What Is Man ...

Good morning my friends,

When you were a child did you ever find yourself lost? Perhaps you were out shopping with your mom and while you were distracted by something she went down an aisle you did not see. You turned around and she was gone. Panic filled your find. You could not see because you only came up to everyone's knee. The shelves were way to high to see over. You did not know what to do so you started running and crying. Panic is a horrible feeling and more often than not or reaction to it is to run.

In some cases it is good to run when you are panicked; it is a survival thing. In the devastated area of China a rumour spread quickly that another earthquake was about to hit. The photos show large crowds of panicked people running out of the towns and cities. Their faces showed the horror they lived through and the panic they now felt. It is instinct to run but unfortunately panic also shuts down our ability to reason and think so we are left with only a reaction.

David had found himself in many situations where panic could have over-ruled him. I am not sure that it did not when he first ran away from Saul. Yet, in most cases David kept a very level head and was able to think through the situation he faced. He was able to devise a plan and carry that plan out to a successful conclusion. The reason was because he had learned from experience that the best thing he had going for him was God. We are fortunate to be able to glimpse into the heart of David. This is how he saw his God:

My shield is God Most High,
who saves the upright in heart. (Psalm 7:10)

David learned that when he faced the lions and bears as a young shepherd that brute strength would not win the day. When he faced Goliath he knew that his only hope was God. In every case he had victory because he had confidence in God and thus avoided panic. When he faced his challenges he did so with boldness because his strength was his relationship with God who had proven himself a faithful shield time and again.

Keep in mind that a shiled does not prevent the attacks but instead protects against them. God is not going to hide you away in some kind of paradise. He has you face the battles so you can become a season warrior, a person who he can use in various situations. He wants you to gain experience and strength. His training ground is not always easy and you must have a strong bond with him to survive it. If you ever have any doubts then do what David did, reflect on teh glory of God:

When I consider your heavens,
the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars,
which you have set in place,

what is man that you are mindful of him,
the son of man that you care for him?

You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings ^[c]
and crowned him with glory and honor.

You made him ruler over the works of your hands;
you put everything under his feet:

all flocks and herds,
and the beasts of the field,

the birds of the air,
and the fish of the sea,
all that swim the paths of the seas.

O LORD, our Lord,
how majestic is your name in all the earth! (Psalm 8:3-9)

God has designed you for greatness. Do not panic. He is your shield. Put your trust and confidence in him. Enter the battle and discover his greatness.