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Dear Heavenly Father, Praise When David was told, “Flee like a bird to your mountain…if the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?” he refused to be disheartened. Instead, he said, “In the Lord I take refuge” (Ps 11:1). You are the foundation of righteousness, and you can never be destroyed. I praise you today as the righteous God. You test me and discipline me, and you enable me to be righteous so that one day I will behold your face (Ps 11:7). Hallelujah! Today in Your Word Today you shared with me more of David’s psalms. Psalm 16 is the prayer of a man who took refuge in you. He loved the saints and rejected those who ran after other gods. He trusted in you, and he claimed you as his “inheritance” (Ps 16:5–6). He said, “I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure. For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption. You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore” (Ps 16:8–11). Peter later told the Jews that David was not speaking of himself in this psalm; he was speaking prophetically of Jesus Christ (Acts 2:25–31). You did not allow your Son to “see corruption,” but you raised Him up from the dead and exalted Him at your right hand. “Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified” (Acts 2:36). Reflection When David felt like you had abandoned him, he cried out to you for help and begged you to answer him. Yet while he waited for your reply, he purposed to praise you for your lovingkindness and salvation (Ps 13:5–6). After I have poured out my heart to you, do I then choose to trust in your faithfulness and praise you for your blessings? Request Father, I want to “dwell in your sanctuary” and “live on your holy hill” (Ps 15:1). Help me to walk blamelessly before you and to speak the truth from a sincere heart. Keep me from slander and from doing evil to my neighbor. May I always honor those who fear you! (Ps 15:2–4). Thanksgiving David said over and over that you were his refuge. How thankful I am for the safety and security of your mighty hands in the midst of the storms of life. Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised! In Jesus’ name, Amen. Suggested Hymn: “Hiding in Thee” — William O. Cushing. Meditation Verse: Psalm 17:8. |