Bible 365 Devotional

DAVID'S SECRET

PSALM 86:14-17

PSALM 86:14-17 NKJ 
14 O God, the proud have risen against me, 
And a mob of violent men have sought my life, 
And have not set You before them. 
15 But You, O Lord, are a God full of compassion, and gracious, 
Longsuffering and abundant in mercy and truth. 
16 Oh, turn to me, and have mercy on me! 
Give Your strength to Your servant, 
And save the son of Your maidservant. 
17 Show me a sign for good, 
That those who hate me may see it and be ashamed, 
Because You, Lord, have helped me and comforted me. 

OBSERVATION:

David obviously lived with a great deal of conflict. He fought battles against the enemies of Israel. He protected his sheep. He evaded a king bent on wiping him off the face of the earth. He had major dysfunction in his own family that included rape, murder, and insurrection. On many occasions, he was running for his life.   

In these verses today, David is dealing with a group of proud, violent men who were trying to kill him. Men who had no regard for God.   

I am somewhat astonished by how much David had to face. What he encountered makes my problems seem petty. 

So, how did David get through all this conflict without having a major meltdown?   

I believe the answer is found in verse 15. All these problems were coming David's way, but he had a secret source of strength. David believed that God was really good and that God would help him.   

David said that the Lord, in contrast to the people attacking him, was full of compassion and gracious. That God was patient and overflowing with mercy and truth.   

Because David believed this is who the Lord was, he was bold to ask for help. He believed his good God would show him a sign for good. That God would help and comfort him.   

David's secret was his faith in a good God who would help him. It is clear that David was respectful of God but acted as if God really wanted to do good to him.   

APPLICATION: 

I am grateful that David's secret can be our secret too. We also can believe that our God is full of compassion and gracious. We can believe He will help and comfort us.   

When conflict and problems with people come our way, we can lean on our merciful God.   

PRAYER: 

Thank You, Father. You are full of compassion and gracious to me. You will help me and comfort me and never forsake me. Thank You! 


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