What produces a quality of life that is blessed by God? What are its characteristics? Fulfilling oneself in the collecting of material possessions and acquiring of honor (i.e., blessing and favor) among men is how the world would answer these questions. They would advocate (just as the devil tempted our Lord with in this wilderness, Lk 4:1-13) that everything we need in this life is found in the “world” which is full of systems of rebellion and pride that seeks to displace God’s rule. This mindset is rooted in self-deception meant to veil the works of destruction until it is too late. In contrast, God’s ways ends in life, by which David aims to instruct us here, “Come, O children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord” (v11). His life with God provides insight into our introductory questions.
A fear of the Lord produces true blessing. A person who values God’s Word above all things will bear the fruit of trust (obedience) in a blessed life. David rightly recognizes that all of humanity desires a good living, “What man is there who desires life and loves many days, that he may see good? (v12). The problem is our human nature. In it, we have very different ideas than God on how true blessing is acquired. The fear of God is absent doing it “our way” because it is our nature to be self-willed. Treachery stains our words and actions when we have exalted our notions of true blessings. A fear of God restrains these tendencies, for David exhorts, “Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit. (14) Turn away from evil and do good; seek and peace and pursue it” (v13-14). God’s Spirit is needed to obey this command. There are two paths of life. God’s way or our own. What we trust will determine which path we shall travel.
It is very important to remember that our “trust” is shaped by our desires. When the world says to us, “Oh, look within. Follow your heart!” Do not do it! Sure, such words flow as honey off their tongues into in our hearing, but be warned, it is laced with poison that will destroy us from within. Do not drink the koolaid of the world’s wisdom! Solomon implores us, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. (6) In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. (7) Be not wise in your own yes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil” (Prv 3:5-7). If we want a true blessing in life, put it solely in the hands of God. Trust not in yourself.
Trusting in God produces assurance that is worth it. David highlights these benefits of trusting in God:
- God looks upon his people with favor. He works for his people and against those who reject him. He secures our souls eternally, and offers refuge in our earthly life, thus, “The eyes of the Lord are towards the righteous and his hears towards their cry……….When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles” (v15,17). The Lord shuns the strong, but he is near the broken hearted.
- God preserves his people though evil. He does not shield his people from every trial, but rather saves us out of them (cf., Jn 16:33). David assures, “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all” (v19). We can trust that any trouble that enters our life, God’s sovereign administration governs it. By his providential will, all we experience falls under his absolute authority for his purposes and glory. Remember, Jesus was crucified and suffered great evil by the will of God; however, he was kept from ultimate destruction by his Father, even by promise that “not one of this bones was broken.” God offers complete protection from a destructive end (cf., 2 Cor 4:7-10).
Those who place their faith in Jesus will not be put to shame, or as David declares, “…none of those who take refuge in him will be condemned” (v22). Trust Jesus today. Taste and see that He is good. Experience Him. This is the quality of life now (and forever) this is truly blessed by God.
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D.
www.springoflivingwaters.com