This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him and saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them. (6-7)
Oh, what a comfort this Psalm is. David writes after reflecting on one of the many times he was in trouble. This is the same David who had defeated many enemies and was renowned for many exploits, yet still, there were times when he despaired and had no hope but God. In fact, it helps us see that even in the times of victory, David rarely trusted in himself but was still just as dependent on God. It is fascinating to see a king call himself “this poor man.” Yet, can’t we all empathize with that statement? How many of us feel like frauds, struggle with things we think we should be over by now, and often feel spiritually bankrupt before our Lord? Yet, time and again, we cry to Him from our spiritual poverty; He hears, and He answers. God is always there, protecting us, overshadowing us… even when we don’t realize it or even consciously think we need it. Still, He is there, and He is good.
As an old guy, I love the next few verses. “Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him! Oh, fear the Lord, you his saints, for those who fear him have no lack! The young lions suffer want and hunger; but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.” (8-10) Our sufficiency is not found in our strength or our youth. Even the “young lions” suffer want and hunger but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing. We foolishly waste our youth, thinking we have the answers and running in our own strength. It is only when we get old and have no hope but Jesus that we realize He was the one holding us up all along. God is so good to sustain us no matter how little we can do for ourselves, and He is so good to be patient with us, even when we think we are actually doing it ourselves. He is truly good; that is His nature, and you should take some time and meditate on this today.
