Peace in the midst of trouble
Those who spurn God often oppose those who seek him. Sometimes fellow believers attack God-seekers also, adding to their griefs. In either case, we can turn to the God who hears the cry of the oppressed.
A David psalm.
1 Answer me when I call
O God of my vindication!
When I was backed into a corner
you got me out of it.
Be gracious to me now
and hear my prayer.
2 How long will you people of influence
drag my good name through the mud?
How long will you falsely accuse me
and traffic in lies?
3 Make no mistake:
Yahveh sets the faithful apart for himself
and Yahveh hears me when I call on him.
4 Don’t sin when you’re disturbed.
Rather, quiet your heart on your bed
and be still.
5 Offer sacrifices
with your heart intent on honoring God
and put your trust in Yahveh.
6 Many are saying,
“Who will bring us success?”
You alone, Yahveh.
Lift up your radiant face on us!
7 You’ve filled my heart
with more joy than they have
when their barns overflow with grain and wine.
8 I lie down and sleep peacefully
since you alone, Yahveh
make me rest secure.
David may have written this with either Saul or Absalom in hot pursuit. People are dishonoring him, falsely accusing him and lying about him, and it’s already been going on far too long. He clearly can’t just wish these enemies away. So he turns to the God who exonerates him and who graciously released him once when he similarly had no way out—the God who hears and honors all who cry to him.
David counsels us not to not react to disturbance in ways that only make matters worse, but rather do these three things: calm down, offer sacrifices to align ourselves with God and his purposes, and put our trust in Yahveh—the God who redeemed his undeserving, hopelessly oppressed people from Egypt. Something no pagan would ever have credited their gods with doing.
Amidst all the hand wringing in his camp, David knows who alone can rescue him and restore his life. He asks Yahveh simply to smile on his oppressed people. He knows the God who cares for the oppressed beams more joy into his heart than his enemies have at the best of times. And with that comes restful sleep in the knowledge that he’s safe in Yahveh’s strong arms.
However many oppose me, Lord, you’ve set me apart for yourself. You, my redeemer, will yet bring me out into the open. Keep me from making things worse for myself. Help me to wait on you. Lift up your beaming face and give me rest in the safety of your embrace. Amen.
During your free moments today, meditate on these words:
Many are saying, “Who will bring us success?”
You alone, Yahveh! Lift up your radiant face on us.
