This is a psalm of praise. It is divided into five parts; three are for praise and two address why some people can’t praise God or expect His blessing. David asked that this psalm be accompanied in the worship by a flute to give it a meditative background.
Part 1 is in verses 1-3. Here David humbled himself before the Lord; David was king of Israel, but he recognized who the real King was (You are my King and my God). David was a great king, a mighty warrior, and a real leader of men, but in his morning prayers, he sees himself as a humble shepherd with a flock of sheep to great to count. His morning prayer consists of acknowledging God as his all powerful King, he brought his requests to the King, and he waits expectantly for God’s answers. This explains why he was so successful at leading people. Rather than thinking he had all the answers, he asked for Divine guidance and believed God would listen to him and respond. He had expectant faith.
Part 3 is in verses 7-8. David acknowledged that it was only God’s unfailing love that allowed him to enter God’s presence, and, when he entered the temple, he worshipped “with deepest awe”. Jesus told the woman at the well that God is seeking those who will worship Him in spirit and in truth anywhere and everywhere. We no longer have to go to a particular building or mountain because God dwells within us. David then asks God to lead him in the right path and to make the way plain for him to follow.
Part 5 is found in verses 11-12. Here David asked God to bless His people so they may rejoice, sing joyful praises, and be filled with joy. He asked God to spread His protection over them and surround them with His shield of love. These blessings are for God’s people today, but most Christians do not live in this reality. Instead, we have a tendency to let the temporary things of life crowd out our focus on God. Paul reminds us to “run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith”. Hebrews 12:2 (NLT).