DEVOTIONAL
THE REFUGE
David, the king of Israel, was a man who faced many battles during his lifetime. The Bible depicts very clearly in David’s life the ongoing struggles with fallen humanity and the struggles he also faced within his own heart. Though David, as declared in scripture, was a man after God’s own heart, he still had to deal the dictates of his fallen nature that rivaled the love he had for The Lord. So in many of the Psalms that he has written, we see a heart of continual repentance toward the God whom he loved and who saved him, not only from his enemies, but also from his own self. Many commentators have historically placed this Psalm in the midst of his son Absalom’s rebellion. This was a time when Absalom sought to overthrow his father as a King and ascend to the throne himself. What a grievous time this must have been for The King, having to face the facts that his son wanted to take his throne and to humiliate him in the presence of all the people.
Absalom was relentless in his task. He was a servant of his father the devil, and mischievously, through lies and deception, stole the hearts of the people from his father. Though he was David’s son, he proved to be an enemy. The scriptures record this tragic event when a messenger came to David crying, “The hearts of the men of Israel are with Absalom.” Then David said to all his servants who were with him at Jerusalem, “Arise and let us flee, for otherwise none of us will escape from Absalom. Go in haste, or he will overtake us quickly and bring down calamity on us and strike the city with the edge of the sword.” In David’s weakness as fear captivated his heart, he leaned upon the strong arm of the Lord. During this time of tremendous pain and suffering he cried out, “Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have relieved me in my distress; Be gracious to me and hear my prayer,” As a true man of God, he cast his eyes off the physical dilemma he was in and put them on the eternal God, who clenches the wind in His fists, and Who wraps the waters in His garment. He placed his trust in the Lord and leaned not on his own understanding. Though Absalom lost his life during this Civil War, the Lord delivered David and his throne was secured.
Saints of God, may the Lord give you the strength to endure the storms of adversity that are sure to come your way. For if they crucified our beloved Savior, tearing the very skin off his flesh, shall not persecution come to those who follow him and uphold the truths that He so boldly declared? The Scriptures tell us, “Through many tribulations we must enter into the kingdom of God,” So, when the fiery trials blow our direction, and it feels as if the furnace of affliction has been heated seven times over, let our hearts be as David’s and cry loud, “Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have relieved me in my distress; Be gracious to me and hear my prayer.” The Lord will come to those who trust Him, bringing with Him words of love, “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine! “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, nor will the flame burn you. “For I am the LORD your God, The Holy One of Israel, your Savior.”
“Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have relieved me in my distress; Be gracious to me and hear my prayer.”
Psalm 4:1 NASBS