Take a moment to read Psalm 21. It’s short, only 13 verses. It won’t take but a moment. Ask the Holy Spirit to be your Teacher as you read.
In Psalm 21, King David is rejoicing. He has much to be thankful for and is rejoicing in the Lord. If you read too quickly, it can seem that David is rejoicing in his circumstances and the things the Lord has done for him. The Lord has given him his heart’s desire and answered his prayers. He has received great blessings. Why wouldn’t he praise the Lord? It’s easy to rejoice when things are good.
However, if you slow down and read carefully, you will see that David is not only rejoicing in the things God has done. He is rejoicing in God Himself. “Oh Lord, in your strength the king rejoices.” David is rejoicing in who God is, not only in what he has done. He is rejoicing in the strength and power of the Lord. In humility, the king admits that the blessings he has received have not come of his own will and strength, but through the strength of the Most High God.
King David also declares his trust in the Lord and acknowledges that it is because of the steadfast love of the Lord that he will not be moved. God in his strength and loving-kindness secures the king and provides for him in abundance
King David acknowledges that there are enemies and stands firm in the knowledge that the justice of the Lord will be carried out on them. David trusts that God’s strength will overcome.
So, he rejoices!
This life is hard. It’s easy to rejoice when good things come our way or God answers our prayers and gives us our hearts’ desires. It is good to rejoice in those things, but it is greater to rejoice in the Lord himself, who he is, and his loving-kindness toward us.
No matter your circumstances today, take time to rejoice in the character and truth of the Most High God.
- Angel C.