Ps. 31:15-16 - My times are in thy hand: deliver me from the hand of mine enemies, and from them that persecute me. Make thy face to shine upon thy servant: save me for thy mercies' sake. Every time I read David’s psalms I appreciate and admire him more-and-more. I think I can actually say, I love him more each time I read a psalm of his than I had before. It’s funny how life does that to you. David’s psalms have something for just about every potential life experience. The good and the not so good.

I think what captivates me most about David is the absolute honesty of his writings. He opens himself up and lays it all out for every one to see. Honestly, knowing what I know about David now, I wonder what I would have thought about him if I had been his next door neighbor. It’s easy to come to a conclusion about someone after the fact. It’s quite different when you’re seeing it all played out in the “here-and-now”.

Perhaps I would have been judgmental of him if I was involved in his life — I really don’t know. Just take his family life. I mean, what a mess he had on his hands. Much of which could probably be traced back to something related to David himself. If anyone had a life of ups-and-downs, it was David. To read his psalms is to come away almost feeling car sick. How does one navigate all the twists and turns when reading about his life?

I find it incredibly amazing that — THROUGH IT ALL, David maintained a relationship with God. He may have stumbled, but he somehow always found his footing again. David knew his times, his life experiences, were all in God’s hands.

I don’t know how to theologically explain why everything in our life doesn’t cause God to blow us off the face of the planet. David deserved it. I deserve it. You deserve it. God would be just if He sucked the breath right out of our lungs at any moment. — But, He doesn’t.

We are to be comforted by the fact that God is aware and in touch with everything that has anything to do with us. He knows we’re nothing more than dust. He knows we’re desperately in need of His watchful care. He knows that left to our own devises we’d self-destruct.

And so, God somehow carefully carries us in the palm of His hand. Read Psalm 31. David is going through some difficult stuff. He knew he’d never make it through the minefield of his life if he wasn’t safe in the hands of his God.

I’m encouraged as I realize God didn’t always spare David the pain and troubles. God actually let David go through this stuff for David’s growth and God’s ultimate glory. David knew that. That’s why David could continue on with his life. That’s how we continue on as well.

Right now everything might be going just great for you. Praise God. However, when something upsets the equilibrium of your life and you find yourself face down before the Throne of God …

Remember: Your times are in God’s hands. He is conforming you to the image of His dear Son. That’s what it’s all about.