Louise Gevers

“My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.” Psalm 62:1-2

I listen to many interesting conversations about current affairs on my car radio, wherever I go, and it struck me that, of late, the presenters, as well as the people who phone in, were sounding increasingly more distressed and despairing of what’s happening in our land. Whereas before the listener would have heard pleasant, relaxed voices offering reasoned solutions for various problems, he will now hear indignant responses and demands, sometimes accompanied by barely veiled threats of violence towards the perceived culprits. Acknowledgement of strength from God or peace within in facing the situation has so far not entered the conversation.

When uneasiness weighs us down because of our powerlessness to cope with or change our nation’s state on our own, then panic threatens to overwhelm us because things appear to be falling apart and we need help. We need to put our hope in something that we can trust; we cannot take matters into our own hands. Where we look for help is vitally important because it will determine what happens to us. When we put our hope in God we will find strength to carry us through any crisis.

David could write the words of the verse today because of his immense belief in God’s greatness. David was no stranger to stressful things in his life which made him feel desperate. The man who had danced with all his might before the Lord was despised by his wife, hunted like an animal by King Saul and had to avoid the arrows of many enemies. He also had family problems second to none. (2 Samuel 13:1-15:13) Yet he could say: “He is a shield for all who take refuge in him. For who is God besides the LORD? And who is the Rock except our God? It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect … You give me the shield of victory, and your right hand sustains me …” (Psalm18:30-32, 35)

David’s words show that he possesses a clear view of who God is; a clear understanding of His power and a clear view of his own frailty and need of Him. This is why he can delight in putting his trust in Him and depend on Him for victory in everything. We can do the same. When we feel hunted down and face problems at every turn, we need to place our trust in the one who is always on our side

“Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.” (Psalm 20:7)

Prayer: Almighty God our Father, how wonderful it is to know that when we trust implicitly in You, we find peace that will never be shaken. Please help us to see that You are on our side. Amen.