I’m excited to share the first in a new series with you today! As we are still near the start of a new decade, it seems an appropriate time to focus on just that – time. Looking at how our times are in God’s hands – and that we can trust His timing, even when we don’t understand it.

Reflections based on Psalm 31:1–9,14–24.

‘But I trust in you, O LORD; I say, “You are my God.” My times are in your hands …’ (vv.14–15)

David was an unexpected choice for a future king. He was a shepherd boy, who was left out in the fields by his family when Samuel visited in order to anoint the future king (see 1 Samuel 16:1–13). But God’s choice is often the unexpected one.

After he was anointed by Samuel ‘the Spirit of the LORD came upon David in power’ (v.13). Then a very long and difficult wait ensued, during which time David served the current king Saul well, but Saul became increasingly jealous of him and eventually he had to flee for his life.

Even during this confusing time, David trusted that his ‘times’ and life circumstances were in God’s hands. He insisted on waiting for God’s timing to become king, even when it looked like Saul had been delivered into his hands. David and his men were hiding from Saul when Saul appeared in the same cave there were in in order ‘to relieve himself’. David refused to kill Saul even though his men urged him to do so. He knew it was only right to wait for God’s timing (see 1 Samuel 24:1–22).

David is a wonderful example to us, and his story provides a great reminder that God’s timing is perfect – however irrational and perplexing that that timing might appear. I’m not sure that I can say the same, but that is how I long to be too.

Prayer: Lord help me to trust, as David did, that ‘my times’ are truly in Your hands. Help me to understand more of Your timing in my life. Amen.