CREDIT WHERE CREDIT IS DUE
Psalm 44:3, 6-8 NKJV
3 For they did not gain possession of the land by their own sword,
Nor did their own arm save them;
But it was Your right hand, Your arm, and the light of Your countenance,
Because You favored them.
6 For I will not trust in my bow,
Nor shall my sword save me.
7 But You have saved us from our enemies,
And have put to shame those who hated us.
8 In God we boast all day long,
And praise Your name forever. Selah
You have most likely heard that phrase before. Give credit where credit is due. In our verses for today, the psalmist is doing just that.
The psalmist is referring to Israel taking the land when the nation came out of Egypt. This was the group that Moses led through the wilderness until Joshua led them into the "promised land." The author of this psalm acknowledges that it was God who gave them the land, not their own strength or fighting skills. God's involvement caused the nation of Israel to take a land that was inhabited by people stronger than they were.
In verses 6-8, the psalmist declares his personal stance, that he will not trust in his ability to fight but trust in the God who saves. God not only saves from enemies but also puts to shame those who hate God's people. The scriptures are full of God giving His people victory over seemingly impossible odds. When an army that has a huge numerical advantage is defeated, then they are shamed, and God is glorified. This is the story of Israel. Were it not for God, the nation would have ceased to exist thousands of years ago. But here they are still going because God has favored them. Even when the nation did not exist for a season God had a plan, and in 1948, after centuries, Israel became a nation once again. Not because the Jewish people were amazing but because of God's strength and favor.
The psalmist states that he will make his boast in God and praise His name forever. This entire position is one of humility. Acknowledging that God is the source of strength and victory and any boasting is boasting in Him.
APPLICATION
One of the greatest challenges we face as people is pride. Pride is part of the human condition and something we have to constantly stay on top of. Pride is not always loud and upfront. It often hides behind the subtle position of taking credit for the victories in our lives. Pride does not acknowledge God as the source of the good things we have. But looking at our life and thanking God for all He has done exalts Him and reduces us. Our flesh nature does not enjoy taking the back seat, but it's the safest place to be.
So, a great activity that we can do today is to look at the good things in our lives and thank God for them. We can start with the fact that we can read or hear this devotional. In every area, we can acknowledge His goodness and favor. One sure thing in our life that we can never go wrong in doing is giving God credit for all the good He has given us.
PRAYER
Lord, it was Your hand, Your strength and Your favor that has helped me and sustained me until now. And I trust that You will continue to be there for the rest of my times.