saving harmony

Psalm 31, 1 Samuel 27, 1 Chronicles 12:1-7, Psalm 56, 1 Samuel 28:1-2, 1 Samuel 29:1-11, 1 Chronicles 12:19-22, Psalm 40

 Psalm 31

 1 In you, O LORD, I have taken refuge;

       let me never be put to shame;

       deliver me in your righteousness. 

 2 Turn your ear to me,

       come quickly to my rescue;

       be my rock of refuge,

       a strong fortress to save me. 

 3 Since you are my rock and my fortress,

       for the sake of your name lead and guide me. 

 4 Free me from the trap that is set for me,

       for you are my refuge. 

 5 Into your hands I commit my spirit;

       redeem me, O LORD, the God of truth.

...

 16 Let your face shine on your servant;

       save me in your unfailing love.

...

 23 Love the LORD, all his saints!

       The LORD preserves the faithful,

       but the proud he pays back in full. 

 24 Be strong and take heart,

       all you who hope in the LORD.

 

Psalm 40

 1 I waited patiently for the LORD;

       he turned to me and heard my cry. 

 2 He lifted me out of the slimy pit,

       out of the mud and mire; 

       he set my feet on a rock

       and gave me a firm place to stand. 

 3 He put a new song in my mouth,

       a hymn of praise to our God.

       Many will see and fear

       and put their trust in the LORD.

...

 6 Sacrifice and offering you did not desire,

       but my ears you have pierced;

       burnt offerings and sin offerings

       you did not require. 

 7 Then I said, "Here I am, I have come—

       it is written about me in the scroll.

 8 I desire to do your will, O my God;

       your law is within my heart."

 It is a matter of the heart.  It always has been.  I think David's request in 40:6 is referring to the ceremony of a servant who has the opportunity to go free, but who willingly chooses to remain a slave because the master is so good to him.  As I look at David's statements of praise to God, I asked the question, "Was there a particular quality/attribute of God that He was most impressed with in these Psalms?"  I think he was particularly grateful for Yahweh's ability to save David spiritually and physically.  I think he was impressed that it is God's desire for us to be saved, He gets glory out of saving us.  It is part of His perfect will.

 

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank you for caring about me.  Thank you for watching over me and not wanting me to fall in a trap.  Thank you for protecting me, even beyond what I can see.  Lord, I pray that you will receive glory from saving me.  Out of the thankfulness and love that you have poured into my life, I want to do your will.  You are my God; you are my master.  You are such a good master that I want to be your servant forever.  Lord, pierce me and make me your own.  I pray that you will pour your Spirit of Life into me.  I want to know your heart and be united in fellowship with you.  I desire that my body, soul, and spirit would be in harmony with the operation of the Triunity God of all Creation.  I pray this in the name of Jesus Christ.  Amen.