When David learned that Saul was intent on killing him, David fled to the wilderness. While he slowly amassed an army of his own, he lived mostly in caves and in dense wilderness, constantly on the run. It was during this season that he wrote some of his most poignant Psalms.
The Psalms (Psalms are basically old-fashioned songs, and David wrote many of them!) make it clear that at times he wrestled with God’s plan, but he always came back to the promises of God.
Anointed King, but far from living the experience of a King, the Psalm we read today gives us a glimpse of the intense challenge of David’s experience, coupled with his deep, unwavering faith. He is honest with God about his struggles, yet still finds the strength to turn his heart to praise.
Many years ago I was at a funeral and after singing the old hymn “It is well,” a young widow choked out as many words as she could amidst her grief: “All is not well, but all is well with my soul”, she said. Those words have stuck with me, and they are very similar to David’s words in this Psalm. Even when storms rage around us, having faith like David means blending lament with praise, resting in the tender love of our Father.
Prayer: Lord, give me faith to trust you in the good and the bad. Help me to remember that I can bring all my emotions and experiences to you. Help me Lord, to rest in you.
