Psalm 34:18-20 April 15, 2009

Ps. 34:18 - 20 "The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. 19 A righteous man may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all; 20 he protects all his bones, not one of them will be broken." NIV

Have you ever asked the Lord in a time of great pain or confusion, “Where are you God?” Obviously David Had. During this time in his life he is running from Saul. He has been a faithful servant of the Lord and of Saul and yet Saul has so oppressed him, so persecuted him that he has had to abandon his wife and run to safety. He is in a foreign land and pretending insanity. It is no wonder that he is talking about being brokenhearted and crushed in spirit. Imagine the pain of being so betrayed by a jealous leader perhaps you even know this pain. Imagine the very kingdom that you have given your life to serve and protect becoming the place that you must abandon because a host of people from within that country are seeking to destroy your life. David too must have cried out during this intense season, saying “where are you God?”
This psalm is written at the end of this season, after deliverance has come. It is a time of reflection as David considers the outcome of this trial. “The Lord is close… the Lord will save!” David knows what it feels like to be brokenhearted and he knows the pain of a crushed spirit, but looking back he can now proclaim, “The Lord didn’t abandon me even though everyone else did. The Lord was close by all the time.” David can say “Though my spirit was broken and fading I know that it was the Lord who saved me in that struggle.” Just like Peter losing sight of the Lord because of the waves as he sought to walk on the water with Jesus, we too at times lose sight of the Lord and our hearts begin to sink into the mire
of our circumstances.
What I so appreciate about David is that he does not deny the reality of his pain he does not present a life of faith that never has a problem and walks in absolute perfection. David’s testimony is one of human weakness, trials and opposition and divine help to endure and overcome with a humble spirit. David’s humanity is a reflection of pain and personal struggles with temptation. His testimony in this psalm is “A righteous man may have many troubles.” David’s walk with God comes with an expectation that life will have its challenges. What makes David special is that even though he has walked through trial he is not bitter but maintains a positive confession and a positive interpretation of the Lord’s dealings with him. He states confidently concerning these trials, “but the LORD delivers him from them all!” Let this be your confidence today. Though your trial may seem greater than you can bear, remember these two things: “The Lord is close to you even now, and he will deliver you!”