Wednesday, March 15, 2017
Daily reading assignment: Psalms 30-32
I have always had an affinity for clocks, especially key-wound clocks that have a prominent “tick-tock” rhythm and strike on the quarter-hour and chime on the hour. My favorite is the ever-popular “Big Bend Westminster Chime” that has been charting the passing of time in my home since my wife and I purchased an old-fashioned school clock in the early years of our marriage in Michigan in the early 1980’s. 
Echoing the same tones today is a grandfather clock that was a gift from the sons of Clyde Pinkstaff, a dear church member now with the LORD. In a home that no longer rings with the laughter of children’s voices, those clocks serve as an audible reminder…Time is passing and stands still for no man.
The world is a dangerous place and the future is more uncertain for our nation and humanity than it has been in my lifetime. The threats of violence perpetrated by enemies who live among us are real. A struggling economy; failed leadership; and a society that has no moral compass is causing an increase in anxiety that is epidemic.
What about you? What does the future hold for you? For your family? Are you so foolish, so proud to think you are the master of your fate, the captain of your soul? My friend, you cannot will one heartbeat, one breath more than a sovereign God wills to give you. You can amass a fortune, but not escape the finality, “It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27).
Psalm 31 is King David’s affirmation, in the midst of enemies who would destroy him, that his faith and confidence is in the LORD. David was bold in his faith and the psalm opens with the king’s prayer and adoration that the LORD was his Strength, Protector and Shepherd (31:1-3). Nevertheless, the life of the king was not without burdens and troubles that plague all men living in this fallen, sin cursed world. Sorrows, disappointments, grief, loneliness and adversaries who slandered his name were the haunt of his life.
In the midst of his sorrows, David did what should be the practice of all who know the LORD… he called to the LORD and confessed…
Psalm 31:14-15a – “But I trusted [secured; confident; hope] in thee, O LORD [Jehovah; Eternal, Self-Existent God]: I said [answered; promised; called], Thou art my God [Elohim; Mighty God]. 15 My times [i.e. seasons of life; appointed times] are in thy hand [consecrated; directed; i.e. in the power of]…”
The good times; the bad times; the times of joy and sorrow; times of health and sickness; the times of wonder and anticipation; the times of dread and anxiety…all are times directed by the hand of God who is sovereign, faithful and ever-present.
I cannot tell you what the day, week, month, or year holds for you and me; however, I can assure you that God is at the helm of His creation and our times are in the power of His hands and directed by His benevolent will. Let all who know the LORD say with conviction, “I trust in Thee, O LORD for thou art my God!”
Copyright 2017 – Travis D. Smith