https://esv.literalword.com/?q=psalm+21
Observations from today’s readings and today’s S-WOD, Sunday, 26 May 2024:
Psalm 21:1-2, 8-9 — 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…. Your hand will find out all your enemies; your right hand will find out those who hate you. You will make them as a blazing oven when you appear.
Many people ask, “What is God’s will for my life?” God’s will for you is to be conformed to Christlike character (Romans 8:29) and to have perfect unity with God, or “oneness” (John 17) with Him, manifesting the invisible nature of God into the world as the product of your heart, mind, soul, and strength which are fully saturated (or baptized) in His Spirit and love. You are to live, or “abide” in Him (John 15; 1 John 2-4), living the life Jesus would live if He were you, for His glory, for the benefit of others, and for your fulfillment and fullness of joy. This is God’s will for you, and today the Psalmist proclaims that in Him, there is salvation, not just in the afterlife, but now. When your heart’s desire is His heart’s desire, God will give you everything you desire, not withholding the requests of your lips. Regardless of your circumstances (which are God’s will for your life), you will have the fulness of joy and be thankful (John 15:11; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). Your love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control will be steadfast and immovable (Galatians 5:22-23; 1 Corinthians 15:58), and obeying Him will be not only easy but natural (1 John 5:3). In this place, your life is fully aligned with and in synch with the Creator and His power. Nothing can stop you.
Conversely, the psalmist points out that attempting to live life in any way apart from God and His perfect will is hateful, hostile against God, and doomed. The nature of God is such that in His power there is life, and opposition to His power results in inevitable death. This should be obvious for those who understand power in general. Consider the power of gravity for example (and God is immeasurably more powerful than gravity). When we operate with gravity, in accordance with its essence, we can do amazing things; however, we only oppose gravity to our own peril. When we use electricity (infinitely less powerful than God) in accordance with its properties and principles, we likewise can accomplish amazing things; but most anyone can appreciate the dangers of carelessness with electricity. This is an obvious point: God is life! Godlessness is death! Choose life, not just in general, but with every thought, word, and deed every moment, one moment after the next. Don’t worry about the past, focus on being faithful in this very moment, and trust Go with the outcomes. He is Sovereign, He loves you perfectly, and He desires only the absolute best for you, which is Himself.
- Deuteronomy 30:19-20 — I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live, loving the LORD your God, obeying his voice and holding fast to him, for he is your life and length of days, that you may dwell in the land that the LORD swore to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them.
“Cross” Fit S-WOD (Spiritual Workout of the Day) – 26 May 2024: Today, focus on living as Christ would live right now. Seek to share His heart, His mind, His will, His attitudes, His words, and His actions. Manifest Him for His glory, for the benefit of others, and for your life fulfillment. Live today as Christ would live if He were you. Don’t fret about the past and don’t worry about tomorrow. Enjoy living in Christ today. Be strong and courageous, rejoice, rejoice again, be in constant, thankful prayer, and be glad in this day which the Lord has made.
- Psalm 118:24 — This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Defenders Bible Reading Plan 