Let all those rejoice who put their trust in You; let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them; let those also who love Your name be joyful in You. For You, O Lord, will bless the righteous; with favor You will surround him as with a shield. (Psalm 5:11-12)
These verses are preceded by an appeal to God that He would cause the schemes of the wicked to come to nothing, primarily, because they have rebelled against the Almighty. Confident that this will be the outcome, David declares that those who have trusted in the God of Israel will rejoice — not at the destruction of their enemies necessarily but for our deliverance. Evidence for this is found in the statement, “Let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them.” In other words, expressions of joy over earthly matters will eventually fade away but the gladness we experience in knowing that God continually watches over us lasts a lifetime.
Of course, one who has been at the receiving end of attacks and accusations would feel a certain degree of exultation when those responsible have been silenced — and frankly there is nothing wrong with that. Anyone subjected to abuse would feel relief when delivered from it and would certainly, “shout for joy.” Yet, David seems to emphasize that the servants of the Most High should never allow ourselves to be shackled and bound with the ups and downs of life but should always be joyful in knowing that the Creator of all things cares for us. As David declares, the LORD will bless those who love Him and who pursue righteousness.
The blessing of the LORD is unlike what we experience when men desire to bless us. Anything man could bestow upon us can be taken by thieves, a whirlwind or other scenarios that life can present. The blessing of the LORD, however, comes with the promise of protection, that is to say, He protects us as well as the blessing He grants to us. David says as much when he wrote, “With favor You will surround him as with a shield.” God’s care for us is complete and continual — He does not fail, and therefore, we should all take solace in knowing that, whatever our circumstance, He surrounds us and envelopes us with His love and mercy. That is something to rejoice about.
Blessings and Shalom,
Bill
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