The Moments that Sustain Us
When difficulties arise, what’s your main focus—the problem, its impact on you, or its effect on others? David’s writings reveal him following God’s plan for meeting troubles: meditating on the Lord’s sufficiency and will. The result was strength and hope for his soul.
The focusing of mind and spirit on the Lord is a critically important discipline in the believer’s life. Through the Psalms, David not only poured out his troubles to the Lord but also continually turned his attention back to the Father. God is always at the heart of biblical meditation.
Circumstances can be valuable prompts for meditating if we match a character quality of the Lord to our dilemma. Because David’s relationship with God was built on trust, his instinct was to deal with trials by anticipating divine help and victory. For example, his impending fight with Goliath brought to mind God’s past and present deliverance power (1 Sam. 17:37). Facing a different kind of danger—King Saul’s murderous threats and advances—David chose to dwell on the attribute of protection: he visualized God as his refuge and fortress (Ps. 91:2). Mourning the loss of loved ones, he allowed God’s presence and comfort to fill his heart and mind (1 Sam. 30:3-6).
Our main resource for meditation is the Word of God. Throughout its pages, His character, works, and purposes are clearly displayed. When the next difficulty comes, use it as an opportunity to meditate on some aspect of our triune God. From this will come strength and hope to sustain you.
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