Graduation day is here! Congratulations to all the graduates, their families, local teachers and staff! It is a high point of accomplishment and worthy to be celebrated. I pray you enjoy the revelries and festivities and be proud of your achievements.
After the music fades, however, you know this mountain-top high won’t last. Time will move forward and life will continue, and hardships will come. A lot of life involves struggles and difficulties. You know this is true, and if you haven’t already had some troubles, they’ll be soon to come. How will you deal with the sufferings of life?
David had these exact same issues and experiences. He celebrated the highs of defeating Goliath, and being chosen by God to sit on the throne, and His promise that one of his heirs would always be king. Then in Psalm 57, David’s in a cave, hiding, on the run, hunted down, with enemies to the left and right. Where could he turn at such a time?
David relied on the Lord. First he acknowledged the reality of his troubles, the storms of destruction and enemies trampling on him. They were like lions and fiery beasts, with teeth of spears and arrows, wielding tongues of sharp words. They cast a net for his steps and dug a pit in his way to trap him. These are the difficult situations we face, people and events we face daily. Our troubles are real and hurtful.
Second, David requested help. He cried out “from his gut” to the Lord, God Most High, asking for mercy. God is a refuge and His strong wings would shelter David in rough times. God would fulfill His purpose for David, and David had confidence in Him. David knew God would send from heaven and save him; He would put to shame his enemies who trample on him. God will send out his steadfast love and his faithfulness! In the midst of your sufferings, you can cry out to the Lord as well. Request help from the only real and true source of comfort and salvation.
Finally, David recognized God’s glory. God would be exalted and His glory reign over all the earth! His heart was committed as he sang thanksgiving and praises. God’s steadfast love is great to the heavens and His faithfulness to the clouds! Even in the midst of troubles, sufferings, and hardships, David looked to God and praised Him. God’s glory will reign over sufferings.
Psalm 57 is about David, but it is also about Jesus Christ. Jesus lived out this psalm as He faced enemies, such as Pilate and Herod and the crowds who cried, “Crucify!” Christ trusted in His Father to save Him from His enemies. Even as we look to be saved, Christ is our refuge and strength in times of hardship and suffering. We can request help from Him and recognize His glory. His purposes in us will be fulfilled.
By all means, celebrate graduation this season and look ahead to the next chapter of your life. Please remember: when struggles come, rely on God. Know the reality of your trouble and request help, then recognize His glory. It will be OK. Be exalted, O God, above the heavens! Let your glory be over all the earth!