David's Prayer of Quiet Trust | Previous Challenge Entry

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TITLE: David's Prayer of Quiet Trust | Previous Challenge Entry
By Jennifer Woodley
11/04/15
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David’s heart pounded loudly. Exhausted, but not spent, he stumbled towards the rocky outcrop ahead. His face was burning, his legs bleeding, ripped from the thorny undergrowth. His breath was hot and hurried as his chest strained to gulp air. Rising waves of anxiety washed over David, flooding his mind with panic, gripping his heart with fear. The dull thud of Saul’s men drew closer and closer. The breach between the two camps grew narrower and narrower. Muddy beads of perspiration streamed down David’s face as he shouted loudly, urging, pushing, his men on wards. Mercifully, they fell behind a rocky outcrop, providing temporary shelter from the bloodthirsty enemy. Saul’s men were hungry for a kill, hungry for a prize.

Minutes passed. Silence fell. Stillness descended over the Wilderness of Maon. Cautiously, hesitantly, David arose. The lonely landscape affirmed his faint hope. Strangely, the enemy were retreating; their figures receding to black dots in the distance. David wondered at his good fortune. Had Saul encountered trouble with the Philistines? Yes, that was most likely the reason for the sudden retreat.

David trembled with exhaustion, every muscle screamed in protest. Yet, just now, the overwhelming gratitude and relief of being safe preceded the pain of his battered body. He leaned heavily against a large rock, allowing the boulder to shoulder his full weight. The Rock of Escape: a fitting name for this wilderness post.

After affirming his men for their display of courage and faithfulness, David withdrew to a quiet place nearby. He lifted his face fully towards the fading enemy line. Like the grasses below, they had withered and disappeared. He gave thanks to His God as a breeze arose from the pass below, cooling his face, refreshing his spirit.

Then David worshiped. His voice rose loudly and freely from the depths of his soul. It resounded around the desolate hill country, a glorious chorus honoring the true King. God had once again, proven to be his Rock of Refuge. He had upheld David and his men, giving them victory over the enemy. Later, when the evening stars came out in a stunning procession one by one and winked silently as David’s men slumbered, he penned these words:

‘Do not fret because of the wicked;
do not be envious of wrongdoers,
for they will soon fade like the grass,
and wither like the green herb.
Trust in the Lord, and do good;
so you will live in the land, and enjoy security.
Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act.
He will make your vindication shine like the light,
and the justice of your cause like the noonday.
Be still before the Lord, and wait patiently for him,
do not fret over those who prosper in their way,
over those who carry out evil devices.
Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath
do not fret – it leads only to evil.
For the wicked shall be cut off,
but those who wait for the Lord shall inherit the land.’

David pondered these words deeply, letting the promises sweep over him and calm his mind. Troubled thoughts gave way to tranquility, as he repeated God’s clear commands. ‘Do not fret, trust in the Lord, commit yourself to him, be still, rest and relax. Know that God, the Giver of Life, the Author of each one’s story, the Alpha and the Omega is in control.’ David rested his body on the rock, settled his mind on his Maker and slept; and a cool breeze, the breath of God, gently wooed him to sleep.

Psalm 37:1-9 (NRSV)

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