But as for me my prayers is to you, O LORD. At an acceptable time, O God, in the abundance of your steadfast love answer me in your saving faithfulness.1 It was David who uttered these words in desperation. Earlier he likewise declared, But as for me, I shall walk in my integrity; redeem me, and be gracious to me.2 As we read through these Psalms, we can sense David’s resolve that regardless of his challenging circumstance he shall remain steadfast and not compromise his position. But as for me repeats itself. He wasn’t for the norm, nor for what was common. He was willing to stand alone and walk in integrity—But as for me.
Who in his right mind would rather choose a difficult stand? Did he know something that the others didn’t know? Surely, David trusted God for he knew God. God was true to him. With confidence and boldness he felt free to ask for help and grace from God. He had experienced in several occasions his steadfast love and faithfulness. Even as a teenager after he had been chosen3 and anointed,4 power came upon him and had killed lions and bears with his bare hands.5 These experiences he treasured and served as his memorial stones—which explains his courage. He has tasted and seen that the Lord is good.6 When the army of Israel faced the Philistines, they were being taunted by a giant, Goliath of Gath; and they were paralyzed with fear. Not David! With merely a sling and 5 stones, he ran quickly toward the battle line and he felled the giant.7
We see the same courage with Joshua, exhorting the people he declares, “Now therefore fear the LORD and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness. Put away the gods that your fathers served . . . and serve the LORD. . . choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served . . . or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.”8 This phrase But as for me was first mentioned here. Understand too that this passion and courage is contagious; and is passed down for generations.
After David defeated Goliath it served as an example to his men that with God nothing is impossible.9 There was a continuing war with the Philistines and Israel. And they faced more giants. And Ishi-benob, one of the descendants of the giants, whose spear weighed 300 shekels of bronze, and who was armed with a new sword, thought to kill David. But Abishai the son of Zeruiah came to his aid and attacked the Philistine and killed him.10
After this there was another war. Then Sibbecai the Hushathite struck down Saph, who was one of the descendants of the giants. In another war Elhanan the son of Jaare-oregim, the Bethlehemite, struck down Goliath the Gittie, the shaft of whose spear was like a weaver’s bean. Again war at Gath, were there was a man of great stature, . . . and was descended from the giants. And when he taunted Israel, Jonathan the son of Shimei, David’s brother, struck him down.11
A revelation demands a response. A decision has to be reached—But as for me! Be of good courage. Walk by faith not by sight.12 Faith pleases God.13 May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.14 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.15
Notes:
1. Psalm 69:13
2. Psalm 26:11
3. 1 Samuel 13:14
4. 1 Samuel 16:13
5. 1 Samuel 17:34-36
6. Psalm 34:8
7. 1 Samuel 17:1-51
8. Joshua 24:14-15
9. Luke 1:37
10. 2 Samuel 21:15-17
11. 2 Samuel 21:18-22; 1 Chronicles 20:4-8
12. 2 Corinthians 5:6-7
13. Hebrews11:6
14. Romans 15:5-6
15. Romans 15:13
