Without missing a beat, David goes from thanksgiving for God’s deliverance to crying out for help. David’s experience in one crisis sets him up for the next. We can learn from David’s experience as well in how to wait on the Lord well.

The testing of Israel in the wilderness continues as they camp at Rephidim and find no water. They grumble and complain to Moses, putting Yahweh to the test, showing their lack of faith. Jesus the true Israel, in wilderness testing of his own, submits himself to the will of the Father. 

Suffering is a part of life for everyone. Suffering also has a tendency to expose our hearts. It can feel like God is not truly in control when things go sideways. When that happens to the Israelites, Yahweh reaffirms His name as a reflection of His character as the faithful covenant-keeping God.

James continues the theme of doing and working versus being hearers only and deceiving ourselves (1:22). A faith that is lacking in external evidence of works is useless and dead. James argues that you can’t separate the two because true faith is proven by its fruit – works.