READ: Psalm 54
There’s an old country song called “On the Other Hand,” about a man who is tempted to fall into an illicit affair, but he is reminded to be faithful by the sight of his wedding ring. The ring symbolically sets his wife before his eyes in a moment of crisis.
As David reflects in this psalm about why complete strangers have betrayed him, he notes that they have not “set God before them.” They see only the temporary rewards King Saul can offer if they hand David over to him. They do not see the ultimate justice that comes from God, who is higher than any earthly king. David, in contrast, does not give in to despair or the desire for revenge, but instead puts his hope and trust in God. He “sets God before himself.” On the one hand is the cruelty and injustice of this world, but on the other hand is the strength and faithfulness of God, and David knows God will triumph in the end.
Prayer Focus: Set God before you today. Practice the presence of God, intentionally reminding yourself that there is not place or time when He is not with you.
There’s an old country song called “On the Other Hand,” about a man who is tempted to fall into an illicit affair, but he is reminded to be faithful by the sight of his wedding ring. The ring symbolically sets his wife before his eyes in a moment of crisis.
As David reflects in this psalm about why complete strangers have betrayed him, he notes that they have not “set God before them.” They see only the temporary rewards King Saul can offer if they hand David over to him. They do not see the ultimate justice that comes from God, who is higher than any earthly king. David, in contrast, does not give in to despair or the desire for revenge, but instead puts his hope and trust in God. He “sets God before himself.” On the one hand is the cruelty and injustice of this world, but on the other hand is the strength and faithfulness of God, and David knows God will triumph in the end.
Prayer Focus: Set God before you today. Practice the presence of God, intentionally reminding yourself that there is not place or time when He is not with you.