You’ve probably heard the old adage popularized by Benjamin Franklin, “In this world, nothing is certain except death and taxes.” But there’s actually a third inevitable fact of life. No matter who you are, where you’re from, or what you do, you will experience hardship of one sort or another. In fact, Jesus promised His disciples nothing less, saying, “In this world you will have trouble” (John 16:33). But where should we go when our troubles threaten to overwhelm us?

Read Psalm 28. Though David became the most celebrated king of ancient Israel, he had his share of trouble. As a young man, he found favor with King Saul, defeating Goliath and succeeding in his every mission. But with each achievement, he also earned the resentment of jealous King Saul, and eventually he found himself on the run, hiding in caves.

When David finally became king, he still endured an intense war over the throne of Israel. And as king, he succumbed to terrible temptations. He endured the loss of children and harrowing strife within his family. His own son even plotted a coup d’état, and, once again, David found himself on the run. Yet, through it all, David faced his suffering and the wickedness of his own sin by turning to his merciful God. 

Psalm 28 is a beautiful example of how David dealt with his distress. In this prayer song, he pours out his heart to God, declaring, “To you, Lord, I call; you are my Rock” (v. 1). Do you know why the Bible refers to God as “the Rock”? It’s because a rock is a symbol of changelessness, permanence, invincibility, and immovability. God is the Rock because He is the same yesterday, today, and forever and His promises never fail. And that is why David comes to Him with his problems and sin.

When times get tough, we tend to focus on our circumstances. But our circumstances are constantly changing. God, however, never changes, and He is faithful even when we are not. When the world seems to be falling apart and we can’t bear the weight of our brokenness, He is the one to run toward. He is the one to cling to. He promises, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5; cf. Deuteronomy 31:6).

Prayer: Lord, You are my rock and my salvation. Help me to build my life on You, experiencing Your faithfulness and love in my life. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold” (Psalm 18:2).

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