October 9 Daily Rhythms

Morning
Psalm 20:1 – 5

May the LORD answer you in the day of trouble! May the name of the God of Jacob protect you! May he send you help from the sanctuary and give you support from Zion! May he remember all your offerings and regard with favor your burnt sacrifices. May he grant you your heart’s desire and fulfill all your plans! May we shout for joy over your salvation, and in the name of our God set up our banners! May the LORD fulfill all your petitions!

It is helpful to note that this (like many Psalms) were originally intended to be sung. The opening verses of Psalm 20 are similar to a call to worship. They remind the singers and the listeners that there is only one hope. That the Lord might answer. As you prepare to go about your week, consider for a minute. Where do you go for help? Ask God to help you go first to him this week.

Afternoon
Psalm 20:6- 9

Now I know that the LORD saves his anointed; he will answer him from his holy heaven with the saving might of his right hand. Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. They collapse and fall, but we rise and stand upright. O LORD, save the king! May he answer us when we call.

There is a popular verse about trusting in chariots here. But this whole Psalm brings us back to a very important theological reality that begins in the Old Testament reign of David. The representative of the people of God is the king. The king of the people stands in the presence of God on behalf of the people. This is why it is so important to recognize Jesus as King. Not only ruling and defending us, but representing us before the heavenly throne of the father.

Evening
Psalm 21:1-7   

O LORD, in your strength the king rejoices, and in your salvation how greatly he exults You have given him his heart’s desire and have not withheld the request of his lips. For you meet him with rich blessings; you set a crown of fine gold upon his head. He asked life of you; you gave it to him, length of days forever and ever. His glory is great through your salvation; splendor and majesty you bestow on him. For you make him most blessed forever; you make him glad with the joy of your presence. For the king trusts in the LORD, and through the steadfast love of the Most High he shall not be moved.

Here we see the King rejoicing in God and what he has done. Pause. We live in such an individualistic culture that we jump quickly to seeing ourselves as the king. We are not. This Psalm speaks of David the King. It looks forward to Jesus the King. God makes Jesus Blessed forever. King Jesus, our King, is secure in his kingdom. Stop. Rest knowing that you have a King set up by God, Almighty on an eternal throne.