October 6 - Psalm 28

October 6 - Psalm 28

Surely you've had times when you feel there is no one around who cares whether you exist or not; no one who will take care of you; no one who can help you.

For David, the only one left was God.  He pleaded with God to listen, because if God didn't listen to him, he might as well just die.  David was feeling so alone, in verse three, he was concerned that God wouldn't see him as he was and might see him along with the wicked and drag him to be punished.

David, in verse two, says that he lifts his hands to the Most Holy Place. In verse five, he says that the wicked show no regard for (pay no attention to) the Lord.  He wants the Lord to know that he is different.

Then, in verse six, the tone of the Psalm completely changes.  Something happened. Something good.  Instead of a lament, David begins to praise the Lord.  He was heard by the Lord and everything changed. His attitude changed, his spirit changed.  He began to sing with joy.

But, the most noticeable thing that changed is in Psalm 28:8.  David’s outlook grew beyond himself.  Rather than focusing on the things that were difficult in his own life and those who were wicked, he moved outside himself and saw that not only is the Lord his strength and shield, but so much more.  The Lord is the strength of his people.  David was finally able to pray and ask the Lord to save His people, to bless them, to be their shepherd and carry them forever.

Those times when we feel there is no one who cares if we exist or not, no one to care of us, no one to help us bring us to very self-centered behavior.  If the Lord won’t listen, we might as well just die.

Fortunately, He does listen and is patient with us.  When we come out on the other side, we recognize that we aren't the only people in the universe and that His love extends to everyone, even those who might have hurt us.