Closer Day 15 – Psalm 28

Read: Psalm 28

A Psalm of David. 1 To you, O Lord, I call; my rock, be not deaf to me, lest, if you be silent to me, I become like those who go down to the pit. 2 Hear the voice of my pleas for mercy, when I cry to you for help, when I lift up my hands toward your most holy sanctuary. 3 Do not drag me off with the wicked, with the workers of evil, who speak peace with their neighbors while evil is in their hearts. 4 Give to them according to their work and according to the evil of their deeds; give to them according to the work of their hands; render them their due reward. 5 Because they do not regard the works of the Lord or the work of his hands, he will tear them down and build them up no more. 6 Blessed be the Lord! For he has heard the voice of my pleas for mercy. 7 The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him. 8 The Lord is the strength of his people; he is the saving refuge of his anointed. 9 Oh, save your people and bless your heritage! Be their shepherd and carry them forever.

Reflect

It’s probably an understatement to say that David is committed to speaking openly, honestly, and consistently to the Lord. This Psalm sounds a lot like Psalm 27. However, one particular distinction stands out. This time we find him crying out for mercy. David asks God not to consider him as those whose hearts are evil yet speak peace with their neighbors. He is pointing out the significance of actions and the heart. We know David was, without a doubt, guilty of sin, like everyone on the planet. However, we see that his deeds were not from a heart far from God. Listen to how the Scriptures describe him. “And when he had removed him, he raised up David to be their king, of whom he testified and said, ‘I have found in David the son of Jesse a man after my heart, who will do all my will.’(Acts 13:22) David had placed his faith and trust in God and sought to live a life of obedience to His will. No, he was not perfect, but he was saved, secure, and rested in the strength, protection, and provision of the Lord. He sought not only to obey the Lord but to know Him intimately. We must ask ourselves if our hearts line up with our actions. Is God seated on the throne of our hearts?

Prayer

Pray that God would give you the strength to obey from a heart of obedience, not an obligation. Ask God to remove them if there are hard places in your heart. If God is not seated on the throne of your heart, ask Him to dethrone whatever is taking His place. Thank Him for His Grace and Mercy as He provides all you need to do the above.