“Be exalted, O LORD, in Your own strength! We will sing and praise Your power.” Psalm 21:13
November 4th was Election Day across the nation. For months we have listened to the political rhetoric of men and women attempting to capture our vote. Candidates lifted their record and reputation as proof of their suitability over their opponents in hopes of influencing our final choice. While I am not negating the importance of voting and the value of the electoral process, I think it is essential to revere the only One whose record and reputation deserves all our trust. That One is the Lord.
The 21st Psalms carries the title of “Thanksgiving for Victory.” It is written in acknowledgment of God’s role in the success of David, the king of Israel. Unlike the world that assigns confidence to its own ability and control, the Psalmist recognizes that God’s faithfulness and favor is the true source of David’s achievement. This thought is captured in the following verses:
“How the king rejoices in Your strength, O LORD! He shouts with joy because of Your victory. For You have given him his heart’s desire; You have held back nothing that he requested. You welcomed him back with success and prosperity. You placed a crown of finest gold on his head. He asked You to preserve his life, and you have granted his request. The days of his life stretch on forever. Your victory brings him great honor, and You have clothed him with splendor and majesty. You have endowed him with eternal blessings. You have given him the joy of being in your presence. For the king trusts in the LORD. The unfailing love of the Most High will keep him from stumbling.” Psalm 21:1-7 (NLT)
Note the number of times the Psalmist uses the pronoun “You and Your”. The Psalmist boldly esteems God, not David, for all of Israel’s victories. It is God alone who is worthy of all the praise and all the glory. We, in our humanity, often assign blame to God for our trials and tribulations. Do we boldly praise Him for our successes? Will we not also exalt the Lord?
In this exaltation, the Psalmist not only celebrates through thanksgiving past victories but also anticipates future success. This anticipation is based on trust—trust in the character and nature of God. God, through His past acts of goodness and mercy, can be relied upon for future protection and provision. As we look back on God’s work in our lives, is He not worthy also of our future confidence? Will we not also exalt the Lord?
The Psalmist ends his song with the only appropriate response to the overwhelming goodness of the LORD.
“We praise you, LORD, for all your glorious power. With music and singing we celebrate your mighty acts.”
And what should be our response to the Lord for all He has done for us? If we were to reflect on the events of just this past week, I’m sure we would find that God’s love, strength and favor has been upon lives. Let us thank God for all He has done, is doing and will do in our lives. Let us, like the Psalmist exalt the Lord and celebrate His mighty acts.