I remember the first time I really noticed the second half of Psalm 56:9. It is a short, simple verse and yet extremely profound – “God is for me.” I love all of Psalm 56, because it is a Psalm of trust. David had been attacked and seized by the Philistines, and humanly speaking, it didn’t look good.
Even though David’s circumstances looked bleak, his heart was confident. Because David intimately knew God (His character, His love for him, His sovereignty), David trusted Him. He wasn’t guessing or wondering about God’s goodness. He had full and complete confidence in Him – “This I know.”
This verse has brought so much relief and comfort to my soul. As a child of God, saved by the blood of Christ, He is not out to get me nor is He waiting for me to slip and fall so He can punish me. No, as His child, He is for me.
With this truth permeating my mind, I can have unshakeable confidence in Him, even when my circumstances seem bleak. God loves me. He is for me. And “if God is for us, who can be against us?” (Rom. 8:31).
When I am tempted to fear or believe that God doesn’t love me and have my best in mind, I can replace these lies with the truth that “God is for me.” How can I be sure? Ask myself, “He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?” (Rom. 8:32).
God loves me. He gave His Son for me. I’m forgiven. He is for me. He said it, so I know it. Praise be to God!
As we enter into a new year, how can knowing this amazing truth change you and your outlook on the future?
What a great meditation for the new year. Thanks, Sally!
Thanks for the encouragement, Joanne! Happy New Year 🙂