She Reads Truth: Songs of AscentSample

“The Lord swore to David a sure oath from which he will not turn back...” (Psalm 132:11a, ESV) I don’t know about you, but I struggle to make plans one month, one week, sometimes even one day out. Life is just so unpredictable; my emotions, my body, the state of this house are unpredictable. When I read in scripture how our God makes promises - grand promises! - to nations, to generations, to us even today and keeps them all, I have two distinct reactions: I am relieved. And then, I doubt. Isn’t it too good to be true? Psalm 132 is a song about promises. It is about a promise David made to God, a vow not to rest until he found “a dwelling place for the Mighty One of Jacob” (v.5, ESV). What David is searching for is the Ark of the Covenant, a wooden box containing reminders of God’s promises and provisions for the people of Israel. The Ark was a symbol of God’s presence. David vowed to find it, to keep it near, and he did just that. But more that this, Psalm 132 is about God’s promise to David. God made a covenant with David that his future generations would inherit the throne, that God’s presence and provision would be with them also. If we learn one thing in Scripture, it is that our God delights in keeping His promises. He delights in redeeming us and in exceeding our expectations. It is true that David’s son Solomon inherited the throne, but the larger story is one even David could not have imagined. God fulfilled His covenant with David through Christ, through God made man. God not only gave David’s line the throne; God gave them - and us - Himself. “This is my resting place forever; here I will dwell, for I have desired it” (emphasis added, v. 14, ESV). Sisters, this means us. We are God’s resting place. Forever. He dwells within us, not because of our goodness, our accomplishments or our faithfulness, but because He desired us. He has chosen us. Yes, God is faithful because faithfulness is who He is, but it is also His choice to be faithful. He chose you yesterday. He chooses you today. He will choose you tomorrow. But the promise does not end there. He vows to bless us. He promises salvation and joy, physical and spiritual provision. We can expect His faithfulness. We can expect His blessing. Our God may not be predictable, but He is faithful. He is trustworthy. We can expect Him to do what He says He will do.