As I continue to deal with a difficult relationship/situation with a renter, today’s entry in EDIFIED! spoke directly to me–a God sighting to encourage me in doing what is right.
“…you, O God, are my fortress, my loving God.”
Psalm 59: 9b,10a
David wrote Psalm 59 during the time Saul sent men to kill him in his home. The reoccurring theme is “O my strength, I watch for you; you, O God, are my fortress, my loving God.” David was giving a “response of faith” to a desperate situation.
The challenge came to me: do I give a “response of faith,” thinking truth, speaking praise in daily life? For instance, how do I respond when I get interrupted in my reading; or the task I want to complete gets put off; or someone’s derogatory remark strikes at my sense of significance; or I lose miserably in a game?
I can honestly say that my emotions certainly do not give a response of faith in any of these situations; my feelings encourage me to react naturally, according to what I can see: “He has no right to interrupt me!” or “I can’t do anything right!” or “I’m such a loser!” I need to recognize the lie in these and replace it with truth.
A response of faith is not based on the situation but on God’s character. In Psalm 59 David was still in danger, but he focused on what he knew of God and could say, “In the morning I will sing of your love, for you are my fortress…” (Ps. 59:16). He knew that God is loving and powerful. He could sing of God’s love before the day unfolded, knowing that God would be at work to bring what is best, to bring him through whatever difficulties would come, to protect him from what was truly evil. The outcome could be death or suffering for David, but he would be safe from evil as he trusted God.
One of the most effective ways of giving a “response of faith” is to give thanks when the unpleasant appears. This is, in fact, how we lift the shield of faith, which can quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. I’m not speaking of blind, rote mouthing of praise words, but of responding with our will to the great Truths we know of God.
He is our loving Father. He will give grace in each situation. He will protect us from true evil. He allows difficulty and disappointment to point us away from the chaff of life to the rich way of living for eternity. The question every day is, “How will I respond, in faith or in folly?”
Prayer: “Lord, I need your help to give a response of faith to difficult, distressing or disappointing situations today. Help me to remember that you are my fortress and that whatever comes is with your permission and love. May praise be the keynote of my life today. Amen.”
