Jumpin' for Joy --- Psalm 28

My mind is running in twenty different directions right now. I am trying my best to stay focused – to keep my eyes directed on the LORD, to be aware of his presence and let that living water flow freely. Yet, like pesky little fire-flies in my mind, my worries will blink on and off out of the corner of my eye; Not all the time, just enough to draw my thoughts away, but not enough to make me abandon my task. Maybe I can douse them with another cup of coffee!

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The candor of David, or the psalmist, is remarkable. At the same time, his penchant for lamenting may or may not be something identifiable to most of us. Nevertheless, in the midst of his lamentations, he does strike a cord that resonates in the heart of many of us. For example:

“…O LORD…do not refuse to hear me…” (28:1 NRSV) or as the NLT states it “…do not turn a deaf ear to me”.

Who of us has not felt that God was not “hearing” our cry? Whether we would admit it to anyone or not; some how, some way, for some reason God was apparently refusing to hear our petition. Well, here today, I will admit it.

Of course, that is not true. At least I don not believe it is true. God does not turn a deaf ear to our prayers and supplications. To justify that here is not my purpose, I will simply posit that assertion.

What is my purpose is what David discovers in this particular Psalm between verses five and six. Something transpires that completely reverses his perspective. He moves from fearing “the pit” to total trust and exultation!

Not having read the commentaries on this passage let us suppose that one of two things happened. One, gained victory over his enemy and the problem was solved; or two, he received “counsel” in some form or fashion –either in word or worship, or both. I suspect the latter is more likely.

Through God’s word and the counsel of the temple priest or prophet, David is given assurance of God’s might. That Yahweh will be exalted and His name will not be defiled nor His servant left abandoned. Through this temple prophet, he is reminded that “the LORD is the strength of his people; he is the saving refuge of his anointed.” (v.8)

The direct result of this re-discovered assurance is exultation! He breaks out in joyous songs of thanksgiving! He comes to understand once again that:

The LORD is my strength…
The LORD is my shield…
The LORD has heard the sound of my voice
“In him my heart trusts.”
“I give thanks to him.”

As I travel on this journey, I continue to re-discover these things. As a result, my heart immediately wants to exalt my LORD – but often times I forget take the time to exult, to jump for joy and break out in song!

Oh, don’t misunderstand me, it is good to exalt but it is also good to exult.

My LORD and my GOD, how majestic is your name. How great thou art! What a wonderful change in my life has been wrought since Jesus came into my heart! Blessed assurance Jesus is mine! Amazing Grace, how can it be!!! Thank you Father that you know, you hear, you care more than my heart could understand; You are my shield, you are my saving refuge! May it be.