“In you, Lord, I have taken refuge;
let me never be put to shame.
In your righteousness, rescue me and deliver me;
turn your ear to me and save me.” Psalm 71:1-2
(Mount Sinai)
In this Psalm, David is acknowledging God as his refuge and only hope and is asking for protection and vindication from his enemies.
The spiritual significance of this Psalm is in the words “In your righteousness”. This how David approaches God!
David comes to God through the righteousness of God and understands he cannot petition God based on his own works or righteousness. They are of no value with God.
David knows that God alone is worthy and he is an impoverished and empty soul. David’s hope springs entirely from the righteousness of God. David praises God for His everlasting love, mercies, and forgiveness.
Jesus taught that your righteousness must exceed that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law to enter the kingdom of heaven. The Pharisees were pious people who approached God through laws, sacrifices, and offerings.
You cannot justify yourself with God except through His righteousness! So come before God and praise Him for who He is while openly admit your shortcomings and failures.
This attitude will resonate in the heart of God because you are seeking Him from a position of a weak, sinful, and needy person and acknowledging the greatness and glory of God.
Thought for the day:
“Come unto Me with a contrite heart recognizing that you are a broken person and I will make you whole. Those who are healthy have no need for a doctor and do belong to Me.”
Hal Hollister Ministry 