Are a life of adversity and a life of blessings diametrical opposites or complementary realities for a believer? David, one of our great patriarchs and role models, lived a life filled with adversity and extraordinary blessing. He authored many of the Psalms that revealed his thoughts and actions in the midst of his struggles. David’s psalms portray the lifestyle of a true believer. Consider the emphasis he placed on prayer.

Give ear to my words, O LORD [Yahweh], Consider my groaning.

Heed the sound of my cry for help, my King and my God, for to You I pray.

In the morning, O LORD [Yahweh], You will hear my voice; in the morning I will order my prayer to You and eagerly watch.  Psalm 5:1-3

The groaning and cry for help reveal the gravity of his problems and the intensity of his prayer. With David, we see that at times God can eliminate the problem completely, and in some situations the adversity cannot be eliminated, but God still provides what is needed to endure.

David endured extreme hardship as King Saul (occupied with unclean spirits) tried repeatedly to kill him and relentlessly hunted him. During these years, David continually sought God by asking for help. Although he received many blessings, the problem was not completely resolved until Saul died. He wrote the following after Yahweh delivered him from all his enemies including Saul.

I love You, O LORD [Yahweh], my strength.

The LORD [Yahweh] is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

I call upon the LORD [Yahweh], who is worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies…  In my distress I called upon the LORD, And cried to my God for help; He heard my voice out of His temple, and my cry for help before Him came into His ears.   Psalm 18:1-6

David was a human like us; therefore, he experienced fear, doubts, and lack of confidence in his relationship with Yahweh. In these dark moments, he did not complain to others around him; rather, he communicated with his God and received the blessings of relief.

Hear, O LORD [Yahweh], when I cry with my voice, and be gracious to me and answer me.

When You said, “Seek My face,” my heart said to You, “Your face, O LORD [Yahweh], I shall seek.”

Do not hide Your face from me, do not turn Your servant away in anger; You have been my help; do not abandon me nor forsake me, O God of my salvation!

For my father and my mother have forsaken me, but the LORD [Yahweh] will take me up.

Teach me Your way, O LORD [Yahweh], and lead me in a level path because of my foes.

Do not deliver me over to the desire of my adversaries, for false witnesses have risen against me, and such as breathe out violence.

I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD [Yahweh] in the land of the living.

Wait for the LORD [Yahweh]; be strong and let your heart take courage; yes, wait for the LORD [Yahweh].   Psalm 27:7-14

Jesus warned his followers that life will indeed have adversity and blessings if we seek the help of our loving God. Many times, the adversity’s attack can serve as a launching pad for an enhanced relationship with God and abundant spiritual blessings.

The eyes of the LORD [Yahweh] are toward the righteous and His ears are open to their cry.

The face of the LORD [Yahweh] is against evildoers, to cut off the memory of them from the earth.

The righteous cry, and the LORD [Yahweh] hears and delivers them out of all their troubles.

The LORD [Yahweh] is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD [Yahweh] delivers him out of them all.   Psalm 34:15-19