The steadfast love of God—his every morning mercy—has been my companion through my journey, and it will be for you if you’ll receive it.
“I will sing of steadfast love and justice; to you, O Lord, I will make music.” Psalm 101:1
In this psalm, however, David combines steadfast love with justice as the inspiration for his singing. I think this pairing is notable as I ponder loss. Justice is added to steadfast love.
I often look at God’s justice from a place of awe, even fear. And we should. Apart from Jesus standing in our stead, we would shrink under the judgment of God. However, Jesus has become our substitute. Therefore, we can rejoice at his steadfast love and his justice. In loss, you face the brokenness and pain brought on by injustice. And brokenness is an injustice upon God’s created order. But we can sing, even now, of the justice of God as a promise.
I join David and make music to our God of steadfast love and justice.
“I will ponder the way that is blameless. Oh when will you come to me? I will walk with integrity of heart within my house; I will not set before my eyes anything that is worthless. I hate the work of those who fall away; it shall not cling to me.” Psalm 101:2-3
David longs to be sanctified. Blameless. He thinks on the way of those who are more mature than he is in his ways. He desires to walk in integrity, especially when it counts—in private. In secret. In the confines of our own homes, we can easily stumble. No one sees us.
David asserts that he will not allow any worthless thing before his eyes. Jesus would say to pray, “And lead us not into temptation” (Matthew 6:13). Paul would tell us to “…flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness” (2 Timothy 2:22).
In a time of loss, it’s a good reminder to strive to walk blamelessly and with integrity by faith.
“A perverse heart shall be far from me; I will know nothing of evil.” Psalm 101:4
I had to preach the gospel to myself. I had to remind myself to walk by faith and not by sight. I understand David’s assertion here. I longed to remove any perverse ways from my heart. Only by grace. Only by mercy. But, we can aspire to walk in truth and run from anything evil.
Even speaking poorly of our neighbors. God’s laws are serious when he says he will destroy the slanderer. God will not endure even a haughty look. He will not endure an arrogant heart.
Know nothing of evil. Know only of his goodness. Walk in his ways.
“I will look with favor on the faithful in the land, that they may dwell with me; he who walks in the way that is blameless shall minister to me.” Psalm 101:6
Hebrews 12:1-3 reminds us, “…since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” Those who have gone before us are a testimony to God’s faithfulness. Throw off the heavy weight. Throw of the sin. Run with endurance—keep at it. Look to Jesus, and know that walking faithfully through life—even with the loss that visits us—is within reach.
Beside those who have gone before us, there are many faithful in the land to whom we can look and follow. Those who faithfully walk the walk of faith are ministering to us. Look to those friends and leaders and disciple-makers who have walked the journey before you and follow them.
Look away from those who practice deceit. Turn your gaze away from those who utter lies. They are not good examples to follow, and they will not dwell in God’s house eternally. The wicked will be destroyed and cut off from the city of God.
Justice—and steadfast love—will prevail.
“Morning by morning I will destroy all the wicked in the land, cutting off all the evildoers from the city of the Lord.” Psalm 101:8
Thank you, D Ray. Our God is pure and holy. it is only by the blood of Christ that He is approachable. Because He calls me son, I can trust in his justice as a covering from evil.
I needed the reminder to guard our hearts and eyes in my home environment. This includes those in my home, helping them walk in holiness.
Well said, Larry. It’s great to hear from you.
Another one of my favorite Psalms.. thanks for your insights and for sharing.
Thanks, Lynn! I feel like I keep thinking the same thing. These psalms are so rich!