Even When It Hurts...

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Psalm 15 - A Psalm of David

LORD, who may dwell in your sanctuary?
Who may live on your holy hill?
He whose walk is blameless
and who does what is righteous,
who speaks the truth from his heart
and has no slander on his tongue,
who does his neighbor no wrong
and casts no slur on his fellowman,
who despises a vile man
but honors those who fear the LORD,
who keeps his oath even when it hurts,
who lends his money without usury
and does not accept a bribe against the innocent.
He who does these things will never be shaken.

Somehow, verse 4 speaks to me. I guess I am going through a challenging time right now in terms of my inner emotions. To call it "mid-life crisis" will be an exaggeration, but the truth of the matter is that I am at that juncture of my life when some truths begin to really dawn upon me, that because of my faith and my commitment to serve God where He has placed me, I probably will not be able to pursue or realise some of my life goals and ambitions... and somehow, that hurts me inside when I try to come to terms with these issues..

"I will not sacrifice to the Lord my God burnt offerings that costs me nothing".
(2 Sam 24:24)

Such a familiar verse of Scripture. So often quoted. But it is a different matter when the reality of the "cost" stares at you straight in the face.

So it is comforting to know that King David himself acknowledged and identified with similar emotions. He should. For all the victories that we see in his life, we sometimes forget the difficult time he had while fleeing from Saul. To be so unfairly treated, and yet, out of his obedience to God, he chose not to retailiate, and spent long periods on the run. That must have hurt. That is a great sacrifice. From King David's psalms, it is also clear that he always had unwavering trust in the Lord's goodness and faithfulness, knowing that God will never short-change him. Walking right with God will ultimately have its rewards. How true that is in David's life!

And may that be an encouragement to remain steadfast in my commitment to serve Him, so that I will never be shaken.

Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. (1 Cor 15:58)

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