May 12

Therefore I will give thanks unto thee, O Lord. — 2 Sam 22:50

The keynote of David’s hymn is praise. He saw God’s hand in all the events of his life. God had girded him with strength; God had made his enemies turn their backs; God had delivered him from the strivings of the people.

Great military men sometimes write autobiographies glorifying themselves, explaining how this and that battle was won, showing how their valor or their strategy was the secret of the success on this or that field, thus weaving for themselves a crown of honor. David’s autobiography is altogether different. He hides himself away and honors God.

It is only when we are willing to be nothing that God may be all in all, that we become really great spiritually. We are but the earthen vessels that God fills with blessing. No matter how much good we may do in this world, it is not we that really do it, but God through us and in us.

Just so far, then, as we recognize this truth do we reach the highest possible spirit in Christian life.