Overwhelming Comfort

“When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then thou knewest my path. In the way wherein I walked have they privily laid a snare for me.” (Ps 142:3 AV)

By most accounts, David wrote this psalm during his flight from Saul.  Or at least upon reflection of it.  To say he was overwhelmed seems almost unnecessary.  Most cannot fathom the depths of which David suffered.  He had a promise from God and Samuel had anointed him to be the next king.  He was to be the next king.  How could Saul seek his life when he was no threat to him?  David showed no avarice towards his father-in-law nor exhibited any indication he wanted Saul and his house destroyed.  There was no reason for David’s trials other than the pride of a condemned man.  David went from haunt to haunt seeking refuge among those who had little to no integrity.  Outside of the six hundred men who traveled with him, He had no friends.  He was forced to send away his parents to the care of Gentiles until Saul was killed.  On several occasions, David had no choice but to seek refuge among the enemies of Israel.  David is learning so great truths which will play a large part in his success to lead.  Unfortunately, there is no other way to learn these important truths.  He must live through them.  Above, he tells us that when overwhelmed, his comfort was not in knowing everything that had to be done or a foolproof plan of escape right down to the very detail.  All he needed was a God who knew all those things.  This is faith!

We know David is remembering God’s omniscience in the midst of being overwhelmed.  Note the word ‘…then…’.  This does not mean that God learns something.  He is our God who knows all things.  So, the word ‘then’ does not mean that something has occurred to God.  God knows all things.  Therefore, the word ‘then’ is showing us that David remembers that God knows.  It is the comfort David has when he is overwhelmed.  Not only does God know the future path we will take, but He also understands the past path we have trod.  David can take comfort he worships a God who understands all he has gone through.  He cares for His faithful servant who has been asked to endure hardships that others can only read of.  David is overwhelmed.  Knowing God who knows all things makes the trial much easier to bear.

What we must also consider is David’s attitude towards what he is facing.  He doesn’t need all the answers even though he knows the God who knows all things.  He is not asking the LORD to show him the entire path of his life so that he doesn’t have to face more overwhelming experiences.  While I was a hospital chaplain, the hospital wanted to use the chaplains to assist patients as they filled out DNR orders.  We were a bit uncomfortable with this because most people do not have a biblical world view when considering end of life decisions.  However, the purpose of them is understandable.  The caregivers need some guidance in the care of a patient who may be incapacitated and unable to make their own health care decisions.  My wife and I have talked about it and we have come to the conclusion these events are often fluid and instructions are too vague. The best decision for us was to leave these decisions to someone we can trust.  We hope that if incapacitated or overwhelmed, someone who is removed from the immediate discomfort of our situation can make a wise decision for us.  We may not know the best course because of pain, confusion, anxiety, or a whole host of other reasons.  But, if we leave it in the hands of another, our stress is greatly diminished.

This is what we need to do when life overwhelms us.  God knows better than anyone else.  Including us.  He knows the path that I take.  He knows where I have been, where I am, and where I need to be.  He is the Creator and Master Designer. He knows best of all.  I don’t need to know.  I would rather not know.  I would rather know just enough of the path so that I can please the LORD and leave the rest up to Him!