God Can Be Trusted

The heading of this psalm encourages us to read it in the light of David’s experience as a fugitive in the Judean wilderness. The references to “the sanctuary” in verse 2 and “the king” in verse 11 suggest the period when his son Absalom led a revolt and David was forced to flee (2 Sam. 15). It is, however, a psalm very positive in tone, not panicking but full of trust that problems will be overcome. He will be kept safe and vindicated. God is close at hand to be praised. The singer can cheep like a chick under parental wings (7).

We can also read this psalm in the light of Exodus 12-16 and notice how many of the themes are familiar from Israel’s experience in those chapters. God literally satisfied their thirst and weariness in a dry land (1). God gave them a banquet of quails (5) and revealed his glory as well as his power (2). There was a grand celebration of singing and dancing (4,5), as those who aimed to destroy the people went down into the depths (9).

We could look forward and trace those themes through the Gospels, as well. The disciples who traveled for three years with Jesus knew hunger and thirst and tiredness. They faced dangerous opposition, and they also faced people who could not keep still or quiet for the joy of what Jesus had done for them. Some of them got a preview of Christ’s heavenly glory, and all of them were witnesses to God’s power at the resurrection. Perhaps we come to worship today spiritually thirsty or tired. We can rest assured that our lives follow a well-worn pattern. Our trustworthy God is at hand night and day (6). His love is better than life (3).

Which verse of this psalm best fits your relationship with God? How might you deepen your first love with God?