In this song of praise, David demands us to love the Lord because the Lord has stored blessings for us and He protects those who are loyal to him. Here’s the chapter in its entirety: “O Lord, I have come to you for protection; don’t let me be put to shame. Rescue me, for you always do what is right. Bend down and listen to me; rescue me quickly. Be for me a great rock of safety, a fortress where my enemies cannot reach me. (Wow… this is the second time David has told the Lord to bend down and listen to him. I like it! Lord, help us to grow our personal relationship with you so we can be bold in our communication with you, like David.)
You are my rock and my fortress For the honor of your name, lead me out of this peril. Pull me from the trap my enemies set for me, for I find protection in you alone. I entrust my spirit into your hand. Rescue me, Lord, for you are a faithful God. (Yes, Lord!)
I hate those who worship worthless idols. I trust in the Lord. I am overcome with joy because of your unfailing love, for you have seen my troubles, and you care about the anguish of my soul. (No man or woman will ever care for you and your hurt feelings like the Lord! Lord, thank you!) You have not handed me over to my enemy but have set me in a safe place.
Have mercy on me, Lord, for I am in distress. My sight is blurred because of my tears. My body and soul are withering away. I am dying from grief; my years are shortened by sadness. Misery has drained my strength; I am wasting away from within. (To God be the glory I have only felt like this one time, and what I’ve learned is that I never have to feel like that again if I truly believe and trust that the Lord is by my side. Knowing he is with me allows me to be strong and courageous! I pray that the people I love, and even those I love less, learn of the power given to those who have a relationship with the Lord. Lord, thank you for always renewing my spirit.) I am scorned by all my enemies and despised by my neighbors – even my friends are afraid to come near me. When they see me on the street, they turn the other way. I have been ignored as if I were dead, as if I were a broken pot. I have heard the many rumors about me, and I am surrounded by terror. My enemies conspire against me, plotting to take my life.
But I am trusting you, O Lord, saying, “You are my God!” My future is in our hands. (Yes, Lord!!!) Rescue me from those who hunt me down relentlessly. Let your favor shine on your servant. In your unfailing love, save me. Don’t let me be disgraced, O Lord, for I call out to you for help. Let the wicked be disgraced; let them lie silent in the grave. May their lying lips be silenced – those proud and arrogant lips that accuse the godly.
Your goodness is so great! You have stored up great blessings for those who honor you. (Wow! Think about that...the Lord has stored up great blessings for us! Meaning, He’s not finished blessing us because He “stored” them to use when He’s ready to bless us Yes, Lord, you are so good!!!) You have done so much for those who come to you for protection, blessing them before the watching world. (There it is! He’s using those stored blessings.) You hide them in the shelter of your presence, safe from those who conspire against them. You shelter them in your presence, far from accusing tongues.
Praise the Lord, for he has shown me his unfailing love. He kept me safe when my city was under attack. In sudden fear I had cried out, “I have been cut off from the Lord!” But you heard my cry for mercy and answered my call for help.
Love the Lord, all you faithful ones! For the Lord protects those who are loyal to him, but he harshly punishes all who are arrogant. So be strong and take courage, all you who put your hope in the Lord!” (Psalm 31)
Lord, thank you for your Word today! Thank you for your amazing, unfailing love and protection! Thank you for your stored blessings! You are the only one who will care for us so genuinely. Thank you for continually rescuing the broken hearted of those who love you. I am entrusting my spirit to you, Lord. We love you!
May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26)
….AND MAY WE ALL PRACTICE THIS WITH ONE ANOTHER.
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