Walking with God through Pain and Suffering

by Timothy J. Keller

It is possible to read verse 3 as a kind of adoration-based repentance. David is saying, “But you are a shield around me, O Lord—not any other thing! And you are my glory and the lifter of my head—not these others! Not my record nor political power nor even my son’s love or my people’s acclaim—only you!” That is praise, but it is grounded in repentance—and it is also repentance grounded in praise. How does God actually become our glory? The only answer is: through a rediscovery of the gospel of free grace. If we hear the accusation in our heart: “God will not save you; you are unworthy!” the only answer is that God’s salvation is not for the worthy but for the humble—those who admit they are not worthy. This is directly stated in verse 8—“From the Lord comes deliverance (salvation).” This is identical to the famous declaration of Jonah: “Salvation is of the Lord” (Jonah 2:9). We do not save ourselves—it is unmerited.