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 this physical, mental, and emotional strain.

We all search for relief from such struggles. My personal reprieve takes me to the great outdoors for a long walk or to pull weeds in my yard. On rare occasions when my stress-level hits a category 5 on the hurricane scale, I combine both therapies into one: I walk the neighborhood, stopping to pull weeds in random people’s yards. In my mind, I totally see this as a good deed, but my husband is quick to point out I am trespassing. Sadly, my relief proves temporary.

So, what is the secret to transforming us from an “I’ll bite your head off” creature into the “I love you with the love of the Lord” person we pray to be? A perfect place to start is in the Psalms.

King David, despite wealth and power, found himself plagued with struggles. He became a hunted fugitive, his adultery with Bathsheba resulted in the child’s death, a vicious rape occurred within his household, a son led a rebellion against him, and his entire reign was marked by violence. Most likely, David penned Psalm 31 with trembling hand, documenting his cry for relief physically as his bones wasted away, (vs. 10) mentally from fear on every side, (vs. 13) and emotionally as a result of 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;

“But as for me, I trust in you, O Lord . . . My times are in your hand;”

Often, we too find ourselves on struggle-street, facing challenges at every turn. Those enemies today may come in the form of spiteful co-workers casting accusations our way, or a divisive marriage hurling spiteful words as daggers, or anxiety over bills stacking up faster than can be paid. We become paralyzed with fear and guilt, feeling as David, “cut off from before Your (God’s) eyes.” Gratefully, Psalm 31 reminds us of precious relief offered by a loving Father who holds our lives in His hands. So, Sisters:

“Be of good courage,” knowing “He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the Lord.” (vs.24)

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

Rita Cochrane