Which assembly do you wish to be part of?

Psalm 26:1–12 (ESV): 

1  Vindicate me, O Lord, 

for I have walked in my integrity, 

and I have trusted in the Lord without wavering. 

2  Prove me, O Lord, and try me; 

test my heart and my mind. 

3  For your steadfast love is before my eyes, 

and I walk in your faithfulness. 

4  I do not sit with men of falsehood, 

nor do I consort with hypocrites. 

5  I hate the assembly of evildoers, 

and I will not sit with the wicked. 

6  I wash my hands in innocence 

and go around your altar, O Lord, 

7  proclaiming thanksgiving aloud, 

and telling all your wondrous deeds. 

8  O Lord, I love the habitation of your house 

and the place where your glory dwells. 

9  Do not sweep my soul away with sinners, 

nor my life with bloodthirsty men, 

10  in whose hands are evil devices, 

and whose right hands are full of bribes. 

11  But as for me, I shall walk in my integrity; 

redeem me, and be gracious to me. 

12  My foot stands on level ground; 

in the great assembly I will bless the Lord. 

I find it interesting that David says, ‘I love the habitation of your house’ as at the time David wrote this there was no temple of God. David desired to build one, but God told him that his son would do it, not him. So the altar and the ark of the covenant still had no permanent home. It was placed in a large tent (like in the time of Moses). This was the ‘house’ of God, the place of worship in David’s time. It was not permanent or solid, yet it was a secure environment that was pleasant to be in because God’s ‘glory dwells’ there. Wherever God’s glory dwells it is a place of safety, acceptance, fun, deliverance, mercy and love, so why wouldn’t David love to be there?! 

In contrast, David also talks about the ‘assembly of evildoers’, where sin, lying, hypocrisy, wickedness and general godlessness abound. One assembly is full of thanksgiving and praise of God and the other is full of bribes and 'bloodthirsty men'. Which assembly would you like to be a part of? In life, you get to choose the kinds of people you spend time with and the places you go. David was aware of this, and he was also conscious of the fact that the places you go and the people you surround yourself with impact you. So, who do you choose to be with? Who are you allowing to influence your life? 

Even if you would choose to only spend time with those who are part of the house of God, the reality is that sometimes you will be around people that you would rather not be. Whether that is at work, in your community or when travelling, you will be in the presence of people that are not following God. David is prepared for these interactions and situations as he learnt a good technique for when he needs to be around these people. He determines not to ‘sit’ with them. That may sound simple or even a bit rude, but David ensures that he does not get comfortable being around the wicked. He does not allow their schemes or  advice hold sway in his life. He has worked out that when he is around those that lie and do evil he limits the time he is with them. He does not hang out with them, take a comfortable position or seek to stay around the wicked for long. David knows you can end up being influenced by their ideas and ideals and it can affect your integrity, mind, decisions and faith. Therefore he does not give these people permission to 'sit' in his presence, and he chooses not to 'sit' with them either. Are you mindful of the people you choose spend time with? When you are around them, do their behaviours and attitudes sway you? Do they have a good, godly influence on you, or do they lead you to damage your character and integrity? Ensure that when you leave the company of others you can say as David did that you, ‘wash my hands in innocence’.

David knows what it is like to be amongst the godly and the ungodly, and has realised what is better for him. His desire is to continue to live his life surrounded by those that honour God. He wants to keep living in integrity. Therefore he ensures that he, even though he is a; mighty, powerful, famous, busy king, gets to the place of worship regularly. David knows that the only way that he can keep living well and keep his integrity, is if he puts worshipping and honouring God at the forefront of his life. David realises that he needs to put himself in the presence of God and surround himself with the right ‘assembly’ of people so that he can ‘bless the Lord’ and keep his life righteous. 

Being with God’s people in God's house should be far more attractive than ‘the assembly of evildoers’. When you meet in the dwelling place of God, His presence is tangible. It is a place worship, sacrifice, cleansing, praise, strengthening and thanksgiving. Whereas where the wicked meet is full of lies, hypocrisy, harm, greed and violence. Where would you rather be?

