This psalm is deeply convicting to me personally. If you have felt a lack of joy in your life—keep reading!
Verses 1-6
David opens this psalm of thanks by expressing his complete dependence and loyalty to God. He asks for protection, claiming God as his refuge. Then David speaks of the holy people in the land and how he delights in them. David also mentions the idolaters of the land, affirming he will not take part in their offerings and predicting the multiple sorrows they bring upon themselves by placing their affection on other gods.
Verses 5-6
David uses several interesting words in verse 5. The Lord is his portion and cup of blessing. The “cup” and “portion” imagery is used elsewhere to describe an allotment given to someone or the solidification of a contract such as in marriage. The most significant example is Jesus’ prayer in the garden of Gethsemane when He asks the Father to “let this cup pass from me.” (Matthew 26:36-39)
Again, David’s cup is one of blessing and a stark contrast to both the cross and the cup of blood spilt in idol worship mentioned in verse four. The concept of “portion” expands in verse 6 to include the idea of land given as an inheritance. This may possibly refer to the Promised Land as it was divided among the people some time before.
Verses 7-8
Verses 7 and 8 speak of the continual presence of the Lord as counselor, conscience, and comforter.
I keep the Lord in mind always. Because He is at my right hand I will not be shaken.
There is an active element to verse eight. David chooses to keep God at the front of his mind. I wonder how much more secure in Christ I would feel if He was at the front of my mind instead of social media?
Verses 9-11
Therefore is a connecting word. Verse 9 gives three benefits to having the Lord with you always as mentioned in verse 8.
- Heart is glad
- Spirit rejoices
- Body rests
How different this is from the American Way! With self as our focus, we see:
- Heart is anxious
- Spirit is depressed
- Body is restless.
This is so convicting!
Verses 8-11 are both a praise regarding David’s future standing and a messianic prophecy regarding the resurrection. We see them echoed in Peter’s sermon at Pentecost. Peter called David a prophet and uses the passage as proof that Jesus is the Messiah.
I have often thought I had less joy than others because my personality is more serious than others. I’m wondering now if the problem is personality or proximity? If I truly trust God’s best for me, I should not be concerned about the path ahead. If I am walking in His presence, I should have abundant joy and eternal pleasures. The obvious conclusion is, if I am not full of joy, I am not walking in the presence of God!
Granted, my joy-filled praise may be manifested more inwardly than a naturally extroverted person, but I should still be quick to thanks, quick to share His love, and quick to express His goodness to me.
Father, please forgive me and draw me to your side.
This post is Day 16 of the 31 Days of Journaling through the Psalms series. If you would like to read the first post, Psalm 1: The Wise and the Wicked, click here. The introduction to the series can be found here.
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