Psalm 28
Sunday, 29 January 2023
“The LORD is my strength and my shield; My heart trusted in Him, and I am helped;” Psalm 28:7
Psalm 28 is both a Psalm of supplication and also of faith in the LORD Almighty who will hear and answer! There are times in the lives of everyone when they know only God can help or bring deliverance in those tough situations. Whilst crying out to God for help, the Psalmist makes a clear demarcation of himself against the wicked who need to be justly given what they deserve, whereas he pleads that God’s mercy be shown to him.
The believer is no exception in facing difficult times or “downhill” experiences. But see what James says in 1:2&3 [NLT]: “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.” At such times, our faith is tested and developed and our endurance grows! The tough times are God’s training grounds for His children to trust Him better and grow closer to Him.
In the latter part of the Psalm (Vs6-9), David speaks of the God in whom he has put his hope:
· God our strength & shield (V.7): When we feel weak and without defence, remember God is our strength and shield! He helps us when no one can. “But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.”(Isaiah 40:31). Remember this promise when you feel you have almost come to the end of the rope. He gives strength to the weary and defends the defenseless.
· God our saving refuge (V.8): A God who saves! Psalm 27:5 says, “For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent and set me high upon a rock.” When the storms of life hit, remember our God is a safe Refuge! We can hide in Him until it passes! Let us put our confidence in Him like the Psalmist in Ps.32:7 “You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.”
· God our Shepherd (V.9): What a picture of tender care! Isaiah 40:11 says, “He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart;…” God knows His own! He understands “the pulse of each heart” as He holds them close to His heart! How precious we are to Him! His tender love and care should make each of His children trust Him that He will lead us aright not astray!
This is the God in whom each of us can trust and say “The LORD is my strength and my shield; My heart trusted in Him, and I am helped;”
Jesus Christ said “I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd lays down His [own] life for the sheep.” (John 10:11 AMP). Christ laid His life for you and me that we might become God’s children- if we receive Him! “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name:” (John 1:12), When we become rightfully God’s children, we have His care and protection and the confidence that He does hear our supplications! Then we know our hearts can rest in Him and that we are helped!
PROMISE: The LORD is good, A stronghold in the day of trouble; And He knows those who trust in Him. (Nahum 1:7)
Listen: '‘Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus'