Confidence

“I know that you, God, are on the side of victims, that you care for the rights of the poor. And I know that the righteous personally thank you, that good people are secure in your presence.” Psalm 140.12,13

I have a set of friends in which I have total confidence. I know their motives and have confidence in their relation with me. When times of uncertainty arise, I find myself confident that we will sort things out, struggle together to find the right answer, and work proactively to resolve areas of confusion or hurt. Relationships like these make life worth living!

God is not this kind of friend for many. People often see God as the source of discrimination towards the poor and those who are different especially when it comes to beliefs. For many, the God institutions are the worst offenders! People and institutions like this are not safe places! Nobody is running for refuge to them, rather we hide and try to protect ourselves from their onslaught.

What made the difference to David? What can make a difference to you and me?

A positive experience with God only comes through living life out. We will not take the step unless we seem some indication that God is worth the risk. Taking the first step is usually an expression of willingness because of what you see elsewhere. Can we find examples to base this decision on anywhere?

In my own experience, the answer is yes for two reasons. First, I see God actively working in the lives around me. I find it education, enlightening, and encouraging watching God’s grace and love working in other people’s lives. Often the people involved do not see the work in progress! The change is awesome! Despair changing into hope, anger mutating into grace, pointless passions moving into self-less love. God is working on many fronts.

I also see another reason. My own life and the change that continues to come from the inside out. There is a lot of work left; God continues.

God is on our side!