What is your response when you encounter a major failure? When we experience a crisis we become frustrated, defensive, and perhaps angry. A fact of life is we will face setbacks and failures at times. How can we deal with failure in a productive manner? King David gives us a strategy that enabled him to overcome a devastating failure. Psalm 60 is a lament as David confesses his frustration to God. This is also classified as a Mikhtam Psalm. A Mikhtam Psalm is an epigrammatic Psalm that seeks to teach us a lesson. David didn’t blame others, but he took responsibility for the failure. What are some lessons we can learn from David in overcoming a failure?

O God, You have rejected us. You have broken us; You have been angry; O, restore us. (Psalm 60:1)

David started with a humble prayer of confession. When we encounter failure, we need to brutally confront the facts and face reality. It may not always be palatable, but we must realize that facts are our friends. We will face difficult situations, but we must realize that this too shall pass. In another Psalm, David reflected upon God’s gracious character realizing God’s goodness:

For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for a lifetime; weeping may last for the night, but a shout of joy comes in the morning. (Psalm 30:5)

After David’s prayer of confession, he reflected upon the character of God and His concern for His people:

That Your beloved may be delivered, save with Your right hand, and answer us! (Psalm 60:5)

David renewed his perspective of God. We must realize that God knows, He cares, and He can deliver us. We must rest in the fact that God can use hardships to develop our character and draw us closer to Himself. May we respond with trust knowing that God is developing our character through difficulties:

And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. (Romans 5:3-5)

What lessons can you learn from David as you face a crisis? When we’re facing a difficult time, we must commit our future to God and depend upon Him. This was David’s strategy:

O give us help against the adversary, for deliverance by man is in vain. Through God we shall do valiantly, and it is He who will tread down our adversaries. (Psalm 60:11-12)

You may not be able to avoid difficulties, but you can leverage them to deepen your faith in God. It may be helpful to process your thoughts in a journal, that’s what David did in Psalm 60. May you be a beacon of faith to others during times of fear and uncertainty.

Associate Pastor – Discipleship.  The Church at LifePark

Professor of Discipleship, Columbia International University

Follow me on twitter:  rickhiggins5