped with her delicious preserves! (She made it look like a June Cleaver table setting for the photo.)
Some 3,000 years ago the Psalmist spoke of another type of preservation. I wonder how many believers down through the ages have identified with it and found comfort in their time of need? This Psalm, unlike several others written by David, gives no background regarding the source of his distress. I find comfort in this general, non-specific description since our distresses vary greatly, yet the prayer we find here is applicable to any need.
David experienced many days when despair would grip his heart. This would blur his vision of a loving and faithful God who provides deliverance from the troublesome circumstances of life. But as he began to meditate on the Scriptures his hope would be renewed and his faith preserved.
"Preserve me O God, for in You I put my trust." We all need divine preservation don't we? Joseph is a tremendous example that most all readers are familiar with (Genesis 37-50). Some of our readers are going through a "Joseph" type trial and are at the point where Joseph was thrown into the pit. Unable to pull himself out Joseph could overhear his brothers plotting for his death. God preserved his life, in spite of those who plotted his death, but He certainly put him through the pressure cooker of injustice and godless authority.
In severe times of testing the enemy thoroughly enjoys playing mind games with us where we second guess our every thought or action. We become fearful allowing uncertainty to replace our confidence. Sometimes the God-ordained circumstances of life make the appeal for divine preservation all the more urgent and heartfelt. The word "preserved" translates a very descriptive Hebrew word that literally means, "to hedge about."
Psalm 16 ends with this wonderful testimony of assurance, a direct result of steadfast trust: "You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand." Friends, you may especially need this reassuring Scripture today. Certainly we all do. Our responsibility is to place our confidence in the One who changes not which will deepen our trust in Him.
Bible teacher James Montgomery Boice observes: “The God of the Bible is not weak; He is strong. He is all mighty. Nothing happens without His permission or apart from His purposes, even evil. Nothing disturbs or puzzles Him. His purposes are always accomplished. Therefore those who know Him rightly act with boldness assured that God is with them to accomplish His own desirable purposes in their lives.”
Blaine Allen shares this perspective: "Tuck this thought away: Never in eternity will we want to walk up to Jesus and say, 'I surely wish you had answered my prayer differently'." Deep in my spirit I believe that to be true. A hymn writer expressed it another way when he wrote: "We'll understand it all by and by."
We may not understand the current pain, nor may we always see the end purpose on this side, but let's keep trusting! "For we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28).
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily prayer: Father, as You call us to walk the narrow path the vast majority rejects, we thank You for the godly examples who have gone before us and shown us the way. Such giants of the faith as Abraham, Moses, Joseph, Paul and countless others throughout the generations have shown us the way to be faithful even in the midst of adversity. They made great sacrifices in their lifetime to gain an eternal inheritance in heaven. Their sacrifice was temporal and short in duration compared to the eternal pleasures they now enjoy. Help us not to resent the struggles that lead us to seek You in a deeper more intimate relationship. May we, like Job, learn from our trials and declare: “I know that you can do all things; no plan of yours can be thwarted. My ears had heard of You but now my eyes have seen You” (Job 42:2,5).
Chaplain Stephen and Brooksyne Weber serve with Transport for Christ. Click here to contact the Webers.
Click here for more daily encouragement. Subscribe to receive this free daily e-mail.
