A Lesson Learned
Part 4 of 4
David closes out this Psalm with an exclamation of unbridled faith, “O Lord, my Strength and my Redeemer”. David didn't go through the ordeals Job did. Yet, in his own way, he endured extreme trials that would break most men. Likewise, Job's ordeal would likely have caused most men to “curse God”.
Both David and Job had one thing in common. They were both, to a fault, faithful to the ideals of YHVH. They weren't perfect, yet, they fiercely trusted in their Adonai. Throughout the lives of both men, there was a concerted effort to “work out their salvation with fear and trembling”.
The challenge of this section, and the entire 19th Psalm, is to commit your ways to His ways. In making such a commitment, it is also necessary to understand our battle for control of thought and tongue is not one of the flesh. Lasting victory in this battle can only be achieved through the Spirit of YHVH.
Paul wrote to the Corinthians in 10: 4-5 of his second epistle, “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through YHVH to the pulling down of strongholds”. He says the weapons of the Spirit “(cast) down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of YHVH and (brings) into captivity every thought to the obedience of Messiah”.
When we sincerely commit our every thought, word, and deed to YHVH, He will care for us as sons and daughters. With the loving hands of the Potter, He will gently form us into vessels that can be used in His service. Usually, as in the case of David and Job, this molding comes in the form of trials and tribulations—rods of correction.
Peter wrote in 4: 12-13, “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: but rejoice, inasmuch as you are partakers of Messiah's sufferings; that, when His glory shall be revealed, you may be glad also with exceeding joy”.
He tells us in v. 14 we should be happy while going through our respective trials. For the Father is glorified when we allow His Spirit to rest upon us. Then, Peter warns in v. 15 not to allow our trials to cause us to fall into sin. This would be our epitaph if we allowed tongue and thought to control us rather than controlling them.
Both David and Job were greatly blessed in this life. Both men left a living legacy that has been a blessing to every generation since their time. Their stories afford to every man and woman blessed hope in controlling the “members” that continually war within our bodies and lives.
It seems fitting to close my comments on this Psalm with a comparison of faith statements from both men. David closes his Psalm with, “O Lord, my Strength and my Redeemer”. The writings of this shepherd king are replete with testimonies of his faith in his Master Shepherd and has gained him the title of “a man after the heart of YHVH”.
Out of the deepest pit of despair, Job looked up and declared in 19: 25-27, “For I know that my Redeemer lives, and that He shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: and though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see YHVH: whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me"—and became an example of hope for all that lived thereafter. Keep looking up for His encouraging hope!
Thank You For Reading My Series On The 19th Psalm--Your Comments Are Appreciated.
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