Day 166

The Godly Love God

Read: Psalms 15-18

What kind of person pleases God? Psalm 15 answers this question by describing a person who “does what is right” and “speaks truth” (v. 2). He is also described in negative terms as a person who “does not slander” and “does no evil to his friend” (v. 3). We are saved by grace, but we are called to a life of godliness.

The godly are also people who love God. In Psalm 16 we read “I say to the Lord, ‘You are my Lord’” (v. 2 ESV). “The Lord is my chosen portion” (v. 5). “I keep the Lord always before me” (v. 8). Salvation establishes a personal relationship with God.

But the godly are not without trouble. In Psalm 17, David again cries out to God for help as he faces people who desire to hurt him. In this difficult situation, David pleaded, “Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings” (v. 8 ESV).

Psalm 18 is similar to 2 Samuel 22, which provides the same historical introduction. When David has rest from his enemies, he is overwhelmed with thanksgiving to God. He begins by describing the role that God has played in his life, “I love you, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold” (v. 2 ESV). May God be those same things to us.

PRAYER
Father, help me to be godly and to rejoice in my relationship to you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.