Whom Have I But You?

Psalms 89:19–29

“Once You spoke in a vision, to Your faithful people You said: “I have bestowed strength on a warrior; I have raised up a young man from among the people. I have found David My servant; with My sacred oil I have anointed him. My hand will sustain him; surely My arm will strengthen him. The enemy will not get the better of him; the wicked will not oppress him. I will crush his foes before him and strike down his adversaries. My faithful love will be with him, and through My name his horn will be exalted. I will set his hand over the sea, his right hand over the rivers. He will call out to Me, ‘You are my Father, my God, the Rock my Savior.’ And I will appoint him to be My firstborn, the most exalted of the kings of the earth. I will maintain My love to him forever, and My covenant with him will never fail. I will establish his line forever, his throne as long as the heavens endure.”

These past few days I had been looking at Romans 12. It is such a practical chapter in a highly theological discourse. I see it once more resurface in today’s psalms, God’s faithful promise to King David, as for Israel as well, an affirmation of His love and that He will go before him, clearing a righteous path for him, vanquishing his oppressors and enemies, anointing him with strength, and even disciplining his descendants along the line. In Romans 12:9–21, the Apostle Paul encourages us to trust God in the same manner in our daily life, this comes about (from the verses that precede), from a posture of trust, of offering ourselves to God as living sacrifices, here’s what that looks like: “Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” O LORD, with Your counsel You will guide me, And afterward receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but You? And besides You, I desire nothing on earth. My flesh and my heart may fail, But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever (Psa 73:24–26)!”