Psalm 41:11-12 - May 11, 2009

Ps 41:11-12 "I know that you are pleased with me, for my enemy does not triumph over me. 12 In my integrity you uphold me and set me in your presence forever." NIV

David makes an interesting observation before the Lord in the closing verses of Psalm 41. David does not equate the absence of trials and enemies as evidence that the Lord is pleased with him. His confidence is in the fact that his enemies do not gain the final victory over him. How differently we would view God’s blessings if we understood this dynamic. Don’t expect that there will be no conflict. Don’t expect that there will be no battle to fight. Expect that in the midst of all of struggles that you face God will give you the strength and the wisdom to win the victory!
The word of God says confidently in Isa 54:17 “…no weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and this is their vindication from me," declares the LORD. This promise again is not the absence of conflict. It is the promise of victory!!!!! If there are no conflicts then there is no victory! God is building in us a testimony of His power to overcome evil with good. God is not a pacifist. In fact Ex 15:3 states directly “The LORD is a warrior.” He has promised to fight our battles for us as we place our confidence in Him and keep our ways pleasing in His sight.
The conclusion of Psalm 41 is profound in its focus. David is not focused on justice. David is not focus on vengeance. David is not focused on what he can gain from the victory. David is focused on the presence of God. Consider that his desire is that God would uphold him and set him in God’s presence! David has set his heart in an unmovable gaze upon the Lord and he will not allow conflict or difficulty to reshape his primary desire! “God, I want you!” The enemy seeks to take our eyes off of the Lord and get them on our circumstances but we are called to live with a divine fascination that cannot be distracted from the primary purpose of our lives which is to live in God’s presence, to enjoy Him and to be enjoyed by Him! Today, let nothing distract you from your mission
of worshipping Him.