COMPLIMENTS CAN BE CONSOLING –

David certainly went through many trials and tribulations on his way to becoming king. He surely had a number of distractors and critics, but he also had those who stood with him and encouraged him to stay on course. One such supporter wrote this psalm to help fortify David’s belief in the mission chosen for him by God. He wanted David to know that even when he didn’t feel inspired, he was still anointed for the cause entrusted to him by his Divine King. No telling how many times David had this psalm read to him when he needed a lift to keep up the good fight until the battle was won.

“The LORD Eternal says this to the one who serves Him, ‘Stay next to Me until I put your enemies completely under your control.’ That way, the LORD Eternal can extend your effect far beyond where you serve, until your area of influence will include those who fight against you. You will thus inspire others to willingly join the fight. You were born with this anointing, and your eagerness to serve still drives you forward. The LORD Eternal made a promise He will not go back on, your anointing will last forever, just like the great ones before you. For with the Master right beside you, who can be successful against you? You will carry out your mission with great success; you will gain victory over those in power, both near and far. You will be refreshed along the way, and keep your head held high with confidence.” Psalm 110:1-7

Reflection: The Library of Congress houses a little blue box with the label: “Contents of the President’s pockets on the night of April 14, 1865.” That was the fateful night when John Wilkes Booth assassinated President Abraham Lincoln. The box contains five items: A handkerchief embroidered, “A. Lincoln”; a small country boy’s penknife; a spectacle case repaired with string; a purse containing a $5 Confederate Note; and some old, worn newspaper clippings. The clippings report the great deeds of Lincoln. One of them was a speech by British statesman John Bright who called Lincoln, “One of the greatest men of all times.” In 1865 there were millions of people who held a contrary opinion because the nation was ripped to shreds by hatred and a cruel civil war. However, today the whole world agrees with Sir John Bright. President Lincoln is considered one or our greatest presidents. Our hearts may bleed in response to the image of this great leader as he tried to gain consolation and comfort from these old newspaper articles, perhaps reading them over many times in the oval office to the dim light of an oil lamp. But Lincoln may have also taken them as God’s way of speaking to him, and carried them around just for that purpose. But both King David and President Lincoln can serve as lessons for all of us appointed by God for a purpose. That in times of trouble, when under severe criticism for how we serve God at home, in the local house of worship, in the community, or public office; we can look at God’s Word to see what He said about those He invited out of darkness into His marvelous light and gave them His two-edged sword to go out and conquer in His name. Let reading such scriptures be your drink of refreshing water, to help you lift up your head and continue on your mission with confidence.