Do you love going to a place of worship? Do you look forward to meeting with other believers? If not, why not? Meeting as an assembly of believers should be something you yearn to do, where you experience the love, presence and forgiveness of God - what could be better than that?! Meeting as church should be fun and bring revelation and freedom, helping people clean up their lives and giving thanks for God’s many, ‘wondrous deeds’. An opportunity for you to share what God has been doing in your life, to give and receive prayer and teaching, to challenge and change you more into the image of Christ. Can you say along with David, 'I love the habitation of your house and the place where your glory dwells'?

Power of Patience

 Psalm 25:1–22 (ESV):  

1  To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul. 

2  O my God, in you I trust; 

let me not be put to shame; 

let not my enemies exult over me. 

3  Indeed, none who wait for you shall be put to shame; 

they shall be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous. 

4  Make me to know your ways, O Lord; 

teach me your paths. 

5  Lead me in your truth and teach me, 

for you are the God of my salvation; 

for you I wait all the day long. 

6  Remember your mercy, O Lord, and your steadfast love, 

for they have been from of old. 

7  Remember not the sins of my youth or my transgressions; 

according to your steadfast love remember me, 

for the sake of your goodness, O Lord! 

8  Good and upright is the Lord; 

therefore he instructs sinners in the way. 

9  He leads the humble in what is right, 

and teaches the humble his way. 

10  All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness, 

for those who keep his covenant and his testimonies. 

11  For your name’s sake, O Lord, 

pardon my guilt, for it is great. 

12  Who is the man who fears the Lord? 

Him will he instruct in the way that he should choose. 

13  His soul shall abide in well-being, 

and his offspring shall inherit the land. 

14  The friendship of the Lord is for those who fear him, 

and he makes known to them his covenant. 

15  My eyes are ever toward the Lord, 

for he will pluck my feet out of the net. 

16  Turn to me and be gracious to me, 

for I am lonely and afflicted. 

17  The troubles of my heart are enlarged; 

bring me out of my distresses. 

18  Consider my affliction and my trouble, 

and forgive all my sins. 

19  Consider how many are my foes, 

and with what violent hatred they hate me. 

20  Oh, guard my soul, and deliver me! 

Let me not be put to shame, for I take refuge in you. 

21  May integrity and uprightness preserve me, 

for I wait for you. 

22  Redeem Israel, O God, 

out of all his troubles.

This psalm is clearly the reflection of someone who has walked with God for a long time and experienced some troubles along the way. They refer to being guided during the time of their youth, and mention God helping them through various trials. The manner in which this is written shows a calm, confident maturity. Even when the writer speaks of times of distress this is not with explosive emotion, fear or anxiety, but with a calm assurance of God’s steadfast and certain assistance. Asking God to intervene and confident that He will as God, ‘will not put to shame’ those who walk with and depend on Him. The author of this psalm clearly had a long-standing relationship with God as they are sure of His work in every aspect of life. They trust in God for; being released from shame, triumph over enemies, direction, teaching, salvation, forgiveness, goodness, continued presence and care, faithfulness, honesty, truth, guidance, love, steadfastness, well-being, inheritance, care of generations to come, rescue, grace, company, relief from trouble, protection and refuge. In all these things the writer knows God can and will act as He has done previously in their life. They have grown in their faith to reflect the steadfast, secure nature of God. They have done this by continuing to put God in the midst of whatever they have going on. Their life is not their own, but one lived in consideration of who God is.

This psalmist is able to reflect in this prayerful manner about how God has been steadfast, true and helpful throughout his life. Therefore in this present distress that has brought loneliness, fear and sadness, they still trust and wait for God. They have learnt the power of patience. The practice of waiting is referred to several times in this piece of writing. Specifically, waiting for God to come and turn around situations. For; salvation, escape, refuge, restoration and release from shame. Do you need God to intervene in a situation in your life? If so, take some advice from the wisdom of this man of God and wait. The person who wrote this psalm and has learnt these things is David. He is the one who has walked with God from his youth into old age and is sharing his experience in this psalm. He is sharing some important things that he has learnt about living such a life, and one of those things is patience. Are you allowing God into your difficulties and awaiting His response? David has learnt over the course of his life that it is far better to wait for God to bring rescue, hope and restoration than trying to get it through your own methods. God does not work in your time frame, but He is working and His conclusion to your situation is far greater and more beneficial than any you can manufacture yourself so are you waiting God's response?

