In the midst of life’s trials, David’s praise of God reveals his trust in him (cf. Heb 13:15). He says in v5, “…offer right sacrifices…” God must be worshipped in spirit and truth. We cannot do so when we actively engage in things that displease God as Absalom was. He was not anointed as king of Israel, but David was (1 Sam 16:1-13). To attempt to overthrow God’s anointed was dishonoring to both David and God (cf. 1 Sam 26:3-11). How do Absalom actions warn us; and inform our attitudes and behaviors today?
Sometimes we have people in our lives that have a position of authority over us (e.g. job). Perhaps they are a person who we deem unfit for their position because either they have competency issues, lack integrity or are inequitable in their dealings with people. What is dishonoring to God is if we engage in practices such as gathering in gossip groups and plotting strategies to overthrow and get them removed. This was Absalom’s approach because he deemed his father unjust (2 Sam 15:1-6) and therefore unfit to be king. “Offer the right sacrifices,” as King David is exhorting Absalom and his enemies. We take our people’s problems to God, even those in authority over us or those who unjustly wrong us. We approach God transparently, in faith, with a heart of confession and willingness to repent of any unsavory attitudes we might have against such a person. By placing our trust in God, we are appealing to him to deal with the person and the situation while we bear it patiently and in its season. Yes, we commanded to pray (even) for our enemies. Solomon offers the following, “If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink, (22) for you will heap burning coals on his head, and the Lord will reward you” (Prv 25:21-22). God is your Avenger, he will repay.
David acknowledges his enemies taunts about him, thus, “There are many who say, ‘Who will show us some good?’” Only God can truly silence their tongues by showing favor to those who trust in him. This is why David responded to such mocking by focusing his attention on God, “Lift up the light of your face upon us, O Lord!” God looks favorable on those who worship him. When we trust in God to handle our situations, he gets the glory and we will bear the fruit of faith.
David expresses joy and contentment in the midst of his trial all while there is no current change to his situation. His peace was not based on his circumstances, but who God was in them. God renews our joy in him when we seek his face. Notice what David says of God, “You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and wine abound.” He experienced peace and safety while embedded in his own crisis. Here are two concluding truths that are an encouragement and reminder from reading this Psalm:
- True salvation comes only from God (Ps 33:16-18).
- The quality of our joy and peace is not dependent on our circumstances, but wholly on who God is. This is the godly contentment that Paul speaks of when he says, “…for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. (12) I know how to be brought low and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. (13) I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Phi 4:11-13). When we believe this truth, we can declare of God as David did, “In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.”
Hallelujah! Amen.
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D
www.springoflivingwaters.com