Final Verses
This morning I attended the morning prayer time with some leaders and county officials. The “quote of the day” that stood out to me during the devotional was something like this: “people are not offended by your position as much as your disposition.” Since the Colorado Legislature officially begins tomorrow I am reminded of all that is involved in the debate over bills and public policy. If I have the opportunity to pray for the opening of a session, I will try to remember this quote.
We were excited to hear that our grandson Mason’s basketball team not only won a Holiday Tournament but Mason was selected as the Most Valuable Player for the tournament. That of course makes us all proud, but none more than dad Nathan whose favorite sport is basketball. I am looking forward to seeing all of the family when I travel to Atlanta this week.
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “May my words and my thoughts be acceptable to you, O Lord, my refuge and my redeemer! “ Psalm 19:14
This morning I took note of the final verses in the three Psalms that I read. Each provided a fitting summary of the Psalm or the section of the Psalm where they are found.
Psalm 19 contains two distinct sections. The last one in the Good News Translation is entitled, “The Law of the Lord.” What I noticed was the benefits of God’s law. Yes the law of the Lord is “perfect, trustworthy, right and just.” But what about the benefits. The Law of the Lord is designed give “…new strength….wisdom to those who lack it…[make] those who obey them…happy….and give understanding to the mind.” These are all positive characteristics of life that people seek today.
The Psalm then recognizes the challenges that come to life through “hidden faults and willful sins.” These two have been a struggle for people from the earliest of days and still challenge us today. What is the answer? Where can help be found? In the simple daily request to the Lord, “May my words and my thoughts be acceptable to you, O Lord, my refuge and my redeemer!” We need to ask the Lord for that which is within and that which comes out to be guided by that which is pleasing to Him. But take note that the Psalm doesn’t end there. David reminds us that the Lord is our refuge and redeemer. Not judge and executioner.
Psalm 20 is entitled, “A Prayer for Victory.” David recognizes that some trust in chariots and horses and the power of man, yet these will stumble and fall. In contrast those who follow the Lord, trust in Him and rise and stand firm. He then closes the Psalm with this request. “Give victory to the king, O Lord; answer us when we call.” Psalm 20:9
Psalm 21 is titled, “Praise for Victory.” David declares the glories, victory and security that comes from trusting the Lord and knowing that He is on his side. He ends the Psalm with the words, “We praise you, Lord, for your great strength! We will sing and praise your power.” Psalm 21:13
Psalm 21 is a follow up of to the prayer of Psalm 20. As we allow God’s Word to challenge us we see that God desires that which is best of our lives. That is why He gives us guidelines to help us through life. But what separates people are those who trust in the Lord and those who trust in themselves. You can’t go wrong if you place your trust in the Lord. When you do He reveals His strength as He provides for you all that you need.