Psalm 52:1
“Why boastest thou thyself in mischief, O mighty man? the goodness of God endureth continually.”
What once seemed to be a promising life had become a life of exile. After the victory over Goliath, David must have thought that brighter days were ahead. He even knew that he was going to be king someday, but that time when he was anointed must have seemed a distant past.
In the writing of the psalm above, David was hiding in the land of Moab. Saul had just killed Ahimelech the priest and his family. Only Abiathar escaped to come and tell David what had happened. David knew that it was only a short time before Saul would find out where he was, and he knew Saul’s intentions were to kill him. It was in these times when the only way David could receive comfort was from the goodness of God.
In times of lies, David rested in the goodness of God. Verse 2 says, “Thy tongue deviseth mischiefs; like a sharp razor, working deceitfully.” David had been lied about to the nation of Israel. They were told that David had been disloyal. No matter where he went in Israel, they would report to Saul his whereabouts. The only thing in which David could receive comfort was the goodness of God. Likewise, when people lie about you, the one thing in which you must rest is the goodness of God. No one else may believe you, but you can be assured that the goodness of God knows the truth.
In times of attack, David rested in the goodness of God. David said, “Why boastest thou thyself in mischief…” Saul plotted how to kill David. David was under constant attack and was constantly fleeing to different places. No matter where he went, he found Saul’s attack was present. When you have been lied about, and when the enemy attacks, you must rest in God’s goodness to defend you.
In times of weakness, David rested in the goodness of God. David said he was going up against a “mighty man.” He knew he was no match for Saul. So, the only place where he could find strength was in the goodness of God. He understood that God’s goodness is what would strengthen him in his weakness.
What is God’s goodness? God’s goodness is a belief that God’s integrity and righteousness sees the condition clearly. David knew that God understood the situation he was in and that God would reward Saul for what he was trying to do. David believed God’s goodness would have mercy upon him, deliver him and justify his actions.
Friend, sometimes the only thing you will have to rest in is the goodness of God. Whenever you go through tough times as did David, you must realize that God’s goodness will eventually justify you. When you are lied about, rest in the goodness of God that He will reveal the truth. When under attack, rest in the goodness of God that He will protect you. When you are weaker and have no way to truly overcome the attack of your enemy, rest in the goodness of God that He will give you the strength you need to face your battles. God’s goodness will come through. Until you see God’s goodness come through, do as David did in verse 9 and praise God.