“By inviting God into our difficulties, we ground life—even its sad moments—in joy and hope.” – Henri Nouwen

David was a man God loved, protected, and used. He was handsome and strong and he defended his nation. He had a friendship which has become the epitome of all friendships. He had a wife who loved him. He was acclaimed by crowds every time he returned from battle. It seemed God gave him success in whatever he did.

But that didn’t mean everything was easy. King Saul grew to hate David so much he spent years trying to kill him. And, because of that, David fled for his life with his group of outcast followers. Later, David’s wife turned against him, his dear friend Jonathan died in battle, and his rebellious son tried to usurp the throne.

David was called of God to be king of Israel. He was empowered by God to do great things. But his life was filled with pain and suffering. It doesn’t make sense to us. It didn’t make sense to David, either, and we see that in his brutally honest psalms.

Many of us can relate. We’re trying to serve God, but there are struggles with relationships, finances, sickness, and loss. How do we deal with these things and continue trusting God? David asked similar questions in his prayers. We have the same outlet as we cry out to God for help, as we look for his will in every decision, and as we always find something for which we can thank him.

He has promised never to leave us, and he seems to accomplish something in our suffering that we will never understand completely. We just have to stay faithful, trusting his love. Somehow.

“Hear, O Lord, and be merciful to me! O Lord, be my helper!” – Psalm 30:10