Faithful


Psa 116:9  I'm striding in the presence of GOD, alive in the land of the living! 

Psa 116:10  I stayed faithful, though bedeviled, and despite a ton of bad luck, 



	When David was but a young lad, still tending his father's sheep and killing 

giants and what-not, it might have been really hard to imagine him ever coming to a 

point where he might feel helpless. He had a confidence that propelled him past the 

presentation of powerful threats to sure victory every time. He had a relationship 

with his God that was the inspiration of songs. He had an awareness of his rights and 

privileges with regard to his covenant with God and also his responsibilities. He 

delighted in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night and living in the 

blessings of righteousness. He had been anointed to be the king of Israel and had a 

future that was pretty much set in success. 

	So, how could this man that had a heart after God ever end up in a position 

where he might feel helpless and alone? How could God ever have let this happen to 

such a man of righteousness? 


Psa 116:3  Death stared me in the face, hell was hard on my heels. Up against it, I didn't 

know which way to turn; 



This Psalm seems to be a description of a struggle that took place in David's life when 

he was indeed at a point where he felt that life was over and his options had become 

few. In being true to do what was right, he had somehow still incurred the wrath of 

Saul, who still represented God's choice as king. Though he had been completely 

loyal and faithful, as he knew that he must, he was being rewarded with criminal 

status and was fleeing all over the countryside with a sentence of death. Although he 

had developed a confidence in his relationship with God, he now found himself 

betrayed by the very people to whom he had committed his trust and loyalty. Their 

unfaithfulness had diverted his well-deserved honor and he was now experiencing 

anything but the wonderful life of favor that he might have anticipated as a loyal 

servant of God and his king. 

	It might have been easy at this point for the future king to give up on the 

whole mess altogether. If this is what you got for trying to live right before God, why 

would you ever want to do anything for Him again, and especially with people in 

whom you could never again place trust? He could have said, "Hey, I know I'm 

supposed to be the king and all that, but if it means having to go through all this and 

be treated this way by the people who are supposed to be my godly leaders, I think I'll 

just pass on it". It is so very interesting, though, that an incredible future leadership 

and legacy was salvaged from possible destruction right at this point by the choice 

David made to separate the cause of his present situation from the faithfulness of 

God. Instead of blaming God for his predicament, he began to speak about how 

much he loved God for listening to him. (verse 1). He sings about how gracious, 

righteous and compassionate God is. (verse 5) His words declare how that God is on 

his side and how He is faithful to save. (verse 6). Instead of allowing words of 

discouragement to come out of his mouth and discourage his soul, he spoke to His 

soul about how blessed he was. He determined to stay faithful to His God, no matter 

what the situation. 



Psa 116:10  I stayed faithful, though bedeviled, and despite a ton of bad luck, 

Psa 116:11  Despite giving up on the human race, saying, "They're all liars and cheats." 



Instead of letting his situation segregate him from the God who had become his life, 

he actually became endeared even more to Him through the situation by dwelling on 

God's goodness and by looking for an opportunity to give yet again to the God of his 

mercy. Instead of isolating himself from the ones that he knew could betray him 

again, he committed to being faithful in his promised service and to do so in the 

presence of the people. 



Psa 116:14  I'll complete what I promised GOD I'd do, and I'll do it together with his 

people. 



	In choosing to cry out to God for help instead of turning away from Him in 

offense, David opened a place in his heart that would be flooded with love for God, 

who would prove Himself faithful yet again. In staying faithful to God he was able to 

remain in an attitude and position that could be used by God. He was set free from 

the apparent bondage of his situation to a life of worship and fellowship. 



Psa 116:16  Oh, GOD, here I am, your servant, your faithful servant: set me free for your 

service! 

Psa 116:17  I'm ready to offer the thanksgiving sacrifice and pray in the name of GOD. 




4/12/04