September 11, 2019
What does it say?
Those who know God as Creator can praise His goodness, love, and faithfulness. David sang of God’s love and justice and then vowed to conduct his business blamelessly.
What does it mean?
The Lord’s people should have a heart filled with joy when they worship Him. He is the Sovereign God and Creator who provides everything His people need. Overwhelmed with gratitude for God’s goodness, enduring love, and continuing faithfulness, David declared his intention to honor God by cleansing his home, his life, and his position of authority from any wickedness that might hinder further praise to God. As the psalmist lists God’s unchangeable attributes, his understanding of God becomes greater and greater; in turn, his desire to please God with his life becomes the cry of his heart.
How should I respond?
Believers today can enter the Lord’s presence at any time and at any place. As you draw near to the Lord today, express your praise by naming specific attributes (such as His goodness, love, holiness, and faithfulness) that declare who He is. Praising God with your whole heart creates the desire to please Him with every aspect of your life. As you consider His holiness, do you find a growing desire to live a holy life (I Peter 1:15-16)? What is pulling you away from having a heart completely centered on God? Things like ungodly choices in entertainment or a tendency to gossip hinder your ability to praise and honor the Lord. Stop right now for a time of self-examination to see if there are areas in your life that God needs to cleanse.