Often the Godly find themselves powerless. Impotence takes many forms. World
volatile conditions sparked by terrorism make people helpless against these
demonic forces. Domestic unrest renders folks anxious and insecure. Insecurity
also may be related to an uncertain job situation. Or it may be because of a major
health conditions hard to overcome, even terminal.

Present psalm depicts a major powerless problem in the life of David, the great
king of Israel. The introduction to this psalm sets the stage at the occasion when
David fled from Absalom his son, who had usurped the throne of Israel from his
father. The narrative of this story begins in II Samuel 15. Rather than causing a
major military conflict with the rebels resulting in many dead, much destruction and
a severe split in the kingdom, David fled town accompanied by loyal troops.

As David waited for the Lord to act, he lamented his situation and prayed to God
for the resolution of the conflict. In four beautiful strophes, the psalmist writes:

My many opponents affirm that God will not help me
Yet, I know you [my Lord] are my protector, who hears my prayer
I sleep soundly and awake confidently, unafraid of my enemies
As you are my redeemer, I pray for your deliverance now

The anointed king of Israel found himself at war with his son over the throne. Two
issues are evident. On the one hand, the great king does not want to tear the
nation apart over control of the people. On the other, the father does not want to
fight the son. David was indeed put in a tight spot. The question of the moment
was what to do or not to do. These were critical circumstances rendering the
monarch powerless.

David, however, was confident that the God of Israel, who anointed and appointed
him to be king over the people, would also work to restore stability to the nation.
So, the king declared his complete trust in God. He stayed calmed waiting for the
intervention of the Lord. And God restored the king to power without fighting his
son. Then, David went on to build his nation. To this day, David is recognized for
his great influence at home and aboard.


The lesson

Life is a sequence of fortunate and unfortunate events. No one is exempt from this
condition. Some occurrences cause great joy, others immense sorrow. We delight
on a good job but become distraught without one. Good health makes us happy, a
bad one most sad. When our children are born, we celebrate. When our parents
die, we grieve.

Through this bag of mixed events we learn, mature and become. Each
circumstance teaches us. Wise is the person who takes advantage of every
opportunity to learn. David became a better king resulting from his learning during
the usurpation of his throne by son Absalom.  During my more than forty years of
ministry, I have heard many believers say that their suffering made them more
appreciative of life and better persons.

What is the secret of those growing from all situations? David waited patiently for
the Lord to act. So did those folks I have observed. No matter the circumstances
we find ourselves in, paralyzing our lives to a partial or a complete halt, the course
of action to follow is always to wait for God to act, as we encourage the Most High
to deliver us from evil. Let us say with David:

    I know you are my protector, who hears my prayer
    I sleep soundly and awake confidently, unafraid of my enemies
    As you are my redeemer, I pray for my deliverance now

Prayer:
Dear God, Creator and Master of the universe, in whom we move, we live and we
have our being, you are our refuge and strength. Though we live in perilous days,
in you we are certain of our security in expectation of our full and final
deliverance. Meantime, we wish to live in close fellowship with you and spend our
lives in service to you as we serve others. Amen
THE STRENGTH OF THE GODLY
O LORD, how many are my foes!
Many are rising against me;   
many are saying to me,
"There is no help for you in God."

But you, O LORD, are a shield around me,
my glory, and the one who lifts up my head.
I cry aloud to the LORD,
and he answers me from his holy hill.

I lie down and sleep; I wake again,
for the LORD sustains me.
I am not afraid of ten thousands of people
who have set themselves against me all around.

Rise up, O LORD! Deliver me, O my God!
For you strike all my enemies on the cheek;
you break the teeth of the wicked.
Deliverance belongs to the LORD;
may your blessing be on your people!
    Psalm 3.