David, in spite of all his shortcomings, was called “a man after God’s Own Heart!”

Yes, in Acts 13:22 Paul is quoting our great God … “I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will.”

That’s a high commendation!

Again and again in his Psalms we find David living up to that name, that testimony. In fact, many of the Davidic Psalms of Scripture are prayers within themselves.

And Psalm 63:8 is a prime example.

David writes, says to the Lord … “My soul followeth hard after thee.” Hungry for God, in other words! Thirsty for Him too!

The verb “followeth hard” is spelled “dabaq” and means “to cling to” Someone! To “stick” closely by His Side! Once in the King James Version, “to abide” with Him!

Wow!

What a prayer!

Then notice, the answer comes!

Lord, “Thy right hand upholdeth me.”

As soon as the prayer is lofted heavenward, the response drops down to David!

Biblically speaking, one’s “right hand” suggests great strength, power, ability! Plus honor!

The verb “upholdeth” is “tamak” in Hebrew. It means “to grasp, maintain, hold fast!” To seize and not let go!

That sure sounds safe, secure to me. In the great big Hands of our Almighty God!

Jesus later says of us who are saved, Christians in the true sense of the word, believers… “I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.”

Held, enclosed … by His Hand!

In Isaiah 49:16 God pledges this to His children … “Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands.”

What I am trying to emphasize … David prayed, and God answered! Immediately!

It often happens that way to the man or woman who “follows hard” after God’s Face, His Presence!

Looks to me like not a single second lapses between the request and the Response!

Read it again.

“My soul followeth hard after thee: thy right hand upholdeth me.” That’s the Verse, the whole Verse!

Pray it … and enjoy the results!

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

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This Verse is indeed astounding!

“In that day shall the LORD defend the inhabitants of Jerusalem; and he that is feeble among them at that day shall be as David; and the house of David shall be as God, as the angel of the LORD before them.” Zechariah 12:8

The verb “defend” also means “to surround!”

And the “inhabitants” of Jerusalem? Jews, of course! Both historically and currently. And “forever” I might add, according to Jeremiah 31:35-36!

It looks to me like God gives these citizens “Strength.” The descriptor “feeble” means “weak, cast down, stumbling.”

(Here see Joel 3:10, “Let the weak say, I am strong,” with God’s Touch of course!)

And “as David” reminds one of the now famous Goliath episode! What an upset!

And the Jews “collectively” will be “as God.” In the vein of … “One man of you shall chase a thousand: for the LORD your God, he it is that fighteth for you, as he hath promised you.” Joshua 23:10

Better yet … “And five of you shall chase an hundred, and an hundred of you shall put ten thousand to flight: and your enemies shall fall before you by the sword.” Leviticus 26:8

Wow!

And to conclude the Verse … “the angel of the Lord” will go “before them!” Miraculous Protection!

Psalm 35:5 may even go a bit further! Concerning Israel’s enemies it is prayed … “Let them be as chaff before the wind: and let the angel of the LORD chase them.” This “Angel” may be a reference to Jesus Himself!

Powerful, powerful!

This much I know, from our single Verse of Scripture … I will not do harm to God’s City, God’s people, God’s Plan!

Because it is Biblically stated of Israel … “For thus saith the LORD of hosts; After the glory hath he sent me unto the nations which spoiled you: for he that toucheth you toucheth the apple of his eye.” Zechariah 2:8

Enough said!

Unless I add this Fact concerning Abraham’s children, the Jews … “I (the Lord) will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.” Genesis 12:3

By the way, one can chart world history (the rise and fall of nations) using that template, how an entity treats Israel!

Beware!

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

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Here’s the Scripture Verse, one well worth memorizing I believe …

“To shew forth thy lovingkindness in the morning, and thy faithfulness every night …” Psalm 92:2

And to give us a bit of the Context, let’s further notice Verses 1-3 of this beautiful Psalm …

“It is a good thing to give thanks unto the LORD, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High: TO SHEW FORTH THY LOVINGKINDNESS IN THE MORNING, AND THY FAITHFULNESS EVERY NIGHT, upon an instrument of ten strings, and upon the psaltery; upon the harp with a solemn sound.”

These words obviously are meant to be sung! And with the accompaniment of several instruments at that!

But still, my point tonight remains the same. That “lovingkindness” could be celebrated each morning. And God’s great “faithfulness” could be remembered every night!

All I am saying is this. What would it be like, how would it change my life … IF … in the morning I reminded myself of God’s Lovingkindness? And tomorrow night I chose to ponder God’s Faithfulness?

I mean every morning, every evening!

After all, His “mercies” (a first cousin to “lovingkindness”) are new every morning! And His “steadfastness” is proved every night!

If we could incorporate this thought “pattern” into our daily routines … we would become much more aware of God’s goodness and God’s unchangeableness!

Talk about a mood enhancer … God’s Lovingkindness with my cup of coffee!

Talk about a sleep aid … God’s Faithfulness (including His protection) every night!

If these two attributes of our Heavenly Father are worthy of song … they are certainly worthy of our meditation!

Someone begin his godly habit today … or tonight!

You will thank me when we get to Heaven!

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

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