“For the most part we live upon successes, not promises: unless we see and feel the print of victories, we will not believe.” –John Owen
David defies the world with this psalm. He turns a perilous scenario into a pleasurable situation. He begins his prayer with, “Preserve me, O God,” (v.1) and ends it confidently with, “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” (v.11) What made the difference in David’s life? How does David make the transition from sorrow to joy and from despair to delight?
Most of us are familiar with the world’s warped formula for happiness: self-reliance + worldly success = joy. How many times have we plugged ourselves into its variables only to find ourselves more miserable than when we started? In opposition to this, David reveals God’s formula for true happiness: Lord-reliance + God’s promise = joy. David demonstrates the first variable as he prays, “You are my Lord; I have no good apart from you.” (v.2) David chooses to trust the Lord and rely on him rather than anything the world has to offer. If joy is missing from your life then ask yourself the simple question, ‘In what or in whom do I trust?’
The second variable entails the promise of God. David writes, “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.” (v.9-10) David is rejoicing in God’s promise of a future life and the hope of a resurrected Lord. The apostle Peter concerning this verse declared, “he [David] foresaw and spoke about the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to Hades, nor did his flesh see corruption.” (Acts 2:31) David had great confidence, comfort, and joy in his knowledge of God’s promise. David had joy in the resurrection of Christ even though he was looking forward to an event yet to happen. How much more should we have joy as we look back to the reality of Christ’s resurrection! What dictates the course of your day? Is it the vicissitudes of our fleshly existence or the sure knowledge of our heavenly hope? Have you had a rough day? Christ is risen! Have you experienced a tough week? Christ is risen! He is our one constant in a world full of variables. He is our source of joy. Have a blessed week and we will see you soon.
Love in Christ,
Pastor Dale
Skip to content
Skip to footer