When life hits us, where do we turn? Sometimes I think, if God is really for us and loves us, why is life so hard at times?
It’s important to ask our deep questions and not bury them. Jesus himself cried out from the cross, ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’ In that cry he was expressing our age-old bewilderment when we just don’t know how to believe. I find it very comforting that Jesus allowed himself to be so real. He identified with our pain and confusion, literally carrying them to the cross on our behalf.
In Psalm 3 David is in one of these very hard places in his life. His son is out to kill him and David is in fear of his life. Many of us have known the heartbreak of rejection from those closest to us. The enemy seeks to crush us through such pain and he seems so powerful. Yet David realises something that’s even more powerful when he says, ‘you are a shield around me O Lord, you bestow glory on me and lift up my head.’(v.3)
Despite all the sadness of his situation and the very real threat to his life, David believes God’s loving protection is all around him. Do we believe this too?
A dear friend of mine had a medical crisis today but a retired nurse neighbour just happened to be home and able to help. Another miracle was that the ambulance was close by. God’s shield takes many different forms but will always have the hallmark of his love and kindness upon it. How has he shielded you? He would so love you to see and understand that he is always with you ready to bring you help and strength.
David says, ‘I lie down and sleep. I wake again because the Lord sustains me. I will not fear. . .’
When life hits us, sleep becomes the first casualty. How can we rest when we are in turmoil or afraid? But David chooses to rest in the Lord’s sustaining love. The Lord wants to sustain us too. Sustain means being held stable and strong; resting in God’s love and peace; allowing him to take all the struggle. David lies down to sleep even in the midst of danger and is secure that he will waken again and be safe. God is in control. We too can enter his rest.
If life is hitting you hard today, God is with you and wants to lift your head up high to know his love and protection. Rest in him and his precious gift of peace. You will come through this stronger and know the assurance of his love deeper than ever before.
