“…the Lord will fulfill His purpose for me. Lord, Your love is eternal; do not abandon the work of Your hands.” 

Psalm 138:8 CBS

King David brings a vulnerability to his prayers. We glimpse the heart of a poet as he pours out his thoughts to the Lord. I’ve spent several days meditating on the last verse of Psalm 138 and discovered great comfort. David confronted fierce battles once again. While fleeing from his enemies, he found solace in an important area of his understanding of God—God has a purpose for his life!

David felt confident God would fulfill His purpose for bringing him into the world. 

I’m certain David often reflected upon being the youngest son and his sheep-tending assignments. He must have marveled at how he transitioned from fields of sheep to fields of enemies! Yet, he rested in the realization that God was in control and would accomplish His purpose for his life.

During the isolation of Covid 19, I’ve spent time uncovering ancestral stories. I found the most recent discovery quite sobering. A twelfth great grandfather fathered 24 children. He had 12 children by his first wife. After her death, he had 12 more by his second wife. Out of the 24 children, only two lived to adulthood. This ancestor kept a journal of the birth, christening and death of each child. My own life springs forth from one of those two surviving children. 

Another ancestor had seven sons. Six of those seven died in the Civil War. I am also here because of the one son who survived the war. Then, I’m aware of the unlikelihood that my father, a B-17 pilot in World War II shot down outside of Berlin, would return home to father me. Science takes it even further stating the odds are incalculable that an environment for humans could even exist on our planet—unless, of course, you know our God! 

In Psalm 138, David thanked God with all his heart and sang His praise before the heavenly beings. He bowed down before Him, exalted His name, proclaimed his Lord’s glory, and acknowledged that His love was eternal. I want to exclaim those same wonders as I consider the statistical odds of my existence. I not only thank Him, but I yield my heart to His leadership. I ask that He accomplish His purpose for me in the years that remain. 

Won’t you join me?

Linda Les