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Friday, January 28, 2011

Leaping for Joy (Psalm 28)

Psalm 28

It’s been said that God may sometimes ordain suffering so that we might loosen our grip on the things of this world and cling more tightly to the Lord. Hardship often serves to remind us that the world and its pleasures are passing away, but true joy rises in a trusting relationship with Christ Jesus.

We see that truth played out in this psalm. Once again David pours out his heart to the Lord in the midst of a desperate crisis. The troubles he endured didn’t weaken his faith in God, but drove him to find his strength and salvation in Him. David knew his only hope for making it through such sufferings was to call urgently upon the name of the Lord his God.

In fact, he felt that if God didn’t answer his cry for mercy then he would have met the same fate as those who experienced God’s judgment. Yet, he believed that the Lord would indeed hear his call for help. And so David burst forth in a cry of praise to the Lord, his strength and shield, the fortress of salvation for His chosen ones. Even his heart “leaps for joy” and he couldn’t help but to give thanks to Him in song.

Friend, we can take the same joyful, grateful confidence in prayer because God does not turn a deaf ear to the desperate cries from His people. Why not turn your suffering into a chance to trust in the strength of the Lord, and see if your heart doesn’t leap for joy as He carries you through?

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