When you consider that the author of this psalm is David, you can start to appreciate the things he had to wait for; being acknowledged as king, rescue from Saul, and his son, forgiveness, battles to be won and his life to be restored are just a few things i can recall. David did not have it easy. He suffered at many times, some because he went wrong but mostly because of others’ sin. In times of distress he is known to have prayed and waited. We can see that from other psalms he has written. David' life was not easy. He experienced a lot of turmoil and distress and it was tempting to do things his own way. However David learnt that if he continues to wait, God would transform the situation and bring about a greater victory than David could. So now, David is sharing his simple and effective wisdom for when you are next in troubled circumstances. Whether it is an external battle or, the ‘troubles of my heart', you too can be quietly assured that God can change the circumstances around you. You just need to keep walking with God, pray and wait. 

When you decide to live your life walking with God as David did, you get to have a relationship with a living, powerful, almighty, loving God. You can be certain that God hears every prayer, and acts in the best way for you in every situation when you follow Him. So, keep walking with Him and asking Him to intervene in your life and you too may have a few tales to tell like David did. You will grow in wisdom, confidence and patience when you entrust your life and it's troubles to God. Learn to pray and wait. If you do that you will see God’s faithful love, powerful rescue and unbelievable transformation in your life. You will become confident in His power, forgiveness and restoration as David did. You just need to ask and then wait. 

How do you need God to intervene in your life today? Tell God about it, ask Him to intervene, and wait. Then you will see God's salvation come. 'Indeed, none who wait for you shall be put to shame'.

God is waiting for you to join Him.

 Psalm 24:1–10 (ESV):  

1  The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof, 

the world and those who dwell therein, 

2  for he has founded it upon the seas 

and established it upon the rivers. 

3  Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord? 

And who shall stand in his holy place? 

4  He who has clean hands and a pure heart, 

who does not lift up his soul to what is false 

and does not swear deceitfully. 

5  He will receive blessing from the Lord 

and righteousness from the God of his salvation. 

6  Such is the generation of those who seek him, 

who seek the face of the God of Jacob. Selah 

7  Lift up your heads, O gates! 

And be lifted up, O ancient doors, 

that the King of glory may come in. 

8  Who is this King of glory? 

The Lord, strong and mighty, 

the Lord, mighty in battle! 

9  Lift up your heads, O gates! 

And lift them up, O ancient doors, 

that the King of glory may come in. 

10  Who is this King of glory? 

The Lord of hosts, 

he is the King of glory! Selah 

The King of Glory, Our God and Lord is the creator of all things. Everything that exists was created and designed by Him from rocks and seas to every creature. Each human life has been handcrafted by God, no matter how great, insignificant, good or evil people may seem, all have been created and given breath by Almighty God. That includes you, your neighbours and your nemesis. Everyone has been made in the image of God, created to bear a resemblance to the King of Glory in appearance and character. Yet, even though we are crafted into His image and are a result of his handiwork - none of us deserve to be in God’s presence. Not one of us can match up to God's standards and therefore are not good enough to stand in His holy place (v3) or ascend His hill (v3-4). It is not as if God has made it difficult for us, this psalm shows that He has two requirements; clean hands and a pure heart. Yet who has lived a life of such innocence and purity? Have you ever lied, been led astray, done or said anything wrong? If so then you do not have clean hands or a pure heart so how can you stand in front of a holy, pure, majestic God? How can you even step foot onto His holy hill or peek into the holy place when there is such unworthiness in you? You do not deserve to be in God's presence, and you have no right to even consider it because you have not led an innocent, pure, sin-free life.

Yet, there is a promise that the one who enters God’s presence, ‘will receive a blessing from the Lord and righteousness’. How can you ever pertain or aspire to this if it is impossible because of sin? There must be a hope that it is possible, otherwise why would this be written? God is not mean or spiteful so He does not give false hope or promises that can never be fulfilled. Verse 6 assures that, ‘the generation of those who seek him’ will be able to enter God’s presence and will receive blessing and righteousness, but how? Still you remain rotten in comparison to God’s standards, and you cannot undo what has been done. It is so difficult to live a pure life, so how can anyone ever gain the righteousness and blessing of God? In your own strength and capability it is impossible. You cannot live a pure, honest and innocent life, you have failed before and you will again, sin easily entangles and temptation is hard to run away from. You can try your best, but you can never live a life that is good enough to enter God’s presence. However the promise of entering God's presence was made and still stands. 

