My Times Are
In Your Hand
Be
gracious to me, O LORD, for I am in distress; my eye wastes away from grief, my
soul and body also. For my life is spent with sorrow, and my years with
sighing; my strength fails because of my misery, and my bones waste away.
I am
the scorn of all my adversaries, a horror to my neighbors, an
object of dread to my acquaintances; those who see me in the street flee from
me. I have passed out of mind like one who is dead; I have become like a broken
vessel. For I hear the whispering of many – terror all around! – as they scheme together against me, as they plot to take my
life.
But I
trust in you, O LORD; I say, “You are my God.” My times are in your hand;
deliver me from the hand of my enemies and persecutors. Let your face shine
upon your servant; save me in your steadfast love. Do not let me be put to
shame, O LORD, for I call on you; let the wicked be put to shame; let them go
dumbfounded to Sheol. Let the lying lips be stilled
that speak insolently against the righteous with pride and contempt.
O how
abundant is your goodness that you have laid up for those who fear you, and
accomplished for those who take refuge in you, in the sight of everyone! In the
shelter of your presence you hide them from human plots; you hold them safe
under your shelter from contentious tongues.
Blessed
be the LORD, for he has wondrously shown his steadfast love to me when I was
beset as a city under siege. I had said in my alarm, “I am driven far from your
sight.” But you heard my supplications when I cried
out to you for help.
Love
the LORD, all you his saints. The LORD preserves the faithful, but abundantly
repays the one who acts haughtily. Be strong, and let your heart take courage,
all you who wait for the LORD.
Psalm 31:9-24
Warnings
and threats of terrorist attacks continue. Terrorism derives its sting by
exporting fear. No one feels safe. Take notice of David. When everything seemed
to be bleak, David told His God that he trusted Him. David began to find peace
when he noted that his times were in God’s hands. In our world, perfect safety
is not possible. But David’s God is our God. Though earthly security may be
threatened, we can never lose God’s eternal, unfailing love. When we place our
times in His hand, we can exchange the fear of terror for peace and praise.
Putting your faith in the living God takes the fear out of living.
Our Daily Bread –