THE STEADFAST HEART (2)

“O God, MY HEART is STEADFAST; I will sing and give praise, even with my glory” – Psalm 108:1

Glorious, prevailing Praise flows from the STEADFAST HEART: “O God, MY HEART is STEADFAST; I will sing and give praise, even with my glory” (Psa.108:1). This is similar to Psalm 57 in which the steadfast heart survived calamities, reproaches, lions, spears, arrows, nets, and pits because it was deeply rooted in God (Psa.57:1-4). The theme of Psalm 108 is the Assurance of God’s Victory over Enemies through a steadfast heart. Rather than trusting in human help that’s usually “useless”, the steadfast heart stands tall, strong and confident in God, giving glory to Him: “I will sing and give praise, even with my glory” (v.1b). Ultimately, the psalm ends on the note of Victory: “Through God we will do valiantly, for it is He who shall tread down our enemies” (vv.13).

Though David had enemies, troubles and difficulties, he was not afraid. He was confident that God would: help him in trouble; help him to do valiantly; and tread down his enemies. These however didn’t come cheaply or on a platter of gold. David had been chastised: “Is it not You, O God, who cast us off? And You, O God, who did not go out with our armies? (v.11). Similarly, the life of the Believer in Christ is one that is nurtured through seasons of refinement, correction, and molding into the Image of the Lord. Moreover, David had rejected the help of men: “Give us help from trouble, for the help of man is useless” (v.12). One of the shortcomings of modern Christianity is our overdependence on human resources for help at the expense of reliance upon the Lord.                                                              

God Himself treaded down David’s enemies (v.13). What He demanded was a fixed heart and willingness to take action motivated by such a heart: “Through God we will DO valiantly.” God’s superimposed Hand will empower us to be valiant – effective and productive. Yes, we’ll do our bit, but it’s really God that makes things happen! If anything great is happening, it’s God: “being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ” (Phil.1:6). 1 Thessalonians 5:24 says, “He who calls you is faithful, who also will DO IT”! If we honestly reflect, we’ll find that the most pleasant memories in our lives are not about the things we have done, but about what God has done in and through us!

Psalm 108 starts and ends with declarations to which all Believers in Christ should strive to commit to. We must make up our minds about whose side we are on. Are we on the Lord’s side or the losing world’s side? We must purpose in our heart to be “fixed” and “unmovable” as was David’s and live, serve, and obey what God requires and commands of us. It is doubtful if the majority of confessing Believers have made such commitment. They often vacillate between both sides: desiring to live as saved souls while still doing what they did when they were lost. Yet, being saved is the most important decision anyone can make and a heart that’s focused on eternity can never be disappointed: “…For where your treasure is, there will your HEART be also” (Matt.6:19-21).

Believers in Christ are born-again into the winning side (Jh.3:3). We have a living relationship with God, who guides and protects us through this life, and the promise of a future with Him. Sadly, many get confused by the deceptive allurements of this world. They get swallowed up in the desires and pursuit of earthly possessions, popularity, and pleasures, devoid of eternal value. Striving to obtain these “worldly goods” may even cost one joy, freedom, and peace in this life. All that we see here is temporary. Life on earth is a timed opportunity to live for the Lord, have Him bless us and ours, and receive the resources to glorify Him in Time and Eternity. The steadfast heart is one that’s strong and confident in God, committed to Prevailing Praise and valiant actions for His Glory!