Ps. 52
It is clear how David felt about Doeg, the Edomite, and rightly so. And yet, it is also clear that he leaves any vengeance or vindication concerning Doeg to God. He never seeks vengeance on his personal enemies himself (well, he almost did once, but was stopped). Instead, David says this to God, before anything was ever done, “I will thank you forever, because you have done it.” (Ps 52:9a) Now that’s trust in God!
Ps. 57
Again, it amazes me how David praises God with songs of gratitude and exaltation even – maybe especially – in the midst of his hardships. He knew to whom he belonged and he worked to keep his heart pure before God. He trusted God with all the rest.
Ps. 142
Ps 142:7b, “The righteous will surround me, for you will deal bountifully with me.” David talks about what God will do with the confidence that it is as good as done. He is not being presumptuous, but is trusting in God’s nature.
Luke 22:24-46
In vs 31, Jesus tells Simon Peter that Satan demanded to have him and sift him like wheat. Satan demanded? It seems to me that God would not have to cater to Satan’s demands, and yet He did. Sort of reminds me of Job, whom God offered to Satan. I do not understand it, but in both cases there was a certainty that the submitted subject (in this case, Simon) would not fail the test. “And when you have turned again”, Jesus said to Simon.
Just prior to this statement, Jesus also said that He prayed that Simon’s faith would not fail. This encourages me because, even though Peter had his lapse where he denied knowing Christ because he was afraid, it seems that was not considered a failure of his faith. Yes, he made a bad choice in the heat of the moment, but his faith ultimately won out and, as Jesus said, he turned back. This tells me that I don’t need to focus on my failures. My faith has not failed just because I messed up. When I fall, I just need to get back up. When I turn away, I just need to turn back again. Then, like Peter, I will be able to “strengthen my brothers.”