10 But you, O LORD, have mercy on me; raise me up, that I may repay them. 11 I know that you are pleased with me, for my enemy does not triumph over me. 12 In my integrity you uphold me and set me in your presence forever. 13 Praise be to the LORD, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Amen and Amen.

The apostle Paul tells us that no temptation will face us that is not common to man. That is, we are not the only person who faces the problems we have today or yesterday or tomorrow. While it seems at times that our problems are worse than anyone else has had to face, they really are not. That does not minimize our problems. It does not, in itself, make it any easier to deal with them. But it does give us hope. There have been others before us that have had to face what we face. Some of them were destroyed emotionally and/or spiritually by these problems. Some made it thru but they seem to have lost a part of themselves in so doing. Others have made it and seem to be stronger today than ever before. What is the difference or were the temptations and problems really the same?

The difference is found in this psalm and in the life of David. He faced his own immanent death at the hands of the wicked. He dealt with treacherous sins in his own life. He suffered the loss of his children, both as an infant and then later the death of his grown son. He had friends who turned against him and others who acted like friends but who were his enemies all the time.

How did David deal with all this in his life? He trusted God to take care of it. He depended on God to avenge him when done wrong so he did not become bitter. He trusted God to heal when sick, to give strength when faced with death (his own and his family), to provide when in need and to teach him love when faced with hatred. As a result of this he grew spiritually stronger each day and closer to God. From the first time he trusted God to deliver him from the bear that threatened him and his sheep and God gave him strength, he was determined to trust God in all things. David looked for the hand of deliverance from God and then gave him thanks and praise.

We can have the same assurance in our lives as we learn to trust God in all things. God has not changed nor has his promise to take care of us. His love for us is just as strong as it was for David. We just need to open our eyes and our hearts to God and his working in our lives.

O God, thank you for all you have done for me in my life. As I reflect, I cannot even begin to count all the times and the things you do for me. In sorrow you have given comfort; in pain you have given relief. In weakness you have given strength. I thank you and I praise you. I pray in Jesus’ name.

May God bless each of us as we trust him more. Praise his name!