What gives you hope when you’re heartbroken? When you experience loss or sorrow, or when you see the state of humanity in this world, or when you experience betrayal or hurtful words or slander behind your back, where do you turn for comfort?
King David had his fair share of troubles in life. Sometimes, he brought trouble on himself, as we all sometimes do in our human nature. But sometimes, trouble came knocking on his door because of others’ sinful desires. In either case, we get a glimpse of David’s heartache—and where he turns to for hope—in the psalms. When he recognized his own adultery, he turned to the Lord, pleading, “Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions” (Psalm 51:1). When Saul persecuted him, he sang, “Have mercy on me, my God, have mercy on me, for in you I take refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed” (Psalm 57:1).
It’s good to note where David turned for hope amid heartache. It’s actually not a where but a who: the Lord himself. God was his refuge and hope. Have you been experiencing heartache lately? Turn to the Lord today; let him be your refuge and hope.