The dictionary defines “benediction” as an invocation of divine blessing. Usually a benediction is given at the end of a public worship service and is intended for an entire audience although benedictions can be personal as well.
One of my favorite authors wrote a benediction long ago to be read to a group assembled for worship. The author was King David, and the benediction we know as Psalm 20. Examine it now, if you will.
1 May the Lord answer you in the day of trouble;
May the name of the God of Jacob defend you;
2 May He send you help from the sanctuary,
And strengthen you out of Zion;
3 May He remember all your offerings,
And accept your burnt sacrifice. Selah
4 May He grant you according to your heart’s desire,
And fulfill all your purpose.
5 We will rejoice in your salvation,
And in the name of our God we will set up our banners!
May the Lord fulfill all your petitions.
6 Now I know that the Lord saves His anointed;
He will answer him from His holy heaven
With the saving strength of His right hand.
7 Some trust in chariots, and some in horses;
But we will remember the name of the Lord our God.
8 They have bowed down and fallen;
But we have risen and stand upright.
9 Save, Lord!
May the King answer us when we call.
This is my wish for all who would read this blog this year. I hope that you will only trust in the name of the Lord and in the power of His name and His truth. Remember what He has done for you and look forward to what He is going to do for you and in you. Know that by His might and His salvation alone we are victorious and none who come against us will overcome us.
Rejoice in Him. Seek Him in all you do and He will give you your heart’s desire. Begin this year with a banner unfurled over your life that declares your allegiance to the one and only King of King’s. Rely on Him and call on Him in times of trouble and praise Him in all things because He is good and He is worthy.
Take this Psalm of Benediction that King David wrote so long ago and imprint it on your heart and mind. Let it be a rally for you to begin 2014 and refer back to it often and I promise that you will be encouraged and strengthened for the days ahead.