Confident The Lord Will Protect
April 10, 2024
Commentary
John Phillips in his book “Exploring the Psalms” says, “The path to the throne was not an easy one for David. He was in God’s school and God gives stiff exams. He does not grade on the curve. He put those He intends to exalt to the sternest of tests. David’s experiences as a fugitive found him often in despair, often in tears.” Just as the Philistines marked David’s steps, so does the Father observe in every detail the wanderings of His own. Confident that he is constantly being watched by God, David prays, “put thou my tears into thy bottle: are they not in thy book” (v. 8).
David was convinced that even though the whole world was against him God was on his side and he was in the majority (vv. 9-10). That was why he was able to say, “I will not be afraid what man can do unto me” (v. 11). Under times of great stress David had made vows to God (v. 12). The making of vows is commendable but only if fulfillment follows. Many foxhole vows are made and then forgotten once the crisis is past. David was determined that this would not happen to him and that he would not forget to fulfill his vows (v. 13). David had been through many traumatic experiences and even snatched from the jaws of death. During these times he had relied heavily on God to preserve him and he was not about to stop relying on Him.
Application
It is a great to be able to rely on the promises of God in times of stress. It has been said that there are some thirty thousand promises in the Bible. Not every one of them may be for me but many of them are. I need to look for these in God’s Word on a daily basis.
Psalms 56:8– 13 (NET)
Verses not found.
Illustration: Lincoln Promised His Mother to Never Drink Wine
While a member of Congress, Abraham Lincoln was once criticized by a friend for his seeming rudeness in declining to test the rare wines provided by their host. The friend said to him: “There is certainly no danger of a man of your years and habits becoming addicted to the use of wine.” “I mean no disrespect, John,” answered Lincoln, “but I promised my precious mother only a few days before she died that I would never use anything intoxicating as a beverage, and I consider that promise as binding today as it was the day I gave it.” “But,” the friend continued, “there is a great difference between a child surrounded by a rough class of drinkers and a man in a home of refinement.” “A promise is a promise forever,” answered Lincoln, “and when made to a mother, it is doubly binding.” (Encyclopedia of Illustrations #115).