Everyone comes across seasons in their life when they don’t know exactly what to do. You may be experiencing such a season right now.
David spent 8 years displaced and on the run from Saul, stuck in a season where he didn’t know exactly what to do. He wrote many Psalms during that time that give encouragement to us for times that we feel run down, weary, displaced or confused.
During those 8 years, David could have felt that way. He had been chosen and anointed to be the next king of Israel by God through Samuel. However, this position had not yet taken effect. In fact, his life reflected the opposite picture of being king. He didn’t have a home, was camping out in caves, had a team that came to him out of despair themselves and he didn’t have a clear plan or picture of how everything was going to work out. Instead of becoming overrun with fear, doubt, bitterness or rebellion toward God during that season of testing, David instead poured out his heart in song and chose to thank, praise and trust in God.
David says,
Psalm 68 “let the godly rejoice”
Psalm 69 “I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify Him with thanksgiving. This also shall please the Lord better than an ox or bull, which has horns and hooves. The humble shall see this and be glad; and you who seek God, your hearts shall live.”
David also focused on seeking the Lord for help.
Psalm 86 “Be merciful to me, O Lord, for I cry to You all day long. Rejoice the soul of Your servant, for to You, O Lord, I lift up my soul. For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, and abundant in mercy to all those who call upon You.
Psalm 61 says it best, “From the end of the earth I will cry to You, when my heart is overwhelmed; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.”
Another tip for a season like this comes to us from a favorite quote from Pastor Jon Courson of Applegate Christian Fellowship in Jacksonville, Oregon; “Do what you know, and you’ll know what to do.” Instead of wallowing in fear and anxiety, act on things that are right in front of you. Do what you know how to do and God will begin moving you forward, steering you along the way.
Another quote along this same line of thinking comes from Pastor Chuck Smith of Calvary Chapel, “you can’t steer a parked car”. If you are overwhelmed and stuck in the doldrums, immobilized by uncertainty, get moving! Don’t dwell on what is not working in your life. Focus instead on doing things you know how to do – whatever that may be and serving others with your talents and gifts.
When you don’t know what to do, when your heart is overwhelmed, lean not on your own understanding but seek God Who loves you and Who has the best intentions for your life. He has all of the answers. It may not be the answer you wanted, but it will be the best answer and you will be blessed if you listen and obey Him, wait on Him and know that like David, weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning. Spend your season of testing praising Him because He will see you through!