God fulfils His promises. There IS a way for you to enjoy God's company as well as His righteousness and blessing. You CAN enter the presence of God if you, ‘seek Him’ and let ‘the King of glory’ into your life. Jesus is the King of Glory and so accepting that Jesus has made a way for you to connect with God is the only way that you can have access to all that God promises. Jesus is the one, the only one, that has ever lived a life with clean hands and a pure heart. He is the only one that has refused to give into temptation and sin and so never lied or gone the way he shouldn't. Jesus can ascend the holy hill and enter the holy place because he has lived a life worthy of being there. He can enter the presence of God and he invites you to go with him! Jesus sacrificed his pure, innocence life so that you can take it instead of your rotten, sinful one so that you too can enjoy God's presence! All you need to do is acknowledge that Jesus has made this exchange for you, accept it and take advantage of it. Jesus knows that you have sinned and gone your own way before and he knows that you still struggle with temptation and sin. Yet he still wants to exchange all of that for his innocence and purity so that you can have the privilege of spending time with Father God! Have you taken up Jesus offer of exchanging his life for yours?

Have you done what is necessary to be in His presence - have you opened the gates of your heart and your life to Jesus and let him reign in your life? Jesus is the only one that has overcome the things that separate you from God and made it so that they no longer stand in your way. Jesus has got clean hands and a pure heart, he never led a false life, lied or committed any sin, therefore he can get you into God’s presence. He can transfer his purity to you because he fought with evil and won, in fact he put it to death! He did it so that you can enter into God’s presence alongside him. When you acknowledge the power of the death and resurrection of Jesus, he transforms your hands to clean ones and sanctifies your heart to become pure. Therefore you may now enter the kingdom of God. 

Today you can, ‘ascend the hill of the Lord’ and receive the fullness of salvation, righteousness and blessing whenever you want. What a gift! You no longer need to be deprived of God’s presence or righteousness and blessing. Have you taken up Jesus offer? God is waiting for you to join Him. 

Is God's presence enough?

23 A Psalm of David. 

1  The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 

2  He makes me lie down in green pastures. 

He leads me beside still waters. 

3  He restores my soul. 

He leads me in paths of righteousness 

for his name’s sake. 

4  Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, 

I will fear no evil, 

for you are with me; 

your rod and your staff, 

they comfort me. 

5  You prepare a table before me 

in the presence of my enemies; 

you anoint my head with oil; 

my cup overflows. 

6  Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me 

all the days of my life, 

and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord 

forever. 

This psalm has been very relevant for me personally over the past year. As a family we have been journeying through a great tragedy and when it first happened God gave me a picture. The picture was of me in a dark place. It was dark grey, a place where you couldn’t really see what was going on around you or where you were going, but I saw someone there, a distant figure and I knew it was Jesus. The picture reminded me of this psalm as the place in my mind looked to me like a dark valley. Many times over the past 12 months I have had this image and been reassured of God’s presence during the darkest times. 

I had suddenly found myself walking ‘through the valley of the shadow of death’, unsure of how I had got there and no idea how to get out. Yet in the midst of it God kindly showed me that He was present. He had not left me alone, and as long as I kept looking to Him, He would guide me through. I often recalled this picture and would say to God, “Thank you for being with me, I don’t yet feel your comfort, but I know it will come because you are with me”. This is a promise of this psalm and was the assurance God gave me as I had to endure this season. God did not say it was all going be ok, that it would soon be over, or that there was an escape from this turmoil, but His promise was of His presence and that was enough. Is God’s presence sufficient for you? No matter what storms, trials, adventures, triumphs or celebrations you are going through, are you assured of God's presence? This psalm shows how God is alongside you no matter what season of life you are in; a time of rest, one of provision, healing, suffering, death, direction, temptation, abundance or celebration. No matter your situation, God's 'goodness and mercy' are present. They will always be present because He is with you if you choose to live your life with Him.

