Read Psalm 63:9-11. 9But those who seek to destroy my life shall go down into the depths of the earth; 10they shall be given over to the power of the sword; they shall be a portion for jackals. 11But the king shall rejoice in God; all who swear by him shall exult, for the mouths of liars will be stopped.
David’s enemies come into view here at the end of the psalm. Was this psalm written as David was forced into exile by his son, Absalom? If so then his simple reassertion of his title – the king shall rejoice in God – is a declaration of faith. A claim to a covenant promise made to him by God himself.
How much more can those who are in Christ assert our position in him, even in our continued exile? We too are kings and queens, image bearers of the King of Kings. We are royal priests unto God, ministering alongside Christ our High Priest. Attacks by the enemy don’t change who we are. Our identity in Christ is secured by his blood, not our experience.
To live is Christ is to live within our blood bought identity as children of God, priest-kings and priest-queens on Earth. And to reassert that identity, especially in times of distress.
You: In what ways has the enemy been attacking you at the identity level lately?
You in Christ: Do you need to reassert who you are in Christ?
Christ in you: You are a royal priest in Christ. How might your interactions today look different if you fully accepted this identity?
Pray: Jesus, it is hard for me to see myself the way you see me, but help me today to reassert my place in your covenant of mercy. Amen.