COPING WITH LIFE

Psalm 16:1-2 “Preserve me, O God: for in thee do I put my trust. O my soul, thou hast said unto the LORD, Thou art my Lord: my goodness extendeth not to thee;”

During the turbulent years when David was fleeing from King Saul, there were few times in which his life was not in constant danger. His life had come near death time and time again. Even during the time when the King had curtailed the hunt for David, he was still cut off from his family, land and religious life. It was probably during one of those times of "so called peace" that David sat down and penned this psalm.

What was it that helped David cope during the times of loneliness, conflict and uncertainties? Can we glean something that will help us in these same kinds of times? I think David was able to cope because he dwelt in the presence of God. I’m certain the reason we have fears and failures during hard times is because we do not constantly dwell in the precence of our God. Let’s look at what David said about God.

He uses three words to describe God. Let’s see what David says:

1. David Viewed God As His Maker

David used the word “God.” This is the word, “EL” and is an abbreviated form of the great name “Elohim.” This is God the Creator. “EL” is God as the Omnipotent, the all-powerful One. “EL” stands for God in all His strength and might. David is living his life in light of the Omnipotent One.

As David sat on the hillside and looked up into the sky at night, he knew His God had flung those stars into orbit. When he sat in the opening of that cave and looked out at the beautiful valley below, he was reminded that God had spoken all this into existence. His God, with all His Omnipotent power had done all this and was able to protect him and even change the heart of the King at any time he desired.

Do we not serve the same God today. Isn’t our God all-powerful and can change any circumstance in which we find ourself? You and I need to live our life in light of God our Maker.

2. David Viewed God As His Mediator

In verse 2 David uses the word, “LORD.” This is the word, “JEHOVAH,” the God of Covenant. David is living his life in light of this truth. He knows and understands that JEHOVAH has a covenant with Israel and with him. Therefore David does not fear his enemy or what his enemy might do to him. JEHOVAH is his Mediator.

You and I also have a Mediator, the Lord Jesus Christ. Adam Clark put it this way: “The old covenant and its mediator, Moses, are passed away. See Heb 8:13. The new covenant, i.e. the Gospel, is now in force, and will be to the end of the world;”

I’m glad my salvation is bought and secured by our Mediator, the Lord Jesus Christ. We are eternally secure and should live in light of that fact.

3. David Viewed God As His Master

David also uses the word, “Lord.” This is the title of “ADONAI.” This is the “Sovereign Lord” or as we would say, the “king.” David is living his life in the light of this truth. He knows that God is in control. He goes back in his mind to when he was anointed as the next king. God is in control and the “Sovereign Lord” will bring it to pass in His timing.

David is living in the presence of the Lord so no fear can harn him and no foe can daunt him. Oh, that we could live in the same way and we can if we are living in the presence of our God.

How do we do that? How do we living in the presence of our God?

(1) Listen To God’s Word

Psalm 119:11-12 “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. Blessed art thou, O LORD: teach me thy statutes.”
Read, Memorize and Meditate upon His Word daily. It has to be more than a Sunday and Wednesday thing. Church attendance is very important. This is one way of being in His presence, but it’s not sufficient. We must be in His Word daily. Start the day right and continue through the day by meditating on His Word as we face the day’s responsibilities.

(2) Live By God’s Word

Psalm 119:105, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”

Proverbs 6:23, “For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life:”

Too many Christians face life in their own wisdom and power. And that’s also the reason too many Christians fail in their life. They lose their direction. You and I are nt smart enough to make perfect decisions. We are not powerful enough to overcome temptations and trials. We need to depend upon the wisdom and strength we get through God’s Word.
(3) Look For God’s Will

Psalm 119:10, “With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments.”

Romans 12:2, “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”

God has a perfect will for each of us. It’s contained in His Blessed Book. If we follow it, our lives will be prosperous.

Who is Master of our life? Who controls what we do? The right answer will help us cope with life! When we live in God’s presence, realizing He’s our Maker, Mediator and Master, we can COPE WITH LIFE.

That’s my view; how about you?