I love reading about David throughout the scriptures. His exploits, his trials, his wanderings, and his running for his life allows me to see someone that knows what it is like to experience all the emotions we face. While I may not have had to literally run for my existence, I know what it feels like to run the gauntlet of emotions in this life. Who hasn’t fought depression, anger, stress, or even loneliness while struggling with yourself or others? David dealt with all of these things and possibly even more, but there was one constant in his life that we keep seeing over and over. Regardless of who or what he faced he always came back to praising God for it all. It did not matter what came against him, he would always know the direction of praise. His life became like that of compass and it would inherently always turn back to praise like the needle on a true compass turns north.
Every time I pick up the bible I attempt to read something out of the Book of Psalms. While I know that David did not write all of these great words, there is inspiration behind these words that can encourage every individual to turn their eyes toward the One that knows where they are at all times.
It was David while he was in the wilderness of Judah running for his life once again, this time from his own son Absalom that he wrote:
Psalm 63:1-4 (KJV)
63 O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is;
2 To see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary.
3 Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee.
4 Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name.
David knew that God would be there and He would be loyal based upon the covenant with His people. He understood that the reason he was king to start with was because God had established it and as long as God was for him who could be against him. He was letting his friends and enemies know that my direction is always going to be towards praise. In verse 11 of that same chapter he says that the king shall rejoice in God.
I don’t know if could say the same things, knowing that I am running for my life, but there was an assurance in David that God had his back regardless of his situation. Wouldn’t it be great if we could have the same mentality as David. We have the same promises that David had and more. David had God in the Ark of the Covenant in the Tabernacle, while we have become the tabernacle for God to dwell in.
1 Corinthians 3:16 (KJV)
16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?
It’s time we look at the words of David as more than just a few words of assurance from adverse situations. We need to see them as a road map or a direction that leads us to the feet of God with praise. I know that we all have our battles to fight and our demons to conquer, but isn’t it about time that we fight beside God and give Him the glory that He deserves for His loving kindness and His mercy. He knows right where you are and it is His desire to save you and help you though it all.
Why not speak the words that David inspired in others or spoke himself in the midst of his struggles and battles with himself and others:
Psalm 66:1-2King James Version (KJV)
66 Make a joyful noise unto God, all ye lands:
2 Sing forth the honour of his name: make his praise glorious.
Psalm 66:8-9King James Version (KJV)
8 O bless our God, ye people, and make the voice of his praise to be heard:
9 Which holdeth our soul in life, and suffereth not our feet to be moved.
My direction will be praise in the storm, in calamity, and in my struggles. Praise is the True North in the compass of life that will lead me to God.