May 28th

2 Samuel 9-12, Psalm 51, Proverb 16:6

I was reading about some of the dark chapters in David's life. Greed, immorality, deception, even murder. With such a dark backdrop as this, Psalm 51 shines like a diamond of hope for folks like me. I've put it to music. I may record it later today and link it to the blog. I started these words years ago, but today the pieces of words, melodies and chords just fell in place.

Be gracious to me by your loving kindness
And by your great compassion blot my sin
Wash me through and through from my iniquity
For only by your grace am I forgiv'n

Against you, you only have I sinned and done what's evil
You're justified and blameless when you judge me
Lord, I was born and raised in sin
But you desire to see the truth within me

Search me O God and know my heart
Try me O Lord and know my thoughts
And see if there be
Any wicked way in me
And lead me in the way of everlasting
O God, search me

©2006 N.D.Robinson

"Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for. Through the fear of the Lord a man avoids evil." Pr. 16:6. Thanks be to God for his gift of love and faithfulness in Jesus' life, death and resurrection.

May 24th

2 Samuel 4:1-6:23, John 13:31-14:14, Psalm 119:17-32, Proverb 15:31-32

In some ways I find comfort in watching a penitent David striving toward obedience, even though he still didn't always respond well to God's ways. Like when Uzzah's irreverent act of trying to steady the ark brought on his immediate death, I see myself in the words of verse 8, "Then David was angry because the Lord's wrath had broken out against Uzzah."

David's incomplete understanding of who God is and what he requires turned to fear, and I don't mean reverence. It took a process of experiences before David actually fully carried out God's desire for the ark to be in Jerusalem.

From my perspective, life doesn't make too much sense a lot of the time. Without a glimpse of God's view on the matter, I fall flat on my face (Ps. 119:25) and feel weary with sorrow (v.28). I know it takes time for me to "get it" (see things as God does). But it takes more than that. "Strengthen me according to your word", (the second part of verse 28.)

I've grown up with the Bible. I'm not a great student, but I want to be. I want to know the joy of obedience that made David dance! I want it said of me that I run in the path of God's commands, for He has set my heart free. Watch this space.