We love summer! For many it is a time to catch our breath and squeeze in a vacation with the family. Vacations are about making memories, bonding, and enjoying life! However, sometimes the hardest part of any vacation is the journey to the destination. “Are we there yet?” becomes the proverbial nails on the chalkboard for many parents. Children (and some adults) find it difficult to embrace the journey even though special memories are often made along the way.
I have been reading in the Psalms during my quiet time, and I continue to be blown away by the life of David. Was he on a journey or what? I can honestly say that my life experiences pale in comparison! David’s life could be characterized by…
· bravery (Goliath)
· fear (Solomon)
· rebellion (Bathsheba)
· humility (Nathan)
· restoration (kingship)
However, David is most known as a man after God’s own heart.
If you have spent any time in the Psalms, you know what I mean. I love how David seems to hold nothing back. It seems he had his own version of “Are we there yet?” Case in point. You God are my only safe haven. Why have you tossed me aside? Why must I wander around in grief oppressed by my enemies?” Psalms 43:2.
At times David may have sounded impatient, but upon closer examination, trends emerge. David repeats the following messages throughout the Psalms.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy! Psalms 57: 1
David literally cries out to God (I cry to you for help when my heart is overwhelmed). He was not afraid to acknowledges his limitations. He was completely transparent, verbalizing his frustrations, his questions, and his fears. It was obvious David had complete trust in God. He knew who was in control. In the last part of Psalm 60 David point blank states, “Human help is useless. With God’s help we will do mighty things.”
He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I cannot be shaken. Psalm 62:2,6.
David speaks with such confidence. He faced many enemies in his lifetime; however, he continually claimed the mighty power of God for protection and victory.
Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in Him. Psalm 62:1,5
At times David had to exhibit restraint and simply wait quietly. Not an easy task but doable because his hope was in the one true God.
My heart is confident in you, O God; my heart is confident. No wonder I can sing your praises. Wake up, my heart! Wake up, O lyre and harp! I will wake the dawn with my song. I will thank you, Lord, among the people.I will sing your praises among the nations. For your unfailing love is as high as the heavens. Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds. Be exalted, O God, above the highest heavens. May your glory shine over all the earth. Psalm 57:7-11
Throughout the Psalms, David is vocal and over-the-top when it comes to praise. David was held in great esteem as king, but he wanted everyone to know who should receive the glory, and it wasn’t him! He never ran out of ways to give God praise!
Life is a series of journeys. Sometimes the road is smooth sailing, and other times it can be a bit bumpy. I want so badly to learn along the way instead of always asking, “Are we there yet, God?” David is a great example for all of us.
1. It’s okay to bare our soul to God. Nothing we can say will surprise him. We can trust Him.
2. It’s okay to repeat what you believe over and over again! We can remind ourselves that God is our rock and our protector.
He will be victorious!
3. It’s okay to say nothing—to wait quietly and watch as God proves himself faithful.
4. It’s okay to tell others about the goodness of God. After all, it is all about His glory. Let’s shower Him with praise!
Enjoy the journey.