The Psalms are an intensive study into the personal life and worship of "a man after God's own heart. Though only 75 of the 150 Psalms are attributed to David's hand, he certainly set the pattern for Psalmistry and that great collection of songs and hymns to the Lord is most identified with him. Others, such as Moses, Solomon, Asaph, Heman, Ethan, the sons of Korah, Ezra, and others unidentified had works contributed to this anthology, but mostly, it reveals the heart of King David in his relationship with God. You read in his words the ups and downs, the successes and failures, the victories and defeats of a life caught in the struggle between flesh and spirit, between sin and righteousness. And through it all is revealed the eternal wisdom and grace of a loving God who has us all safe in His hands.
There are some recurring themes throughout the Psalms, one such being David's enemies and God's deliverance from their grasp. David literally had enemies who were out to kill him, the kind of enemies we don't necessarily have today. But the Bible identifies an adversary of the righteous that is just as serious, just as deadly--our adversary the devil, who roams about as a roaring lion seeking someone to devour. He is a thief, a liar, a murderer, who comes to steal, kill and destroy. He is our accuser before God. But he has been defeated by Christ on the cross; his fate is sealed, his destiny ordained by God, and we overcome him by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony.
I was reading this morning in the Psalms, 71-75, and this theme of deliverance from our enemies was obvious. But especially in 71, there were some commitments made by the Psalmist that resonated with me. Because God is my deliverer, this is who I will be and what I will do:
- I will continually praise you. (71:6)
- I will continually hope in you. (71:14)
- I will continually tell of your righteousness and salvation (71:15)
- I will continually go in your strength. (71:16)
- I will continually declare your wonderful works, your strength and your power. (71:17-18)
Oh God, this is my commitment to you! I will always worship You, and I will always serve You, because this is what You have saved me to do! You have saved me from sin, delivered me from satan, healed me from sickness, and rescued me from myself! You have done great and mighty things for you, how can I do any less than proclaim and declare your goodness to this generation in all the world!
