Psalm 18:20-50

 Psalm 18:20-50

In hindsight we realize doing the right thing is always best.  How often do we look back on our righteous good behavior and say, “I wish I had been a lowlife”? In retrospect we see the goodness and beauty of righteousness.  We have a little more trouble seeing it in the future.  Psalm 18 is written from the hindsight perspective.  In verses 20 to 45, David recalls his righteous behavior, God's holiness, and God's provision for David's victory. and in verses 46 to 50 there is a brief but beautiful song of praise for God's deliverance.

All this is possible because David took a view of the beauty of righteousness in advance. There is a single line so small that it might escape our notice if we are not careful. In verse 23 David says he was blameless or complete or living in integrity, and he has kept himself from iniquity. Notice that David is self-aware; he knows where his problems lie. He is taking responsibility to be righteous. He isn't trusting society, circumstances, or people; he says, “my iniquity.” At this point perhaps David was acutely aware of a flaw in his character. Before we can enjoy the beauty of righteousness in hindsight, we have to see ourselves honestly.

“Lord, give me clarity as I look at myself. AMEN.”