“Be not silent, O God of my praise!
For wicked and deceitful mouths are opened against me,
speaking against me with lying tongues.
They encircle me with words of hate,
and attack me without cause.
In return for my love they accuse me,
but I give myself to prayer.
So they reward me evil for good,
and hatred for my love…
Help me, O Lord my God!
Save me according to your steadfast love!
Let them know that this is your hand;
you, O Lord, have done it!..
With my mouth I will give great thanks to the Lord;
I will praise him in the midst of the throng.
For he stands at the right hand of the needy one,
to save him from those who condemn his soul to death.” Psalm 109:1-5,26-27,30-31
“Now when they heard these things they were enraged, and they ground their teeth at him. But he, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. And he said, ‘Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.’ And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, ‘Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.’”Acts 7:54-56,59
“If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.” Romans 8:31-34
David’s pleas were agonizing, heart-felt, honest, and intimate. He knew his God, and knew He heard every word of complaint and need. He also knew that his Lord stood ready to respond, confirm, defend, and answer. His Advocate and Intercessor was on his side in every way.
Life on earth is bustling with activity that grabs our attention. A ding here, urgency there, message here, distraction there… we live in a hectic horizontal often with no thought of our vertical connection to the Almighty. Yet, our Savior stands near, always close at our right hand to lead, help, confide in, comfort. What a friend is He!
How would we handle situations differently, what would improve in our attitude and industry, if we acknowledged the Lord Jesus always at our right hand? What courage or confidence would fuel our facing down the enemy? What spiritual insights would compel our choices? What peace, security, deepest pleasure and joy would hold our hearts still when all around is in sad upheaval? (Psalm 16:8-11; 108:12-13)
As we rise each day and set out to whatever is before us, would we make sure we walk beside our truest Companion, holding His hand in trust? Even while eyes must tend to tasks before us, will we remember to look around at His handiwork and up in worship? This loving Savior beside us is for us. He stands ready to bring truth to recollection, guide with discernment, soften hard and sweeten bitter hearts. What hope, what zeal, what strength does this afford us today? (Ezekiel 36:26; John 14:26; 16:13)
Lord, as You faithfully stand beside me, may I keep so close to You I hear Your breath and walk Your stride.
As the rain and snow 