When facing problems we can often turn our focus solely on ourselves. But, is this right? Is there a better place to look in difficulties?
Psalm 7 is another attributed to David and was written about his encounter with a Benjaminite named Cush (1 Samuel 22.8, 24.9, 26.19). He begins by asking for deliverance in v.1 and then poetically compares his expected fate to that of a lion’s prey (v.2).
Showing an honest and sincere attitude to his own conduct in vv.3-6, David boldly says
“O LORD my God, if I have done what they say…may an enemy relentlessly chase me and catch me…”
(v.3, 5)
David was serious and solemn about his own conduct, to the point of inviting death if he was lying (v.5). How often are we able to feel so strongly about the ways we have acted?
Knowing that God is just, right, and holy, David then appeals to the character of God in vv.6-10. Rather than asking for help to fix his own problems or praying for God to remove all obstacles from his path, David prays for God to stand up, to wake up, to execute judgement, and to vindicate him. Knowing that there is no partiality with God, as Paul writes to the Romans, and that His justice always prevails (vv.11-16, cf. 2 Thessalonians 1) David is confident in turning his focus upward. He then finishes with a note of expectant praise for God’s (as yet unseen in this situation) righteousness and justice:
“I will thank the LORD for his justice;
I will sing praises to the LORD Most High!”
(v.17)
Even though he was in the midst of trial and tribulation, David could praise God because he knew that God is just. Even though things were difficult David chose to sing praises to the Lord Most High because He knew that, as we might say now, all things work together for those who love the Lord (cf. Romans 8.28-29). Allen Ross wrote:
“So even though he was slandered and attacked, David wholeheartedly trusted in his righteous LORD.”
So, the next time you find yourself in a tight spot, a difficult situation, or in a season of tribulation, turn your focus off yourself and onto the One who is able to make a way, the One who is always right and holy and just, the One who is working all things, both good and bad, together for your good.
James Travis 