"A Steadfast Heart"

I have been reading Psalm 108 the last few weeks and have been drawn to the words in verse 1 where David testifies, “My heart is steadfast…” The Hebrew derivation of the word “kun” for “steadfast” has the meaning of being established, firm, set in place and secure—and prepared.

In the context of this Psalm David looks at the potential confrontation with his enemy and makes several observations. (1) Have you rejected us, God? (2) Will you go with us to battle? His conclusion in verse 12 is this, “Give us aid against the enemy for the help of man is worthless. With God we will gain the victory and He will trample down our enemies…” (see verses 10,11)

Working backwards, David begins this Psalm by purposing to “sing and make music with all my (his) soul” because of God’s great love and faithfulness to him (see verses 1-4). He proceeds to recount God’s record of having declared His sovereign control over all in verses 6-9.

The other thing I have observed up close this week that has equally impacted me is the commitment of Luke and Becca Voight who are preparing to leave for Malawi in a few months. We recently invited them to our care group—Beverly and I had already enjoyed a lunch presentation with them—so we were hearing their heart for ministry a second time. I was impressed with the fact that they are leaving family behind (including two sets of grandparents to Lizee), choosing native village housing (without all of the amenities to which we are accustomed), going to learn a new language, and literally divesting themselves of all of their earthly goods via a garage sale before their departure—and all of this, as a matter if excited obedience to the call of God to serve Him in spreading the gospel.

How does that relate to David’s testimony “My heart is steadfast…”? What’s ion focus is my own occasional descent into worry and complaining. David is facing a huge challenge but he keeps a “steadfast heart” in the midst of anticipating what lays ahead. Luke and Becca, facing an uncertain future with less than ideal circumstances demonstrate a “steadfast heart”, fully confident of God’s call and His promised provision.

In the end David proclaims, “With God we will gain the victory…”, and contextually, we can assume, he means that in spite of the size of the enemy’s challenge. For Luke and Becca there is a fearlessness that is steeped in the knowledge of God’s promises and God’s provision, and nothing the enemy may set before them will deter them from their ministry.
My prayer is that God will give me a “steadfast heart”. These are troubling days—the trauma of the Middle East that already touches us, the terror of our country’s economic mess and the related social unrest. Here and abroad there is reason for concern…even fear.

Except for God—the God who led David to victory over the enemies, the God who goes before Luke and Becca in Malawi—and the God who we can trust to see us through the challenge of what is before us today. Lord, give us “steadfast hearts”.