Scholars believe that Psalms 101 was written at the beginning of King David's rule. It seems to make sense that in the very early days of his reign he declares the standards for his own personal conduct as well as all those who will serve with him in the palace. In most palaces, the farther back to went the more wickedness and evil deeds you would find. David was determined that this would not be the way his kingdom was run. Immorality, fornication, evil, sinfulness, indulgence to the flesh would not find any place in his palace.
Notice David's plan to purify his palace.
1. Pure Palaces begin with the king's heart. (2)
Psalm 101:2 I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way. O when wilt thou come unto
me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart.
David's declaration to God and to the people of his palace was that he we behave
A. Wisely in a perfect way
There is no doubt that David was not perfect. Even after this declaration he sinned. He sinned because he is a sinner just like every other human being. However, David's perfection was found in his whole-hearted desire to please God with every day of his life. It was more important to David than popularity, riches, or a bigger kingdom. He wanted to have God's presence with him and his kingdom. In the middle of this verse David interrupts himself by saying, "O when wilt thou come unto me?" Most likely this is a reference to the Ark of the Covenant, which was where the presence of God dwelt. David wanted God's presence in Jerusalem with him. He understood that God could never be present with someone who would not strive to please God with their entire life. He no doubt witness first-hand how that God's presence left King Saul when he because filled with sinful and selfish ambitions. Having the Ark of the Covenant close by would have been a confirmation to David that God was with him, please with him, and that he would receive constant aide and direction from God.
Our desire should be to have God’s presence with us at all time. However, this takes a desire to walk/live wisely in a perfect way. But what does that look like. When you wake up in the morning, is one of your first thoughts about spending some time with God? As you encounter difficulty throughout the day, do you ever think to ask God for help? Do you ever notice other people and think, “this person needs to know about salvation?” Do you struggle with your flesh on a regular basis because you are fighting to do what is right? Do you catch yourself before you tell a lie, say a bad word or a critical comment about someone else? Do you turn your head when you see something that you shouldn’t? Do you ask God to clear your mind of wrong thoughts when they appear on your brain’s monitor? These are some questions that will help you know if you are striving to walk wisely with God in a perfect way. Remember not to be discouraged when you fail. We will all fail until heaven, yet failure should motivate us to depend on God’s help even more. Failure should help us realize how wicked our hearts truly are. This is why David praise God for his mercy and judgment because he knows God is forgiving if we will turn back to him after failure and strive again with his help to do right.
I Need Thee Every Hour
Annie S. Hawks
I need thee every hour, most gracious Lord;
no tender voice like thine can peace afford.
Chorus
I need thee, O I need thee; every hour I need thee;
O bless me now, my Savior, I come to thee.
I need thee every hour; stay thou nearby;
temptations lose their power when thou art nigh.
I need thee every hour, in joy or pain;
come quickly and abide, or life is vain.
I need thee every hour; teach me thy will;
and thy rich promises in me fulfill.
I need thee every hour, most Holy One;
O make me thine indeed, thou blessed Son.
2. Walk within his house with a perfect heart
David realizes that if the outward appearance of his kingdom is to be godly, then the inward heart of the king must be godly as well. This godliness was not just to be during public appearances, but also in his private residence. His desire is not to put on a show that looks perfect, but his desire and promise to God is that his heart truly will be perfect. The King could easily cover-up his wickedness with threats and bribes, but King David’s desire was not to be a hypocrite. He wants his heart to be continually striving to depend on God and to please God with every thought, goal, and desire of his life.
If we ever want God’s presence in our palace/life, our first desire must be for a perfect heart. We must also strive for godliness in private as well as in public. Some many of us are really good at acting like Christians at church or when others are watching, but what about when we are at home. May God help us not to be so concerned with the outside first, but with the inward. Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. The word “transformed” means “to be changed from the inside out.” It comes from the same word that means metamorphosis. If we are to be godly, we need to ask God to help us in our heart. David wants everything that goes on in his palace to please God. Psalms 101 reveals to us his plan to purify the palace. Step #1 of that plan was to purify his inward and private life. May God help us to do the same so that our life is pleasing to God as well.
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