The LORD is in his holy temple; the LORD’s throne is in heaven; his eyes see, his eyelids test the children of man. The LORD tests the righteous, but his soul hates the wicked and the one who loves violence. Let him rain coals on the wicked; fire and sulfur and a scorching wind shall be the portion of their cup. For the LORD is righteous; he loves righteous deeds; the upright shall behold his face.1”
“God’s method always seems to be vision first, and then reality, but in between the vision and the reality there is often a deep valley of humiliation. How often has a faithful soul been plunged into a like darkness when after the vision has come the test.”2
David experienced many challenges. Being sent back by Achish instead of fighting beside him since the Philistines rejected him, David and his men came to Ziglag only to discover that their camp had been raided, burned down, and taken captive their women and all who were in it. His two wives were likewise taken. Distressed David strengthened himself in the LORD his God.3
In life’s doldrums we may be like a farmer with his open drum, hoping for rain that he may gather every drop of it; as the rain pours the drum fills up and overflows. Lifting his perspective he sees a vast body of water.
As we abide in Jesus, he promises to bless us. Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and the one who waters will himself be watered.4 Give and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.5
Regardless of the challenges and trials we face, may we be like David who by faith chose to give thanks declaring, I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart, I will recount all of your wonderful deeds, I will be glad and exult in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High.6
Notes:
1. Psalm 11:4-7
2. Oswald Chambers, Not Knowing Where (Grand Rapids, MI: Discovery House Publishers, 1957), p.83.
3. 1 Samuel 29:6-30:6
4. Proverbs 11:25
5. Luke 6:38
6. Psalm 9:1-2
