Daily Reflections of Ps. 28 (Crying for Mercy)

When I was a kid we used to play variations of a game we used to call mercy. In one version we would interlock fingers and then invert our hands so palms would be up. It was at that point the game of punishing one another would begin. When one of the contestants couldn't stand the pain anymore, they would cry out, "Mercy." The game would end and the inflicter of the greater pain would declare victory.

The game of mercy isn't just a children's game. It becomes more sophisticated as we grow to adulthood. We no longer interlock fingers and go at it and the pain that's inflicted tends to be more mental and emotional rather than physical. The other problem is that when we cry out for mercy, more often than not, the game doesn't end. In fact, many times the game only intensifies.

It's apparent that David faced his share of pressure and pain from people. He was the youngest of several brothers, which means he probably he experienced typical sibling abuse or at least heckling. We know that King Saul was jealous of him and tried to take David's life on several occasions. We know that he had plenty of enemies from surrounding kingdoms. We also know that his own kids caused him plenty of trouble. It's no wonder David cried out for mercy.

Pain and pressure doesn't always just come from other people. Sometimes it's self inflicted and sometimes in comes from the circumstances of life. It really doesn't matter where it comes from, all of us reach a point in life in which we find ourselves overwhelmed, frustrated, broken. It's at those points we find ourselves crying out for it to stop. We cry for mercy.

Instead of whining, David found that giving praise to God in the midst of turmoil brought him strength and comfort. He acknowledges that God is the rock, the strength he needs. He isn't relying on people or his wealth or his talents or his ingenuity or even the priests. David goes straight to the source of power.

God, you really are my strength and my shield. I trust in you because I'm incompetent and know that you alone can supply the help I really need. God, when I see you at work in my life, I have a sense of a deep inner relief. Surround me with your grace and power and give me the guidance I need to make the right decisions and steps.