REMEMBER NOT TO FORGET

Taken from 2 Samuel 22, this Psalm depicts the many times David escaped from his relentless enemies. It is the story of David’s life in a nutshell. As always, David counts God’s mercy and protection as his greatest asset. Although it made life uncomfortable for him day after day, it also helped him gain new insight into God’s way of dealing with mankind. While he did not always know when the next attack would come or from what direction, David knew for certain where God stood and put his full trust in Him.

“O LORD Eternal, You know how much I adore You, because You are always there when I need You. Yes, I have place I can run to and a place where I feel safe and that’s my LORD Eternal; My Divine King is everything to me as my Protector, my Defender, my Savior, and my Provider. I can’t help but lift You up in praise, O LORD, because each time I’ve call on You, You’ve never failed me. Once I felt like death had wrapped its tentacles around me, and the thought of dying terrified me; indeed, the grave was beckoning me as death stared me in the face. That’s when I cried out in desperation to the LORD Eternal my One True God, and my voice reached His listening ear in His holy Temple. I’ve always tried to be open and honest with God and stay out of trouble. That’s why He blessed me for living right and doing what was right. For if you are faithful, He is faithful; if you are honest, He is honest; if you are sincere, He is sincere; but if you try to fool Him you’ll end up looking like a fool. He’s made me feel like I’m worth something, so I’ll never feel worthless again.” Psalm 18:1-6, 23-26, 28

Reflection: There’s an ancient story about a Persian king who rose out of poverty to end up living in luxury on the royal throne. He sent servants to the old dirt hovel where he once lived to collect everything he left behind. They brought back broken toys, a worn out, patched coat, a rough wooden bowl, a rickety old chair, and many other stained and crude objects. He arranged for these to be displayed in a special room in his palace. Then he hung a plaque on the wall with these words: “Lest I Forget.” Each day he went to the room and offered thanks as he remembered his humble past. This Psalm could be viewed as David doing the same thing. He writes few words about himself, but many, many words ascribing praise and honor to his God and Savior. David did not view his existence as being just for his benefit, but for God’s purpose. Though his enemies aimed their swords and arrows directly at him, in his mind they were aiming them at God’s anointed. Through trials, pain, frustration, victories and celebrations, David saw that his unchanging God met him at the right place, at the right time, with the right solution for each circumstance.