True Security

The movie The Bucket List featured two men with a list of the things they wanted to do before they died. They wanted to cram as much joy and pleasure as possible into life before it was too late. It was a comedy, but it really was sad, too.

We face the dangers of life and the certainly of its end every day. We can chase the dream of “joy,” “pleasure” and “peace” with a “bucket list” or in achievement, status, or possessions. But David counsels a better, wiser way. We don’t know the situation he faced, but it was certainly life-threatening (10). David’s reaction was to turn right to the Lord for refuge and security (1). God is the one who can be trusted to provide for him and indeed gives him “every good thing” (2). The Lord, like a gracious host, offers a refreshing drink, a “cup,” in this case a cup of great blessing (5). We see echoes here of Psalm 23, vs. 1 and 5, where the Lord is a good shepherd to David.

Surely God’s will for his people is life–no matter what the danger or threat. He has shown us the path to true life (11) and opened it to us in Christ (John 14:6). He graciously provides and cares for us in this life (6) and will not abandon us in the next (Rom. 8:38,39). Peter, in his Pentecost address, quotes vs. 8-10 that David was inspired by God to prophesy about Christ and his resurrection.

David’s trust and close relationship with the Lord enabled him to find peace, gladness and security even in the face of danger and death. He had the Lord. He didn’t need a “bucket list.”

The psalmist highlights contentment (5,6), guidance (7), stability (8) and hope (9,10). These lead to fulfillment (11), which is true living. Consider and pray over these things.