KING OF THE MOUNTAIN

Matt Ballard

Central Truth

A good leader depends on the unfailing love of Christ. His wisdom is our strength. He is faithful, and He will never leave us.

For the king trusts in the Lord, and because of the sovereign Lord’s faithfulness he is not upended. (Psalm 21:7)

The King Rejoices in the LORD's Strength

To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David.

1 O LORD, in your strength the king rejoices,
    and in your salvation how greatly he exults!
2 You have given him his heart's desire
    and have not withheld the request of his lips. Selah
3 For you meet him with rich blessings;
    you set a crown of fine gold upon his head.
4 He asked life of you; you gave it to him,
    length of days forever and ever.
5 His glory is great through your salvation;
    splendor and majesty you bestow on him.
6 For you make him most blessed forever;^{1

21:6
Or make him a source of blessing forever}
    you make him glad with the joy of your presence.
7 For the king trusts in the LORD,
    and through the steadfast love of the Most High he shall not be moved.

8 Your hand will find out all your enemies;
    your right hand will find out those who hate you.
9 You will make them as a blazing oven
    when you appear.
The LORD will swallow them up in his wrath,
    and fire will consume them.
10 You will destroy their descendants from the earth,
    and their offspring from among the children of man.
11 Though they plan evil against you,
    though they devise mischief, they will not succeed.
12 For you will put them to flight;
    you will aim at their faces with your bows.

13 Be exalted, O LORD, in your strength!
We will sing and praise your power.

Footnotes

[1] 21:6 Or make him a source of blessing forever

Most of us have either seen or participated in a game of King of the Mountain. The object of the game is to stay on top of the mountain (where I grew up, typically a pile of dirt) as the king. Other players attempt to knock the king off the mountain by pushing, punching, or kicking their way to the top. For those few moments on top, it's good to be king.
I think we as Christians spend a considerable amount of time celebrating our victories on top of our mountains. Our hands are raised as WE'VE overcome addiction. Huge smiles mark our faces as WE'VE found our husband or wife. Satisfaction fills us as WE'VE led others to Christ. We are quite content to enjoy being King of the Mountain while paying no mind to the King of the Universe.
I was a small kid, but the thought of the mountaintop led me to endure countless scrapes and bruises. As an adult, I struggle with perspective in the same way. My insecurity clings to accomplishment and the praise of others. Each day I submit to Him reveals countless ways He has provided for me, and I realize I can climb none of life's mountains alone.

In Psalm 21 David goes immediately to the Lord after victory in battle. David describes all he has as gifts from God: the desire of his heart, a crown, long life, victory, majesty and eternal blessings (verses 2-6). David keeps God in the center of his life and depends upon Him. His trust in God gives him permanence and stability. David is victorious because the Lord is his foundation.

I hope we, too, can see all we have as gifts from God and give glory to the King of all mountains. Whether today finds you celebrating or struggling, I pray you do so with your eyes fixed on our Heavenly Father who will never leave you. "Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning . . . ." (Lamentations 3:22-23, NIV)

1. What mountains will you try to climb today?

2. What is your motivation to reach the top?

3. What aspects of your life have you refused to submit to Christ? What is holding you back?