“For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about–but not before God! For what does the Scripture say? ‘Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.” – Romans 4:2-3
Psalm 84:11-12
“For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly. O LORD of hosts, blessed is the one who trusts in you.”
– Psalm 84:11-12
Main Thought: As David comes to the end of this Psalm where he has extolled those who worship God, “who dwell in your house, ever singing your praise” (Ps. 84:4), he reminds them that those who worship God are ever under the providence and provision of God. First, he says that God is a sun and shield, that is He is their light and protection. I am reminded of what David said in Psalm 23:4, where he speaks of not fearing any evil, even in “the valley of the shadow of death.” Even there, even during times of darkness in those valleys, God is shining the light and the warmth of His presence upon us and is protecting us from harm. Secondly, he reminds those who worship God that He gives favor and honor and does not withhold any good thing from those who trust in Him. Even in the midst of our need, our God is mindful of the needs of His people for He is our shepherd, the One who loves us eternally. Our Lord Jesus Christ, during His earthly ministry, provided for the needs of the 5000 by dividing the loaves and the fishes, having compassion upon them even though He knew they would turn away from Him when He spoke the truth concerning Himself to them (John 6:1-71). Certainly, if our Lord has such compassion on those who do not worship Him, then those who seek Him first, who love Him above all else in this world, will be provided for by God with their needs, for God knows our needs even before we do (Matt. 6:33) and will not forsake those who love Him and worship Him. Then lastly, David reminds those who love, trust, and worship God of how richly they are blessed. It is a reminder that our trust is not in men, and our hope is not in the good circumstances of life, but our blessing is in the fact that we rest in and are cared for by the LORD of hosts, the covenant-keeping God of this universe. His promises, love, and care for us will never change, and His mercies are new every single day (Lam. 3:23). How greatly blessed we are to know that are under the care and love of the eternal, covenant-keeping God. May we rest in Him today, knowing He will provide everything we need spiritually, emotionally, and physically.
David Webber
David Webber is married to Mary with four children and four grandchildren, and serves as the Pastor of Faith Baptist Church in Longview, TX. He obtained a BS in History from the University of Texas at Tyler, TX, and pursued studies at Baptist Missionary Association Theological Seminary in Jacksonville, TX. Throughout his ministry, he has been an invited preacher and educator in numerous churches and various Bible conferences. Surrendering to the gospel ministry’s calling in 1972 at the age of 16, he received preaching licensure from Little Flock Baptist Church in Longview, Texas, in 1974. Graduating with a Bachelor of Science Degree in History from the University of Texas at Tyler in 1978, he was ordained in December of 1980 by Faith Baptist Church. Following this, he contributed his services to Faith Baptist in Longview and subsequently engaged with Grace Baptist Church in Tyler, Texas, where he instructed Sunday School and delivered sermons as needed. In February of 1994, Faith Baptist invited him to lead as their pastor, a role he has faithfully held to the present day. David writes a blog for the church website and is a writer for The Art of Worship.
More from David Webber
Romans 4:2-3
Psalm 92:8
“But You are on high forever, O Yahweh.” – Psalm 92:8
John 11:25-27
“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die–ever. Do you believe this?’ She (Martha) said to Him, ‘Yes Lord; I have believed that You are the Christ, the Son of God, the One who comes into the world.” – John 11:25-27
John 8:23-24
“And He was saying to them, ‘You are from below, I am from above. You are of this world, I am not of this world. Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins. For unless you believe that I am His, you will die in your sins.” – John 8:23-24
John 6:39-40
“Now this is the will of Him who sent Me, that of all that He has given Me I lose nothing, but raise it up on the last day. For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him will have eternal life, and I Myself will raise him up on the last day.” – John 6:39-40
John 2:18-21
“The Jews then said to Him, ‘What sign do You show us as your authority for doing these things?’ Jesus answered them, ‘Destroy this sanctuary, and in three days I will raise it up.’ The Jews then said, ‘It took forty-six years to build this sanctuary, and will You raise it up in three days?’ But He was speaking about the sanctuary of His body.” – John 2:18-21
John 1:14
“And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.” – John 1:14
Psalm 85:6
“Will You not Yourself return to revive us, that your people may be glad in You?” – Psalm 85:6
Psalm 86:1 and 86:5
“Incline your ear, O Yahweh, and answer me; For I am afflicted and needy…For You, Lord, are good, and by nature forgiving, and abundant in lovingkindness to all who call upon You.” – Psalm 86:1 and 86:5
John 14:19
“After a little while the world will no longer see Me, but you will see Me, because I live, you will live also.” – John 14:19