** In thee, O LORD, do I put my trust; let me never be ashamed: deliver me in thy righteousness. Bow down thine ear to me; deliver me speedily: be thou my strong rock, for an house of defense to save me. For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name’s sake lead me, and guide me. ** Psalm 31:1-3
David, king of Israel, writes this Psalm in a state of need. He brings many requests before God, recognizing that he needs the Lord’s help in all that is happening to him. His request is deliverance. That God would deliver him quickly, to end his trial as soon as possible. I think we can all relate to that, right?
Help, God! And help me now!!
David clarifies his request for deliverance. He asks for it because God is good. Not David. He sees God as his strength, not himself. He desires deliverance, rescue from his enemies, for the glory of the Lord’s name, not his own.
David doesn’t seem to be ever looking to make a name for himself. He understands that he is who he is and he has what he has because of God’s Hand in his life.
I wonder if I can say the same thing. Are my requests, my prayers, intended for God’s glory or just to get what I want? Is it more important to me to get what I want, even if someone else loses out? Am I worried that what I do or say may reflect badly on my God? Is personal righteousness my first concern? Are my desires more important than others requests?
Am I inclined to always be the one who is right, even if it creates conflict and I am a stumblingblock to the other person or worse, that the other person may close his/her heart to God because of my pride?
David seemed to have a good handle on his priorities. Even though he appears to be an emotional person, he didn’t allow his emotions to have the final say. He was skilled at bringing them under control and yielded to God and God’s will over his own rants and despair. Except in the season with Bathsheba and Uriah. He allowed that situation to get out of control because he tried to figure it all out in his own wisdom.
David’s life continues to impact me. I would like to be as surrendered to the Lord’s will every day as he seems to have been. I would like to choose His will over mine all the time. But I know that I don’t. Sometimes, I see God pushing back and I reign myself in just in the nick of time. But not always. Sometimes, the “great me” gets in control and messes things up.
But I do have one thing in common with David.
In verse 7 of this Psalm he says….
**I will be glad and rejoice in thy mercy…**
and in verse 9….
** Have mercy upon me , O LORD, for I am in trouble…..**
David and I have that in common….the mercy of God! The amazing mercy that God shows every hour of every day. The NOT getting what I deserve. The NOT being judged or condemned or rejected because of my faults, shortcomings, sins, failures, and disaster days.
David loved the Lord for his mercy’s sake. As do I.
Knowing that no matter how much I mess up, the Lord will always take me back.
Knowing that however rough any day gets, He is always there to lend a hand. Even if my mess is my own fault.
Mercy….Rich in mercy…it is where we all should live.