Adversity is a constant presence in life. While its form may change and its impact may vary, it always remains, lurking in the shadows, ready to strike and bring misery at a moment's notice. It tests marriages as couples are forced to confront differences and overcome selfishness. It challenges congregations, whether through doctrinal conflicts or moral failures. It also tests individuals, bringing health issues, grief, financial troubles, and personal conflicts, all aimed at stirring internal struggles, doubt, anger, and depression.
Life doesn't always go your way. In fact, it rarely does completely. There is nearly always some lingering issue that demands attention and distracts from the many blessings God gives. This is how the world works. It is a world in conflict, and we are living in it. Therefore, facing adversity, keeping it in perspective, and overcoming it are essential for success in life.
David understood adversity, even as king. He knew how deep it can plunge a man, but he also recognized that life and joy exist beyond pain and heartache. Although he wrote many Psalms amid difficulties and under great stress, Psalm 62 reveals the calm that is possible-even when facing adversity-when trusting God guides behavior. Satan uses problems to try to shift us from faith to doubt, from peace to agitation, and from trust to fear. He seeks to siege the soul to force surrender, but the key to surviving is not giving in but looking up (Psalm 62: 1, 2).
We must strengthen our faith to stay centered and resilient despite the challenges we encounter, so we never yield to Satan’s pressure but stand up for God confidently, trusting that He will ultimately deliver us from trials. Standing firm in the face of adversity involves recognizing the world and its solutions as spiritual attacks for what they are. Therefore, God’s people persevere, embracing hardship rather than compromising the cause (Psalm 62:8).
In David’s repetition, we can hear the reply to his detractors and to Satan himself:
“My soul, wait silently for God alone, for my expectation is from Him. He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; I shall not be moved” (Psalm 62:5, 6). We need not turn to worldly allies or answers; we have no need to consult worldly experts or opinions, for in God we have the only ally we need. The faith of the weak crumbles at the slightest challenge from worldly assertions, but the faithful know that God alone offers true strength, real refuge, and genuine hope (Psalm 62:7). With this knowledge, we can face adversity with the calm confidence that God deserves our trust “at all times,” including during life’s challenges, and that when we pour out our hearts to Him in prayer, He not only listens but also provides a shelter for our hearts (Psalm 62:8).
Men cannot guarantee what they often believe. They rely on their power, wealth, and themselves. These are truly unworthy of trust (Psalm 62:9, 10). The divine Word, once spoken, carries more weight than any speech man can give, because God alone can fulfill every promise made—without exception (Psalm 62:11). One promise worth our attention every time life challenges us is that our choices, our actions, and our trust make a difference with God.
He is a God of mercy and care, and the determination to do His will in the face of adversity will be rewarded (Psalm 62:12).
- David Westbrook
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