Talking to God

As I sat reading Psalm 21 this morning something struck me about how David talked to God. First we see that, as the king, he gave God the credit for the strength of the kingdom. David was a wise leader and a mighty man but in his wisdom and might he saw the strength of the Lord. In verses 2-6 we find him praising God for giving him the victories and answering his prayers. When talking to God we often present a 'wish list' without acknowledging His previous blessings on us. These verses present a servant of God that is full of joy and thanksgiving. In verses 7-12 David changes his focus to future events. The faith of the king didn't just rest in past victories but continued on to the future promises of God's divine help. In verse 11 David confirms that those who seek to fight against the Lord are 'not able to perform'. No wonder he is considered the greatest king Israel ever had. David could have trusted in his own great abilities and no doubt would have made an effective leader in most circumstances, but the greatest thing about him is his relationship with the Lord. Sure he had great faith and great love for God, however, the communication of praise, worship, adoration, and trust made him a man after God's own heart. David concludes this psalm by saying 'Be thou exalted, LORD, in thine own strength: so will we sing and praise thy power.' This is David glorifying God and promising future praise for the Creator and Sustainer of life.
David wasn't a perfect man and made many mistakes in his life. Should we follow the example of David? I say yes, as long as we follow those characteristics that glorified God. No one should follow a man except where that man is following the Lord. Paul said in 1Co rinthianns11:1 'Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.' He wasn't trying to be the leader of a religious order. Paul gave up those ambitions when he met the Lord on the Damascus road as a Pharisee. He is saying to follow his example of service to the Lord. It would do us well to talk to God of the things He has blessed us with and the help He has provided instead of presenting a list of wants followed by the usual 'amen'.
Let us follow after righteousness and peace, giving God the glory for the past victories as well as our faith in future promises.