When Desperation Meets the Vine
By Dean Collins
Is it possible that our greatest comfort might be right at the moment of our greatest desperation? Reading Psalm 28 alongside John 15 gives us a resounding yes!
While we do not know the specifics of David’s situation, it is clear that he is at the end of his rope: “If you be silent to me, I become like those who go down to the pit.” In other words, God, if you don’t show up, I am ruined, even dead. Over 4 years of my work-life, I have been in this spot several times. It is hard to go through life without these moments of crisis that cause us to decide if our faith is real or not.
The intensity of David’s prayer is evident. There is no flowery opening to this prayer. It is a sincere and honest plea for God to listen and respond. David knows that if God doesn’t hear him and respond to his pleas for mercy, then his enemies will be victorious. And just in case God has lost his ability to see and know what is good and evil, David informs God of the evil motives of his opposition.
They speak peace with their neighbors while evil is in their hearts.
They do not regard the works of the Lord or the work of his hands.
Simply put, they are workers of evil.
David’s plea is that God distinguish between himself and those whose motives are not pure. The request of the psalmist is clear. Give them according to their evil deeds and give them what they deserve.
The psalmist continues as he confidently declares that God has heard his plea and affirms that the Lord is his strength and shield. David affirms that he has placed his complete faith in God to be his help in this time of great need.
John chapter 15 is the familiar passage where Jesus declared that he is the vine and we are the branches, indicating that Jesus is the very source of our life and nourishment. In verse 5 we read these words:
“Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.”
Note that when we are abiding in Jesus, we are productive, and when are not abiding in Jesus, we can do nothing. The implication of this as we consider Psalm 28 is this: when we realize that we cannot save ourselves or change our dire situation and release both our troubles and our self into the hands of the master, then God acts on our behalf. He does not hesitate to come to our aid because as our vine, he is the supplier of every need.
So when your moment of desperation comes, do not pull back or try to figure things out on your own. Pause, pray to God for help, and surrender yourself and the situation into his hands. He will meet you there, meet your needs, and smile over you as he watches your faith grow.
Father, thank you for this precious promise. Today we choose to run toward you, trusting that you hear us and will provide for us, especially when the things on our minds make us fearful. You are our rock and our deliverer. We place our trust in you! In Jesus’ name, amen.
Your Time with God’s Word
Psalm 28:1-9; John 15:5 ESV
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