“In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes” (Judges 21: 25).
This morbid statement closes out the book of Judges. The people of Israel have no ruler, and thus subjugate themselves to some of the worst evils they have yet experienced. Though the Israelite’s didn’t have a ruler then, God eventually appointed a line of kings to rule over them. One of the greatest of these kings was King David, who found comfort in God even during the worst times of his reign. He writes
“O Lord my God, in you do I take refuge; save me from all my pursuers and deliver me, lest like a lion they tear my soul apart, rending it in pieces, with none to deliver” (Psalm 7: 1-2).
When the path ahead of me seems bleak, like it did for the Israelite’s, I need to remember the great faith David had in God. David’s faith in God is inspiring, he acknowledges the dangers he is in but still believes that God will deliver him. He goes on to say
“My shield is with God, who saves the upright in heart. God is a righteous judge, and a God who feels indignation every day” (Psalm 7: 10-11).
He knows that God ultimately saves the upright and has faith that God judges fairly and correctly. He praises God by saying
“O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens. Out of the mouth of babies and infants, you have established strength because of your foes, to still the enemy and the avenger” (Psalm 8: 1-2).
Dear God, thank you for the words of David in the book of Psalms. Please help me to remember that I can trust in you during trying times in my life. Thank you for everything that you have done for me this year. Please help me to be grateful for your gifts even during tough trials in my life. In Jesus’ holy name I pray. Amen.
Asher (AsherB)
Sixty-six books in a year 
Great word and I amen your prayer too!