This psalm written by David applies to all of us as we look back on our lives, but it is hard to believe when we are going through our problems. Was David referring to a specific incident or to all of Israel’s history? It is impossible to know, but the principle is universal for believers.
The Lord is on the side of all believers because we are His children by faith not just by creation. David realized this because God pulled Israel through during hard times. God never said we would not face hard times; He just said He would be with us.
Remember Jesus told His disciples they would be persecuted like He was. Of the original 11 disciples plus Paul, history tells us that John was the only one who did not die as a martyr. Many Christians died because of their faith during the first three centuries following Christ’s death and resurrection. The Roman emperor, Constantine, finally put an end to much of it when he adopted the Christian faith.
Sometimes we get in trouble because we have either committed unconfessed sin or maybe we have neglected worshipping and offering our praise to God. In Revelation 3:19, Jesus said, “As many as I love, I rebuke and discipline. So be committed and repent.” (HCS). “Make thankfulness your sacrifice to God, and keep the vows you made to the Most High. . .But giving thanks is a sacrifice that really honors Me.” (Psalm 50: 14, 23).
Sometimes we face problems because we are unable to see the future. I invested in real estate just before inflation soared and a recession hit; I lost almost everything even though I had prayed about and believed it was God’s will for me to make the investment. God used this to teach me to understand economics; I would not have learned without the hard times.
Whatever we go through, we can be sure the Lord is with us. Our responsibility is to trust and praise Him whatever the outcome. Don’t waste 20 years of your life thinking God has abandoned you; He didn’t.