pWelcome to Psalm 55. Here we get an in-depth insight into what it’s like to be faced with trouble you can’t handle alone. Overcome with ‘fear and trembling’ (v. 5 NIV), David’s panicked words show a natural response to pain: run. Today we’re looking at a choice we have to make: run to something in our own strength, or rely on God.br /
From normal but consuming-when-taken-too-far things like video games and social media, to damaging substances and habits, we can want to hide from life-stuff. David wanted to grow a pair of wings and detach himself as far from trouble as possible. It’s an understandable, quite natural, response to fear when we’re desperate to run away to a safe place. The fact is, God is the only source of strength who’ll bring peace. Any temporary hiding place which ignores His refuge and strength (Psalm 46:1) won’t get you through in the way that He wants. Which is strengthened and closer to Him.br /
Watch as the psalm goes on and David draws closer to God. He learns not to try and hide, but to trust on God to save him - ‘As for me, I call to God, and the LORD saves me’ (v.16 NIV). Relying on God gives us the strength we need to have peace about a situation, even when we want to find the nearest exit./p
pWhat now?br /
Grow some dove-wings? Nah. God’s got a better strength-boosting plan: ‘Those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles’ (Isaiah 40:31 NIV). So keep it simple this Wednesday. Just ask God for an extra boost of strength for the rest of the week./p