In the seven short verses of this psalm, there is a lot going on. Bottom line = turn to God. There is an insistence in the psalmist’s tone, a plea to God to listen, yet it’s almost like a shout, isn’t it? The author is truly in fear for his life and needs God now! We should have that urgency for God, whether in peril or not.
While the author appears or sounds to be in mortal danger, he quickly shifts to trust and praise. He knows with assurance that God is there, that God has promised to rescue, and for that he will be praised. Again, we can take away from this that we shouldn’t wait until God has moved, praise him because we know he will.
A song from Casting Crowns come to mind here, “Praise You in This Storm”. Take a listen here.
Do we have the same degree of trust that the psalmist does – to begin praising while still in our storm? The lyrics of the song also demonstrate this trusting and praise before the deliverance, not just after. I don’t know about you, but I need to work on trusting in deliverance amidst the storm. I often focus more on the storm and how I should stop it. I need to be fully assured that God has my back and is working it out. Do you find yourself struggling with this weakness as well?
Let’s pray. Lord, I do praise you in my storm. Help me to look to you first, and be on my knees. I lay these burdens and concerns at your feet, Lord. They are weighing me down and I know you have them in your control. Thank you for all that you do for me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
