Here in Your presence...

Scripture:  Psalm 31:19a,20  “How great is the goodness you have stored up for those who fear you……You hide them in the shelter of your presence, safe from those who conspire against them.  You shelter them in your presence, far from accusing tongues.”

 

Observation:  David is in a pickle – beset on all sides, it seems!!  Yet, in spite of the pressures, he doesn’t alter his position with regard to the Lord.  No “blame game” here.  No “why are You letting this happen to me”? questions.  No “what have I ever done to deserve this?”  David’s position is clear – God is still good!!  David is going to continue to walk in the fear of the Lord – obeying Him and seeking Him for direction.  For when he does, he walks in the midst of God’s presence – and that is the only place of true safety.  God’s presence is David’s’ refuge & shelter from his enemies and their machinations.

 

Application:  When “bad things happen to good people” – as they clearly did in David’s case – how do I respond?  I haven’t had to literally flee for my life, as David did – and through no fault of his own!!  But there are times when things happen which are “not fair” .  Situations arise which cause  distress, grief, heartache – and through no fault of one’s own!!  What then?  Blame God?  Ask “why me, Lord”?  No!!  Like David, there is only one place to be in those times.  There is only one place of safety and security.  In the presence of the Living God.  Convinced of His goodness at all times….even in the bad times.  That’s not to say I ignore the situation or pretend everything’s wonderful when it’s not……Just read the Psalms to see how David & others poured  out their sometimes grieving, sometimes angry,  hearts to God.  Yet that was just the starting point.  For the truth of God’s goodness, of His unfailing love, of His mercy & His ability & willingness to answer our prayers are all characteristics of my Heavenly Father that can never be ignored or forgotten.  And when I remind myself of those things – even in the midst of an “unfair” situation – I place myself back into the safety of His arms, into the shelter of His presence, as David did!!

 

Prayer:  Dear Heavenly Father,  thankyou for David’s reminder today that Your presence is the place I need to be at all times.  May I never stray for the truth of You goodness, love & faithfulness, even when my enemies seem to be surrounding me!!  May I live a life which  continually abides in Your presence.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen

 

 

Sue Otto