The Joy of the Righteous
Do you have joy in your Christian walk? Often our lack of joy stems from doubt in the person and promises of God. Do you trust in the person and promises of God? The psalmist is confident in God because he knows that God hears his prayers (1-3). He knows that God does not take pleasure in the wicked of this world (4-6). Instead, God takes pleasure in His saints, those who belong to His covenant (7).
God’s hesed, His loyal love, is abundant to those who follow Him in faith. It is by God’s love toward the righteous that they are able to come into His presence and worship Him (7). Because of God’s love for him, the psalmist prays that God would guide him in straight way (8). The straight way of righteous living is only possible by entering the narrow gate. The righteousness of God comes only from God imputing the sinner righteousness through faith in Jesus Christ (8).
The psalmist doesn’t listen to the wicked and the wisdom of this world (9-10). Nothing they say is trustworthy and can be counted on (9). Everything they say is reflective of the evil in their hearts. The wicked speak use their words to ruin others. They give the impression of reliability, but they are false. The psalmist asks that God would hold them guilty for their evil for they are rebellious against their Creator and deserving of His judgement (10).
In contrast to the wicked, the righteous can sing for joy because of God is their Saviour (11-12). Joy in the Lord is abundant because God’s people love Him and know that He keeps them safe (Jn 17:11). Rejoice brethren, for God blesses and gives grace to His people (12).