Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him for the help of His presence. Psalm 42:5 NASB.

I love to read the introduction to each psalm and the introduction to our psalm, Psalm 62, spoke a truth that is so needed: Placing all hope in God. Knowing that God is in control allows us to wait patiently for him to rescue us. True relief does not come when the problem is resolved because more problems are on the way! True relief comes from an enduring hope in God’s ultimate salvation. Only then will all trials be resolved.

And not just in the ultimate resolution in our salvation, at the end, but also in the day-to-day walk with our Creator God – Father, Son, Spirit. As we turn to Him we find His peace giving us comfort and context…the help of His presence! All of life is choice. Will we choose good or will we choose to do evil; will we choose to love or will we choose to hate? And when we ask, our God is here helping us and in His help we know good. These are choices that cannot be made for us not even by our God.

David knew that. Even in the midst of his own son, Absalom, trying to overthrow David’s rule as King, David turned to God. Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him…Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken…Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him…Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge…v. 1, 2, 5, 8. David knew that choices to do evil lead to ground that is unstable and shifting. How long will you assault me? Would all of you throw me down – this leaning wall, this tottering fence? Surely they intend to topple me from my lofty place; they take delight in lies. With their mouths they bless, but in their hearts they curse…Do not trust in extortion or put vain hope in stolen goods; though your riches increase, do not set your heart on them…v. 3, 4, 10. Choices. One thing God has spoken, two things I have heard: “Power belongs to you, God, and with you, Lord is unfailing love”, and, “You reward everyone according to what they have done.” v. 11, 12.

True relief in this world saturated in disobedience and going our own way to our deep hurt, is God’s presence with us. There will come a time when deep need drives us to what is real and needed. And when we ask for His help to understand what our hearts cannot comprehend, He is here. His presence strengthens us and reassures us. He is working for our good always and His love is patient and kind toward us. But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:8-9. These are not idle words! He had to remind me of this, this morning, when I was in distress over our world where people are suffering. The choices we make, good and bad, the experiences we live as a result, do not need to be experienced alone. Our God is here and He loves you with a tremendous, patient love and He does not want you to perish. He wants you to repent and choose life with Him that is so good! That is our choice, always.