There are a few themes happening here, though I think we’ll only touch on a couple of them.
“For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken. On God rests my salvation and my glory; my mighty rock, my refuge is God. Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us. Put no trust in extortion; set no vain hopes on robbery; if riches increase, set not your heart on them. Once God has spoken; twice have I heard this: that power belongs to God, and that to you, O Lord, belongs steadfast love. For you will render to a man according to his work.” (v1-2,7-8,10-12)
David is being quite clear as to where his faith and trust are – in God, at all times. He cautions against trusting in worldly things and sins such as extortion or money – these are fleeting and not to be trusted. Only God alone is steadfast, a fortress, a mighty rock, a refuge. In Him alone is salvation and glory, not the self-salvation or fleeting glory this world falsely offers.
The eye-catcher for me is the final line – “For you will render to a man according to his work” (v12b). Curious, because Paul says “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” (Eph 2:8-9) Why would David make this seemingly contradictory statement, that indicates we earn something according to our works? Is he talking about works-based salvation?
Let’s look at the context. David is speaking about two things: God’s system of grace and mercy, and worldly system of achievement, which are opposing world views. God’s system is what Paul and David describe – a grace-based salvation, not contingent upon us, but on the character of God. The opposing view David mentions has humankind’s trust placed in sin or in worldly wealth/achievement.
David states “Those of low estate are but a breath; those of high estate are a delusion; in the balances they go up; they are together lighter than a breath.” (v9) The people who are of this world don’t balance the scales, for they lack substance. At the time of God’s judgement, these worldly achievements in which they placed their trust will not amount to anything.
When David closes with “For you will render to a man according to his work” he’s actually just saying that God will look at people based on where their faith (and their works as a result of their faith) lies. Either way, if their works (the outward expression of faith) are based in the world, or if they are based in God’s kingdom, God will render a corresponding reward unto each person. Works alone are not able to save, which is why God’s grace and mercy are required and those who don’t have that won’t measure up.
Father God, we come before you today confessing that we have sinned and fall so short of Your glory that we cannot repair the gap ourselves. Thank you for justifying us by Your grace as a gift through the redemption made available through Jesus. Through faith in Jesus’ sacrifice that paid the penalty for our sin, we can receive Your righteousness as our own. Thank you that this gift of forgiveness is equally available to everyone, both Jew and Gentile, and that we can’t rely on our own insufficient works in order to receive it. You are our Deliverer, Fortress, Refuge and Strength. May we constantly and consistently put our faith and trust in You alone. (Rom 3:21-29, v2,7 par)
~ Conqueror in Training