Read
(By David.)
Praise the Lord
1With all my heart
I praise you, Lord.
In the presence of angels
I sing your praises.
2I worship at your holy temple
and praise you for your love
and your faithfulness.
You were true to your word
and made yourself more famous
than ever before.
3When I asked for your help,
you answered my prayer
and gave me courage.
4All kings on this earth
have heard your promises, Lord,
and they will praise you.
5You are so famous
that they will sing about
the things you have done.
6Though you are above us all,
you care for humble people,
and you keep a close watch
on everyone who is proud.
7I am surrounded by trouble,
but you protect me
against my angry enemies.
With your own powerful arm
you keep me safe.
8You, Lord, will always
treat me with kindness.
Your love never fails.
You have made us what we are.
Don't give up on us now!
Reflect
Years ago in England, I had a delightful demonstration of authority being used to protect the vulnerable. Picture with me a policeman standing in the traffic circle in front of Buckingham Palace holding up his hand against the flow of traffic. As every vehicle came to a stop, we watched with smiling faces as a mother duck confidently led her brood of young ones across the street in safety. One simple hand signal was all it took to save their lives.
It wasn’t because the policeman was bigger or more powerful than the vehicles that he could stop the flow of traffic; it was simply because he had the authority – the right – to command the cars to stop.
The picture David paints here is similar. It is God’s hand stretched out against the anger of David’s foes flowing toward him that saved his life.
Throughout his life David was aware that God’s hand of deliverance was upon him. This song of praise gives thanks to the Lord who has once more preserved his life.
David expresses his gratitude with praise at the temple and then calls out for all the kings of the earth to join him in praise.
At the same time, he doesn’t take for granted that his past experiences of God’s deliverance will continue – and he ends his song with the plea that God not abandon the “works of his hands.”
How much more important are we – made in the image of God – than the small brood of ducklings. The imagery of God stretching out his hand against the anger of our “enemy” who would seek to destroy us is a comforting one. God stopped the power of enemy anger flowing toward David; we can count on that protection and be grateful as David was.
Respond
Father God, David called out for all the kings of the earth to join him in praise, and I join the multitudes who have responded. I praise and worship you as the one who has the authority to defeat the enemy of my soul. Thank you for your faithful protection. Amen.
Lynn Smith
Lynn served Tyndale University College and Seminary in Toronto as Dean of Students and Vice President of Student Development where leadership development became the focus of her involvement with students. After retiring, she co-founded NextLEVEL Leadership, an International organization focused on encouraging Christian women to develop in their leadership roles in the marketplace, profession or ministry. Her passion for seeing others grow in their leadership confidence has inspired her to teach and mentor wherever God calls. Publications: Gender or Giftedness: a Challenge to rethink the basis for leadership within the Faith Community; Mentoring: Leaving a Legacy; Fred's Not Here - Living with Alzheimer Disease takes Courage