“Oh, love the Lord, all you His saints! For the Lord preserves the faithful”
Psalm 31:23 (NKJV)
If only we could know what would happen the next moment, the next day, the next year, our decisions, our actions, oftentimes would be so different. We make plans, hoping for them to become real. We make investments, anticipating good returns. We may plan carefully, doing our best to cover all areas and not leave anything to chance. We may study the business environment to determine what, how, and how much to invest just so we can minimise the chances of failure. But we can never be absolutely certain of success because we put our trust in people and things. And all too often they come up short.
The psalmist David says, “No king is saved by the size of his army; no warrior escapes by his great strength” – Psalm 33:16 (NIV). Truly, the arm of flesh fails but the Lord preserves those who trust in Him and all that pertains to them. David knew this so well. He was anointed king by the prophet Samuel but he humbled himself, behaved wisely, and waited on God’s time. Saul was still on the throne. David was in no hurry to displace Saul. This was a new beginning and he wanted to do it well. Saul knew God had rejected him as king and this is why he relentlessly pursued David to kill him.
When we put our lives in God’s hands, He takes control of our times – our days and years, our ups and downs, our successes and defeats. “But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear Him, on those who hope in His unfailing love, to deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine.” – Psalm 33:18-19 (NIV). What more can we ask for?
What are your plans today? What new beginnings are you contemplating? God knows just how he will take you through that new job, that promotion, that decision to give up singleness and join yourself to a new spouse. But have you asked for His help? Is He on board with you, guiding you, preparing you? If not, wait on the Lord, “and he shall give you the desires of your heart” – Psalm 37:4.
Pray:
Teach me, O Lord, the way of Your statutes, that I may follow it to the end. Give me understanding, so that I may keep Your law and obey it with all my heart (Psalm 119:33). Create in me a clean heart, and renew a right spirit within me. Let the desire to seek and serve You grow daily within me, for I delight to do Your will. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Read: 1 Samuel 19:1-5; Psalm 27:14; Psalm 51:10-14
Bible Reading Guide: Psalms 107:23-32; Galatians 2:1-10; Isaiah 36; Isaiah 37
