David grew up in the rugged Judean hills around Bethlehem, the town where Mary gave birth to our Savior Jesus Christ. He was a shepherd as a boy, and I think it is rather Ironic that the ones the angels came to when Jesus was about to be born were shepherds around Bethlehem. David was the youngest son of Jesse and became an aide to Israel’s first king, Saul. He brought out Saul’s jealousy as he became a mighty warrior against the Philistines and Saul put out a plot to kill David. David fled to Judah, which was the land of Philistines, those whom he had battled and defeated at every turn. He apparently laid out his plan for rule while living from place to place all the while being pursued by Saul. David really believed in God and became known as a man after God’s own heart and also a man who was highly favored by God. In the course of his life David experienced many highs and lows with the killing of the giant Goliath being one of the highs and the adulterous affair with Bathsheba being one of the lows. David was known not only as a great warrior, but a poet and musician, and the book of Psalms highlights some of his songs and prayers that were lifted to the God who had so highly favored him.
I especially love the Psalms where David brought in the playing of musical instruments. In fact, the word psalm means to play a musical instrument and the added words were just another part of the praise lifted to the Lord. Psalm 33 is a definite call to worship for the worshipper and even though the author is listed as anonymous it continues in the thematic way in which David lifted up the name of the Lord. Psalm 33 is a great Psalm of praise and encouragement for those who are going through perilous times, such as now. Psalm 33: 1 Let the godly sing for joy to the Lord; it is fitting for the pure to praise him. 2 Praise the Lord with melodies on the lyre; make music for him on the ten-stringed harp. 3 Sing a new song of praise to him; play skillfully on the harp, and sing with joy. 4 For the word of the Lord holds true and we can trust everything he does 5 He loves whatever is just and good; the unfailing love of the Lord fills the earth.6 The Lord merely spoke, and the heavens were created. He breathed the word, and all the stars were born7 He assigned the sea its boundaries and locked the oceans in vast reservoirs 8 Let the whole world fear the Lord, and let everyone stand in awe of him. 9 For when he spoke, the world began! It appeared at his command. 10 The Lord frustrates the plans of the nations and thwarts all their schemes. 11 But the Lord’s plans stand firm forever; his intentions can never be shaken.
Our God is still active and moving in our midst and all of the ways that He protected and blessed David are accessible for each of us. We need to understand God’s wonderful grace through His active way of moving and plead with God to move again in our midst in these perilous days. God sees all and knows all and He is still in the business of saving those who call out to Him. So, call out to Him today and realize the peace that passes all understanding and do not despair. But, praise Him for who He is and what He is doing.
The Pilgrimage continues….
David Warren
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