The faith of three amazing women really blessed me – humbled me, really – this past week as our paths crossed and they spent time with me.
Their lives couldn’t be more different – but in each one I saw a living example from our scripture today, mirroring David’s heart in Psalm 62.
My friend’s body has been attacked by cancer for years now, each new diagnosis bringing another physical challenge to tackle. She has absolute confidence in God’s ability to heal her completely, and balances that with putting her trust in his perfect will for her life. As she stands in the waiting of the latest round of test results, plans her own funeral, and all the while lugging around her oxygen – her soul and eternity rests in the Lord.
1 Truly my soul finds rest in God;
my salvation comes from him.
2 Truly he is my rock and my salvation;
he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.
A second friend, abused over decades, found strength in the Lord to speak out and seek protection. Protection for herself, and protection for others. This has come at a great cost to her and her family, both emotionally and physically. Every day she fights to bring darkness into light, despite the repercussions it brings.
3 How long will you assault me?
Would all of you throw me down—
this leaning wall, this tottering fence?
4 Surely they intend to topple me
from my lofty place;
they take delight in lies.
With their mouths they bless,
but in their hearts they curse.
Lastly, a friend that was once weighed down by addictions of this world is overcoming! She has spent the last few years rebuilding and restoring relationships, at the same time she faces the earthly consequences of her past choices. Hard consequences – that most people would be bitter about and question why they still have to face them even though they are repentant and forgiven. But not her. She has the best attitude and she even said to me, “people may judge me but I can’t worry about that – I just have to focus on what God knows about me”. I think this is exactly what David is saying in verse 7:
5 Yes, my soul, find rest in God;
my hope comes from him.
6 Truly he is my rock and my salvation;
he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.
7 My salvation and my honor depend on God[c];
he is my mighty rock, my refuge.
8 Trust in him at all times, you people;
pour out your hearts to him,
for God is our refuge.
As I read through this passage again this week, each of their testimonies came alive through this passage. These women all put their trust in the Lord, and each day they get up and fight another day. Their strength and perseverance can only be explained by an in-dwelling of the Holy Spirit. They each testify that it’s God working in them, and not anything they can boast about. And they also each admit their own moments of fear, things they’re working on, etc. Their roads aren’t always perfect – but they are met with a perfect God who walks with them, even at their lowest. At a time when they could hole up and let the enemy weigh them down, they’re choosing to follow Jesus. To stand. To speak. To share.
Thank you Lord, for giving us Psalm 62, and you perfect timing for these testimonies this week. I pray you will continue to strengthen and be a shelter for each of these daughters of yours, and they will know how loved and chosen they are. I pray for healing, protection, and peace for each of them. Thank you for these overcomers – because of Jesus’ blood and their testimony of your work in their life, just as Revelation 12:11 says! Amen.
