http://bible.us/Ps21.1.NIV The king rejoices in your strength, Lord . How great is his joy in the victories you give! You have granted him his heart's desire and have not withheld the request of his lips. You came to greet him with rich blessings and placed a crown of pure gold on his head. He asked you for life, and you gave it to him— length of days, for ever and ever. Through the victories you gave, his glory is great; you have bestowed on him splendor and majesty. Surely you have granted him unending blessings and made him glad with the joy of your presence. For the king trusts in the Lord ; through the unfailing love of the Most High he will not be shaken. Your hand will lay hold on all your enemies; your right hand will seize your foes. When you appear for battle, you will burn them up as in a blazing furnace. The Lord will swallow them up in his wrath, and his fire will consume them. You will destroy their descendants from the earth, their posterity from mankind. Though they plot evil against you and devise wicked schemes, they cannot succeed. You will make them turn their backs when you aim at them with drawn bow. Be exalted in your strength, Lord ; we will sing and praise your might.
Depend As You Ascend
Psalm Chapter 21 was written by David. Not David the simple shepherd-boy, nor David the fleeing fugitive, nor the young David whose place and way in life had been so uncertain. But rather, this particular Psalm was penned by David later on in his life, after he had been established as ruler over Israel and rightful heir to the throne. He composes this as King, as one who had ascended to the summit of power and success.
Notice, however, that even though David had become King at this point, he still declares his trust in the Lord. His title in life had changed, but his guiding principle hadn't. The very feature that distinguished David through every season of his life and propelled him forward was still strong inside him. He was still determined to be absolutely dependant on God.
That's something we need to ponder, because human nature tells us we need God less and less as we grow and gain in power. It's easy to rely on the Lord when we have nothing else in life to rely on. But it's as we start to ascend, as we become "successful" and acquire resources, that we're faced with a challenging choice. Do we trust in our newfound successes, or do we continue to trust in the Lord who remains unseen? Do we continue to depend as we ascend in life?
There's no question what we ought to do, and there's no better time than right now to pray for His help in doing it.
Lord, protect us from trusting in anything or anyone but You, especially in light of any success we experience. Help us to depend as we ascend.
What does this passage reveal to me about God? GOD alone is in control. All good things in my life aware from His hand. Negative things are to grow me. Father please teach me your wisdom. Teach me how to respond instead of reacting.
What does this passage reveal to me about myself? I easily become self confident. I don't always rely on God.
Based on this, what changes do I need to make? Trust in God in all things. Focus more on the word and lesson circumstances around me.
What is my prayer for today?father , I need your peace. I am feeling dread and I'm not sure why. Too many conflicts. Father please give me your confidence , your wisdom and your strength.
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