This is an interesting psalm for David to write because, while it is filled with praise, he writes about the time he felt totally abandoned by God. When did this happen? It may have been his early experience with Saul.
David had been anointed as the future king by Samuel, the prophet, he had defeated Goliath when no one else would fight him. He had been named one of Saul’s commanders and won every battle he was in. He married the king’s daughter, lived in a comfortable home, and ate from the king’s table. He had everything a young man could want; listen to his words: “When I was prosperous, I said, ‘Nothing can stop me now’! Your favor, O Lord, made me as secure as a mountain. Then You turned away from me, and I was shattered.”
What happened to David? Because of his military success, David became a celebrity. Saul, on whom God had placed a troubling spirit, became very jealous to the point of trying to kill David. David left the city with nothing: no food, no weapon, nothing but the clothes on his back. Heading into the wilderness to live alone in the midst of wild animals, losing the joy and companionship of his wife, and being branded as an outlaw by the king was a real downer. We can only imagine the lostness he must have felt. We know this situation lasted for several years. Can we imagine his wonder at God leaving him in such a circumstance, yet that is exactly how he felt?
Many Christians have experienced the same disappointment, confusion, and worthlessness as a human being. It is bad enough for a short time, but the nagging reality of this year after year causes many people to give up. Yet, for David, it was a training ground to develop David’s character and faith. If we should experience such a setback, we need to think about David and the growth in character and faith that made him such a great king. Read again his praise to God after his experience.