In my mind, the first line of this Psalm says it all. “In the Lord I take refuge.” This, from a man that lived on the run for so many years, hiding in fields and caves with Saul literally sometimes only inches away. This king was not perfect, but he knew God and knew that the Lord was his salvation, protection, provision, and refuge.
How easy it could have been for David to place his confidence in his 30 mighty men. They were incredible warriors and loyal unto death to the king. While David did love these soldiers, David never looked to them for safety. Additionally, He could have relied upon his own skill and wits. After all, he had defeated bears, lions , giants, armies, and godless kings. While he was a valiant and strategic warrior that was not David’s heart either.
David was truly in love with the Lord. In good times and in bad, David always looked to the Lord. What is more, God remained faithful to David through David’s years of righteousness and even when David walked away from God. The love each had for the other was obvious and should be coveted by all of us.
God never expected us to live a perfect life. But the Lord calls us, as His chosen, to surrender to His leadership. The surrender is not hands raised in fear as to an enemy, no, instead, it is simply trusting and following the experienced guide on a treacherous and unnavigable path. If we will trust God, he will gladly be our refuge, strength, provision, and protector. He loves us and wants us to have a full and meaningful life.
David’s son Solomon said it best, “Trust in the Lord with all of your heart. Do not lean on your own understanding. Acknowledge God in all your ways and He will make your paths straight!” Proverbs 3:5-6.
God Bless You
In the Lord I take refuge.
How then can you say to me:
“Flee like a bird to your mountain.
2 For look, the wicked bend their bows;
they set their arrows against the strings
to shoot from the shadows
at the upright in heart.
3 When the foundations are being destroyed,
what can the righteous do?”
4 The Lord is in his holy temple;
the Lord is on his heavenly throne.
He observes everyone on earth;
his eyes examine them.
5 The Lord examines the righteous,
but the wicked, those who love violence,
he hates with a passion.
6 On the wicked he will rain
fiery coals and burning sulfur;
a scorching wind will be their lot.
7 For the Lord is righteous,
he loves justice;
the upright will see his face.
Walking With God 