Being someone that follows God doesn’t mean that your life life is easy. Read this psalm again if you need proof of that! God doesn't promise that He will sort out all of your problems and the issues of life, but He does assure you of His constant presence and His grace and mercy. Sometimes you will have to walk through valleys that you never expected, and at times you are bathing in the sunshine in fields that you never knew could hold such blessing. You experience both because life has twists and turns. You will make mistakes, you live around people that don’t always get it right and there is an enemy. So be prepared for valleys and darkness to come as well as fields, feasts and green pastures. You are not immune to experiencing trouble if you dedicate your life to following God. Yet you do have a mighty, powerful, loving Father that has always got your back. He will always be there with you in whatever you are experiencing. Sometimes you’ll get hurt, sometimes you’ll know relief, sometimes you’ll know comfort, rest and joy, but always you can know His presence.

If you contemplate the truth of God's never-ending presence and support in your life, then your hope, peace, comfort and confidence in every circumstance will grow. No matter what highs or lows you experience, whether you are in the depths of fear and pain or enjoying abundance and provision, God is there with you. He is always looking out over you, leading you, and helping you. His everlasting love is with you and as you learn to apply that truth, hope, peace and comfort will grow in your life.

What was Jesus experience at the cross?

Psalm 22 is a prophetic picture of who the Messiah was going to be and what he would experience and even think as he surrendered his life. It so clearly describes Jesus’ experience as he endured crucifixion, and explores his emotions and thoughts displaying his humanity and deity beautifully. The torn body and mind that still extols and honours God, yet is in considerable anguish, despair and pain. How did any writer know in such clarity the details of The Saviours death? How could anyone hundreds of years previously have been able to tell of the Messiah’s fate? No person of the time this was written had an experience that could even mildly equate to that expressed in this piece of writing. It can only be a God-inspired prophetic insight of Our Saviour. How incredible that God speaks in such detail to us about events, people and places not yet seen. When God speaks, it may seem strange or impossible, but it will come to pass, just as this psalm was fulfilled when Jesus died, read it and see for yourself;

Psalm 22:1–31 (ESV):  

1  My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? 

Why are you so far from saving me, from the words of my groaning? 

2  O my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer, 

and by night, but I find no rest. 

3  Yet you are holy, 

enthroned on the praises of Israel. 

4  In you our fathers trusted; 

they trusted, and you delivered them. 

5  To you they cried and were rescued; 

in you they trusted and were not put to shame. 

6  But I am a worm and not a man, 

scorned by mankind and despised by the people. 

7  All who see me mock me; 

they make mouths at me; they wag their heads; 

8  “He trusts in the Lord; let him deliver him; 

let him rescue him, for he delights in him!” 

9  Yet you are he who took me from the womb; 

you made me trust you at my mother’s breasts. 

10  On you was I cast from my birth, 

and from my mother’s womb you have been my God. 

11  Be not far from me, 

for trouble is near, 

and there is none to help. 

12  Many bulls encompass me; 

strong bulls of Bashan surround me; 

13  they open wide their mouths at me, 

like a ravening and roaring lion. 

14  I am poured out like water, 

and all my bones are out of joint; 

my heart is like wax; 

it is melted within my breast; 

15  my strength is dried up like a potsherd, 

and my tongue sticks to my jaws; 

you lay me in the dust of death. 

16  For dogs encompass me; 

a company of evildoers encircles me; 

they have pierced my hands and feet— 

17  I can count all my bones— 

they stare and gloat over me; 

18  they divide my garments among them, 

and for my clothing they cast lots. 

19  But you, O Lord, do not be far off! 

O you my help, come quickly to my aid! 

20  Deliver my soul from the sword, 

my precious life from the power of the dog! 

21  Save me from the mouth of the lion! 

You have rescued me from the horns of the wild oxen! 

22  I will tell of your name to my brothers; 

in the midst of the congregation I will praise you: 

23  You who fear the Lord, praise him! 

All you offspring of Jacob, glorify him, 

and stand in awe of him, all you offspring of Israel! 

