Suggested Bible Reading: Psalm 89, 96, 100-101, 105, 132
Devotional Thought:
Title: “Praise Must be Accompanied by Practice.”
One commentary writes, “A good king in his dominion ought to be like a good father and head of a family in his house. We have here the principles on which David would rule the nation.” Psalm 101 has been known as the “Prince’s Psalm” because of the promise of the writer to commit himself to the principles of purity. The previous psalms of praise are known as the royal psalms and this psalm is perfectly placed to follow them as a psalm of practice. Although there is certainly a priority for praising God, praise must be accompanied by practice, and our duty must be followed by devotion. Seven times in the psalm David vows, “I will … I will … I will…” On two more occasions he says, “I will not … I will not.” He is indeed making solemn vows before the Lord as to his own personal behavior in his house and in his kingdom. Twice in the opening verse he says, “I will sing …” David was known for his song writing and musical abilities. The themes of his songs were varied, sometimes in the depths of despair and sometimes in joyful notes of praise. Right off the bat, David sings of those twin virtues that he desired would characterize his rule, mercy and judgment, lovingkindness and justice. David had experienced both of these personally from the hand of God, and what the Lord had taught him he would show to those he was called to disciple. There must be a balancing of these two virtues; the one tempers the other. Justice cannot condone sin, or ignore it, but mercy can forgive. David would sing of these, and, while his people might hear and enjoy his singing, nevertheless, he says, “Unto thee, O Lord, will I sing.” His song was from his heart to God’s heart. Singing wonderful hymns in church, is one thing, but the practice of morality is another; therefore, David’s vow is, “I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way.” The companion vow follows, “I will walk within my house with a perfect heart.” Our lives ought to look the same in the privacy of our home as it does in our public testimony at church. The two vows are joined by a prayer for the presence and help of God, “O when wilt thou come unto me?” Vows, even though they are made with sincerity and good intention, cannot really be fulfilled in the energy of the flesh. Sadly, poor David had to learn this the hard way just like many of us. Within his house his behavior was not always governed by wisdom, nor did it align with integrity. Neither his heart nor his practice was always marked by the perfection of which he writes. Had David continued in the enjoyment of God’s presence for which he had prayed, and then perhaps he would have been spared the shame that later came from his selfish endeavors. David, in his heart, would have shunned self-indulgence, but he fell prey to them when he was out of the enjoyment of walking with the Lord. What a warning and perfect lesson for all of us Christians today! His vows continue, “I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes.” He seemed sincerely determined that he would not be occupied with worldly and worthless things, and he hated those who did turn aside to such. This was apostasy, to turn away from revealed truth and from the good things of God, to follow the worthless ambitions of wicked men. May we join David in our commitments that such behavior will not cling to us or entangle us as it has entangled others.
Personal Prayer Requests:
- Lord, please help me to never forget how badly I need you to help me to do the things that are right. Please help my heart’s desire and my practice to be consistent with your character.
- Lord, thank you for your mercy and justice. Please help me to trust you for the strength and wisdom to exercise them both.
- Lord, please help me to always praise you for who you are, but please help me to demonstrate authenticity to my praise through faithful practice.