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Clergy/Leaders’ Mail-list No. 0-144 (Bible Reading Notes)

PSALM 21 (From ‘Encounter with God’ – Sunday 23 Jul 2000)

How do you handle successes and deliverances. Do pride or revenge ever taint your rejoicing?

This psalm, like the previous one, appears to have a liturgical form intended for use on royal occasions; in this case, after a military victory. We too have our triumphs, and these can go to our heads, unless we keep in mind some principles exemplified by this psalm that give it more than local significance.

First, always give God the glory (v 1). This saves us from getting swollen heads when things are going well. The king is firmly reminded by this psalm that it is God who gives the victory.

Secondly, recall God’s blessings constantly, giving thanks (vs 2- 6). Complaining Christians, and Christians who rarely use any form of prayer other than petition, usually have very short memories. The remedy is to balance our asking with thanks for the answers we have experienced in the past. Some people keep journals, enabling them to look back and see the emerging pattern of God at work in their lives.

Thirdly, reaffirm your trust (v 7), recognising that there will be other times of challenge and struggle which, with God’s help (vs 8- 12), you will also be able to handle. Some triumphalist views of the Christian life imply that once we have turned to the Lord and been saved from our sins, life will be lived on a constantly victorious plateau. Don’t be taken in. (1 Pet 5:8,9; 2 Cor 7:5,6)

We live in daily need of renewal by God’s Spirit.

Fourthly, with a mind informed by the New Testament, pray for the conquest of evil, and work for it. But don’t couple that with curses on your opponents, as this Old Testament writer did (vs 9- 12). It is a thing of great sadness when those who could have been happy eternally reject God. Jesus said we should pray for them. (Matt 5:44)

Reflect on past mercies, giving thanks. And pray for those who seek to harm you.

– Brian Hill

Copyright Scripture Union, 2000

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