24  For he has not despised or abhorred 

the affliction of the afflicted, 

and he has not hidden his face from him, 

but has heard, when he cried to him. 

25  From you comes my praise in the great congregation; 

my vows I will perform before those who fear him. 

26  The afflicted shall eat and be satisfied; 

those who seek him shall praise the Lord! 

May your hearts live forever! 

27  All the ends of the earth shall remember 

and turn to the Lord, 

and all the families of the nations 

shall worship before you. 

28  For kingship belongs to the Lord, 

and he rules over the nations. 

29  All the prosperous of the earth eat and worship; 

before him shall bow all who go down to the dust, 

even the one who could not keep himself alive. 

30  Posterity shall serve him; 

it shall be told of the Lord to the coming generation; 

31  they shall come and proclaim his righteousness to a people yet unborn, 

that he has done it. 

Wow! I don’t know about you, but as I have read and re-read this psalm, I am astounded. Firstly because of the detail of Jesus internal narrative written by someone who was never to meet him or see crucifixion. The preciseness of the revelation of Jesus’ experience in death and how people responded is so accurate, as well as the insight into Jesus’ humanity. What an incredible revelation this psalm was. I wonder how it was received at the time it was written. It probably seemed odd but inspired. It is only now, thousands of years later that we can appreciate that this was written by the Spirit through the hand of David. 

It is easy to imagine that these were the thoughts and prayers of Jesus as he encountered death. It is real and raw, a very human response. It relates to the manner of his death as well as Jesus internal thoughts as he hangs there. 

‘I am a worm and not a man, scorned by mankind and despised by the people.’ Have you ever felt like that? Insignificant, overlooked, unappreciated, dismissed and derided? Jesus did. How can the Saviour of the World have felt so worthless and in such despair? It demonstrates clearly Jesus’ humanity. He really did suffer. Not just physically but emotionally and mentally too. He was abandoned and ridiculed by those he loved, he even felt the separation and distance of God. Jesus truly experienced humanity in its entirity including its pain and despair. As you read the psalm I am sure you can relate to some of these thoughts and prayers of our Saviour. If so, know you're not alone. When you; Question God, wonder why He doesn’t answer, cry, are ill at ease, struggle to sleep because of concerns/fears, know how God has been trustworthy in the past but struggle to see it right now, feel worthless, feel like everyone is against you, are mocked, feel distant from God, feel helpless, alone and abandoned, are intimidated and scared, have lost strength, are in pain, stripped of worth, desperate, understand that even though this is agony there is purpose in it you can know God Himself has been through the exact same thing. Did you realise that? I didn’t until I read and reflected on this. What great comfort and relief we can know because Jesus really has experienced our pain and sufferings! No-one need feel alone in their internal conflicts or concerns because Jesus has also known all of this and although he died, he still lives. 

You can be a good follower of God and still have these troubled thoughts and concerns as God’s very own son did! He can appreciate how you are feeling and so help you through it. Jesus acknowledged his emotions, thoughts and fears yet he still extolled God. He admitted the truth about how he felt and at the same time reminded himself the truth of His God. The emotions and thoughts of the mind, no matter how big, significant or encompassing they may be should not overshadow the enormity and prevalence of God in your life. After all - which is bigger; your thoughts and emotions, or God? Jesus, who experienced a death and punishment like no-one would ever want to go through, who suffered greatly even with the foreknowledge that he had to go through terrible torment, Jesus still did not dwell on the internal narrative, his emotions or physical pain. Instead, as we see from this psalm his thoughts and prayers transfer from considering his pain and plight to focussing on what God has previously done and who He is. Jesus speaks of God being; worthy of praise and of testifying about, supporter of the afflicted, one who hears, ruler of all, righteous, rescuer and king. When you have it tough, do not be afraid to admit it - even Jesus did. Then, once you have done that, remember who God is. It will begin to change the turmoil you feel, it will give you another focus and give you something greater to be living for. Consider Jesus - consider the reality of his humanity and deity and discover how you can get through those times by being given the new life he offers. 

