But [Y]ou, O Sovereign LORD, deal well with me for Your name’s sake; out of the goodness of [Y]our love, deliver me. Psalm 109: 21, NIV
Gracious God, we ask that You be near to us as we study Your Word, for Christ’s sake. Amen
Today we continue with the topic of God’s name. David is obviously hurting really bad. The prayer that He offers against His enemies is pretty harsh. But he knows that he can be himself in the presence of God. He does not have to smile on the outside while crying on the inside. After he has vented; like a child who has cried until he or she is exhausted, he now throws himself into his Father’s arms and makes a request of Him: In spite of all that my enemies have done to me, You, who have full control, and unlimited power; You, who are in charge of seeing that justice is served, “deal well with me for Your name’s sake.”
Why for His name’s sake? Because, as we said yesterday, God’s name is a reflection of His character. Therefore, His name represents love, mercy. compassion, forgiveness, justice, righteousness! Because He is infinite, we will never be able to exhaust the meaning of His name, or fully understand all that there is to understand about his character! But there was one thing that David knew, and so should we – that God loved him, and desired his well-being; and that out of the “goodness of His love,” God would deliver him! Isn’t it wonderful to know that we have a fortress to which we can run and take refuge? A fortress in which we can find deliverance in the day of trouble? Praise the LORD!
I observed something rather interesting as I studied about God’s name: that there seems to be a close connection between God’s name and His throne. Listen to the words of the prophet Jeremiah, “For the sake of [Y]our name do not despise us; do not dishonor [Y]our glorious throne. Remember your covenant with us and do not break it” (14: 21). Emphasis provided. Isn’t that interesting? Now take note: If there is one place in the entire universe where we will find mercy and grace in the time of need, it is at God’s “throne of grace” (Hebrew 4: 16)! There is where “love and faithfulness meet together; righteousness and peace kiss each other” (Psalm 85: 10). Both His name and His throne are representative of His character! He is Savior, and when we approach His throne of grace, we find mercy to help us in the time of need!
David knew where to find the help he needed because he knew God. Unless we know that we have a Savior, we may be tempted to believe that we are victims of our circumstances; but we are not! The secret is in getting to know Him. Through prayer, we talk to Him, through the study of His Word, He talks to us. Spending time with Him everyday strengthens the relationship. May we get to know Him in the time of peace, that when the time of trouble comes, like David, we may know that He is only a prayer away.