Set the Lord before You
Psalm 16:8 (ESV)
I have set the Lord always before me; because He is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.
In old Biblical terms, being at someone’s right hand is a symbol of defense. The king always had a bodyguard at his right side, ready to give their king his sword so they can press on in battle. The person who stands by your right side is ready to die for you and charge into battle with you. In this passage of scripture, David talks about God defending us and protecting us in all walks of life.
We must choose to accept God’s protection, so we can guard ourselves from the sin in our life. God is our strength, our refuge, our shield, our fortress, our protector and so much more. We have to let God come to our aid and defense. In order to do that, we have to continually read His word and constantly pray with Him. We have to build our relationship with God. Would you give your life to someone if you don’t know them? It’s the same principle with God. In Psalm 33:20, David calls God, “our help and our shield.” He protects us, so we have to build that trusting relationship.
Our faith should help us accomplish our purpose and goals in life. It’s only through the power of God that we can do this. Putting God ahead of us shows humility, which in turn reflects God’s true nature of love toward us. He loves us so much, that He helps us get through all the hardships and troubles we might endure. It should encourage us that God is always there with you no matter what.
In this psalm, David is telling his readers that he sets God before him because He is already at David’s right hand. God is already defending David, which is why David will not be shaken. Jesus Christ is our defender if we put our trust in Him. We should recognize the fact that God is already there protecting us. We must realize that in order to let God’s love and mercy shine through.
This week, pray that God will protect you from the trials and tribulations in your life. Pray that He will be by your side as you charge into your spiritual battles against sin and temptations.