When David’s well-meaning friends saw that he was surrounded by threatening enemies, they urged him to flee. They implied that the moral foundations of society had been completely destroyed and that a good man might just as well give up (vv. 2-3). David, however, was more optimistic. He envisioned God in heaven watching over everything, punishing the wicked, testing the righteous, and sustaining those who remained true to Him. That’s why he could place his confidence in the Lord and keep doing his work, David refused to seek peace through escape.
At one time or another, we all face unpleasant or frightening circumstances that strongly tempt us to take an easy way out. Many non-Christians try to forget their troubles by plunging themselves into drinking or a round of sensual pleasure. While believers know this is wrong, they may try to escape in other ways. They may put their efforts into doing things that appear noble but in reality don’t honor God. Or they act foolishly, like the couple who had gotten themselves into financial troubles. Instead of facing their problems, they arranged for a babysitter and went on a long, expensive vacation. Such escape avenues are only temporary measures that leave the real problems unsolved.
The path to genuine peace comes through following the examples of David. He faced up to his circumstances, sought the Lord in prayer, trusted Him completely, and did what he knew was right. That’s the route to peace that always works. – Herbert Vander Lugt
Here in this world with its sin and confusion –
Here where the voice of the tempter is heard –
I have deep peace through trusting my Savior,
Rejoicing in Jesus, believing His Word. – Marsh
The secret of peace is the constant referral of all our anxieties to God.
- April 2, 1985 , Our Daily Bread
For You 