OLIVE TREE ALLIANCE

Is it possible to have hope amid the uncertainty of today’s world?

King David assures we can.

PSALM 16:7-9
I will bless the Lord who has given me counsel;
My heart also instructs me in the night seasons.

I have set the Lord always before me;
Because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved.

Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices;
My flesh also will rest in hope.

Although David enjoyed innumerable blessings, all were superfluous compared to his relationship with God.

Regardless of the challenges he faced, David recognized the importance of seeking the Lord’s counsel. The godly principles he internalized not only provided guidance during waking hours, but also came to mind during the night between sleep cycles (v. 7).

Choosing to see the Lord directly in the forefront of life’s circumstances is more than an intellectual pursuit. Viewing our day to day realities from God’s perspective is pragmatic.

David’s confidence came from a personal knowledge that the Lord was at his “right hand” despite the intensity of challenges, the severity of attacks or difficulties inherent in life (16: 8). The expression conveys the closeness and availability of God’s help. David knew God was not aloof or disinterested, but readily available to act on his behalf.

Convinced of the Lord’s presence, David did not permit the trials of life to move him. His heart (spirit) was characterized by gladness, his glory (soul) consistently rejoiced and his flesh (body) rested in hope.

David’s testimony reminds us that hope is not dependent on our circumstances. People of faith—who choose to trust God—cannot be shaken by what is happening around them.

Let the wise words of King David encourage you today. When you intentionally choose to trust God in every situation, the rest that Israel’s ancient king so poetically described can be your experience. Remember, the Lord is at your right hand readily available and waiting to help. The Lord not only provides rest from stress and anxiety, He is the source of real hope in life.

 

IMAGES:
1) The Bible Is the Foundation for Life. (Photo credit: By Pixabay/[Public domain]/Enhancement, MKM Portfolios)
2) Rest from Stress and Anxiety. (Images in all forms used for illustrative purposes) (Photo credit: Pixabay/Enhancement and digital composition, MKM Portfolios)

Copyright © 2016 Charles E. McCracken, devotional comments only. Repost/Reprint with permission from the author via Contact Form under ABOUT. Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.