Lent Day 12: Three Pearls from Psalm 20

Psalm 20: May the Lord answer you when you are in distress; may the name of the God of Jacob protect you. 2May he send you help from the sanctuary and grant you support from Zion.
3May he remember all your sacrifices and accept your burnt offerings. 4May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed. 5May we shout for joy over your victory and lift up our banners in the name of our God. May the Lord grant all your requests. 6Now this I know: The Lord gives victory to his anointed. He answers him from his heavenly sanctuary with the victorious power of his right hand. 7Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. 8They are brought to their knees and fall, but we rise up and stand firm. 9Lord, give victory to the king! Answer us when we call!

Today’s Three Pearls

•  May the Lord answer you when you are in distress; may the name of the God of Jacob protect you – v.1:Those who know the name of God understand the protective power of His name; an in-depth knowledge of the ramifications of that name invokes holy confidence in approaching the Throne of Grace. One is then bothered at the flippant use of God’s name – in casual conversation, as an expression of ongoing emotions and as a swear word. This is most disconcerting when it comes from professed Christians. We can’t use it flippantly without any regard at some times and expect it to be powerful when we use it seriously.
• May we shout for joy over your victory and lift up our banners in the name of our God – v.5:Banners continue to be used in processions all over the world. The banners lifted up in the name of God: ascribe their cause and origins to God, walk along the route with God seeking counsel at every turn of the route, and aim to give the glory  to God only at the end of the expedition. This was how David slayed Goliath, he went against him in the name of God.
• Now this I know: The Lord gives victory to his anointed – v.6:  Our Savior Jesus was anointed  by God with the oil of joy, a divine ordination that foretold his unique role as Redeemer of the world. (Heb.1:9). When He became flesh, His human nature received the anointing of the Holy Spirit as Prophet, Priest and King; to preach glad tidings, bind the broken-hearted and deliver captives. His anointing by the Spirit was without measure, a continuous fullness that fills all in all. In contrast, the anointing of the disciples and all followers  by the Spirit is measured. As Christ fills all His members, the victory He wrought on the Cross is our victory too.

Ref: Treasury of David