I love you, O LORD, my strength. The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
Psalm 18:1–2, ESV
David wrote this Psalm to praise God for his protection as King Saul was seeking to take his life. He did not curse God for the struggles he faced from the King as he was being chased down by enemies. He didn’t cry out against God because God was allowing his life to be threatened, but David responds with words of praise. Whereas King Saul’s error was in his actions that showed his belief that God was there to serve him, David understood it was he who was called to serve God. David did not expect God to bless everything that he wanted to do but sought after God’s favor as he would pray to God. David understood that if it was not within God’s will, it was something that he should not do, and if he were confronted for doing something against God, David would repent and seek God’s forgiveness. We are called to do the same. It isn’t about living perfectly but continually seeking the favor of our perfect God. God is our only hope and refuge in times of suffering. The suffering is not something that God causes but is the result of sin. Sometimes it is the sin of an individual, either the one who is feeling the suffering or another who is the cause, but many times it is simply suffering that occurs because our world is fallen. No matter the cause, we can always cry to God and, for all who believe and trust in Him, know that He hears. This may not necessarily end the suffering, but our Lord never leaves us without hope. In our prayers, we can find strength to carry us through. It is in this way that we can take our refuge in the Lord and remain covered in his protection, knowing that in the end, we will stand in His glory and fully know His peace.
Let us pray. I thank you, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, your dear Son, that you have kept me this night from all harm and danger, and I ask you to protect me this day also from sin and every evil, that in all I do today, I may please you. For into your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all that is mine. Let your holy angel watch over me, that the wicked foe have no power over me. Amen.