Thought For the Month – I Have Set the Lord Always Before Me

ByRev. Dr. Kenneth Kemble

The life of a Christian can sometimes be difficult.  The lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life are ever coming against the child of God to tempt him.

The Psalmist David gives the remedy for all our difficulties: “I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope.” Psalm 16:8-9

If we would set the LORD Jesus Christ always before us, that would be to us a constant strength. Our hearts would be glad, and we would find rest and peace; peace with God and peace with others.

The problem is that it is our natural tendency to place ourselves before the Lord rather than to set the Lord before us.

Our Lord said, “Thou shalt have no other gods before me.” Whenever you place yourself before God, whether you realize it or not, you have made yourself a god. And when you do that, it will always lead to trouble: “For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased.”

We must have the attitude of John when he wrote, “He must increase, but I must decrease.” John 3:30

If we are to live the life of an overcomer in Christ, we must share this sentiment and set the Lord always before us. We must hear Him, and be obedient to His Word. He must be our constant focus and the foundation upon which we build our lives.

Jesus likened those who set Him always before them, and who obey His Words, “…unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.” But He likened those who do not “…unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.” Matthew 7:24-27

If we set the Lord Jesus Christ always before us, and He is our constant focus and meditation, we will never be moved or shaken by the trials and temptations of this life. But if we do not, we will surely fall.

I challenge you to grow to the place where you can confidently say with the Psalmist: “I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope. For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.” Psalm 16:8-11

Set the Lord always before you. Walk humbly with God and seek His Kingdom above all else. This will be to you a crown of glory and a joy to your heart.