Show me the wonders of your great love, you who save by your right hand those who take refuge in you from their foes. Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings from the wicked who are out to destroy me, from my mortal enemies who surround me.
Psalm 17: 7-9
What are you afraid of today? What fears invade your thoughts in the dark hours of the night? Almost daily we experience fear in some way. Whether it is fear of the unknown, fear of heights, fear of failure, fear of rejection or of the opinion of others. Anyone who lives long enough will encounter some kind of fear.
In Psalm 17 we encounter David, the mighty warrior who had fought and won many battles, crying out for God’s protection and vindication. In trust and total dependance, he asks God to protect him from those who rise up against him. David seeks reassurance of God’s love. He seeks confirmation that God would keep him as the apple of God’s eye. David wants reassurance that God would hide him in the shadow of God’s wings, safe from those who seek to destroy him. Fear drives towards God.
Sometimes life feels like that doesn’t it? There are times we feel like David did in this Psalm. We feel completely surrounded. It is easy to feel afraid and discouraged. It is easy to feel helpless in the face of such huge and complicated threats. But over and over again, the Bible urges us to take refuge in God no matter what threatening situation we may face (Psalm 46:1-5; 2 Thessalonians 3:3 Isaiah. 41:10). The Bible urges us to rest in God and trust in him because he alone is our confidence and our peace.
Will you do that today? Will you picture yourself as the apple of God’s eye and hide in the shelter of his wings as David did? Will you let your fear be the reminder that you have a protective Father who is ready to save you by his right hand? Will you trust him and take refuge in him today and always?
Father, I take refuge at your right hand. In the face of all my fears, you are enough. And no matter how repeatedly my faith falters, you continue to be faithful. Thank you for reminding me that I am the apple of your eye and that I can always trust in you. AMEN.