Where do you turn when people get on your nerves? Psalm 57-59

Psalms 59:9-11 (ESV)

O my Strength, I will watch for you,

for you, O God, are my fortress.

 My God in his steadfast love will meet me;

God will let me look in triumph on my enemies.

 Kill them not, lest my people forget;

make them totter by your power and bring them down,

O Lord, our shield!

Psalms 59:9-10 (NASBStr)

Because of his strength I will watch for You,

For God is my stronghold.

 My God in His lovingkindness will meet me;

God will let me look triumphantly upon my foes.

In this section of the Psalms, David is praying to God for protection, reprieve from and even vengeance on his enemies.  In the above specific verses some text translate them that David is stated as looking to God for His strength, while in another, the same thought is stated (God waiting on God's strength) but the text states, "because of his strength" David waits.  The "his" in this translation is the wicked leaders of the nations.   In the NASB translation the thought is that because of the strength of the enemy, David watches for God and waits for God's vengeance and power.  Despite the difficulty of the Hebrew translations the thoughts are one of the same.   David is praying about his enemies and the power they have.  He has no where to turn.  So, in the midst of that pain and pressure, David turns to God and seeks God's strength, love and victory.   It is important that we find the same place of rest and same source of strength.   In the midst of the trials we have plenty of alternatives to turn toward in our pursuit of relief or strength.     Some turn to some substance to seek relief.   They just need a drink or a smoke or a piece of pie ... there is a reason they call some foods, "comfort foods."   Some turn to more and more activity.  They work and work until they become numb to life and life's difficulties.   Some turn to exercise, thinking that since a good workout makes them feel better than can exercise demons along with fat.   But, in reality the only real source of relief for the stress that others bring to us in a relationship with God and a faith in His strength, love and triumphant work.   David writes this Psalm to assure us that we, too, can find rest and assurance with God, in the midst of wicked rulers, nations and men.   But, the source of our strength is not from within, it is from beyond, in God Himself.   In the midst of the stress find your stronghold in the One who is Strong.