“Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him.” (Psalm 62:5, NLT)

One of the most difficult things to do is to wait quietly in difficult and challenging situations. As a fugitive wanted by King Saul and later as the king of Israel, David had many enemies and many challenges. He often could trust in no one else but God. But all these things were training David to rely solely on the LORD and not on himself. He would not have been equipped to be the successful warrior, psalmist and king that he was, were it not for multiple problems that he took to God.

“So many enemies against one man— all of them trying to kill me. To them I’m just a broken-down wall or a tottering fence. They plan to topple me from my high position. They delight in telling lies about me. They praise me to my face but curse me in their hearts.” (Psalm 62:3–4, NLT)

I think one of the most painful challenges to endure is when people spread slander about you, ruining your reputation—especially when it is not true! But what can you do about it? You might as well try to stop the wind! David learned the wisdom of not defending himself but waiting quietly and patiently for God to be his defense. Someone once said, “Look after your integrity, and God will look after your reputation.”

“He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will not be shaken. My victory and honor come from God alone. He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me.” (Psalm 62:6–7, NLT)

I love all of David’s metaphors for God:

-He is my rock (on which I can build my life)

-He is my salvation (who will rescue me from all harm)

-He is my fortress (who will protect me from every enemy attack)

-He is my refuge (where I can always find shelter and comfort)

Spend some time today personalizing this psalm and thanking God for being these things to you. What situation are you currently facing where you can patiently wait for God?