As Bad as It Gets

David faced a crisis. Pursued by Saul and Israel’s armies, he didn’t see any hope. He felt strangled as if by “the cords of death” and ungodliness that came at him in torrents. The assault was so intense that it “terrified” him. This was a life-and-death struggle…as bad as it gets.

But when David cried out to God, everything changed. God dramatically answered his prayer: “Then the earth shook and quaked; and the foundations of the mountains were trembling and were shaken, because He was angry” (vs. 7-15).

God responded only after David cried out to Him. David recognized that God delivered him “from my strong enemy, and from those who hated me, for they were too mighty for me.” He continued to face trouble but knew that God was with him and would deliver him (vs. 16-19).

We can feel David’s fear and sense how desperate he felt. Later, we can understand more clearly why he said, “I love You, O LORD, my strength,” and why he looked at God as his rock, fortress, and deliverer (vs. 1-3). It was wonderful to know that God would save him from his enemies!

How do you respond when you face crises or feel trapped in seemingly hopeless situations? Learn from David: These are opportunities to cry out to God, confident that He will hear your prayers.

Make Him your strength. Your rock, fortress, and deliverer. Your shield. Your stronghold. The horn of your salvation. He is worthy to be praised!