2009 – Day 117.Apr. 28 – Declaration of Dependence

2009 – Day 117.Apr. 28 – Declaration of Dependence

Passage of the Day: 1st Samuel 22 … Passage linked for study …

Added Passage: Psalm 142: … Linked for study …

Added Passage: Psalm 57: … Linked for study …

Added Passage: Psalm 34: … Linked for study ...

My Journal for Today: Okay, if you’re following along with me, this morning Swindoll really gets us into God’s word concerning David’s dilemma and his declaration of dependence. And he points out that the three Psalms which he’s asked us to read which were likely written chronologically in reverse order, … Psalm 142 first and Psalm 34 last. And Swindoll argues this because there just seems to be a sequence of humility which presents in this way: >>> In Psalm 142, Swindoll points out that David was totally down and out – on his face before God. In Psalm 57, he’s on his knees, begging for deliverance; and in Psalm 34, David is back on his feet and completely grateful for deliverance.

BUT, look at all three of these Psalms in the context of 1st Samuel 22, which is the historical context for the writing of these songs. David is totally dependent upon God in all of these passages, humbled by his circumstances, and vulnerable to bring his need to God, recognizing that God is his only answer, … his only way out. At no time in this sequence, in these songs of dependence, did David show one inkling of independence and pride. There is not one bit of evidence of anger or bitterness to God, … only total dependence and humble submission to his Lord.

That, my dear disciple of Christ, it is David’s heart which was the heart God recognized as a heart after God. It is a heart of dependence, … a heart of humility; and as Swindoll points out, it is a heart which is sadly missing in most Christians today. He points out three things which David had which we, as Christians, should seek after.

First, David hurt enough to admit his need. How many of us, when we’re hurting react by blaming God and even turning away from Him in bitterness, expressing our anger by acting out sinfully in some way?

Secondly, David was vulnerable enough to ask for help. How many of us, when we’re in a bad place, react by going into Lone Ranger mode, wanting to solve the problem alone rather than admitting we need help?

And finally, David was humble enough to learn from God. How many of us, when we’ve been hurt, dig in and let pride take control, not being willing to learn from our defeats? What is it they say these days about the definition of “insanity” as trying to do things the same way over and over and expecting different results?

But independence, pride, and stubborn insanity was NOT the pattern of David’s heart. No, we read in today’s passages a type of Christ, Whom we know from Phil. 2: 5 – 11 [linked] was humble to the point of emptying Himself of His glory, becoming a man, and even dying on a cross to take on the burden of our sin. And that was the picture of David’s heart as well. May it become, as commanded in Phil. 2: 5, our attitude as well.

My Prayer for Today: Lord, help me to be vulnerable like David. Help me to be humble like You. Amen