Psalm 33:13-22

Rest in the Lord’s protection.

Our primordial temptation was to doubt that God is good, and thus to act independently of Him in order to take care of ourselves, even disobeying the Lord to insure our own safety and fulfillment. Of course, this was a life-wrecking delusion for Adam and Eve which is passed on to us in our sinful nature. We increase our trouble whenever we follow their example.

Having landed in this state of alienation from our true protector, our fear drives us to manipulate our circumstances in an attempt to get what we think we need. But our efforts are ineffective and unreliable, despite the fact that we think we know what we’re doing.

The king is not saved by a mighty army;
A warrior is not rescued by great strength.
A horse is a false hope for victory;
Nor does it rescue anyone by its great strength.
vv. 16,17

It’s true that we must take action to deal with life’s issues, but where do we place our trust as we move forward? Our calling is not to be totally passive, strapped into a recliner with a TV tray loaded with snacks. We need to make and keep doctor’s appointments, take our children aside for those correctional talks, admit our failings to one another asking for forgiveness.

The issue is the manner in which we undertake our effort. We could be convinced of the adequacy of our own wisdom and strength to solve our problems and secure our future. Or we could enage with those same actions reliant upon the Creator of the universe to provide for us.

Individually we must trust the Lord, and corporately we must trust the Lord. A nation should fund, equip, and train an army, but the success of that army ultimately rests in the gracious provision of God. Compare this with Psalm 127 for similar thoughts.

In contrast to this swarm of human activity, the psalmist reflects on the power and understanding of the Lord. God is specifically aware of each individual circumstance in all of human history. He has created our hearts and grasps the issues we struggle against.

The Lord looks from heaven;
He sees all the sons of mankind;
From His dwelling place He looks out
On all the inhabitants of the earth,
He who fashions the hearts of them all,
He who understands all their works. vv. 13-15

God preserves those who lean upon Him in the midst of adverse circumstances. In reality, for those of us who know Him, all of life is a series of steps of faith, trusting in His wise plan and provision. These verses call us to notice that God is an attentive rescuer.

Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear Him,
On those who wait for His faithfulness,
To rescue their soul from death
And to keep them alive in famine.
vv. 18,19

What is the fitting reaction to all this? Trust and joy and a quiet heart.

Our soul waits for the LORD;
He is our help and our shield.
For our heart rejoices in Him,
Because we trust in His holy name.
vv. 20,21

Sometimes waiting means to not act and to watch instead for what God will do Himself. In one example, Israel was instructed to just watch as He routed the enemy armies. They came out prepared to worship the Lord with music. (2 Chronicles 20:17-21) In other circumstances waiting means taking active steps to be and do what He has made plain to us, leaning all the while upon the Savior for the blessing and enablement. (Isaiah 40:31)

Let Your favor, LORD, be upon us,
Just as we have waited for You. v. 22

Father, indeed our prayer is made to a God who is able. So we ask for your care and protection. May our our hearts rest in You for life now and to eternity.

Pursuit of wisdom for today from the Ancient of Days

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