This past Sunday, Pastor Mike spoke about our family, saying we were an example of what it looked like to serve out of personal pain because of the things our family has been through. He's far too kind, I assure you! We're just a couple of folks trying to figure this all out as we constantly stumble forward waiting for the day He makes All Things New!

But, we do get asked quite often some variant of "how do you do it?" or some such probe into why we aren't a blubbering pile on the floor somedays (their words, not mine). The truth is, some days we are. But most days we take refuge, I mean solid, real world refuge in words and eternal truths like we find in Psalm 28. They aren't platitudes or coffee cup quotes to us, they have become the very air we breathe. We trust Him because He is good and everything else will let us down.

Th covenant with Noah helps us see the coming and present redemption built on a promise whose foundation is grace, not performance. This truth frames how we see everything we come across in our lives. But Covenant isn't just a fancy theological word. It's a refuge and solace to the heart worn weary from the burdens of sin and death.

This chapter opens with a cry for help: "Do not be deaf to me." David knows what it's like trying and stand on unstable ground. Then the Psalm turns to a beautiful fact: "The Lord is my strength and my shield." He isn't my strategy, my discipline, my ability, or my 10 easy steps to confidence. He's the literal strength in my bones!

In Week 8 we visited the concept of lament. We learned to cry out in honesty to God. Today, we discover where to anchor our souls when the cry is over. A heart that trusts is a heart that is helped. Again, not because of flawless performance, but because of the faithfulness of a loving and holy Father who is true to His word.

This covenant faithfulness from God has moved from a sign in the clouds in Genesis to the courtroom of Romans and now settles in the quiet recesses of the human heart. When God binds Himself by promise, the trembling heart finds a stable place to stand.

Fresh starts can be scary and fragile when they depend on emotional or volitional momentum. But when they are fed by Divine Strength and Truth, they transform into enduring joy. David's confidence isn't bravado or arrogance. Oh no, it's relational faith. "My heart trusts in Him", he said. Covenant moves simple doctrine to undying devotion. 

Life is packed full of things that brings us fear, uncertainty, and doubt. Especially when we find ourselves in a "fresh start" season. When anxiety rises, where does your heart instinctively run for strength? (be honest!) How might remembering God’s covenant faithfulness steady you in your current uncertainty?

Father, help me to lean on your for my strength, especially when I don't think I need it. Teach my heart to trust You, and You alone. Shield me from danger and from despair if it comes. In Jesus name, Amen.