King David served as a shepherd for many years in his childhood, and he wrote many songs inspired by God’s Spirit. He realized at a young age that God is our only sure refuge and strength. He is our ever-present help in any time of trouble. Therefore, we have nothing to fear (Psalm 46:1-3).
David’s son was granted wisdom from God at Solomon’s request. He did not selfishly ask for riches, fame, or health, but for wisdom to lead God’s people. He made many striking statements in the books he wrote that give us thoughts to ponder.
During his lifetime, he realized that the swift does not always win a race, the strong do not always conquer in battle, the wise do not always have the most food, the brilliant and learned do not always obtain wealth, but seasons of time and opportunity determine our outcome (Ecclesiastes 9:11).
Success in life is not about us or our human efforts. We only achieve lasting triumph when we rely on God’s Spirit within us to guide and comfort us along our journey in life. The Lord is always close to the brokenhearted, or when we are so weary that we can barely take another breath.
We have many spiritual, mental, emotional, financial, and physical troubles in our lifetime, but God delivers us through them all (Psalm 34:18-19). He is a refuge for the oppressed, and our stronghold during times of suffering (Psalm 9:9). We can always run to Him and be saved (Psalm 37:39-40).
The apostle Paul prayed before beginning each day of ministry. He lived in the moment and did not worry about tomorrow. Jesus did too. He listened to our Father and followed His will in every word and deed. Their focus stayed on God’s Kingdom rather than on amassing worldly goods and fame.
Prayer:
Father God, as we walk the tightrope of life, rather than focusing on the dizzying details of our negative circumstances, help us to focus on the equilibrium Jesus achieved within each moment that He lived. Life wavers like the ocean, with a continuous ebb and flow, but Your Son gave us the words of the prayer that never fails: "Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done" (Luke 22:42-43 NIV).
Ultimately, He humbled Himself, even to the point of death on the cross (Philippians 2:8). When we trust You more and strive less, serenity seeps into every area of our life, no matter how the circumstances play out around us. Teach us to rejoice in You, and to find our joy in Your presence in our life (Habakkuk 3:18). We give You all the praise and glory for who we are, what we earn, the success we achieve, and the financial stability we enjoy.
Thought for the Day:
Let us not consider our self as self-sufficient or to boast in our wisdom, strength, or riches. As Solomon realized, the swift will not escape, the strong will not muster their strength, the warrior will not save his own life, the archer will not stand his ground, the fleet-footed soldier will not get away, and the horseman will not save his own life. It is only in God that we find our safety, our provision, our strength, and our salvation.
