[Thursday's Devotional] - Under Pressure

David was the anointed king of Israel, but before he could enjoy the realisation of God's promises, he had to go through a season of testing and waiting. During this time of pressure he was forced to hide out in caves and literally run for his life from King Saul, who was bent on David's destruction and continually hunted for him.

 

Perhaps the Lord has given you a promise through His Word. You are ready to see it unfold, but it hasn't happened yet. Though you have waited, it seems that there is no hope on the horizon. Remember, God's timing is perfect. He knows what you need, when you need it. He knows that if we are going to learn how to walk with Him in the daylight or the good times, we must first learn to trust Him in times of darkness and times of pressure.

 

At some point, each of us have waited on God's promises. David may have wondered when the Lord would open the door to blessing. However, he still declared:

 

"God delivered me from my strong enemy, and from those who hated me, for they were too mighty for me … He brought me forth also into a broad (or spacious) place, He rescued me, because He delighted in me." Psalm 18 v 17-19 [NIV]

 

When God delivers you from trial and trouble, you can be sure that He will bring you out into a spacious place of joy and delight - one that will also glorify Him and add encouragement to your life. Have you been pushing and shoving in an effort to move God on to the place where you think you should be? If so, stop and be determined to wait on God.

 

The time you spend waiting in darkness will one day be rewarded by the Father of lights “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” James 1:17 [NIV]

 

If you have time, listen to this piece called Wiyathul from Australian artist Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu (6 mins)

 

Dawn Milward