The inside story
Opening Prayer
Lord, thank You for the joy and peace that we find in Your presence.
Read PSALM 21:1–13
For additional translations of the passage, use this link to Bible Gateway.
[1] For the director of music. A psalm of David. The king rejoices in your strength, LORD. How great is his joy in the victories you give! [2] You have granted him his heart’s desire and have not withheld the request of his lips. [3] You came to greet him with rich blessings and placed a crown of pure gold on his head. [4] He asked you for life, and you gave it to him- length of days, for ever and ever. [5] Through the victories you gave, his glory is great; you have bestowed on him splendor and majesty. [6] Surely you have granted him unending blessings and made him glad with the joy of your presence. [7] For the king trusts in the LORD; through the unfailing love of the Most High he will not be shaken. [8] Your hand will lay hold on all your enemies; your right hand will seize your foes. [9] When you appear for battle, you will burn them up as in a blazing furnace. The LORD will swallow them up in his wrath, and his fire will consume them. [10] You will destroy their descendants from the earth, their posterity from mankind. [11] Though they plot evil against you and devise wicked schemes, they cannot succeed. [12] You will make them turn their backs when you aim at them with drawn bow. [13] Be exalted in your strength, LORD; we will sing and praise your might. Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
Where does the psalmist place his trust?What qualities do we look for in someone with authority over us—wisdom, integrity, courage? Among God’s people, the king was to govern, guide and protect his people—but, above all, to represent God’s kingly presence and rule among them. The Bible tells of the strengths and weaknesses of many kings and the outcomes of their reigns. In this psalm, we are given the inside story of a successful king. His heart is not centered on status, security or responsibilities, but on God alone who is his King. Read again verses 1–7 and enjoy the atmosphere of delight and trust which pervades the relationship between divine Lord and earthly ruler. Whatever our situation, we have our own sphere of authority and responsibility: in our families, at our work, among our friends and neighbors and over our own life with its gifts and opportunities. What a difference it makes to see ourselves in the context of God’s overarching power, commissioning and love.
Apply
Reread the psalm and use it as an expression of prayer and praise for your own life.
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