David moved from doing things his way to doing things God’s way. He says in Psalm 5: “But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, so that those who love your name may exult in you. For you bless the righteous, O LORD; you cover them with favor as with a shield.” (Psalm 5)
David had a lot of experience with the Lord. He started out as a brave young boy, a hero among his people. As he matured into a young man he tried doing things his way. He was in control of so much and his sinful nature was coaxed out by the world. God tested him and broke him of his ways.
David learned to depend on God and take refuge in Him. As David found, there is a joy in surrendering to God. He realized that favor is shown to those who seek the Lord, and that true protection is found only with Him.
I received a blessing like this in living through a brain tumor removal. Like David, I had lived my early years thinking that I was in control of things. The world often tempted me and at times I gave in. Fortunately, I had picked up the pace on my spiritual journey by this time. From the beginning of my ordeal I was able to surrender to the Lord and take refuge in Him.
There was never any doubt that my protection was in Him no matter what the outcome of my illness. Together with my Christian community and the Lord I moved through this happening rejoicing all the way. The Lord revealed Himself to me as the most loving and forgiving spirit that I could have imagined. My life was changed forever. I could see into His eternal kingdom.
I found comfort in the words of Psalm 91: “You who live in the shelter of the Most High, who abide in the shadow of the almighty, will say to the LORD, ‘My refuge and my fortress; my God, in whom I trust.’ For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence; he will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler…For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.”