Battles and Victories

Psalms 20 and 21 are linked in their structure and content, with psalm 20 being a call for God’s help for the king, and psalm 21 a response of gratitude for the victory God has granted him. Both psalms have similar styles and even phrases, but the intent of each is different. Psalm 20 was a song prayed over the king by the nation asking God to provide and succeed on his behalf, and psalm 21 although also a national response, is one of gratitude and worship to God. Having these psalms back to back highlights their similarities and the importance of prayer, both personal and corporate, whatever the circumstances. One was written for a time of preparation for difficulty and battle, and the next for the time of success that followed. It shows that it is important to pray both when things are tough, and times of success as it reminds us who really is in charge. It is also important to encourage one another in prayer and worship as these psalms inspire the king and the nation with the goodness and trustworthiness of God.

Psalm 21:1–13 (ESV):  

1  O Lord, in your strength the king rejoices, 

and in your salvation how greatly he exults! 

2  You have given him his heart’s desire 

and have not withheld the request of his lips. Selah 

3  For you meet him with rich blessings; 

you set a crown of fine gold upon his head. 

4  He asked life of you; you gave it to him, 

length of days forever and ever. 

5  His glory is great through your salvation; 

splendour and majesty you bestow on him. 

6  For you make him most blessed forever; 

you make him glad with the joy of your presence. 

7  For the king trusts in the Lord, 

and through the steadfast love of the Most High he shall not be moved. 

8  Your hand will find out all your enemies; 

your right hand will find out those who hate you. 

9  You will make them as a blazing oven 

when you appear. 

The Lord will swallow them up in his wrath, 

and fire will consume them. 

10  You will destroy their descendants from the earth, 

and their offspring from among the children of man. 

11  Though they plan evil against you, 

though they devise mischief, they will not succeed. 

12  For you will put them to flight; 

you will aim at their faces with your bows. 

13  Be exalted, O Lord, in your strength! 

We will sing and praise your power. 

David is likely to be the king referred to in this psalm. If it is him, we know was not a private individual as he was open and honest about his emotions - we see this through the psalms and through the recorded history of his life in the Bible. He exuberantly praises God without hindrance, he mourns and implores God to intervene in prayer and fasting - he is a passionate man who is not afraid to express his emotions or call upon God. So it is no surprise that this psalm sung by the nation tells us, ‘the king rejoices’, ‘how greatly he exults’! The king is not afraid to show his happiness, to exuberantly and abundantly praise God because of God’s goodness, protection, love, blessings and presence. Can you imagine how he would have responded after a battle victory and a song such as this? 

How do you respond when God has overcome for you? David and the whole nation have seen how God has had His hand in every victory. They acknowledge the kings joyous response and the answer to their previous prayer and song (psalm 20). It is with excitement that psalm 21 is written, an overflow of prayer and praise to the God that will overcome and destroy every enemy of the people of God! Does this not inspire you to pray and sing to God?! I wonder if this will inspire you to get to the next prayer meeting or next time of corporate worship. Powerful breakthroughs occur when God’s people come to Him in prayer and worship - are you getting caught up in that excitement? It is ok and actually good to allow yourself an emotional response to situations. You are allowed to cry, smile, laugh, dance and sing with feeling as you accept what God has done in your life. This psalm was written because the people of Israel and their king were excited and grateful for what God had done. There would probably have been music and dancing, tears and laughter as this psalm was sung - do you respond to God's influence in your life in joyous gratitude or is your response muted? The reason that Israel were so excited was because they realised that God had done several specific things that they had asked for and so they express their gratitude (V1-6):

God’s strength has brought victory

He answered prayer

Blessings have been received 

God preserved life

Glory, splendour and majesty have been given to their king

God’s presence is known

Of the above list, I am sure that you have experienced at least a few of these. When you have, what has been your response? Have your experiences inspired you to worship God and acknowledge His goodness amongst others or has your thankfulness been dulled? The nation of Israel did not keep quiet about what they had seen of God’s victories, they shouted, cried, danced and sang about it. This time they even responded by writing and singing this psalm together in recognition and gratitude to God. Do you allow your gratitude to overflow like David and the nation of Israel? It is not mature to deny emotions or fail to express them although it may be more socially acceptable. God did not design robots. He made humans. Humans with minds, hearts and emotions and He expects you to worship Him, 'with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength' (Mark 12:30-31). Do you? Do you get caught up in the excitement of what God has got you through in order to encourage and inspire others in their faith? Why would others want to follow God unless they see He has a very real, tangible impact in your life that is genuinely expressed through the battles and successes?

