By the time you read this column, many things would have likely happened on the global political stage especially the unfolding events in the Middle East. Just over the last weekend, the world woke up to the shock that two nuclear-armed nations have decided to drop large bombs on another country. How should we, as Christians, react to such news and determine whether it is “good” or “bad”?
This brings me to Psalm 7, a song sung by David to the Lord concerning Cush, a Benjamite. According to 1 Samuel 24, Cush made life difficult for David, and it was also the same Cush who brought David the tragic news of Absalom’s death.
In life, we will inevitably encounter news that may affect us in various ways, and it is in Psalm 7 where we can learn from David on how he positioned himself and responded accordingly.
Here are a few observations from Psalm 7:
1. Be honest with the Lord (v1-5): Begin by examining ourselves and talk talking honestly to the Lord in prayer.
2. Allow God to be our Judge (v6-13): God’s judgement is always right. It is best to entrust all matters to Him. We must be willing to maintain our integrity and let God be our defence.
3. Learn to wait on the Lord (v14-16): Trust God that He will bring justice and provide direction to us who wait upon Him.
4. Give thanks to the Lord in all circumstances (v17): Psalm 7 moves from the intensely personal plea of David, who was hounded and betrayed, to a point of deep awareness that God is the Judge of all things. And it concluded with confidence and praise.
May we continue to persevere, pray and prepare our hearts to seek God in our daily endeavours, regardless of whether we receive good or bad news in our lives.
Andrew Lim
