There probably is very little comparison between the world in which I live and the world David lived in. Sure, the nature of man is the same, but the times of David and the times of Pete are vastly different. And yet, when reading many of David’s songs, there is a “connectability” that transcends eras . . . there is an identification which goes beyond technological and societal differences . . . there is an ability for the meditations of David to resonate deeply, despite our different life situations. The connection . . . the common ground . . . the in-sync frequency . . . is born out of the fact that he and me, that we are the people of God. Called of God . . . blessed of God . . . in awe of God . . . all by the grace of God. And so it is, that as I read Psalm 5 this morning, that I’m drawn in . . . and in particular I notice a common definition and a common response of those who would be the people of God.

But let all who take refuge in You rejoice; let them ever sing for joy, and spread Your protection over them, that those who love Your name may exult in You. (Psalm 5:11 ESV)

The people of God are those who take refuge in the LORD. They find in Him the place of protection and security. That’s why we call Him our rock and our fortress and our deliverer (2Sam. 2:22). Through the “abundance of His steadfast love” (5:6) He has made way for us to enter His house . . . and in that house, to find refuge. An eternal refuge for our souls through the shed blood of the Christ . . . our sins atoned for . . . our iniquity cleansed . . . our transgressions remembered no more. Safe and secure in the robes of righteousness freely given to all who believe and are in Christ. A protection for the day to day assault of life . . . God promising never to leave us nor forsake us (Heb. 13:5). A rest and safety which transcends the immediate circumstance or the uncertain future . . . for it is a refuge “in You” . . . a sanctuary found in God Himself.

The people of God are also those who love His name. That name which encompasses the full spectrum of His magnificent and majestic character . . . that name by which all authority, on heaven and earth, is given . . . that name which is above every name . . . God’s people love His name. Whether it is manifest in the name Jehovah or Jesus . . . the LORD God or the Lamb of God . . . the Almighty or the Messiah . . . there is something about the name of God which moves the people of God at their very depths. That “something” being sourced in the Spirit of God who has been given to reveal the deep things of God . . . the inner thoughts of God . . . the nature of God . . . such that, when we muse on the name of God, we can’t help but love the name of God.

And for those who take refuge . . . for those who love the name . . . David calls us to rejoice . . . to ever sing for joy . . . to exult in Him.

The people of God are worshipers . . . they are rejoicers . . . they are singers.

When gripped afresh by the security that is ours in Christ through the overflow of God’s steadfast love . . . when our eyes are focused anew on the holy character of God . . . how can we not but respond with joy . . . exultation . . . rejoicing . . . and song!

O’ that the people of God would be glad in their God. That we would dive deep and swim joyfully in the pool of His grace. That we would be filled with unspeakable joy in the refuge of our God and the love of our Savior.

So it was with David . . . so may it be for us. By His grace . . . for His glory . . .