Scripture: “In the LORD put I my trust: how say ye to my soul, Flee as a bird to your mountain?” – (11:1)
Observation: David asks a question in this psalm after declaring that he will trust God. He then goes on to explain his reasoning for trusting in God.
Application: Throughout my life, I have heard people make statements about God’s lack of interest in the affairs of humanity, especially when things don’t turn out the way an individual had hoped. Here are some of the questions or comments often presented when answers don’t come as desired or not at all.
- Where is God in all this?
- Why doesn’t God answer my prayer?
- God doesn’t care about me or this wouldn’t have happened.
- Why does God let bad things happen to good people?
- Why bother praying? God does what He wants no matter what.
This is the kind of thinking that often surrounded David by his associates. In today’s verse, he is advised to flee from the enemy, but his response is that he will trust in God and not run away. He relies on God for protection; he doesn’t take matters into his own hands. Then David goes on to explains what God will do to the wicked.
We need to remember that God is actively involved in our lives even when we don’t see it clearly. He has promised to always be with us, to protect us, and to guide us. We don’t need to run from the struggles or challenges in life. Instead, we need to run to God as He is the One who can and will protect us. Psalm 46:1 states, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
Additionally, when it seems as though God is not answering our prayers, we need to remember a few key facts from the Bible regarding prayer.
- God answers prayers that are asked according to His will.
- “And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.” – 1 John 5:14-15
- God may delay answers to allow a person to repent of sin.
- “If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me:” – Psalm 66:18
- God answers prayers according to His timing.
- “Thus saith the LORD, In an acceptable time have I heard thee, and in a day of salvation have I helped thee…” – Isaiah 49:8
- God sometimes says “no” because it is not God’s plan or those involved.
- “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” – Isaiah 55:9
When God says “wait” or “no”, that doesn’t mean He doesn’t care about us. It means He will answer according to His will and according to what is in our best interest. Like David, we must learn to trust God in all circumstances for Jesus never fails!
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the promise that You will never leave me. When circumstances seem overwhelming, help me to remember that You are in total control, and You will always answer my prayers to accomplish Your perfect will in my life. Thank You for the sweet blessed assurance of Your love in all situations. Help me to trust You always. In Jesus’ precious name, I pray. Amen.
Earthly friends may prove untrue, doubts and fears assail;
One still loves and cares for you, One who will not fail.
Jesus never fails, Jesus never fails;
Heav'n and earth may pass away, but Jesus never fails.
In life's dark and bitter hour, love will still prevail;
Trust His everlasting pow'r, Jesus will not fail.
Jesus never fails, Jesus never fails;
Heav'n and earth may pass away, but Jesus never fails.
(from “Jesus Never Fails” by Arthur A. Luther)
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“God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.”- 1 Corinthians 1:9