Instead of having these things tied together in our minds (God’s preservation and our faithfulness to pursue him), we often have the same desire as David, but not the same commitment. In other words, we have a hope that God’s preserving promises will come to pass, but we fail to recognize that they only come through the means which God has prescribed.
Here are some examples just to give us an idea of how this type of thinking occurs in our hearts:
“Give me peace in life”—I’ve got major entry points of stress right now and things feel out of control. I really need some peace. No, I’m not going work hard to bring my thoughts under the rule of your word and I’m not going to consider what you might be doing in all of this, but please give me peace since you’re a God of peace after all. I’m just going to withdraw from other Christians a little bit, not repent of worry and just take care of this on my own, but really would appreciate some peace Lord.”
“Lord, I need wisdom”—I’m not willing to read biblically-saturated content on the issue and I’m not going to pursue those who are more mature and godly, but I’m just going to hope that God will pour out blessings on what I’ve already predetermined to do.”
“Please give me assurance Lord.”-I want to know that I have a saving knowledge of you, but I’m not necessarily willing to discipline my life according to godliness. I’ll just try not to sin in major ways and hopefully that will give me confidence as a Christian.”
Here’s a summary of those—Instead of taking refuge in God through the means he has ordained, ultimately and sadly, what we often ask God to do is: “Preserve me…even if I take refuge in other things. Preserve me as I chase my own desires and pursuits that draw me away from you, Lord, and from your Word and from your people. Help me to grow stronger, but I’m not going to avail myself of the many ways by which spiritual strength actually comes.”
Let us experience the incredible preservation of the Lord as we find our refuge in him (Ps. 62:7-8).