Psalm 13:6  I will sing the LORD’s praise, for he has been good to me. 

The New International Version (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2011), Ps 13:6.

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King David had a bottom-line faith. No matter how hard the wind, no matter how it twisted his trunk or shook his leaves, his roots were firmly embedded in the goodness of God. 

This song displays something of what must have led to the writing of 1 Samuel 13:14 and Acts 13:22. David had hard times aplenty. David sinned some of the biggest sins you can sin. David repeatedly experienced what had to feel like abandonment. 

David could have become the premier Emo singer of all time. (Look up Emo in Wikipedia.) Instead, he is known for thanksgiving and praise, for repentance and restoration. 

Verses 1-4 in this psalm are drenched with the cold sweat and hot tears of abandonment pain. Verse 5 marks a turning, a return to who David knew God to be. God’s love never fails. His salvation is the source of many songs. However harsh the current reality, God’s ultimate reality is sweeter than honey from the comb. 

I had an Emo moment of my own last week. (Don’t ask.) I may have gone a few verses past David’s example here. The boutique hotel I was staying in had a movie-set spotlight in the corner of the room. As I paced the floor and walked near that decorative piece, I was reminded how he who brought me this far would most certainly lead me forward. 

King David gave this name bearer an example to follow, a reminder of God’s nature and character, a prayer to pray, and a good night’s rest. 

Let your hard times drive you back to the goodness of God. Let the gales sink your roots deeper in his grace. Let the cold reality of life’s harshness strengthen your trust. 

Let King David’s bottom line become your bottom line. 

I will sing the LORD’s praise, 
         for he has been good to me.

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I will sing the LORD’s praise, for he has been good to me.

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Our Father, there are not enough songs of praise written and performed to match your goodness and grace. Your loving reality excels them all. I will glance at my hurt feelings and personal challenges. I will consider my setbacks. I will grieve my losses. Like King David, I will also sing your praise because of how good you have been to me. I will sing even louder knowing the best is yet to be. Amen.