In the middle

             I know that whenever we look back on something, we see much more than when we are in the middle of it. This morning I got a different perspective of how to look at being in the middle from something that happened to David before he was king.

            David was running for his very life from King Saul, who was doing everything he possibly could do find David. And it wasn’t like Saul was just looking for one man… David had over 400 men traveling with him. Saul was very intent to find David, even going so far as to kill 85 priests and an entire town of men, women and children in his desperation.

            Only God would tell this intense story and add a wee bit of humor to it… for as David was hiding in a cave Saul came to that very cave to, as the Bible puts it, “relieve himself”. David’s men encouraged him that this was the moment to get rid of Saul so David actually crept up and cut off a corner of the king’s robe. But then he realized what he had done and was convicted that he was not the one to bring justice to the situation.

            To quickly sum up the rest of the story – after Saul had left the cave and resumed his search David made himself known to the king, asked some questions, made a promise he would never kill Saul… Saul was remorseful and for the moment acknowledged David would be the next king. Saul went home and David and his men left.

            Ok that’s the story. We can read the whole account and see what all took place. But I have to remember David didn’t have those facts when he wrote Psalm 57. He was still in the moment – running for his life and hiding from Saul, who was trying to kill him.

            That is why as I read Psalm 57 this morning it was such an a-ha moment. Right in the middle of his cry for mercy and being very specific what the enemy was doing in their pursuit to kill him, David makes this comment about God:

“… Who fulfills His purpose for me…”

            Now I don’t know about you, but when I am in the middle of trouble and hurt and hard, confusing moments the thought that God is fulfilling His purpose for me right then isn’t the first thought I have. I eventually get to that thought after I am out of the danger or have had time to heal from the battle.

            But I’m thinking that needs to change… that the simple little phrase should ring in my head so I recognize that even right then – IN THE MIDDLE – God is fulfilling His purpose for me. I think it would make a difference in how I looked at the moment.

            But there is a second part that is just as incredible to me. Not only did David recognize that even in the middle God was fulfilling His purpose in his life, but he made the statement that his heart was steadfast – and that he was able to sing and make music.

            Wow. I want that!! I want to have a steadfast and undivided heart that recognizes God at every moment of my life and to see that what He is doing is so awesome my heart can remain at peace. I want to sing and make music… even in the middle.

            I love David’s heart! I appreciate his transparency and I’m thankful God preserved these lessons for us to learn from.

            David’s amazing conclusion of this psalm has become some of my favorite verses describing God’s love and faithfulness:

I will praise you, O Lord, among the nations;

I will sing of You among the peoples.

For great is Your love, reaching to the heavens,

Your faithfulness reaches to the skies.

Be exalted, O God, above the heavens;

Let Your glory be over all the earth.