Reflection:
David’s tone shifts. He has called his readers ‘holy ones’ (v. 9), but now he refers to them as ‘my children’. As a leader of others, he uses a term of affection for those he seeks to guide into life-giving ways.
In two pithy verses, we hear of God’s concern for righteousness. Our speech and behaviour matter. Our words and actions can harm, crush, hurt and divide. Or they can bless our relationships with goodness, truth and peace.
The apostle Peter quotes these verses in his letter to early Christian believers (1 Peter 3:10-12). Peter had experienced the goodness of the Lord first-hand during the years he walked alongside Jesus. He reminds his readers of God’s calling to live lives that reflect that goodness — to be holy (1 Peter 1:14-15); to be so full of goodness that the world around will want to glorify God on his return (1 Peter 2:11-12). Our speech is to be truthful and nourishing. We are to shun wrongdoing. We are to be peacemakers.
Later in his life, David failed to heed his own counsel. His words and actions had a shocking impact upon the lives of others. But in his shame and remorse he turned to the Lord in confession and repentance. And the God who is full of mercy offered forgiveness and redemption. Once again, David was delivered and tasted of the Lord’s goodness. In God’s grace and kindness, failure is never final in the life of faith.
We are changed when we seek and find refuge in the Lord. We now live by God’s Holy Spirit. Let us walk by the Spirit and keep in step with the Spirit, so that we might bear his fruit for God’s glory (Galatians 5:16-26).
Prayer:
Loving father, fill me with your Holy Spirit so that I can walk in step with your ways. May my life bear an abundance of your fruit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Help me to seek peace in all my relationships. Enable me to be a person who brings you glory and honour. In the name of Jesus. Amen.
Song:
“A Christian’s Daily Prayer” by Sovereign Grace Music