Troubled?

David was filled with “distress.” The Hebrew word suggests being squeezed by circumstances and his adversaries. He felt pressure. He had done nothing wrong yet was criticized by critics who loved “what is worthless” and aimed “at deception.”

Faced with these challenges, David turned to God. People in the world might criticize him, but David knew “that the Lord has set apart the godly man for Himself; the Lord hears when I call to Him” (v. 3).

He learned the importance of approaching God with an attitude of respect and humility, never taking Him for granted. David was to meditate on His Word and “be still,” so he could think about Him and really trust in Him.

He knew that God had changed him in decisive ways and given him a new attitude. As he turned to Him, he found that God took away his fears and stress and “put gladness in [his] heart” (v. 7). He had replaced his stress with rest: “In peace I will both lie down and sleep, for You alone, O Lord, make me to dwell in safety” (v. 8).

David discovered that all the rewards offered in the world could not compare with the blessings that came from trusting and serving God.

How do you deal with stress? What do you do when others criticize you for what you believe? Start by applying the principles David discovered. Seek God. Stay focused on Him. Trust Him.