“I will rejoice and be glad in your steadfast love, because you have seen my affliction; you have known the distress of my soul, and you have not delivered me into the hand of the enemy; you have set my feet in a broad place.” Psalms 31:7-8 ESV
In this Psalm, David, in his usual fashion, is pouring out the cares of his heart to the Lord. And, also in his usual fashion, abruptly redirects his focus to his trust in the Lord right in the middle of his venting. Although, there was more weighing on his heart and more issues to confront, he made his declaration of the firm foundation that he stood on. He trusts the Lord. The Lord hears Him. Nothing in David’s life is lost on the Lord, and DESPITE the seemingly losing battle he is facing, the Lord has not surrendered him to defeat and he has not lost his footing. On the contrary, the Lord has position him in a broad place so that he can have sure footing to squarely plant his feet to withstand the storm.
This redirection of David’s focus is tactical. 1. It declares to the Lord that no matter what, his heart and trust is set on Him. 2. It declares to HIMSELF, as a reminder, that his heart and trust is set on Him, and that it is safe to do so because the Lord has a pretty good track record. And 3. It declares to the deceptive perception of defeat that is trying to overtake him that his heart and trust is set on Him.
What is our takeaway? In the midst of this COVID-19 chaos, disruption to our status quo, and uncertainty of the immediate future, we can and should follow David’s example. Pour your cares upon the Lord, acknowledge the battles going on within, and address the issues you’re facing, but IN THE MIDDLE OF IT ALL, set your heart and trust in Him!
