Faithful Love from On High

King David of Israel was a highly revered king, but he was also a man who was very imperfect. His sinful acts are recorded in the Bible for us to remember, including lying, adultery, and murder. But because he relied on the LORD, David was blessed beyond measure by Him. His prayers were heard and answered. He knew great joy in the LORD’s strength. He received abundant blessings from God, victory and majesty and splendor, and found joy in nearness to Him. Even the LORD’s corrective discipline upon him was a blessing. David did not acquire these things from God. There was no way for him to obtain any of these things for himself. Certainly, he could not earn them from God by his own goodness. But David knew of all these blessings because they had been freely given by the LORD’s choosing. And throughout his reign as king over Israel, he would continue seeking the LORD whether in times of ease or suffering.

Those who know God are not better people. They are only better off because they know the King of kings and Lord of lords. Just as in the case of those without God, the people of God are sinful, they are weak, they find themselves in situations of suffering and need. But they have chosen to follow the LORD. In doing so, they have received from God’s generous hand richness in blessing and the joy of His Presence. They have received redemption through His Son. Because They are His and He is theirs, all that belongs to God He shares generously with them. When God’s people rely on Him, they are not shaken. When they trust in the LORD, they have cause to rejoice.