Do you ever encounter a verse in reading Scripture that just jumps out at you? One that you wonder how you missed before? And it just feels so full of meaning and application!
Psalm 57:2 was such a verse for me recently (although it was underlined and starred, indicating I had seen it at some point , I did not recall it!) I will cry out to the Most High, to God who fulfills His purpose for me. The NASB says He “accomplishes all things for me”. I like conflating the two translations because I think the richness of this verse calls for the depth of meaning each one conveys.
I think the verse stood out to me so significantly because of this very richness. In the midst of “living life”, we invariably go through disappointments, defeats, discouragements and the like which can add up to make us wonder if things are gonna work out OK. Recently, I’ve seen several friends endure some real pain. The loss of a grandchild. Prolonged infertility. A marriage crisis. Job instability. A wayward child that not only has yet to return but now considers the parents “toxic”. Even “minor” things like family misunderstandings, financial disappointment, being separated geographically from loved ones, feeling overlooked and even unloved. Pain. Real pain.
In times such as these, we might not be able to lean into the truth of Romans 8:28 - And we know that for those who love God, all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose. While our heads know this is absolutely true and good and faithful, our hearts still hurt. That’s when we stand on the whole counsel of God, not just isolated verses. And Psalm 57:2 did that for me.
We do find comfort and assurance that God is accomplishes all things for me. He is fulfilling His purpose for me. Yes, it is imperative that we remind ourselves of that truth and cling to it. But that’s not all we can do to calm our hearts in the midst of the storm. We do indeed rest on the powerful certainty of His loving and powerful sovereignty. And because of that certainty, my heart cries out to Him! I pour out the pain and uncertainty I am feeling. Because I trust that He is at work and that His purpose is good! He is not cold or indifferent to my hurt - in fact, the verse just preceding this one declares that we are to take refuge in the shadow of His wings, letting Him protect and comfort us until the storms pass by! He promises in the verses that follow this one that He will send out His steadfast love and His faithfulness. Amen and hallelujah!
If you are in the midst of a storm right now, I implore you to not only remind yourself that He is at work fulfilling His purpose (and that His purpose is GOOD!!) but also to cry out to the Most High. Pour out your confusion and discouragement and fear. Know that you can find refuge in The One who is accomplishing His good plan.