Day 149 – 1 Kings 1-2, Psalm 37, 71, 94

Talking Points

• Another of David’s sons decides to make himself king in place of Solomon. Adonijah schemes with Abiathar, the priest, and Joab, the general, to gain the throne of David. It is interesting how he uses religion to promote himself, attaching his cause to a priest and even offering sacrifices. Throughout the years, religion has been used to crown many worldly kings.
• David marks Solomon as the true king, sending him to be coronated on his personal mule. Solomon purges the kingdom, executing Adonijah and Joab, while dismissing Abiathar from his duties. Solomon’s kingdom is established.
• From the perspective as an old man, David writes, “My mouth is filled with Your praise,” and “I will praise You yet more and more” (71:8, 14). The hardships and blessings of many years and God’s faithfulness in both well up in praise to God. Oh, to be the type of people, who, come what may, had mouths that would be filled with His praise!

Thoughts

In Psalm 71, God prescribes for us what is to be our response for evil times and evildoers (those who seek your harm). Notice, it has nothing to do with them. He even tells us to turn away from anger!

The four steps are:

Trust in the Lord — The original Hebrew means “to rely on” or “to trust in.” It most literally translates as “putting bold confidence in.” Our first step is not to worry or panic. It is to boldly trust God. He knows. He sees. He is totally trustworthy in all matters!

Delight in the Lord — This seems to be the craziest response. Delight translates “take exquisite or luxurious delight in.” It follows that we are not crushed, not destroyed, not even deterred. Instead, we are found lavishly delighting in the safety and provision of our God. What a radical response! We are not just okay. We are not just going to survive. No, we are blessed because of our Lord!

Commit to the Lord — This step is different than trusting. It is now acting on that trust, moving forward in that trust. “Commit” in its original language means “to roll away or to roll with.” It means we give ourselves to Him. We commit all things to the Lord. We submit to His direction.

Rest in the Lord — In Hebrew, this word means “to be still, to cease,” or “to be quiet.” It means that, having committed the issue to God, trusting in Him, we can relax. The matter is His. He is faithful. So, we can confidently rest in Him.

In the midst of evil days and evildoers, what peace we can have when we follow the Master’s plan!