Psalm 21

If Psalm 20 was the prayer before battle, Psalm 21 seems to be the post battle prayer of thanksgiving.

David, and the people, had asked for help in times of trouble (going to battle usually is trouble!), and that the desires of the king's heard would be granted.   I assume this means winning the battle.

These request certainly apply to the spiritual battles we face today.....

Here, the king rejoices because his heart's desire HAS been granted, and he has triumphed in the battle.
The Lord has heard, and has responded with many blessings because of the trust placed in Him by the king, and the people. I love verse 7:  " For the king trusts in the Lord, and through the steadfast love of the Most High he shall not be moved."    Remember the theme......the godly will STAND?

Verses 8-12 speak with certainty again of the judgment of God upon the wicked.  Those who rebel against Him will face His wrath.  It is sure, and final.   Note verse 11:  "For they intend evil against You; they devised a plot they cannot perform." (KJV)   Other Psalms have spoken of the wicked falling by their own schemes.  Self promotion, self rescue, self protection.....all fail in the end.

Note the king's attitude.   I was struck with this:  he takes no glory for himself.  He isn't self promoting and proud.  No, but he gives God credit and glory for his triumphs and indeed his kingship.  God has done it.  Not himself.

Ok......so the present application?   I am convicted about how often my triumph over my enemies is more about me than it is about giving God the glory for it.  I have grown in this, but as usual the more I grow, the more I see my shortcomings and must confess them to God.  I am a proud person.  I want credit, pats on the back, and accolades.  But the truth is, short of God's grace and help,  I am one very messed up chick.  I falter and fail, I give up easily, and I deceive myself into thinking that it's all ok, 'cause I got this!.  NOT!

Father........I am so thankful for Your great patience with me.   I give You the glory for all of the victories You have granted me.  And I am thankful for the battles that I must fight in order to know my place before You.   Often I have said that you keep me at square one so that I don't get puffed up and cocky, like I'm something special.  You know well that I get self sufficient when I haven't had a battle or crisis in a while.
Help me, Oh God.......give me strength for every battle!