By all appearances, things were not going well for David when he wrote this Psalm. He in wartime, and acknowledges that God no longer goes out with his army, as if He has rejected them (v. 11). Yet, he begins the Psalm saying that his heart is steadfast- unshaken (v. 1). He is so overflowing with praise, he will sing and make music with his soul (v. 1). Not only that, but David is certain of singing and making music among peoples and nations (v. 3).
Why?
Because of God’s great love and faithfulness.
God’s love is no small matter. I wonder how often I feel that it is, though. Maybe at times when I doubt that it will last. When I doubt it is abounding toward me. When I keep it tucked away for my personal consolation and neglect to tell of it to others. Maybe when I assume on it so that I forget to praise God for it.
But surely it is a great love that makes a way for salvation. A great love that died so that a cursed one might become a beloved child. A great love that holds on through life and death, sickness and health, demonic opposition and temptation. A great love that is enough to supply every need. A great love that endures forever.
God’s great love should elicit songs, in even the most troubled times. His great love has power to hold a heart steadfast.
Likewise, David’s heart could be steadfast because God himself is faithful. He does not change and His Word does not fail. His abundant faithfulness means He is a steady, unchanging hope and refuge. Faithfulness permeates all His mercies and judgements.
May David’s refrain resound often in my heart so that, like him, my soul will sing and my mouth speak of God’s love and faithfulness to the nations.
thoughts and songs 