Blessed [is] the man who places his confidence in the Lord and has not turned toward the arrogant or those having fallen away to lies.
This psalm of David expresses both thanksgiving and assurance. David is thankful for the Lord’s goodness to him in the past, rescuing him from “the pit” and “the mire”–whether figurative or literal, we don’t know for certain. He is also sure that even in the present situation, with enemies surrounding him (again, these could be literal or figurative enemies), the Lord will be his help, his protector, his rock of assurance.
When we think of the trials David went through, from chasing wild animals away from his flocks, to facing Goliath, to being on the run from King Saul, we have to acknowledge the great faith he must have had to continue to rely upon God. He placed his future, and indeed his life, in the Lord’s hands, trusting that the outcome would be for the best, for His glory. David could indeed consider himself blessed that, when there was nowhere else to turn, he could turn to the Lord.
But many times, the Lord is not our only option. There are others out there that would persuade us that they have the answer to our problems. And sometimes the temptation to look to these others can be overwhelming. It’s like the person struggling to pay bills, lured by the promises of fast money from loan sharks, or instant riches through a lottery. These may bring immediate satisfaction, but they come with a heavy price. The Lord doesn’t offer us a quick payout with high interest, or an empty promise of wealth for a small investment. If you are the Lord’s, He is there for you, day or night. Your life is in His hands, and His care for you is as real as a father’s love for his child.
Spiritual frauds may come along with arrogant talk and deceitful promises, even well-meaning friends (like Job’s) may offer worldly counsel and comfort. But the blessed man is the one who doesn’t trust himself to these. The blessed man is the person who knows the Lord, and whose trust is solely in the Lord for all things.
May we count ourselves among the blessed and have confidence that, no matter what we’re going through, the Lord is there for us, and we are in the palm of His hand. Have a great week!