READ: Psalm 28
Stress is like a snowball. If you were to roll a snowball down a snow-covered hill, the fluffy little ball would pick up layer-after-layer of snow, growing bigger and gaining momentum as it spirals downward. Stress often triggers a snowball effect. We get overwhelmed with one thing, and, next thing you know, every little inconvenience feels like a life-shattering situation. What started small is now spiraling out of control.
Stress breeds more stress. This is why seemingly minor stressors can become massive triggers when they’re combined. This is how it looks in our lives. We get in a fight with our family which leads us to lash out at our friends which leads us to cry when we see a picture online which leads us to break down in sobs because we cannot find a matching sock. Usually a mismatched sock is no big deal, but it may break you during a stress-snowball. It has hundreds of different variations, but I’m sure you’ve seen this principle play out before.
Have you ever felt like God wasn’t listening? David certainly did. He opens up this Psalm by saying, “Do not turn a deaf ear to me” (28:1). He’s desperate for deliverance, which makes sense as Psalm 28 is classified as a lament for mercy. David’s stress- snowball turned into an avalanche. Now he’s spiraling out of control. The songwriter finds himself at rock bottom. Fortunately, he’s laying on his back, looking up towards the heavens. His pleas transition into praise towards the end of this passage.
Breakdown can lead to breakthrough.
He praises God saying, “The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him. The Lord is the strength of his people, a fortress of salvation for his anointed one. Save your people and bless your inheritance; be their shepherd and carry them forever” (28:7-9). Here David offers us a three-part solution to stress. He praises God as his strength, shield, and shepherd.
God’s strength will help you get through. Stress makes you feel unsafe, but God’s strength gives you security.
God’s shield defends you. It will protect you from the attacks of the enemy. When the devil launches worry, panic, and fear your way, God’s shield blocks the arrows.
God shepherds you. This means that God will provide and guide, meeting your needs and guiding you to safety.
God stops the stress-snowballs in our lives by strengthening us, shielding us, and shepherding us.