Trust the Lord

I trust in you, O LORD: I say, “You are my God.” My times are in your hands…  Psalm 31:14-15

 

I have had many occasions to share those words with people, often when there is a lot of anxiety in their lives. I think our current economic situation in this country would fall into that category. The reason I like to share these words with people in stressful situations is to remind them (and myself) that our times are in God’s hands whether we realize it or not. In times of crisis, we can become intensely aware of God and our need for His help. When things are running smoothly, it is easy to be oblivious to God’s presence. But in joy or sorrow, sickness or health, richer or poorer, He is in control.

 

David wrote this Psalm when faced with a conspiracy so powerful and open that all his friends abandoned him. In the face of threatening forces, he took comfort and refuge in the God who was his Rock, the one who had already shown mercy and abundant blessing to him countless times throughout his life.

 

Our problems in this life are with us throughout our journey here on earth. What makes them tolerable is the same confidence David voiced: I trust in you, O LORD: I say, “You are my God.” My times are in your hands… You can hear David’s confidence throughout this Psalm. Consider these other portions of Psalm 31:

 

• you are my rock and my fortress
• into your hands I commit my spirit
• Let your face shine on your servant; save me in your unfailing love.
• Praise be to the LORD, for he showed his wonderful love to me
• The LORD preserves the faithful…
• Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.

 

David knew the one in whom he believed and was confident. You and I have even more reason to be confident than David. We have seen the ultimate display of God love which David only anticipated, the one who would come from his descendants: Jesus Christ. In Him, God’s love has come to each of us.

We are in that season where we are preparing to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. Before that happened, Jesus displayed the supreme act of love in laying down His life for us. His death paid the penalty our sins deserved. We can be confident God saved us, displaying His wonderful love in no uncertain terms in the gift of His Son as our Savior. That gives each of us the reason to be strong and take heart, no matter what else is happening in this world.

I trust in you, O Lord: I say, “You are my God.” My times are in your hands… You don’t need a time of crisis to find comfort in these words. They ring true when things are going well. And knowing Jesus Christ, crucified and risen again, things are going well for us.