Living Life by Design

In Psalm 54:1-7, David says, ‘strangers are attacking me’ (v.3a). When I was selling trucks for a living (Trans-West Ford) I remember how surprised I was when I first heard the jokes about truck salesmen. “You know how you can tell a truck salesman is lying? His lips are moving.” Jokes, jeers and surprise attacks can come from neighbours, work colleagues or other sources.

The good news is, God intervenes to help us: ‘Oh, look! God’s right here helping!’ (v.4a, MSG), ‘God is my helper and ally’ (v.4a, AMP); he sustains us (v.4b) and he brings deliverance from our troubles (v.7).

As I look back over my own experiences, deliverance has not always been instantaneous; it has sometimes taken months or even years. Yet, I am challenged by David’s response. In the midst of the attacks, he says, ‘I will sacrifice a freewill offering to you; I will praise your name, O Lord, for it is good’ (v.6).

The meaning of the ‘freewill offering’ was that there was no condition placed on the sacrifice. David did not say that he would only offer a sacrifice if God rescued him. Regardless of the outcome, he resolved to praise the Lord for his goodness.

If you are facing an attack right now put your trust in God, believe that he wants to help you and praise him in advance.