Integrity #8—Praises for Integrity

God chose David, his servant … to shepherd Jacob his people, and Israel his inheritance. So he shepherded them wholeheartedly and guided them with his skillful hands. Psalm 78:69–72

Father, I celebrate how you created in order to manifest your glory, and declared that the knowledge of your glory will fill the earth as the waters cover the sea. I am amazed at how you oversaw the dispersion of the genetic lines of our first parents, so that at the right time Jesus would be born of a virgin to die for the benefit of your chosen people from every tribe and tongue and nation of earth. I eagerly anticipate how this will result in the praise of your glory. Indeed, you have never wavered in your righteous commitment to display the fullness of your glory. Even our fallible leaders are evidence of your integrity in this matter. You honor those who honor you. Because David’s heart aligned with yours, you chose him and gifted him to care for your special people. Even though he failed occasionally, he did not abandon you or your mission for him. By your grace, his wholehearted devotion to you became the standard by which you measured all who followed him. Jesus came and remained faithful through every trial. By maintaining your own integrity, you have encouraged me to maintain mine. The Spirit now encourages my heart so that I delight in following your instructions. He causes me to obey your commands with the same joy Jesus did. He enables me to know the certainty of your promises to those whose way of living aligns wholly with yours. The darkness recedes as the light of your glorious day spreads through my life. You are indeed the great ONE! Amen.