We’ve heard most of what is covered here before from David. Why do you suppose God has ordained that it be told to us several times?
Read Selected Psalms
Is it okay to say aloud “I’ve heard all this before?” Is it right to think “I already know this, this is the same old stuff?” Let me answer my own question: It may be honest to say that, but it isn’t the right way to approach the Scripture. Throughout his life, David found himself in several very difficult situations. Life threatening, really. In fact the stakes were just as high here as when he faced Goliath as a boy. The only difference being that he isn’t a boy anymore. I wonder if Absalom saw his father getting older, and thought to himself “when Dad was my age, he was the king”. David loved his son, but his son clearly didn’t return the love, otherwise he would have never done this. Nothing stings quite like betrayal. It has a way of making us doubt those around us, it creates distrust, fear and worry. Facing a known enemy is much easier than grappling with betrayal.
So back to my original question, why would God have David write about it so many different times, in slightly different ways? Let me muse about three reasons: 1. It’s repeated often because it’s important. 2. It’s repeated because it happened again and again 3. It’s repeated because we will need to look back on these passages for guidance and encouragement. (okay, 1 and 3 are similar, sue me.)
Anyway… I think it’s really all three. God never makes a mistake, and I am willing to bet that David wrote more than what we have collected in the Bible. So, each of these Psalms are meant to serve a specific purpose in our lives. Maybe the purpose is to minister to you directly. Maybe the purpose is for you to point out the Psalm to someone else. Either way, we have to be familiar with them.
In Psalm 40:7 David pens a line that is later used by Paul to describe Jesus (Hebrews 10:5-7). It reminds me once again that in my darkest moments when those closest to me are clamoring for my life….Jesus is still able to use my circumstances to reveal himself to others.
Consider this: You may reach more people for Christ through your suffering than you ever will through your health.
“Lord, today help me to realize that suffering and betrayal aren’t beyond your ability to work through. These things seem like the end to me, but to you they are temporary, and since I find my life in you, they are temporary for me as well. When the world lets me down, help me to realize that it’s only doing what it knows to do. Steadiness, faithfulness and steadfastness are found in you, they are part of your character, not the world’s. Help me to be like you, and to not fall prey to the temptation to fail a friend in order to advance my cause. Help me to not react in anger, but to turn my face and my prayers toward you. Anger seems to come easier than trust, so please help me, Lord. I cannot be the person that you want me to be without your constant help”.
Faithfully,
PR