Psalm 41:5 My enemies say of me in malice,
    “When will he die and his name perish?”

It is clear from the Psalms that David had plenty of enemies, and he had occasional serious health issues. Even so, he kept his focus on the God who had saved him from his youth. His encounter with Goliath is certainly famous, but even before that he encountered at least one lion and at least one bear, as a young shepherd boy, and he was victorious by the grace and power of God. (1 Samuel 17:24-27) That track record gave him faith to stand against human enemies and even disease. If he had taken personal credit, at least in his own thinking, for those early victories, he would not have had the faith to stand later. God is gracious to everyone, but if we fail to recognize His hand in events we won’t gain all the benefit He intends. The strongest people are those who know they are weak, but that God is strong on their behalf. That’s what God spoke to Paul, and what he accepted with joy. (2 Corinthians 12:7-10) The better we internalize that lesson, the more peace and joy we have regardless of our circumstances.

This is a lesson I have learned better than many, but it’s taken me a long time to learn it! As I am frequently reminded, I have taken God’s grace toward me for granted, even as my due, and that is the height of stupidity. I was born with superb genetics and blessed with parents who encouraged my many interests and abilities, and as a result am able to do a wide variety of things that tend to amaze others. However, that’s all grace. Rather than being a source of pride, I am at times painfully aware of my lack of stewardship of some of the abilities I have been given. For example, I was concertmaster of the 25^th Division Band, but I haven’t touched either of my clarinets in years. In comparison to David, my level of enemies and health issues is much lower, and I am grateful. I don’t think I have anyone just waiting for me to die! I still need to learn from him, from Paul, and from a host of other saints, to be faithful with the abilities and opportunities I’m given, so that God’s plans may be fulfilled in and through me, for His glory.

Father, thank You for this reminder. Thank You for the renewed opportunities recently to use the knowledge and experience You’ve given me in electrical wiring. I pray that as I do that today that I may have Your wisdom and insight so as to know what needs to be done, and Your strength and dexterity so as to do the job right, for a fully safe and efficient outcome, for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!