R.C. Sproul

Do not be like the horse or like the mule, which have no understanding.

which must be harnessed with bit and bridle, else they will not come near you."

God is now speaking to David and to all who are in that position, don't be like a mule, don't be like a horse that requires a bit in their teeth attached to a bridle

so that in order to get your attention, I have to yank on these reins and pull you around to myself.

Don't be like that.

And yet that is how we are.

That is how we tend to be, even as Christians, that when we fall into sin, God has to jerk the reins to get our attention because we are as stubborn as the proverbial mule, and we need to be reined in by the strong right hand of God.

And God is saying, don't be like that.

But rather, we should be people who have the understanding to come near to the Lord when we need His forgiveness.

And then David finishes this psalm by saying, Many sorrows shall be to the wicked, but he who trusts in the Lord, mercy shall surround him.

Boy, I love that image.

Huh?

It's not that we will just be touched lightly or tapped on the shoulder by mercy, but the mercy of God will surround us, be all around us, will be engulfed by the mercy of God.

That's the Christian life.

That's what is true for everyone who places their trust in the Lord.

Be glad in the Lord.

And rejoice, you righteous, and shout for joy, all you upright in heart.

Now here's a man who shouted before, who shouted in anger when Nathan told him the parable of the wealthy man who stole the ewe lamb from the poor man.

And David shouted in anger against this person who would perpetrate such a crime in his kingdom.

And then he shouted with groanings of pain when Nathan revealed his sin to him, saying, "'Thou art the man.'"