Sixty-five days…
When I read the Psalms, I sit in awe of King David’s transparent heart. In my mind, I am not sure there is anyone who sets a greater example of crying out to God for each and every need. Early in his life, David had a very clear witness to the miracles God would work, beginning with his ability to slay Goliath the Philistine. Even with that knowledge, we learn of David’s sin. He was a flesh and blood human being born with a sin nature just like you and me. Yet, because of his relationship with the Father, when David fell, he stood back up again.
David relied on God for everything. He knew Who his King was. He shared each and every emotion with the Living God. He shared his joy, sadness, strength, and weakness with the Almighty. He cried out His name with passion and urgency. David was aware he could not mend brokenness with his own two hands. He depended fully on God.
Today I read Psalm 31. I was overwhelmed with the direction of the Psalm from beginning to end. It’s amazing that we actually have insight to how David’s mind was working when he wrote this. The way he was processing his circumstances is awesome. I have pulled out a few verses from Psalm 31 to illustrate my point.
David begins Psalm 31 with a declaration of trust unto the Lord.
Psalm 31:1
In You, O Lord, I put my trust; let me never be ashamed; deliver me in Your righteousness. (N.K.J.V.)
Midway through the Psalm he begins to cry out his needs and tell the Lord exactly how he is feeling.
In Psalm 31:9, David says, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I am in trouble; my eye wastes away with grief, yes my soul and my body!” (N.K.J.V.)
David then turns his cry for deliverance into a praise of remembrance.
Psalm 31:19
Oh, how great is Your goodness, which You have laid up for those who fear You, which you have prepared for those who trust in You, in the presence of the sons of Men! (N.K.J.V.)
Psalm 31:21
Blessed be the Lord, for He has shown me His marvelous kindness in a strong city! (N.K.J.V)
After this, David begins to proclaim to God’s people what we should do, and what the Father WILL do.
Psalm 31:23-24
Oh, love the Lord, all you His saints! For the Lord preserves the faithful, and fully repays the proud person. Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the Lord. (N.K.J.V.)
- David trusts in the Lord.
- David pours out his heart to the Lord.
- David remembers what the Father has done, and praises Him for it.
- David tells the people to love Him and reaffirms that the Lord will strengthen those who hope in Him.
Wow, talk about a powerful example…
