Living Like a King

Time for a mental vacation. Imagine that you’re a king.

You reside in a beautiful, luxurious palace. Servants are posted to respond to your every wish and whim. You eat the finest foods and wear the finest clothes. You have great wealth, and you grow wealthier by the day. You are a rich man.

You enjoy the esteem and adoration of the people of your kingdom. Your subjects are loyal. You’re celebrated and spoken well of in every context. Your leadership is trusted, and the people flourish under your governance. You are a beloved king.

Your allies respect and trust you. Your enemies tread lightly in reverent fear. Your strength and might are just as renowned as your diplomacy and fairness. You fight only for just causes, and when you enter into the fray, you’re consistently victorious. You are a powerful leader.

You awaken each day in your palace, adored by your people, respected among the nations. You look in the mirror and see only a man. You go to your secret place, fall on your knees, and humbly acknowledge and thank God. These treasures are yours because of Him.

Psalm 21 is the song of a grateful king. David praises the Lord as he inventories every blessing granted him through the unfailing love of the Most High. He confidently acknowledges the God Who brings victory over his enemies, exalting the One Who fights his every battle.

This is a king who knows Who the true King is, and he begins each day by bowing low in gratitude, humility, and the honor due his God.

Do I? Do I look around my home and thank God for His kindness and provision? I am a rich woman, and my needs have been amply supplied.

Do I look around at the faces of my family members and faithful friends and thank God for the nest of my community? I am a beloved child of God, and I enjoy rich fellowship with Him and His.

Do I look around at the circumstances of my life and thank God for His advocacy and protection? I am His daughter, and under the shadow of His wing, I’m safe and sheltered.

Oh, Lord, wake me up each day cognizant of the generosity and abundance that spring from Your love for me. Let me be eager to acknowledge You as their source and quick to thank You for every single one of them. These treasures are mine because of You.

If King David could daily humble himself in gratitude and praise, surely I can, too.

(You can read David’s entire joy-filled song to the Lord in Psalm 21.)