Souls at Peace

"As for me, I will call upon God, and the LORD shall save me. ¹⁷ Evening and morning and at noon I will pray, and cry aloud, and He shall hear my voice. ¹⁸ He has redeemed my soul in peace from the battle that was against me, for there were many against me."

Psalm 55:16-18

David was anointed king over Israel and the Spirit of God rested upon him, yet life was not easy.  He faced many troubles, struggles and many enemies--even in his own household.  All along David had great confidence in God's ability to hear, answer his prayers and save him.  When the men of Israel cowered in fear at the threats of Goliath, David alone was courageous to meet him in battle because he was sure God would deliver him into his hand.  There were many who gathered against David, but there were also many with him.

I am reminded of the time when Elisha was holed up in Dothan and the Syrians came and surrounded the city.  2 Kings 6:15-17 reads, "And when the servant of the man of God arose early and went out, there was an army, surrounding the city with horses and chariots. And his servant said to him, "Alas, my master! What shall we do?" ¹⁶ So he answered, "Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them." ¹⁷ And Elisha prayed, and said, "LORD, I pray, open his eyes that he may see." Then the LORD opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw. And behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha."  The servant saw the army encompassing the city and was afraid.  He wondered what they could possibly do and was blind to the divine protection provided by God's grace of an innumerable heavenly host.  Sometimes we are like the overwhelmed servant when we ought to have the fearless perspective of Elisha who prayed.

For all the troubles God allowed David to endure, He brought help, comfort and friendship in time of need.  When David was forced to leave his home and wife because of king Saul's murderous rampage, hundreds of men gathered to him who would remain loyal all his days.  He was separated from his family and hometown and 400 men swelled to 600.  After David fled Jerusalem during the coup led by Absalom, he directed the priests to return to the city and instructed 10 concubines to remain and keep the house while many mourned beside him.  Shimei threw stones and hurled insults at David, yet Barzillai and Shobi a Moabite came to comfort and provide much needed supplies.  David's trusted advisor Ahithophel turned against him, yet his friend Hushai came to help him.  It seemed for every foe God provided David a friend who rallied to his aid, and God was faithful to deliver him.

By faith in God there is strong confidence and great gain, for God hears, saves and delivers us according to His grace and goodness.  We may not feel we have a friend in the world and all seems against us, but may we never forget Jesus called His disciples friends.  Since we have sought the LORD and fled to Him for refuge who can separate us from His love and life?  Israel once complained about all the things that were against him because of the loss of Joseph, Simeon and Benjamin (Gen. 42:36) and did not comprehend at the time how God was for him.  God had preserved all three and used Joseph to save many other people alive through a severe 7 year famine.  Our God hears, saves and is always with us, able to redeem our souls in peace.