Teach me to do your will, for you are my God! Let your good Spirit lead me on level ground! For your name’s sake, O LORD preserve my life! In your righteousness bring my soul out of trouble!1
David knew his God, the one God2; thus, he was confident that if he asked anything that he didn’t know, God would willingly teach him. David had a relationship with God and could converse directly, anytime about anything. After him, Solomon his son who reigned as a young boy likewise asked God for wisdom and discernment; God was pleased to grant his request plus more.3 David was a shepherd boy and understood the dependence of sheep to their shepherd (Interestingly, we are likened to sheep4). David experienced God’s goodness and steadfast love.5 In awe and gratitude, David wanted to please God and eagerly desired to do his will. Later God testified, ‘I have found in David the son of Jesse a man after my heart, who will do all my will.’ Of this man’s offspring God has brought to Israel a Savior, Jesus, as he promised.6
God had revealed himself in various ways to David through his names and his word.7 David understood grace. He knew that all he had was due to God’s favor and grace and not of his own merit. He couldn’t claim his own righteousness for no one was righteous before God.8 But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, . . .—the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.9 For those who have responded to God’s call, repented, and surrendered to Jesus as Lord and Savior,10 Jesus reveals God as Father, and teaches his disciples how to pray, “Our Father in heaven, hollowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.11
David grasps God’s sovereignty, righteousness, and justice. David knew that God is a promise keeper. Boldly, David declares, Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; . . .12 And in your steadfast love you will cut off my enemies, and you will destroy all the adversaries of my soul, for I am your servant.13
As an encouragement David testifies to what he does and it would be advantageous for us to do likewise. I remember the days of old; I meditate on all that you have done; I ponder the work of your hands. I stretch out my hands to you; my soul thirsts for you like a parched land.14
Picture ourselves at war.15 And to overcome the enemy, be educated and know the true and one God. Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you.16
Notes:
1. Psalm 143:10-11
2. Deuteronomy 6:4-5
3. 2 Chronicles 1:7-12
4. John 10:27-30
5. Psalm 136:1-26
6. Acts 13:21-23
7. Psalm 138:2
8. Psalm 53:1-3
9. Romans 3:21-24
10. Romans 10:8-10
11. Matthew 6:9-10
12. Psalm 23:4-5
13. Psalm 143:12
14. Psalm 143:5-6
15. Ephesians 6:10-20
16. 2 Timothy 1:13-14