As a result of the battles Israel faced and overcame due to their trust in God alone, they say with full confidence, 'through the steadfast love of the Most High he shall not be moved’! You can have a story, a testimony and an assurance like that too! Remember what God has already done and so trust Him in every circumstance. Don’t forget to invite God into all of your current and future battles and successes, as when you do, you will know and experience the presence of God and his never-ending, enduring love. You will see greater victories than you already have. What a privilege to live a life like that! Secure in the knowledge that although battles will come, victories will follow when you depend upon God. Why not take some time to day to remember in prayer and praise God's victories in your life and think about how you share this with others to encourage them through their battles into victory.

Praying for leaders

The psalm that we are considering today is a different style to those we have come across thus far. The previous psalms have been very personal written in first person singular, now we come to a song that is written in plural for the most part. Its form is a song to be sung over/to a king rather than a personal response of an individual. 

Psalm 20:1–9 (ESV):  

1  May the Lord answer you in the day of trouble! 

May the name of the God of Jacob protect you! 

2  May he send you help from the sanctuary 

and give you support from Zion! 

3  May he remember all your offerings 

and regard with favour your burnt sacrifices! Selah 

4  May he grant you your heart’s desire 

and fulfil all your plans! 

5  May we shout for joy over your salvation, 

and in the name of our God set up our banners! 

May the Lord fulfil all your petitions! 

6  Now I know that the Lord saves his anointed; 

he will answer him from his holy heaven 

with the saving might of his right hand. 

7  Some trust in chariots and some in horses, 

but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. 

8  They collapse and fall, 

but we rise and stand upright. 

9  O Lord, save the king! 

May he answer us when we call. 

What a way to pray for leaders! That God may; answer them when they have trouble, protect them, help and support them, remember their goodness, complete their plans and satisfy their hearts - what more could a person want from life?! Praying for our leaders to be blessed and be successful will make their job easier, and lives more restful. 

This psalm was created to be sung by the people of Israel over their king, most likely in the time of David as he was about to lead the army into battle. Can you imagine how that would affect both the king, the army and the nation? A song that inspires, reminds, calls to faith the leader of the country and demonstrates the support all people - what a powerful, inspiring and motivating song that must have been to hear! The confidence that the people of Israel have in their king is inspired by the confidence they have in their God. They know God will answer and be present with their king because God ordained him and so God will work through his life. Do you know that the same is true for the leaders you know?  Even the leaders you dislike and disagree with, God has a purpose for the season of their authority. Will you pray for them? It pleases God when you do, and it will do you and others good. 

In the New Testament Timothy writes, ‘I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, 2 for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. 3 This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Saviour’ (1Timothy 2:1-3). Timothy and the writer of this psalm see the real, tangible benefit of praying and supporting those in leadership. It can be hard to do when we see those in power who are ungodly, wicked or foolish, but should that not inspire you to pray even more? How much more of a miraculous breakthrough would it be for such a person to become a spirit-led, gracious, supportive and cohesive leader?! 

I hope this psalm inspires you to pray for your leaders. Imagine the joy it would be to serve a people that pray for you in this manner. To know that in whatever circumstance you face, people are praying that God might intervene, in trouble and triumph and even to meet the hidden internal needs and desires of their hearts. What a privilege it would be to lead if people were to pray/sing this psalm over the leaders they know today. I can imagine the confidence, hope, security and trust this would build in any person in charge that this would have been sung to. How encouraging and inspiring to have people trusting and hoping in a leader but moreover in God that they would respond with this psalm. Do you pray like this for your leaders? It may be a; manager, boss, president, king, queen, religious leader, mentor, chief, politician, trainer, officer, or any other role that holds responsibility. Will you cast concerns and frustrations aside and pray as this psalm does? As someone who has a greater faith in God than in man can you ask God to intervene, lead and guide those in authority to be successful and bring change and joy to the people of God?  If you don’t do it, who will? 

‘is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Saviour’ and He may well, ‘answer us when we call’.