One of the amazing features of the psalms is the confidence and peace that the psalmists expressed in the face of severe threats. They say things like: “Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then will I be confident” (Psalm 27:3) and, “In God I trust; I will not be afraid; What can mortal man do to me?” (Psalm 56:4). The answer to this (rhetorical) question might well be: “A lot!” These were cruel times. The ‘mortal men’ that the psalmist was speaking of might well skin him alive and impale him on a pole! But he remains completely peaceful because he has brought this battle to God and expressed his fear to God in prayer. Moreover, and this is the other thing I want to note, he is walking in God’s way and he knows that he is secure in this path. The promises of God for protection and blessing don’t apply to any and every way we might decide to go in life. These promises of God apply to the purposes of God. If you walk in his way, then these promises of God apply to your life. To walk in God’s purpose is to be constantly stepping out of our comfort zone. But whenever we step into God’s purpose we are stepping into the safest place in the universe, because, as we step forward in God’s purpose, we are covered by his promises. You may go through grief and hardships but they will not thwart the purpose that God wants to fulfil through your life.
Devote yourself to walking in God’s purpose this weekend.
Read Psalm 17
