Sovereign Reliability

Psalm 35 – Here are some verses grouped to show both David’s contentiousness and his wisdom in realizing his relationship to God was interactive. NIV

:1 Contend, Lord, with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me. 2 Take up shield and armor; arise and come to my aid. 3 Brandish spear and javelin against those who pursue me. [AND] Say to me,  “I am your salvation.”

:4 May those who seek my life be disgraced and put to shame; may those who plot my ruin be turned back in dismay…8 may ruin overtake them by surprise—may the net they hid entangle them, may they fall into the pit, to their ruin. [AND] 9 Then my soul will rejoice in the Lord and delight in his salvation. 10 My whole being will exclaim, “Who is like you, Lord?

:17 How long, Lord, will you look on? Rescue me from their ravages, my precious life from these lions. [AND] 18 I will give you thanks in the great assembly; among the throngs I will praise you.

:22 Lord, you have seen this; do not be silent. Do not be far from me, Lord.  23 Awake, and rise to my defense!  Contend for me, my God and Lord. 24 Vindicate me in your righteousness, Lord my God; [AND] do not let them gloat over me.

:26 May all who gloat over my distress be put to shame and confusion; may all who exalt themselves over me be clothed with shame and disgrace. [AND] 28 My tongue will proclaim your righteousness, your praises all day long.

David’s interaction with God was a private place where he could pour out his words of frustration and fear about circumstances beyond his control.  His words to God were often controversial, even contentious. It’s interesting to note these Psalms are filled with David’s contentious words AND they’re the same place he came to his undeniable certainty of the Sovereign reliability of God.

David knew God was there to “contend” [to fight] for him when his own righteousness was clouded by contentiousness and fear. Here’s the thing the giant slayer came to understand: Life is just another giant you can’t fight alone.  That’s the reality of Sovereign reliability.

No wonder David was a man after God’s own heart.