As you go through life you will inevitably face problems. The Old Testament clearly teaches,

For man is born for trouble, as sparks fly upward. (Job 5:7)

People have a number of ways to avoid dealing with the problems of life. Drugs and alcohol have a way of numbing the pain. A socially acceptable way to avoid problems is busying ourselves in our work. What is your response when facing stressful problems?

We see that people handle the stress of dealing with problems in various ways – what is stressful for one person may be exhilarating to another. The key is how we handle stress. Why are some people able to overcome while others are overwhelmed? Eric Geitens, a  former Navy SEAL, defines resilience as “. . . virtue that enables people to move through hardship and become better” (Resilience, p. 3). King David in the Old Testament reveals the source of his resilience in Psalm 20. He was facing an upcoming battle and we see his desperation in verse 1,

May the Lord answer you in the day of trouble!
May the name of the God of Jacob set you securely on high! (Psalm 20:1)

David knew he was facing a difficult situation so he went to God. Is going to God your first response or your last resort? Why did David go to God so quickly? David went to God because of his confidence in God. Look at his testimony in verse 6,

Now I know that the LORD saves His anointed;
He will answer him from His holy heaven
With the saving strength of His right hand. (Psalm 20:6)

The Hebrew word for “know” is יָדַע yâdaʻ, and it implies a deep, intimate knowledge. David had a firm confidence that God knows those who are His and that he answers the prayer of a righteous person. David knew not only the faithfulness of God but he also knew God’s strength. David was not trusting in the strength of his army but in God’s strength,

Some boast in chariots and some in horses,
But we will boast in the name of the Lord, our God. (Psalm 20:7)

The prophet Daniel expressed a similar confidence in God,

but the people who know their God will display strength and take action. (Daniel 11:32b)

It is interesting to note that when David penned these words, he was still facing a desperate situation. He ends this Psalm with a prayer for God to save him in the battle.

Save, O Lord;
May the King answer us in the day we call. (Psalm 20:9)

May we express the same confidence in God to save us in our time of need.

Associate Pastor – Discipleship.  The Church at LifePark

Professor of Discipleship, Columbia International University

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