“I have hated those who regard useless
idols; but I trust in the Lord. I will be
glad and rejoice in your mercy, for you have
considered my trouble; you have known my
soul in adversities, and have not shut me up
into the hand of the enemy; you have set my
feet in a wide place” (Psalm 31:6-8 NKJV).
I sometimes find myself in South Asia during times of political tension. On one trip to Bangladesh it was almost time to leave the country when it looked like America was about to launch an attack upon an Islamic nation.
As events progressed, all I could think about was the possibility of being in a line of traffic waiting for a ferry with angry Muslims all around me and nowhere to go. Thankfully, that did not happen, but the possibility was very real.
Many years ago there was a popular song entitled “Don’t Fence Me In.” Those are our sentiments. We like space–room to maneuver, or to relax, or simply to spread out and be comfortable. Tight corners make us wary.
David was not fond of tight spots either. When God offered him choices of punishment for his sin of conducting a census of Israel (2 Samuel 24:10-17), he prayed, “Please let us fall into the hand of the Lord, for his mercies are great; but do not let me fall into the hand of men” (Verse14).
The King knew that God’s grace allowed room for forgiveness; human enemies were not likely to be merciful.
Just as in the days of the Kingdom of Israel, so today also God provides us with room. He plants our feet in wide places.
These include the following:
God gives us space for a second chance. We all make mistakes, sometimes horrible in their nature and effect. “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us” (1 John 1:8). On our record, we are worthy of condemnation and eternal torment (Romans 6:23).
But God is patient with us, “not willing that any should perish” (2 Peter 3:9). No better example of this patience is given than the life of Peter. He shamefully denied Jesus three times. Yet, Jesus later gave him the opportunity to confess him the same number of times (John 21:15-17).
Afterwards, he called him back into faithful service. This same Peter became the featured speaker at the great occasion of Pentecost a few days later in Jerusalem (Acts 2:14ff).
God gives us room for individual choices and preferences. Yes, there are many commands and doctrines taught in the Bible which must be believed and obeyed in specific detail. But some matters of lifestyle may be chosen. For example, one may choose to marry, or to remain single (1 Corinthians 7:1-9).
Though all are called into service by God, one may choose various forms of ministry (1 Corinthians 3:6; 1 Timothy 3:1). Food may be selected based on one’s circumstances or preferences (1 Corinthians 10:25-33).
God gives us space to include others (Ephesians 2:11- 13). So often we feel isolated in our problems or mistakes. We feel unworthy, so also unloved, rejected, or unwanted. But God loves us anyway, and so do his people.
The Gospel of Jesus Christ reconciles us with former enemies, drawing us all together into him (Verses 14- 18). None are alone. We are a part of a “great crowd” (Hebrews 12:1) of spiritual encouragement and fellowship.
There is room in God’s love and mercy for all who would believe in and call upon the name of Jesus (Romans 10:13).
God sets our feet in wide places. Let us not be afraid.
— by Michael E. Brooks