None of us likely know what it's like to have someone in hot pursuit, ready to kill us if they find us. But, we may know what it is like to have someone with a murderous mental attitude toward us; mentally desiring harm and not good. Animosity towards us, even if not a real physical threat, takes an emotional and spiritual toll.
There was a time in King David's life - before he became king - when he was hotly pursued by King Saul and thousands of soldiers, intent on his destruction. With several hundred loyal fighting men, they took refuge in a cave to evade capture and death. Hunkered down in a lightless subterranean pit, David's faith and confidence are reflected in these words:
"My soul is among lions; I must lie among those who breathe forth fire, Even the sons of men, whose teeth are spears and arrows And their tongue a sharp sword. Be exalted above the heavens, O God; Let Your glory be above all the earth. They have prepared a net for my steps; My soul is bowed down; They dug a pit before me; They themselves have fallen into the midst of it. My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises!" (Psalm 57:4-7)
An underground cave is the next closest thing to a grave, and for David this cave of refuge must have felt in many ways like a grave. He was in a place of danger; discovery by his enemies was a very real possibility, and death would be certain. And yet his focus is on God's glory and status among the people of the earth. Although his "soul is bowed down", his heart is steadfast. The prospect of praise is on his heart and mind.
We can likely relate, at least figuratively, to time spent in a cave. Circumstances threaten. A crisis looms. We feel cut off from the land of the living, isolated in a dark cave mentally and spiritually. Despair easily seeps from the darkness and in to our souls. Where is God in the darkness? Will we be forever swallowed up in this cave of darkness?
There are no satisfying pat answers when we find ourselves in these figurative caves of darkness, but David's words reflect realism and hope. We clearly acknowledge the reality of threatening circumstances. We focus on God's reputation and work. We maintain steadiness of heart through confident faith. We anticipate future praise.
Beyond David's cave experience were rich years of kingly leadership. So it is with us - our future holds the prospect of royalty as co-rulers with Christ our Lord in the coming kingdom of God. Therefore, the watch word for this day and time is "steadfastness". Stay the course. Bolster faith from His word. Savor your hope. Victory is ultimately ours through Jesus our Lord!
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2011
There was a time in King David's life - before he became king - when he was hotly pursued by King Saul and thousands of soldiers, intent on his destruction. With several hundred loyal fighting men, they took refuge in a cave to evade capture and death. Hunkered down in a lightless subterranean pit, David's faith and confidence are reflected in these words:
"My soul is among lions; I must lie among those who breathe forth fire, Even the sons of men, whose teeth are spears and arrows And their tongue a sharp sword. Be exalted above the heavens, O God; Let Your glory be above all the earth. They have prepared a net for my steps; My soul is bowed down; They dug a pit before me; They themselves have fallen into the midst of it. My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises!" (Psalm 57:4-7)
An underground cave is the next closest thing to a grave, and for David this cave of refuge must have felt in many ways like a grave. He was in a place of danger; discovery by his enemies was a very real possibility, and death would be certain. And yet his focus is on God's glory and status among the people of the earth. Although his "soul is bowed down", his heart is steadfast. The prospect of praise is on his heart and mind.
We can likely relate, at least figuratively, to time spent in a cave. Circumstances threaten. A crisis looms. We feel cut off from the land of the living, isolated in a dark cave mentally and spiritually. Despair easily seeps from the darkness and in to our souls. Where is God in the darkness? Will we be forever swallowed up in this cave of darkness?
There are no satisfying pat answers when we find ourselves in these figurative caves of darkness, but David's words reflect realism and hope. We clearly acknowledge the reality of threatening circumstances. We focus on God's reputation and work. We maintain steadiness of heart through confident faith. We anticipate future praise.
Beyond David's cave experience were rich years of kingly leadership. So it is with us - our future holds the prospect of royalty as co-rulers with Christ our Lord in the coming kingdom of God. Therefore, the watch word for this day and time is "steadfastness". Stay the course. Bolster faith from His word. Savor your hope. Victory is ultimately ours through Jesus our Lord!
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2011
posted by steve @ 9:03 AM
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