God Promises to Stand at Your Right Hand

​Psalm 109:29-31 My accusers will be clothed with disgrace and wrapped in shame as in a cloak. 30 With my mouth I will greatly extol the LORD; in the great throng I will praise him. 31 For he stands at the right hand of the needy one, to save his life from those who condemn him.
 
THE Bible often of the right hand as a symbol of ultimate power: Colossians 3:1 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Soldiers were taught to fight with their right hand and defend with their shield in their left hand. And the first verse of the next psalm is: The LORD says to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.” (Psalm 110;1) Ultimate power and victory belong to God.
   But as he ends Psalm 109, David puts God at his right hand. Was David believing God was under his authority?
   It’s difficult to be one at the top of power and prestige. Greater power generates greater opposition. David once more lists through Psalm 109 the many threats he encountered. V 2b They have spoken against me with lying tongues…8 May his days be few; may another take his place of leadership. 9 May his children be fatherless and his wife a widow…11 May a creditor seize all he has; may strangers plunder the fruits of his labor. 12 May no one extend kindness to him or take pity on his fatherless children. Who can stand against such hateful attacks?
   David always knew he needed God’s help. So he did what he often did. He stopped to once again consider how close the LORD God is to him.
   With the sound of victory and triumphant faith, David denounces his opposition. He knows he is in God’s presence, for he stands at the right hand of the needy one, to save his life from those who condemn him. David is saying, “The LORD God stands with me. He stands at my right hand. He stands in my strength to save me from my accusers.” How sweet it is to know that God becomes your right hand. Difficult circumstances can easily attack your heart and diminish your resolve. Jesus knows what you are feeling. He knows you need him to be  your strength.
   Jesus knows because he has walked the most difficult path of all. This psalm is also seen as a prophetic word regarding Jesus’ life, ministry and resurrection. We know Jesus’ accusers defiled him at every turn. They took him before Pilate to be crucified. No one stood beside him that terrible day.
   But then the Father sent the Spirit to stand at Jesus’ right hand. He defeated all opposition when the Spirit raised Jesus to life. In power and authority Jesus arose to the Father’s right hand to wage war against Satan. At just the right time, Jesus will come from his throne of power to  end all evil.
   That’s why you can know Jesus’ resurrection power is at your right hand. From God’s right hand Jesus sends his Spirit and his angels to stand strong for you against your enemies, afflictions and sorrows. That’s why you can stand strong in faith to trust Jesus is with you always.
   As Jesus prepared for the cross, he knew his disciples would face the kinds of opposition David has described. So he said to them, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27) He is your resurrected Lord, who knows you and he knows his power to help you. Listen to him.