My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and give praise. Awake, my glory! Awake, lute and harp! I will awaken the dawn. (Psalm 57:7-8)
Imagine you have been betrayed by those who were, at one time, very close to you — family no less. Not only betrayed, but falsely accused by these same people and persecuted to the point that you no longer have a place to call home. This was David’s situation. I can’t help but think that it must have taken its toll on his emotions and state of mind, inflicting a grievous wound to his very soul. Most people in this situation would become withdrawn, untrusting and melancholy. It does seem that, at times, David’s once radiant personality retreated into a place of gloom and despair, and his talents blunted by his distress — at least temporarily.
But then something happened; a metamorphosis occurred that caused David’s soul to awaken and his heart to be renewed with newfound determination to continue on. What happened? The argument could be made that having opportunity to slay Saul, and then not doing it, dissolved his fear of what men could do. At that moment, it was obvious that God had intervened on behalf of David and his men. Not only was his own integrity preserved in that he did not take the king’s life, but Saul publicly admitted his own sins and David’s superior morality. In an instant, David’s reputation was vindicated by God before men.
There is a feeling that cannot be adequately put into words when one realizes that God does indeed come to our assistance and, not only that, vindicates us before those who sought to discredit us. It could be likened, in least in some degree, to being resurrected from the dead. To go from feeling helpless and condemned to deliverance and triumph rejuvenates our soul and spirit, especially when we recognize it was the Hand of God who moved on our behalf. Let’s put it this way: it’s not hard to believe that God would do mighty and miraculous things for men like Abraham, Moses and David; but sometimes it’s hard to believe He would do that for men like me. So when He does, the darkness of the past gives way to the dawn of a new day — a day full of praise and thanksgiving to the One who saves us from all our circumstances.
Blessings and Shalom,
Bill
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