David’s life was complicated. He and his family were chosen to do great things, and many victories had already been won, yet there were times of trouble and falling way off course. Life is messy. In the midst of ups and downs, blessings and sufferings, where could he turn? Where was his hope? Where do you turn? Where is your hope?
David turned to God. God would preserve his life. He was a place of refuge, strength, and safety. David trusted there is no good apart from Him, that He is his chosen portion and cup. God provided blessings and directed his path, making all things work together for good for David and those who trust Him. God gives inheritance and counsel and is the only source of joy and security. Where else could David look in his present day, except to God?
Not only did David trust God for his present day, but he looked to the future and into eternity. God would preserve his life after death and not let him rot away. “For you will not abandon my soul to the grave, or let your holy one see corruption (Psalm 16:10).” David may not have understood everything that would happen in life-after-death, but he knew enough that God would raise him up. There was promise and assurance and joy to look forward to, not through a false god but the living God, who is over the living and the dead. God who is sovereign, a treasure, all power, a counselor, a comforter and life preserver. This is where David turned in harder times, and where you can turn as well.
Jesus is the ultimate answer to David’s longing and hope. In Jesus is resurrection and life; whoever believes in Him, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in Him shall never die (John 11:25-26). Do you believe this? God makes known the path of life to His people. In His presence there is fullness of joy and pleasures forever (Psalm 16:11). This is a long-range view. It’s not the worst thing in the world to die whenever you die, if you know Christ as Lord; it’s not the worst thing to suffer through hardship in this life, if you know Christ as Lord. Life is complicated and messy, but Christ is our hope.