I wait quietly before God, for my victory comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will never be shaken. (Psalm 62:1-2)

Life often pulls us in opposite directions. Verse 2 in this Psalm is actually repeated by David in verse 6. And reading it, you may get the sense that David is patiently waiting on the LORD, just being still. But between verse 2 and 6 are verses 3 and 4, and here we discover the context:

So many enemies against one man— all of them trying to kill me. To them I’m just a broken-down wall or a tottering fence. They plan to topple me from my high position. They delight in telling lies about me. They praise me to my face but curse me in their hearts.

Think about this neck-wrenching turn David made—from peace and worship to murder and mayhem. Now granted, David was a godly king, and it seemed that somebody always had it out for him, including members of his own family! Then add border disputes, evil empires, jealousy in the courts, and it’s amazing that David got any God-time at all.

Now we don’t have nearly the notoriety, but we should still expect similar evils: Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. (2 Timothy 3:12) There you go—something we have in common with David. But realize there is one greater with whom we have something in common: Jesus.

If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first.  The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you. (John 15:18-19)

So gather up your expectations and realize that persecution and hatred will be coming, just because we love Jesus. But because of that love we will, as David said, have victory.

But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. (Romans 8:37)

Remember David’s context: regardless of the turmoil, regardless of the suffering, regardless of wicked words and evil actions—even in the midst of all these—we must turn our attention and worship to Him:

My victory and honor come from God alone. He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me. O my people, trust in him at all times. Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge. (Psalm 62:7-8)