Psalm 31:14-15A “But as for me, I trust in you, O Lord; I say, ‘You are my God.’ My times are in your hand.” NKJV

It seems unavoidable, this thing called stress! We accept it as an inevitable part of life. Volumes of books, numerous podcasts, and a plethora of expert opinions offer solutions for our physical, mental, and emotional strain, many of them coming at great cost.

And so, the quest to transform ourselves from an “I’ll bite your head off” creature into an “I love you with the love of the Lord” human begins. Good news is the secret can be found in David’s psalms.

Despite his kingly wealth and power, David resided on Struggle Street. He was a hunted fugitive. His adultery with Bathsheba resulted in many deaths, including his own child’s. A vicious rape occurred within his household. A son led a rebellion against him. In fact, his entire reign was marked by violence. Surely, David penned Psalm 31 with a trembling hand. He documented his cry for physical relief as his bones wasted away (vs. 10), mental relief from fear on every side (vs. 13), and emotional relief of his incessant grief (vs. 10). David’s low-points are undeniable, but his title, “a man after God’s own heart” was well earned, for in distress, David reaffirmed his relationship with God as he wrote;

“But as for me, I trust in you, O Lord . . . My times are in your hand” (Psalm 31:14-15).

Truth is, we too will find ourselves on struggle street, facing challenges at every turn. Perhaps spiteful co-workers will cast accusations our way. A divisive marriage may hurl spiteful words as daggers. Anxiety can mount right alongside bills that mount faster than can be paid. Like David, we may feel cut off from before God’s eyes. But take a deep cleansing breath and bask in the goodness of verse 24 where lies David’s secret: “Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the Lord,” And friend, never doubt this same loving Father will strengthen our hearts and provide us hope today.

Father God, may we discover relief from the struggles in our lives as we place our hope in You.

Blessings,

Rita Cochrane