In this portion of a psalm also recorded in Psalm 18, David says, “The Lord has rewarded me because I have not violated His way.” What? As I read the life of David, I see lies, adultery, and murder. What, then, is going on? In Psalms 38 and 51, we hear David acknowledge what a wretch he is, how he has failed the Lord. Before the Lord, he admits his sin. But here, in the presence of his enemies, he says he is righteous.

This is the way it must be. You see, the closer I get to God, the more I am aware of how far I am from Him, of attitudes that are amiss, of activities that are wrong. In the presence of my enemy, however - the accuser of the brethren who accuses me day and night - I say, “Back off. The Word of God says I am the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus” (see 2 Corinthians 5:21; Revelation 12:10).

You’ll never be used by the Lord, you’ll never develop a deep relationship with Him, until you learn that you are righteous in Christ Jesus. When He died on the Cross and said, “It is finished,” it was finished indeed. The price for every sin you have ever committed or will commit has been paid.

Satan’s favorite weapon is condemnation. Therefore, he will tell you that you can’t be used, that you can’t go on, but you can overcome him by the Word.