Showering with Praise

O. T. #1208  "Showering with Praise"
May 22, 2018
Psalms 31-Part 3
Thou shalt hide them in the secret of Thy presence from the pride of man: thou shalt keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues.  Psalms 31:20

LET IT GLOW

Our ten year old granddaughter is finishing up playing softball this season. Our son is the team's coach. He showers each girl with praise whether they struck out or made a home run. I am so proud of him. (One opponent's coach continuously yelled at his girls batting, if they failed to swing or had a strike out. How sad for the girls on his team. They took a fun game much too seriously.)

Again, David is acknowledging the goodness of God. Is it possible to thank God for His goodness  too much or shower Him with too much praise? I think not. His marvelous lovingkindness lasts throughout eternity for us.
David had experienced God's preservation from the sword of Goliath, Saul, and Absalom. He  had encountered the provisions of God in the caves, woods, fields, and palace. David was protected from the hand of Saul and sin. What about us? Have we undergone the preservation, provisions, and protection of God in our short lifetime?

Those believers who have fear, reverence, for God and trust in Him can experience the goodness of God personally. Remember, His goodness means good in the wildest sense. It is beyond all we could think of in our wildest dreams. Let us be careful and not get caught up into thinking this goodness is only evident in material or financial ways. It includes spiritual blessings, His presence, forgiveness, love, hope, grace, mercy. Do I hear an amen?

Now, shall we look at the rest of this chapter, beginning with verse 19? David's prayer turns to praise and the great goodness of God.

• God will hide us in the secret of His presence from the pride of man. (verse 20) We shall be so hidden with Christ in God, that our enemies shall not be able to find us out. To such a hiding-place Satan himself dare not approach. There the pride of man cannot come. (Clarke Commentary)

God will keep us secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues. Pavilion is a hut, tabernacle, tent. God will keep us in the innermost part of His tent, where we will have communion and union with God. Is this the Holy of Hollies in the Old Testament Temple for David?

• God as shown us His marvelous kindness in a strong city. (verse 21) We find His protection.
• God hears our cries and supplications. (verse 22)

Do we desire to be in the secret of God's presence, to be secretly in His pavilion, encountering His marvelous kindness? This morning I stopped and thought how humbling it is to think our Holy and Almighty God will allow us to come into His presence. I asked to be covered with the righteous blood of Jesus, for I am a sinner, needing to commune with Him.

LET IT GROW

Looking at the last two verses, what does David tell us saints to do?

• Love the LORD, for He protects those who are loyal, faithful to Him.
• Beware, He harshly punishes the arrogant.
• Be strong and courageous, all of you who put your trust in the LORD!

Ya'll, it is narrowed down to loving God, be strong in faith, and have courage to continue on until we at last see Him in all His glory. We will stand in awe, saying, "Great is the Lord Jesus!" (as the song goes) However, I tend to think that I will be on my knees or face worshiping Jesus when we meet face to face. Until then...

LET IT GO

Love God with all my heart.
Dwell in His secret place in prayer.
Listen as I converse with the King of kings and Lord of lords-Jesus.
Thank Him for His marvelous kindness.
Shower my god with praise.
Shower others with praise.