As the synapses in my brain began firing off the, “it’s time to wake up” signal, I became aware of a song or Psalm of David (as thought by many) bathing my spiritual being. I awoke with an anticipation of the godhead in action in my life. As my emotions began to function, I sensed “His” presence in and through me. The God of all creation, my heavenly father, was giving me attention!
Since I have been here before, I knew not to brush it off, but rather to be still and listen. Without hearing a single word, I knew that something good was taking place in our lives. I began softly singing praises to him. My emotions joined in as joyful tears streamed down my face. Even though this encounter only lasted a few minutes, it was awesome!
The song—also called—Psalms 118, is not directly attributed to King David; but many scholars believe it to be written by him. Those who hold to this belief point to the commonality of David’s other songs or psalms. It is also speculated that the King wrote the song after his kingship was thoroughly established over all of Israel.
David made it a point that he, and everyone around him, gives thanks to the gracious God whose promise of being made the King of Israel, had been fulfilled. This lowly shepherd boy now sat in the highest place of honor and power in all the land. It happened because his God spoke a promise to him and his tender heart was willing to obey.
It is a powerful story. It is a story that should bring encouragement to the hearts of every Christ follower who has ever received a promise from God. He—creator of everything—is for us. His promise is true and certain to happen the way he promised it; we must remain patient, forgiving, and hope-filled until it does.
David’s story is one of intrigue. It is one of hopelessness, and high anxiety. David’s story is one of certain death, with unimaginable deliverance. David believed his God, even when he could feel the fiery breathe of death on the back of his neck. David, like you, and like me, was a human being filled with the same fallen tendencies of lost humanity. Yet, David came out the winner. If David can do it, so can you.
“This is the day which the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it,” is how the song begins. The very God who looked to the minute details of earth, had not forgotten to tend to the needs of his prize creation—mankind! David acknowledges this by giving him praise.
Perhaps it is your turn to stop whatever you are doing, and say a word of praise, or even a song of praise to the God of your salvation.