Justice and righteousness is only found at the feet of God. Those who depend on Him to provide for their lacking and the administration of equity will experience both operating in their lives. He gives these blessings towards his people as a mercy, not as a result of merit. In this Psalm, David urgently cries out that God would continue to portion these graces in his life, even in the midst of troubles he was experiencing due to his enemies and personal sin. In confidence, he pleads, “As for you, O Lord, you will not restrain your mercy from me; your steadfast love and your faithfulness will ever preserve me!” (v11). David knew that even in his unfaithfulness, God remained faithful. As a result, he was specific in his prayers as he petitions God to reproach those who seek his life, “Let those be appalled of their shame who say to me, “Aha, Aha!” (v15). What truths inform David’s faith that God will answer his prayers? Why does God remain tender to his supplications?
God’s victory over evil is an encouragement to the righteous. In the life of Christian we shall experience his delivering power over our enemies and daily battles with in-dwelling sin. We should reflect daily on God’s goodness in these areas. When we do, “to remember” will become the very strength we need in present troubles. We shall join in worship with David for he says, “But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; many those who love your salvation say continually, ‘Great is the Lord!’” (v16). Hallelujah!
God watches over his people. He guards the path of the righteous against the ambushes of the wicked. For David declares in another Psalm, “The eyes of the Lord are towards the righteous and his ears toward their cry. (16) The face of the Lord is against those who do evil, to cut off the memory of them from the earth. (17) When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all the troubles. (18) The Lord is near to the broken hearted and saves the crushed in spirit” (Ps 34:15-18). Further, we will observe that David’s faith is consistent across the Psalms that he has scribed, for his says in our devotional text, “As for me, I am poor and needy, but the Lord takes thought of me…” (v17).
Remember, no matter what trouble you find yourself, seek God’s help. Even if you are suffering the consequences of your own actions, cry out to the only one who can deliver. Do not believe Satan when he whisper in your ear, “You are beyond help. There is no hope for you. God does not hear because of what you have done.” The devil is liar, the father of lies. Trust God’s love over you. There is power in acknowledging our need of God. It gives birth to true freedom. Let us be as David, whose faith was unmoved concerning God, “You are my help and my deliverer; do not delay, O my God!” (v17). Amen.
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D.
www.springoflivingwaters.com