Living God’s Way
Opening Prayer
As we come before the God who sees the secrets of our hearts, bring to him anything you need to confess.
Read 2 SAMUEL 22:17-30
[17] “He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew me out of deep waters. [18] He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from my foes, who were too strong for me. [19] They confronted me in the day of my disaster, but the LORD was my support. [20] He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me. [21] “The LORD has dealt with me according to my righteousness; according to the cleanness of my hands he has rewarded me. [22] For I have kept the ways of the LORD; I have not done evil by turning from my God. [23] All his laws are before me; I have not turned away from his decrees. [24] I have been blameless before him and have kept myself from sin. [25] The LORD has rewarded me according to my righteousness, according to my cleanness in his sight. [26] “To the faithful you show yourself faithful, to the blameless you show yourself blameless, [27] to the pure you show yourself pure, but to the crooked you show yourself shrewd. [28] You save the humble, but your eyes are on the haughty to bring them low. [29] You are my lamp, O LORD; the LORD turns my darkness into light. [30] With your help I can advance against a troop; with my God I can scale a wall. Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.
Reflect
What is the basis of David's "righteousness" (22-24)?You save the humble, David proclaims (28), but this song seems a little short on humility. It looks as if David believes that God has chosen him because he is so good (21), although we know from other passages that David was well aware of his need of God’s grace and forgiveness.
David’s words do remind us, though, of the importance of obedience. We are totally dependent on God (17), helpless until, in his graciousness, he rescues us. When he has rescued us our response should be one of trying to walk his way. Although we continually fail and need picking up again, the important thing is what we are aiming for. David has lived a life orientated towards God. His failures are recorded for all to see and he was always ready to admit his mistakes and sins (see 24:10 and Psa. 51) and seek God’s forgiveness when he needed it. Yet his righteousness (21) is this: God was always first in his heart, and doing God’s will was the aim of his life. David’s words are spoken not in pride but in confidence that God is with him, helping him to achieve that goal.
Apply
“With my God I can scale a wall” (30). What do you need God’s help to achieve? Bring it to God now.
Closing prayer
My Lord, I pray for a heart like David’s that is always turned toward You and Your ways. Keep me on that good path.
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