This evening I was reading through the third chapter of Psalms. This chapter is written by David as he was fleeing for his life from his son Absalom.
David is often referred to as a man who sought after God's own heart. After reading through this chapter, I began to wonder what made David so earnestly seek God?
David, like many other people we consider to be inspirational, had a pretty tough life. Many chapters in the Old Testament are filled with stories of him fleeing from one enemy, or another, and hiding in caves.
I've been in a few caves and while they are fun to explore, I would not likely start real estate shopping for one. They are dark, cold, small, and hard (so basically all around uncomfortable). If I was David I would be complaining from sun up to sun down. But that's not what we read in Psalm 3.
He praises God for always being there to be his shield. He seeks God's will because through his struggle, he has to face the issues at face value. He can't wish them away. He is forced to realize that nothing he do can will ultimately change what he is facing.
David was so strong because he had to deal with so much. Life never seemed comfortable for David too long before the next struggle would hit. But he saw these obstacles as they really are, blessings in disguise.
It was through the constant upheaval of David's life that he learned complete trust in God. The book of Psalms is filled with the evident joy and peace that overcame him.
These Psalms show us the great rewards that await once we learn to do the same. Through the struggle we learn to let go of our control of the situation. We are forced to realize we are weak.
Give up the power struggle and complaining. Allow the shield of the Lord surround you and find peace.
