The Storms of Life

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Life can be beautiful, lovely and easy; yet life can also be harsh, painful and difficult. Figuratively speaking, we all face the storms of life. The question is, will we still be standing after the storm has passed or collapse and fall? Jesus taught a small but powerful parable of two men who each built a house. One built on a rock, the other on sand. Both encountered storms, yet only one house stood firm; the other collapsed (see Matthew 7:24-27). It's a powerful illustration that we all face the storms of life, yet there is a way to survive them and be safe and stable. The key issue in this story was obedience to His word/teaching. Obeying God's Word is the wisdom and stability we need to stand strong in the storms of life. We need a steadfast heart of peace when life is difficult and challenging so we can make decisions and take action in line with His will.

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A Steadfast Heart in the Midst of Storms

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In the midst of the storms of life, we need a steadfast heart. The peace inside of us is more important than the storms around us. The psalmist had a steadfast heart and would sing praises to God (Psalm 57:7). How was that even possible, given the storms he faced? 

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The psalmist was faced with calamities (NKJV) and disaster (NIV), yet found refuge in the God of mercy under whose wings he would abide until the storm passed (Psalm 57:1). As in other psalms, David asked for God to be merciful to him. He knew God is merciful and good. David was at that time hiding in a cave from the persecution of king Saul. The failed king was jealous and wanted to 'get rid of' David (to say it mildly). Evil dictators seek to remove all opposition and eliminate all threats. David endured much suffering, yet his heart was steadfast in these storms of life. Under the shadow of God's wings is refuge and safety, as another Psalm states so beautifully (see Psalm 91; E8).

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David cried out to the Most High (El Elyon), who is able to vindicate him (Psalm 57:2). David wasn't asking for revenge, but for God to set things right. God would save him and send forth love and faithfulness, mercy and truth, rebuking those who persecuted him (v 3). David lived in dangerous environments (v 4), yet he kept praising God (v 5). Once he told Jonathan, the king's son, that there is 'but a step between me and death' (1 Samuel 20:3). He was among lions (Psalm 57:4a), yet he knew that his God, the Most High above all others and greater than all things, is able to rescue him. It was this confidence in God by which David confronted and defeated Goliath, the giant enemy (1 Samuel 16:37). Millennia later, Paul knew the same strength by his trust in God Most High and Almighty (see 2 Timothy 4:17-18). 

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Even when the enemy spread a net to catch him or dug a pit to capture him (Psalm 57:6), David's heart was steadfast in God (v 7). He had a steadfast heart in the midst of the storms of life. His prayer and praise were to the Most High (vv 8-11). His heart of worship was a steadfast heart set on God Almighty, the God of mercy and faithfulness. God's peace kept him; God's power rescued him every time. Those who persecuted David got what they deserved; they reaped what they had been sown. David was rewarded by salvation and goodness for his trust in God and pure heart even towards his enemies. 

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