Read
(A psalm by David for the music leader.)
Thanking the Lord
1Our Lord, your mighty power
makes the king glad,
and he celebrates victories
that you have given him.
2You did what he wanted most
and never told him “No.”
3You truly blessed the king,
and you placed on him
a crown of finest gold.
4He asked to live a long time,
and you promised him life
that never ends.
5The king is highly honored.
You have let him win victories
that have made him famous.
6You have given him blessings
that will last forever,
and you have made him glad
by being so near to him.
7Lord Most High,
the king trusts you,
and your kindness
keeps him from defeat.
8With your mighty arm, Lord,
you will strike down all
of your hateful enemies.
9They will be destroyed by fire
once you are here,
and because of your anger,
flames will swallow them.
10You will wipe their families
from the earth,
and they will disappear.
11All their plans to harm you
will come to nothing.
12You will make them run away
by shooting your arrows
at their faces.
13Show your strength, Lord,
so that we may sing
and praise your power.
Reflect
This is one of the so-called “royal psalms,” celebrating God’s appointment of David as king, and giving him victory. It anticipates the reign of Jesus Christ and life “forever and ever” (v4).
David is bursting with joy. This was not the time for a private “thank you,” but a public proclamation, a press conference, declaring God’s strength and power.
God’s stamp of approval was written all over David. A crown or wreath was placed on his head symbolizing a new place of honour, position and influence. As an added gift, God gave him long life.
Why was this blessing bestowed? “The king trusts you” (v7). To trust means to fix our focus on the complete sovereignty of God, his infinite wisdom and his perfect love. Trusting God anchors us in an unshakeable relationship.
As an anointed king, David sees those who hate him as enemies of God. He confidently declares that God will find these enemies and will strike them down. They will not be able to escape God’s reach. Not one of their plots and schemes will succeed. God would deal with them as his enemies, not David’s, with anger and vengeance.
God is God! No one will stop God from doing his work. He will show his power. When God works, we know it and we will praise him.
Respond
Father, I pray one prayer. Give me your favour. I pray that I walk humbly and hear your voice. Protect me from those who would seek to stop your work. May I stay focused on your ability to do more than I could ever ask or think. Amen
Margaret Gibb
Margaret has been actively involved in Canada with ministries to women for over 35 years, serving for 10 years as President of Women Alive. A writer and international speaker, Margaret has a passion to see women fulfill their God-given calling. In October 2011, she founded a new ministry organization, Women Together, that will engage professional Canadian women to come along side women in developing countries with skills development, leadership training, spiritual encouragement and support.