(14)They return at evening, snarling like dogs, and prowl about the city. (15)They wander about for food and howl if not satisfied. (16)But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of Your love; for You are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble. (17)You are my strength, I sing praise to You; You, God, are my fortress, my God on whom I can rely.
David had originally come into King Saul's service as a musician to play the lyre whenever "an evil spirit from the Lord came upon Saul" (several references beginning in 1 Samuel 16). David would be called in from the fields to play for Saul to calm his nerves and remind him that God is in control. Saul, however, began to get more and more jealous of David as God used him to lead the armies into several victories and make David's name greater than Saul's. Eventually, Saul began trying to kill David almost any opportunity he had. David would be playing the lyre as normal, then "an evil spirit from the Lord (would come) on Saul," and he would try to pin David to the wall with a spear. It got to the point where David had to go into hiding most nights because Saul would send out assassins to kill him, and anyone they ran across would either lie on David's behalf or, in Samuel's case, they would begin prophesying, which is pretty cool to see God working in very adverse situations.
So David wrote this psalm either during a time of hiding or reflecting on said time. He goes back and forth about being worried about death and praising God for deliverance. He ends the song with these lyrics, with verses 16-17 being the final ending punch. In the midst of people trying to kill him, David knows that God is his Savior. Look at what he calls God: fortress, refuge, strength, God. David's total dependence is on God the Father, and God delivers for His kingdom.
And the persecution doesn't end with David, or Jesus, or even the apostles. If any of you have ever heard Dr. David Platt speak during a service at the Church at Brook Hills in Birmingham, during a Secret Church (next one in April 6!), or if you have read Radical, you've heard stories about persecuted Christians all over the world dying because of the Gospel. People are being put in jail, tortured, and killed simply for believing in God. These families need prayer. These people are in desperate need of prayer and supplies in many cases, so they can continue to spread the Gospel. There's an organization called Voice of the Martyrs whose aim is to assist the persecuted church worldwide. If you're interested you can check out their website and read stories of people who have prayed through jail and sung to their deaths, knowing that God is their fortress, refuge, and strength.
In middle class America, it's kind of hard to get a full grasp of what's going on without having seen it myself. I may complain about a very stressful day at work and lose sight of God's love and what He is planning. Who cares if the computer systems go down? Who cares if I can't find a cable in the middle of someone's total mess? Who cares if a DVR won't hook up to a 72" LED TV? I shouldn't, and God definitely doesn't. All He is concerned with at that point is my heart and whether or not I'm giving Him the glory. Humming is a great way to relieve stress, and if people ask about the song, there's a ministry opportunity right there. Yesterday, two of those "who care" questions happened. At the beginning of the day I sent out some texts asking for prayer, but after 9 hours at one house, I had honestly forgotten about it. Then I read my brother's text:
"'Consider it pure joy when you face trials of many kinds because the testing of your faith develops perseverance.' -James 1:2-3. Try to stay patient today and find God moving in whatever you do today. Hope your day gets better man."
Wow. I just had to sit back and let that soak in. Consider it pure joy. Find God moving in whatever you do today. I had forgotten that God is my fortress, refuge, and strength. I praise God that in the smallest of things He is still moving. When tiny little things go wrong, God still calls us to rely on him. When we're being imprisoned, beaten, and murdered for God's name, we still rely on God solely. Asia Bibi has been in solitary confinement in Pakistan for two years for her protection while awaiting a death sentence appeal. So what does she do all day? Pray. Jail officials and superintendents have come to like her and are very sympathetic to her case now. They've promised to bring her any books she wants and are taking very good care of her.
That's what faith can do. That's what true reliance on God can do. When in prison, hiding from death, or watching our team lose a preseason exhibition game, God is still our fortress, refuge, and strength. Forever and always, let us remember that He is God, and He is with us.
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