From the Home Place

June 4, 2026

We are starting this one at 56 degrees, headed for 83 with a 55% possibility of a little rain this afternoon. At 4:30 this morning it looks really dark off to the south/west of us, so most likely the rain will scoot west of us again, but we will see how it plays out.

It looks like I will spend my day shoveling rock for Miss Deb’s landscaping out front. I’m not a real fan of trying to shovel 2″ rock, but a shovel and a wheelbarrow will be my friends for a day or two. You see my friend, life isn’t always easy. There are times that life is plumb difficult, both physically and spiritually.

We, like King David and all other biblical persons, will all face physical and emotional trials that have spiritual implications. David is being pursued by King Saul back and forth across a vast region of land. Saul has only one mission, to kill David, the young man promised to replace him as the King of Israel. David, anointed by God for that position, realizes that He has to allow God’s timing for this transition to take place, so he does his best to just deal with King Saul.

In one of David’s attempts to stay clear of Saul, David writes in Psalm 57 that he will trust in God “Until destruction passes by.” Loved ones, there will be times in our lives that we have to patiently wait for God to work, as we constantly deal with the possibility of our “destruction” as David stated it. In the Hebrew language this word literally mean that which is a “present threat” within our life. That threat could be a tornado or other natural disaster. It could be a physical or emotional illness that threatens our way of dealing with life. Or it could be a spiritual threat that we would most often call a spiritual battle, caused by unconfessed sin within my life, or within the life of a person who is attacking me, much like David experienced with Saul.

The word “destruction” that David used in Psalm 57, and many of his other writings, doesn’t always mean that this threat is going to kill David, but it could. Or it could be a real threat to him being able to live the rest of his life in a comfortable way. The same can be true in our life at any moment.

So, how are we supposed to deal with the situation when the possible “threat” becomes a reality? Perhaps we should follow the example of David. Psalm 57:1, “Be gracious to me, O God, be gracious to me, For my soul takes refuge in You;” There is an old saying that states, “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.” However, I would suggest that we follow the example of David and when things get tough, the spiritually minded person should get going to God!

In verses 2 & 3 David continues, “I will cry to God Most High, To God who accomplishes all things for me. He will send from heaven and save me; He reproaches him who tramples upon me.” Whatever the “threat” is, when I trust fully in God, He will deal with that which “tramples upon me.” The word “tramples” means that God will deal with whatever is “a nuisance” or that which “pesters” me.

You see loved ones, it doesn’t have to be a life-threatening circumstance, God also cares about that which “pesters” us. It could quite easily be that bad knee or some other join pain within our body. It could be that emotional depression that just won’t let up. It could be that spiritual conviction about an attitude of mine. Whatever it is that “pesters” me, I need to “cry to God Most High.”

David later writes in verse 7, “My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast; I will sing, I will sing praises!” Regardless of the “threat” that may be upon you, “sing praises.” Praise God for His faithfulness to sustain you. Praise God for who He is and what He is doing in your life and through your life. For when we focus upon praising God, our attitude toward our circumstances tends to take on a new perspective.

David started this Psalm in despair and yet when he redirects his focus from despair to praise, then he concludes with these words, “Be exalted above the heavens, O God; Let Your glory be above all the earth.” Peter would remind us, “Casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.”

When we humbly seek God, when we humbly praise God, He gives the promise of 1 Peter 5:10, “After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you.”

Once again, I must state, “Do not measure God by your circumstances, but instead measure your circumstances by God.” Turn your eyes upon Jesus. All “threats” from this dark world ” will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.” Sing it often, sing it loud and sing His praise!

Singing praise to God with you, Neal