“For the godly, every adversity in life is an occasion for growth in trust.”
This is a quote from the NLT Study Bible put out by Tyndale. It is found in the section of Psalms where we hear from David while Saul is in pursuit of him. David is hiding and calls out to God to rescue him from his enemies. You hear the strong emotions David is experiencing during this time but you also hear his faith. In the midst of the difficulties, David calls out to God with a sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving. It is with this thankful heart that David’s hard times cause his faith and trust in God to increase.
But what’s his secret? How did David allow the hard times to cause his faith to grow instead of causing himself to distance from God? In order for every adversity in our life to become an occasion for growth, it would help to know David’s secret.
Why should I fear when trouble comes, when enemies surround me?…
God will redeem my life. He will snatch me from the power of the grave…
I am like an olive tree, thriving in the house of God.
I will always trust in God’s unfailing love.
I will praise you forever, O God, for what you have done.
I will trust in your good name in the presence of your faithful people. – Psalm 49:5,15; 52:8-9
An olive tree lives a very long life when it is well cared for. David sees himself as an olive tree that is remaining close to its caregiver – in the house of God. By staying close to God, David is remaining close to the source of his faith. This is a commitment he has made – to live a life of trust in the Lord.
God is my helper…
You have rescued me from my troubles and helped me to triumph over my enemies…
I will call on God, and the Lord will rescue me.
Morning, noon and night I cry out in my distress, and the Lord hears my voice.
He ransoms me and keeps me safe from the battle waged against me,
though many still oppose me.
God, who has ruled forever, will hear me and humble them. – Psalm 54:4,7; 55:16-19
Remaining close to the source of his faith, David communicates with God. He tells God how he is feeling and brings all of his difficulties to the One who can rescue him from any situation. By remaining close to God and in constant communication with his Savior, David’s trust in the Lord grows even during difficult times.
Give your burdens to the Lord, and he will take care of you…
My enemies will retreat when I call to you for help.
This I know: God is on my side!
I praise God for what he has promised; yes, I praise the Lord for what he has promised.
I trust in God, so why should I be afraid?
What can mere mortals do to me? – Psalm 55:22; 56:9-11
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy!
I look to you for protection.
I will hide beneath the shadow of your wings until the danger passes by.
I cry out to God Most High, to God who will fulfill his purpose for me…
My heart is confident in you, O God; my heart is confident.
No wonder I can sing your praises!
Wake up, my heart!
Wake up, O lyre and harp!
I will wake the dawn with my song.
I will thank you, Lord, among all the people.
I will sing your praises among the nations.
For your unfailing love is as high as the heavens.
Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds.
Be exalted, O God, above the highest heavens.
May your glory shine over all the earth. – Psalm 57:1-2,7-11
David’s secret can be my secret – remaining close to God, communicating with God and having confidence that God will fulfill His purpose in me.
You are my strength;
I wait for you to rescue me, for you, O God, are my fortress…
But as for me, I will sing about your power.
Every morning I will sing with joy about your unfailing love.
For you have been my refuge, a place of safety when I am in distress.
O my Strength, to you I sing praises, for you, O God, are my refuge,
the God who shows me unfailing love. – Psalm 59:9,16-17