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What a year of lockdowns! There seems to be no end to our troubles here in Australia and around the globe. Fires rage in Europe, hurricanes in Japan, deaths in Indonesia and the usual murders and crashes everywhere.

What is God doing about all this? You may ask. "Nothing," you may reply. It seems that troubles are here to stay for a long time.

But, who is really in control and who is causing these troubles?

We can all look around and see troubles and troubled people in our own backyards, streets, states and countries.

But, all is not lost, I assure you. I want to look at the life of a great king who totally trusted in the Lord of Heaven (Jesus Christ unknown then as the Lord)

King David. Not only was he a just king, he was a very brave young man in his day, defeating wild animals for the sake of his charges, sheep.

He was the youngest of his family and so the gopher for them. We always think of the firstborn being the most valuable to society and family. But, David breaks every mould we make. He was from a "poor" family. He was not thought of as a great kid. He did not win medals at any olympics, but did show his stuff in his youth.

But, his life was not easy and the most outstanding characteristic he owned was that "He had a heart after God's own heart."

David was anointed king by Samuel, yet he remained in hiding from the resident king Saul for years, narrowly avoiding death at every turn from Saul.

In the meantime, his love for psalms and poetry also sharpened. He played the harp as well as the slingshot and the big sword. He was adept at whatever he chose to do.

He was a man we would like to have on our side. Faithful to the end, he even lamented the death of his greatest friend and his opposition king, Saul and prince Jonathan.

Reading through the Psalms is very therapeutic and helpful in these Covid crazy days. You will find loads of history, theology, and cries for help within the Psalms of David.

Read Psalms 109 - 119 and you will find encouragement to keep going forward.

David was indeed a Son of God. Jesus is the actual Son of God. We all can be given this title as Christians and followers of Jesus Christ. (John's Gospel Chapter 1)

In Psalm 110, David brings up the great priest, Melchizedek, the priest who met with Abraham way back in Genesis.

David says: The Lord will extend your mighty scepter from Zion (Israel) You will rule in the midst of your enemies. Your troops will be willing on the day of battle.

Arrayed in Holy Majesty from the womb of the dawn, you will receive the dew of your youth.

(5) The Lord is at your right hand; he will crush kings on the day of his wrath. He will judge the nations, heaping up the dead and crushing the rulers of the whole earth. He will drink from a brook beside the way; therefore he will lift up his head.

In the psalm David has experienced all of these events and recorded them for someone else when he speaks in the third person.

Jesus Christ quoted these verses (Mark 12:35 - 37)

They apply very strongly to Jesus Christ and his ongoing battle for his own sheep. Jesus will rule in the midst of enemies. David ruled over Israel whilst being attacked by even his own son (Absalom) who desired his throne. 

Life was a continuous battle for King David. He barely had a moment's peace, and then he made a serious mistake (Bathsheba incident).

But, he was the friend of  God and a man "after God's own heart" as regards to justice, righteousness and prayer.

King David is a great example for every believer who does his or her best and fails at times.

Now we see the wrath of God descending upon this world and the people do not know where to look.

But this psalm holds a secret: the Lord is not finished his ruling from Heaven. The last verse (7) tells us that the King, in the middle of this battle, takes a break for a drink from the brook, then lifts up his head once again.

Wait for the next chapter in the life of King David and his Lord, Jesus Christ.

Have a rest in Christ and drink with him. Remember what Jesus has achieved for you and me. Turn and praise the Lord as much as you can.

Picture countesy of Holy Pictures of Jesus website. Thank you and God bless your generosity.