Discover His Heart: He blesses our right living and provides the keys to His blessing
Each year I spend 52 days with David in Psalms. After 28 years of doing this, I feel like I know him fairly well. The Biblical record of David, the mighty warrior, is impressive; but make no mistake, David was a shepherd at heart. We think of shepherds as mild-mannered and gentle; but when the flock is in jeopardy, the warrior rises up — David > slingshot > giant. I’ve met many shepherds, and never met one who wouldn’t go the distance to protect the flock. Our Shepherd will do the same.
@ Psalm 18
David, the warrior, knew where his help and strength came from to engage the enemy. He opened Psalm 18 with, “I love you, Lord; you are my strength …rock …fortress …savior …shield …power …place of safety.” Twice in Psalm 18, David declared the reason God’s help came, “The Lord rewarded me for doing right…to the faithful you show your faithful, to those with integrity you show integrity. To the pure you show yourself pure…the Lord, my God, lights up my darkness.” (24-28) What an incentive for right living!
@ Psalm 19
David, the shepherd, was qualified to write Psalm 19:1-6. Shepherding gave him the opportunity to enjoy and contemplate God’s creation. “The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship.” (1) When I walk through gardens, view majestic mountains and travel His countryside, I always say that He could have made everything gray; but, no, that would not reflect who He is. We enjoy beauty and colorful landscapes because we are made in His image, and, obviously, He enjoys color!
David, the shepherd, had the opportunity to meditate on God’s laws and their purposes. Back in the ’70 we often sang the Psalms in our praise and worship, and Psalm19:7-11 was one of my favorites. Instead of viewing His commandments as rules to inhibit my freedom, I look to them as the essential keys to a blessed life. When obeyed, His commandments come with a promise for the future.
God’s laws tell me how to respond to life’s challenges, and they give His wisdom and His warnings. “The instructions of the Lord are perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The commandments of the Lord are right, bringing joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are clear, giving insight for living.” (7-8)
Most of us long to revive our body and souls in this fast-paced world and many spend great sums of money on spas and retreats for a quick fix, but living out the commandments of the Lord that He designed for our well being is the permanent solution. We attend conferences, seminars, online classes and read volumes of books seeking to improve our lives and make us better, yet the Lord has provided clear, insights for living in His Word, providing all the wisdom we need to live a blessed life. After all, He would know.
Moving Forward: “May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.” (19:14) Today I will meditate on Him and pursue right living with tenacity, opening the doors of blessing in my life. And He will light up my darkness.
Tomorrow @ Job 13-14.
Phyllis Benigas 