David composed this psalm, reflecting on God’s triumph over His people’s adversaries from the time of Abraham until his own era. In this Psalm, David draws upon the victories granted by God to his forebears, relating them to his contemporary context. This serves as a significant illustration for us, demonstrating how we ought to connect the events chronicled in the Old Testament to our own lives, particularly as we exist in the age of grace. By referencing scripture, we can renew our strength and fortify our faith, thereby rendering our prayers more meaningful. Furthermore, Jesus later spoke of the Comforter, who would assist us in recalling the word of God at the appropriate moments, enabling us to apply it effectively in our circumstances (John 14:26).
Awakening the Dawn
My heart, O God, is steadfast;
I will sing and make music with all my soul. Awake, harp and lyre!
I will awaken the dawn. I will praise you, LORD, among the nations;
I will sing of you among the peoples.
For great is your love, higher than the heavens;
your faithfulness reaches to the skies.
Be exalted, O God, above the heavens;
let your glory be over all the earth. – Psalms 108:1-5 (NIV)
David possessed a remarkable grace bestowed by God that enabled him to address his own soul during periods of conflict and turmoil. While it may resemble a monologue in theatrical dramas, intended to inform the audience about the character’s plight, it is fundamentally distinct in nature. The words he utters are not intended for an external audience; rather, they serve to uplift his own spirit, which is at risk of diminishing under the weight of adverse circumstances. In these moments, David consistently encourages his soul to exhibit courage by reflecting on the steadfast love and faithfulness of God. When his soul is reminded of God’s goodness, it cannot help but erupt in praise through song, and thus David ensures that his musical instruments remain in use, rather than gathering dust.
Furthermore, an individual who cherishes the intimate communion with God will not permit the rays of the sun to rouse him but rather rises well before dawn to extol His Savior.
David’s endeavor to understand the magnitude of God’s love constitutes a significant lesson, demonstrating that the more we engage in questioning His impartial love and existence—especially during times when we do not attain our desires—the more we risk overlooking the nature of His grace. Rather, we ought to place our trust in God, recognizing that His love is unwavering and eternal.
Attributing Success to God and His Love
Save us and help us with your right hand,
that those you love may be delivered.
God has spoken from his sanctuary:
“In triumph I will parcel out Shechem
and measure off the Valley of Sukkoth.
Gilead is mine, Manasseh is mine;
Ephraim is my helmet, Judah is my scepter.
Moab is my washbasin, on Edom I toss my sandal;
over Philistia I shout in triumph.” – Psalms 108:6-9 (NIV)
David was immersed in God’s love, as He consistently granted him triumphs over his adversaries. David also recalled how God conferred victories upon his forebears. While God loves all individuals, only those who reciprocate this love can comprehend His actions and the manner in which He transforms evil into good (Romans 8:28, Genesis 50:20).
David did not claim credit for his victories; instead, he recognized that God had spoken against his enemies, enabling both his ancestors and himself to triumph. From the beginning, before David was even a warrior, God used him to strike down the giant Goliath, who defied the living God. In those early years, David also defeated the Edomites, who repeatedly rose against him. At such moments, David firmly believed that God would act once again.
To whom are we attributing our life’s achievements? Frequently, we seek to claim credit for ourselves in the face of every success, despite knowing that it is not our own doing, but rather the hand of God that has enabled these accomplishments. Why do we choose to conceal this truth? Let us discern the reasons and seek strength from God to overcome this weakness, which may appear normal but, in reality, incurs the wrath of God upon us. The wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and wickedness of individuals who suppress the truth through their unrighteousness (Romans 1:18).
Who is Leading Us and Where?
Who will bring me to the fortified city?
Who will lead me to Edom?
Is it not you, God, you who have rejected us
and no longer go out with our armies?
Give us aid against the enemy,
for human help is worthless.
With God we will gain the victory,
and he will trample down our enemies. – Psalms 108:10-13 (NIV)
We sought the support of influential individuals to fulfill our requirements. Furthermore, with abundant financial resources, there is no role for God. In terms of job transfers and familial settlements, we make decisions regarding specific locations and proceed with our endeavors. However, it is essential to recognize that God has predetermined our paths even before our arrival on this Earth (Acts 17:26-27).
Furthermore, individuals tend to seek God primarily when confronted with opposition. This phenomenon is frequently evident in the life of David. The pertinent question arises: when God bestows peace upon us, do we genuinely desire to hear His word and comprehend its meaning? Certainly not; in times of peace, we often redirect our focus to our own affairs, as illustrated by Jesus in the parable of the “marriage banquet.” It is only when we perceive that our fellow beings are reluctant to assist us or turn against us that we ultimately turn to God. Even then, we implore Him to act in accordance with our misguided desires, failing to grasp His true will for our lives in critical circumstances.
While we beseech God to act on our behalf amid adversarial attacks, we must also reflect on why we do not implore Him to confront our true enemy, who prowls like a lion seeking to devour us. Often, we find ourselves in collusion with the devil, and to confront him is to confront our own weaknesses. The Bible asserts that we do not fight against sin, as exemplified by Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross (Hebrews 12:4). Until we have died with Jesus on the cross, we shall not be revived in Spirit (Colossians 2:12) ; we risk existing with a dead soul, merely sustained by a ventilator. Unless we die for our sins alongside Him, Jesus will not guide us to His Father. However, if we surrender our sins, Jesus remains faithful to prevent us from stumbling and to present us unblemished before the glorious presence of our Father (Jude 1:24).
While victory is attributable to God, to truly appreciate His victory, we must commit ourselves to Him.
O LORD, bestow upon us the strength to renounce sin, as You have suffered for our behalf. Since You have liberated us from the consequences of sin, guide us away from temptation, and grant us the wisdom to remember the forgiveness that You have generously extended to us. Amen.
The Jordan Valley 
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