For I have kept the ways of the Lord; I am not guilty of turning from my God. (Ps. 18:21)
The German priest and reformer Martin Luther accurately said, “This life therefore is not righteousness but growth in righteousness, not health but healing, not being but becoming, not rest but exercise. We are not yet what we shall be, but we are growing toward it, the process is not yet finished, but it is going on, this is not the end, but it is the road. All does not yet gleam in glory, but all is being purified.”
In the middle of this passage, David appealed to God concerning his innocence, and we learn how God gave his judgment. But why did God even answer David’s plea? Why did he find favor with David? Was it because of his bloodline, status, name, or talents? No. It was because of David’s righteousness and devotion to him. David, in all of his affliction, did not depart from God. Thus, we are reminded that though we might face trouble, pain, and injustice, we can rely on him who gives us strength if we stay grounded in his ways, rather than departing from his presence in selfishness and bitterness.
David expressed this commitment of staying upright before God, stating in verse 22, “All his laws are before me; I have not turned away from his decrees.” And though not perfect, David sought perfection and righteousness before his God.
Rejoice, for the Lord has been faithful.
Jeremy Summers serves as multiplication pastor at Alive Wesleyan Church and adjunct professor at Southern Wesleyan University.
© 2019 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission.
Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
