FROM PIT TO PALACE: TRUSTING GOD'S TIMING

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“Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this: he will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday.” -Psalm 37:5-6

Life can sometimes take you through a series of unfair events like betrayal, false accusation and a long season of waiting mixed with loneliness. When going through these dark times when your faith is put to the test, Psalm 37:5-6 reminds us to surrender ourselves to the LORD, He will help us get through it, even when situations seem overwhelming and unclear.

In the Bible, Genesis 37-50 gives the story of Joseph, who was betrayed by his brothers, sold into slavery, falsely accused, and thrown into prison for a crime he didn’t even commit. Even as he went through all these difficult times, he didn’t complain or respond in anger and bitterness, but chose to trust in God.

So often, when we experience betrayal, false accusation and being forgotten, we then respond with resentment, anger and holding grudges against our accusers and those who have wronged us. When we respond in such a manner, we allow so much pain into our hearts when we should respond in a way that brings in more peace. We must consider this: Will my actions invite more pain or peace? What is the will of God for me in this situation? Are my actions aligned with God’s will?

This then draws our attention to Psalm 37:5-6 that invites us to “Commit your ways to the LORD; trust in him.” Surrender always follows trust. Surrendering ourselves and situations to God shows that we trust Him with the outcome. Meaning, we don’t have to do everything on our own to achieve an outcome that is not even certain, but we can surrender and trust in God with certainty of victory at the end.

Like Joseph, you may feel like you are thrown into a pit, where it’s dark, in pain, and you can’t see how and when you will get out of it because of how people have mistreated you or taken advantage of you. During such moments, the enemy may come pushing negative thoughts into your mind, telling you should pay them back for the wrongs. That you should get matters into your hands and get justice by your own strength. Instead, accept God’s invitation to surrender all your cares to Him. There’s peace that comes when we rely on God for support. 1 Peter 5:7 “Cast all your anxieties on him, for He cares for you.”

Not only does Psalm 37:5-6 call for our surrender and trust in God, but it also indicates that God’s blessings and rewards come when we surrender and patiently wait for Him to act. “He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday.” After the betrayal, false accusation and imprisonment, Joseph remained faithful and trusted in God even in a long season of waiting, and God brought him up from the dungeon to the second-highest position in the palace. God rewarded his faithfulness and integrity and made him shine like the noonday sun.

The three Hebrew teenagers, Shadrack, Meshack and Abednego, refused to bow down to the idols of Nebuchadnezzar and were thrown into the fire, but God delivered them unharmed and without the smell of smoke on them. God showed His divine power by vindicating them before the whole nation. No other god can save in this way.” — Daniel 3:29.

David also experienced his dark moments. Even though he was anointed as the next king of Israel, he endured persecution from King Saul. He refused to take revenge and do any harm to Saul, God’s anointed. He surrendered the situation to God as he said, “May the Lord judge between you and me.” — 1 Samuel 24:12, and trusted in God’s timing.

These stories and many others show how God’s people didn’t go ahead to prove themselves, but chose to rely and trust God with their situation. God fought their battles for them, and did it in such a way that no one could doubt that it was God’s hand in play. God’s vindication always comes after patience, prayer and perseverance. Like Joseph, we are also encouraged to remain faithful and persevere in seasons of hardship and trials. God never forgets those who put their hope in Him; in the end, He brings justice. Even under pressure, we can still put our confidence in Psalm 25:3, “No one who hopes in you will ever be put to shame, but shame will come to those who are treacherous without cause.”

 


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