Playing the hand we are dealt

There are times when we feel like no one is "in charge" - the moments just seem to tick on and all the chaos of the moment keeps us bumping into all kinds of obstacles.  We all face these times - the times when life deals us a hand we just would rather not play!  When "dealt our hand", we can either throw it in, ante up and play, or bluff our way through.  Which way are you facing what life deals you today?

^3-4 The day my enemies turned tail and ran, they stumbled on you and fell on their faces. You took over and set everything right; when I needed you, you were there, taking charge.  (Psalm 9:3-4 The Message)

If we throw in our hand right now, we may miss out on the reward which awaits us!  If we are bluffing our way through - faking it until we make it - we may not always be able to keep up the facade!  But...if we ante up, pick up our cards, and play like there is no tomorrow, no telling what we may end up with!  Take heart, my friends!  The very obstacles others want to place in your way are exactly what they will stumble upon in the end! 

Look at our passage today.  The day our enemies turn tail and run, what happens?  They stumble upon God!  They stumble upon the very one who takes over when we turn over our "hands" to him.  The come face-to-face with the one who has the power to set all things right.  No need to bluff your way through life - when you hand is being overseen by the God of the Universe, you have all the right cards!

David knew one fact in life - when he most needed God, he knew God was there.  Not just as an observer, but as the one in charge.  Many times we see God as an outsider in life's challenges - just an observer, keeping an eye over us, but not really involved.  The exact opposite is true!  God is there!  He is taking charge!  We may not know how, when, or where, but he is orchestrating our "hand" according to his divine plan.

I often wonder if those who set up such opposition within my life will ever get their "just rewards".  I imagine I am not alone in this pondering.  The answer is right there in our passage - they cannot run, they cannot hide, their course of action is in the hands of the Almighty.  Not ours!  He will be who they stumble upon, not us!  We try to present the best defense in the time of trial, but God is our defense in time of trial and blessing!

They stumble upon him - and they fall on their faces.  I can only imagine their posture is something both orchestrated to humble them and to bring honor to our great God!  Upon their faces, the only direction of hope they have is in looking up!  It is the same direction we all have to look in order to find our deliverance - UP!