David begins this song with a declaration of trust in God, then immediately pleads for help.
"Let me not be ashamed, let not my enemies exult over me."
Immediately, again, he declares truth, that none who wait on the Lofd will be put to shame,
but those who deal treacherously without cause.
'Wait'. What exactly does it mean to wait on the Lord. Time? I can picture myself drumming my fingers in rapid succession on the table top waiting for a specific response to a specific prayer. No, waiting on God is more of an exercise in trust. Not our own timing or abilities, but complete trust and dependence on Him in all things.
David pleads with God using covenental terms: "God of my salvation", mercy, truth and steadfast love, and goodness, reminding God that these have been established from "of old". God is the Rock who never changes; His promises and love are sure and steady, unlike the shifting sands, or breezes that blow.
He then contrasts his life as being unsure and temporary. "Remember not the sins of my youth."
God's covenental love is everlasting, but David's sin is recent.....he knows that his life is but a breath....a vapor. God's love is sure and steady, not in flux like anything we know on earth aside from His love.
He asks God to teach him the way, to teach him HIS ways. God WILL do this.....for those who are humble and keep His commandments. The prayer of the humble is noted in verses 4-5....."teach me YOUR paths....lead me in YOUR truth......for You are the God of my salvation and I wait on you all the day.".
I loved the study note on verse 8.....the word 'upright'. "The mark of His uprightnss is not merely a cold retribution, but a passionate concern for sinners who are wandering.".
Because of God's uprightness, David is confident to pray for guidance and help, and for forgiveness for his sins, which are acknowledged to be many.
Once again, David declares the sure blessing of God on those who "fear" him. This is the one who will be taught by God and blessed by Him.
'Fear'....What does this mean? "The fear of the Lord is reverence and awe toward God, not life-disrupting anxiety." (study note RSB). Psalm 111:10 tells us that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.
Again, David lapses into a lament....He is lonely and afflicted, his troubles are many, his enemies surround him with malice, and his sins need to be forgiven.
He ends the song as he began it......(I can hear one of my pastors talk about an "inclusio" (sp?)) ....."Let me not be ashamed."
He will wait on the Lord in proper fear, for he knows that God will preserve him in integrity and uprightness.
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