Have you ever been “hemmed in”? You know the feeling: trapped, stuck, helpless, utterly frustrated? There is something almost desperate about the feeling of being hemmed in. If you have ever found yourself in circumstances not of your choosing and unable to change them, then you know what I am talking about. Times when you find yourself where you don’t want to be……..and unable to do one thing about it!
David knew this feeling. He knew what it was to be where he didn’t want to be, whether it was hiding in a cave or on the run through the desert. He suffered circumstances not of his choosing both in the early years before he ascended the throne and toward the end of his reign. Some of these seasons lasted not just months but years.
What do you do with yourself in times such as these? How do you go on when you are stuck in your circumstances? How should you respond to periods of waiting and helplessness when life is out of your control? It’s like being in a waiting room and always hearing someone else’s name being called. The temptation is to wait passively, without any kind of purpose to sustain us, as we wait for the next name to be called.
The life of David gives a practical guide for times of being hemmed in. He knew how to “carry on” while he was stuck in a life that left him feeling helpless. Here are a few perspectives from him to help formulate a guide for waiting well.
Psalm 139:5 “You hem me in- behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me.”
David understood it was God who was in control of his being “hemmed in”, not others. The Lord was Sovereign over his circumstances. Other people may be involved but they had no power over him that the Lord did not allow. Therefore, David knew who to run to during these times of desperate need and frustration. He would continuously go back to God for help and sustaining grace. He would run to God in prayer pouring out his heart; crying for help, pleading justice for the wrongs done to him, calling for strength and other provision. He brought his complaint before the Lord because he knew that ultimately, the Lord was the One who could change it all. This venting was in the right place as David understood that God could handle his frustrations better than anyone. David was wise to call upon the Lord even as he was hemmed in by Him.
This song reminds me of this perspective of running to God for help.
Psalm 37:1-3 “Do not fret because of evil men or be envious of those who do wrong; for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away. Trust in the LORD and do good…”
David reminded himself that injustice is fleeting and one day, God will right the wrongs. He committed himself to the mercy and justice of God who was faithful to the cause of the righteous. By exhorting his own heart and soul to trust the Lord, he was calling himself to the faith he professed. The plan in the meantime for this frustrating season was to trust God…..and continue to do good. No matter how others were acting, or what they appeared to be getting away with ( temporarily speaking), he knew he had to remain upright. He could not sink to their level. Because he was the Lord’s, he had to be holy just as the Lord was. There was no other option. He had to continue to do good to others no matter how they were treating him. The Lord would vindicate him and he rested upon that.
Psalm 27:13-14 “I am still confident of this; I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.”
Here is one of the most tender moments inside David’s heart and mind. He is extolling himself more than he is praying. Encouraging himself with the admonition that HE WILL see the goodness of the Lord while he is still living, David found his strength to continue the wait. By cheering himself on with the assurity of God’s goodness coming to him soon, he was able to be strong and not give up. The worst thing that he could do was have a pity-party. Giving in to despair and discouragement would hasten his faithlessness or demise. He HAD to be strong! Remembering God’s character helped him be strong and persevere.
The guide that seemed to help David through some of the most trying times described in the Bible, times that tested his resolve to the core, can help us as well. We can run to God, who is in control of our being hemmed in. We can keep our eyes off others and the free pass they seem to be getting, knowing that Jesus will one day vindicate us. We can continue to do good no matter how others tempt us or treat us. And lastly, we can dig our heels in to the fact that we too will see the goodness of the Lord come our way. He will redeem one way or another!
Yes, the life of David is a wonderful example on how to wait well. We will be blessed to “carry on” as he did, living life productively even while we are hemmed in, to the glory of His Name.
