Psalm 28 The Lord is My Strength and My Shield

The greatest benefit I enjoy in my Christian faith is that I don't walk alone through life. My God is with me in the joys of life and he is with me in my darkest moments. I can talk to my God about my problems and he will listen to me. God not only listens to me, but he also speaks to me offering encouragement, guidance, and counsel. Silence from God is a sign of judgment or displeasure. In Psalm 28, David indicates to God that his silence may cause him to become like the unbelievers around him when he cries out for mercy.

Despite the fact that I know that God is with me, I don't just bring out a laundry list for God to get to work. Neither David came to God with an attitude of demand. He would lift up his hands and worship as he approached God with his plea. I can't forget that God is worthy of worship and adoration. I must give him the glory and honor he deserves under all circumstances of life. In fact, David's description of unbelievers is that "they do not regard the works of the Lord or the works of his hands." As a believer, I am called to remember that I am approaching the Creator of all things including my own life.

I can't understand how the unbeliever lives life without God. It seems to me that the difficulties and disappointments of life are enough for me to need someone who can stand with me. It is good to have friends, but friends are not always with you. God is always with me. His presence is available 24/7 without interruption. He does not slumber or sleep and has no need of anything.

The strength I need to get through life comes from my God. I suppose one can muster strength from other sources to get through life, but this is precisely what idolatry is all about. God does not desire that I seek other sources. He wants to be the one and only source because he is my Creator. "The Lord is the strength of his people." In times of need, I can take refuge in him. "In him my heart trusts." For this reason, I can live my life in thanksgiving to him.

Father, you are my strength and shield. You are my refuge and shepherd of my soul. To you I run every day all the day long to seek help. Thanks for your presence and for listening my cry. Amen.