October 14, 2019 - To whom do you give the credit and glory for your life? Do you thank other people, or the government, or even yourself as being the source of your success?
Let me give you and example of one whom was loved by the Lord and one who followed the Lord’s wishes throughout his life. Not perfect for he was a human man, but to the best of his limited ability as he was afflicted by his own weaknesses, just like you and I.
We see the gratitude of David after he was rescued by the Lord from the hands of king Saul. This passage is found in Psalm eighteen and I would suggest reading the entire chapter for I do not have the space here to cover every verse as I would like.
King-to-be David said these words of gratitude to the Lord. “I love you, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies.” (Psalm 18:1-3)
You see, there was no doubt in David’s mind as to who was responsible for his salvation, both from sin and from his enemies.
“In my distress I called upon the Lord; to my God I cried for help. From his temple he heard my voice, and my cry to him reached his ears.” (Psalm 18:6) “He rescued me from my strong enemy and from all those who hated me, for they were too mighty for me.” (Psalm 18:17)
“He brought me out into a broad place; he rescued me, because he delighted in me. The Lord dealt with me according to my righteousness; according to the cleanness of my hands he rewarded me. For I have kept the ways of the Lord, and have not wickedly departed from my God. For all his rules were before me, and his statutes I did not put away from me. I was blameless before him, and I kept myself from my guilt. So the Lord has rewarded me according to my righteousness, according to the cleanness of my hands in his sight.” (Psalm 18:19-24)
David understood exactly where his help had come from and he sings out the glory of the Lord to all who will listen. He wants us to also understand that only the Lord can answer our prayers, only the Lord can deliver us from our enemy, the devil and this world over which he watches. It is foolish for anyone to call upon anyone or thing except the Lord when in trouble, for only the Lord has the power to save, the power to deliver.
David goes on to acknowledge the strength and power of the Lord as he says, “The Lord lives, and blessed be my rock, and exalted be the God of my salvation- the God who gave me vengeance and subdued peoples under me, who delivered me from my enemies; yes, you exalted me above those who rose against me; you rescued me from the man of violence. For this I will praise you, O Lord, among the nations, and sing to your name. Great salvation he brings to his king, and shows steadfast love to his anointed, to David and his offspring forever.” (Psalm 18:46-50)
Enrich your life, give all praise and glory to the only one who is worthy, to the Lord God of heaven, our Creator and our Redeemer. May his name be hallowed and blessed forever…
