It was the last thing Monica expected after thirty-three years of marriage: her husband announced he was leaving. This threatened her home, her income, her future pension and, not least, the companionship of the man she loved. His rejection sowed feelings of deep inadequacy. Devastated, she feared the loss of friends, and her new identity as a divorcee filled her with shame.
For hours Monica sat with God as her world caved in, overwhelmed by grief and stress. But God’s Word still held true: He still had a plan for her. She was not in her husband’s hands: her changing times were in God’s hands. She could trust Him for help, comfort and provision, just like David had done in Psalm 31.
David felt hunted, rejected and isolated by the threats against him (Psalm 31:4,11–13). In “soul and body” he was utterly drained by his distress (vv. 9–10). But his hope was in God: his “refuge” of righteousness, deliverance and guidance (vv. 1–3). David could trust in God, despite his circumstances, because he believed his times were in God’s hands (vv. 14–15).
“How abundant are the good things that [God] has stored up” for us (v. 19). As we wait for the fulfilment, we can take refuge “in the shelter of [His] presence” (v. 20). And as we affirm who God is, we are strengthened and encouraged for whatever we may face (vv. 21–24).
By Anne Le Tissier
REFLECT & PRAY
Which of Monica and David’s fears or emotions do you most identify with? How does the knowledge that God sees, cares and promises to provide help you receive His peace, strength and reassurance?
Father, I choose to believe Your promises as a reality to grasp hold of. Thank You for reassuring me that my life is in no other hands but Yours.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
In Psalm 31, David describes himself as broken pottery (v. 12)—an apt picture of humanity, for we’re frail vessels easily broken. We see this portrayal of humans as pottery and God as the Potter throughout Scripture (Psalm 2:9; Romans 9:21; Revelation 2:27). In Jeremiah 18:1–10, we read of the Potter’s ability to create, preserve, tear down, and reshape people and nations (see also Isaiah 41:25; 45:9). Yet as Isaiah declares, “You, Lord, are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand” (64:8). God as our Creator longs to preserve and restore His people (Psalm 31:23–24).
Alyson Kieda
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