Don't Play It Safe #11

Psalm 32 begins with joy and thanksgiving over the blessings of forgiveness. David had learned these lessons well after trying in every way possible to hide his sin with Bathsheba. In the second half of this psalm, he then goes on to give the application and exhortation he wants to share with God's people:

 6 Therefore let everyone who is godly
    offer prayer to you at a time when you may be found;
surely in the rush of great waters,
    they shall not reach him.
7 You are a hiding place for me;
    you preserve me from trouble;
    you surround me with shouts of deliverance. Selah

8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
    I will counsel you with my eye upon you.
9 Be not like a horse or a mule, without understanding,
    which must be curbed with bit and bridle,
    or it will not stay near you.
10 Many are the sorrows of the wicked,
    but steadfast love surrounds the one who trusts in the Lord.
11 Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, O righteous,
    and shout for joy, all you upright in heart!

We have been talking about not "playing it safe", but rather stepping out and "taking risks" for God and trusting Him.  The first stanza above reminds us that there is danger involved but that God surrounds us and answers our prayer.  We are not to go headstrong against all odds on our own. We need God's help and presence.  The second stanza then warns us against stubborn stupidity. God wants and will instruct us with the wisdom that we need; He will watch over us and guide us.  Real faith is calling out to and trusting in Him, not ourselves.