I love this Psalm....because it hits so pointedly on things that have become
very plain to me in the last several years.
David is looking back.....perhaps at a particular trial that he faced, or maybe at
the host of troubles that have marked his journey thus far.
At any rate, he remembers that when he cried to the Lord for help (the right source
for help!) he was saved from his enemies and healed. The phrase translated 'drawn up', or
'lifted me up', implies drawing up a bucket out of a well. God has lifted him up above the
foes that try to overtake him. David stands secure now....and praises the God who is his helper.
David speaks of being delivered from death......is he speaking literally, or figuratively? I am sure it
is probably both. David had real enemies, for sure. But surely he struggled with other, more internal,
foes at times. I have not been near death, but have had plenty of serious struggles: health issues, depression, overwhelming feelings of rejection, loneliness, fear, and feeling overwhelmed by circumstances around me that I have had to face alone, and had no idea how to do it.
David ran to the only sure source for help, as have I........at times. But when help comes, and the situation is either resolved, or is somewhat tempered into a manageable mess, I tend to grow a little self-sufficient, and begin to try to manage it all on my own again. Not consciously, just that ever present sin nature reeling it's ugly head. Or......lack of a true bond with God through prayer and seeking Him in His word. Sure, we all cry out to Him in our trouble, but when easy times come, are we still in close relationship with Him?
I found this quote recently, and it really hit home.
"Prayer, as the unconscious heart cry in times of distress, is the currency of all humanity; but prayer, as the deep and committed soul-bond in communion with almighty God, is an exceptionally rare and precious jewel."
(From an article titled Normal Prayer by George Grant on the Ligonier website)
David, it seems had the same problem. "In my prosperity I said, I shall never be moved." When times are easy, or at least help has arrived, it is easy to spout phrases like that. But when the next trouble hits, how sure are we that we "shall never be moved?" Usually, it is when we are moved, as in shaken up, rattled, or wounded, that we cry, "help!".
David faced consequences for his self-sufficiency. God hid his face, and trouble returned, prompting yet another desperate plea for help.
God's anger is but for a moment, (and is always right and just).
Weeping is but for a moment also.
But God's favor is for life, and joy always returns to his beloved child.
The Lord has made David's heart glad, turning his mourning into dancing.
Father.......although it hurts when you pull me back to 'square one' after a series of successes,
I am thankful that You do.....out of Your great love for me. You see my self-sufficiency, when I am blind to it. And in Your loving kindness, You put me back into places where I have no choice but to depend upon You alone. And when I cry to You yet again, You indeed 'draw me up' and rescue me!
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