August 23, 2025 • 11 mins
Title: Psalm 21: Lasting Joy and Strength from God’s Victory
Psalm 21 shows answered prayer, joy, and trust in God’s steadfast love. Discover lasting security in His presence through this psalm of victory.
Short Description
Psalm 21 invites us to rejoice in God’s answered prayers and trust in His steadfast love. In this episode, we explore how the psalm teaches us to pause, praise, and find lasting security in the loyal love of God.
Episode Highlights
- How Psalm 21 contrasts with Psalm 20’s desperate prayer before the battle
- Why answered prayer should move us to deep, lasting praise
- The hinge verse of Psalm 21 and its focus on God’s steadfast love
- How trusting God’s covenant loyalty provides security amid uncertainty
- The forward-looking assurance of God’s justice and Christ’s ultimate reign
- Practical ways to rejoice after deliverance and anchor confidence in God
Resources and Next Steps
- Join the free Navigator Level of the Lessons for Life Community: https://jameslongjr.org/community
- Explore full membership and coaching options: https://jameslongjr.org/signupnow
- Download devotionals, attend live meetups, and access biblical life training to grow emotionally, relationally, and spiritually.
ABOUT JAMES and LESSONS FOR LIFE
Are you seeking hope, wisdom, and practical solutions to life’s challenges? Dr. James Long, Jr., pastor, counselor, and professor with over 30 years of experience, helps people discover God’s solutions to emotional, relational, and spiritual challenges. Each episode of Lessons for Life points you to the peace and freedom found in Jesus Christ.
Resources and Next Steps
- Join the free Navigator Level of the Lessons for Life Community: https://jameslongjr.org/community
- Explore full membership and coaching options: https://jameslongjr.org/signupnow
Listen and Subscribe: Find Lessons for Life with James Long, Jr., wherever you listen to podcasts
Connect
- Instagram: https://jameslongjr.org/instagram
- Facebook: https://jameslongjr.org/facebook
- YouTube: https://jameslongjr.org/youtube
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Well, hello everyone, it's James Long Jr.
Do me a favor and grab yourBible and turn to Psalm 21.
Psalm 21 celebrates answeredprayers, enduring joy and
lasting security in God'spresence.
It offers hope for those whohave prayed through crisis and
are learning to rejoice in thevictory that God has given and
(00:20):
to trust Him for the battles yetto come.
Well, the first section we'llbe looking at today is the joy
of looking back and seeing God'shands.
There are moments in life whenwe cry out to the Lord in
desperation, when the weight ofuncertainty presses down and all
that we can do is pray.
Psalm 20 captured a moment likethat, as God's people
(00:43):
interceded for their king on thebrink of battle.
But Psalm 21 invites us to theother side of the story the day
after the deliverance, the dawnof rejoicing.
Watch what it says in verse 1.
Oh Lord, in your strength theking rejoices, and in your
salvation, how greatly he exalts.
This is not aself-congratulatory celebration,
(01:05):
it's worship.
David's victories are nottreated as the result of clever
strategy or strong armies, butas a divine answer to prayer.
The same lips that once beggedfor mercy now burst with praise.
Now many of us struggle tolinger in this posture.
We know how to plead, but weforget how to praise.
(01:25):
We sprint through the valley,but we never pause at the
mountaintop.
Psalm 21 slows us down andteaches us how to give thanks
with depth, how to reflect onGod's specific answers and how
to recognize his hand in everystep.
Watch what it says in verse 2.
You have given him his heart'sdesire and not withheld the
(01:46):
request of his lips.
These words echo Psalm 20,verse 4.
The petition has become atestimony.
God answered David's prayer notjust partially but abundantly.
He gave him a crown in verse 3,preserved his life in verse 4,
increased his glory in verse 5,and filled him with joy through
(02:08):
his presence verse 6.
This psalm is for anyone whohas seen God show up in
unexpected ways, who have prayedthrough sleepless nights and
now find themselves standing inthe sunrise surprised by grace.
It reminds us that joy is notshallow celebration.
It's the fruit of rememberingGod's faithfulness, the security
(02:30):
of trusting God's loyal love.
Verse 7 is the hinge of thispsalm and the heart of its
theology.
Watch what it says, for theking trusts in the Lord and
through the steadfast love ofthe Most High, he shall not be
moved.
David did not merely experiencevictory.
He was angered by somethingdeeper, by abiding trust in the
(02:52):
unfailing love of God.
The Hebrew word cheseddescribes God's covenantal love,
his steadfast, immovable,promise-keeping love.
It's not conditional, it doesnot waver with circumstances.
This is what undergirds theking's confidence.
His feet are steady, notbecause the battle is over, but
(03:12):
because his heart is rooted in aGod who cannot be shaken.
It is the trust that hascarried him into war and it's
the same trust that will carryhim forward.
If your heart feels tossed bythe winds of uncertainty, psalm
21 offers you a place to stand.
You're not secure because yourenemies are gone.
You are secure because God isnear.
(03:34):
His love is loyal, his purposesare firm, his presence is
enough.
Now notice that David does notsay Through my strength I shall
not be moved, but he saysthrough the steadfast love of
the Most High.
This psalm is not aboutself-assurance, but it is about
God-dependence, and it is goodnews for all of us who feel our
(03:54):
limitations acutely, trustingGod for the victories still to
come.
The second half of the psalmturns towards the future.
The language shifts fromthanksgiving to expectation.
Watch what it says in verse 8.
Your hand will find all of yourenemies, your right hand will
find those who hate you Verse 8.
These are not words ofvengeance, but assurance.
(04:15):
The king and his people haveseen God's deliverance in the
past and now they trust him tocontinue the work.
The same God who crowned Davidwith victory will conquer future
threats.
The same hand that upheld himin battle will bring justice to
those who oppose God's kingdom.
For the believer, this pointsbeyond David to Christ.
(04:37):
Psalm 21 has a typologicalthread running through it the
king who trusted fully in God,who was crowned with thorns
before he was crowned with glory, who rose from the dead and now
reigns forever.
This king is Jesus.
He is the one who brings finaljustice.
He will conquer sin, death andevery force that sets itself up
(04:58):
against the will of God.
And we, his people, wait withconfidence, not because we are
strong, but because he is.
Wait with confidence, notbecause we are strong, but
because he is.
Evil will not win.
Those who plot against the Lordwill not prevail.
God will bring them low andthose who have taken refuge in
him will stand in awe, notbecause of their own
righteousness, but because ofthe mercy and might of God.
(05:20):
Let God be lifted high in yourpraise.
The psalm ends where it began.
Watch when it says in verse 13,.
Be exalted, o Lord, in yourstrength, we will sing and
praise your praise.
The psalm ends where it began.
Watch what it says in verse 13.
Be exalted, o Lord, in yourstrength.
We will sing and praise yourpower, verse 13.
This is a fitting conclusion tothe heart that has seen the
faithfulness of God.
It's the final expression ofjoy, not self-glory, but
(05:41):
God-exalting worship.
When God answers your prayers,let praise become your posture.
When he delivers you, let joyfill your mouth.
When he reveals his power, donot keep it quiet.
Let it echo, sing, testify andrejoice.
Psalm 21 is not just about theend of a battle.
It's about a heart posture thatshould mark our entire journey
(06:04):
Humble dependence, joyful praiseand offering trust in the love
of the Lord.
Well, let's look at thedoctrinal truths from Psalm 21.
Number one God answers theprayers of the righteous.
He hears and acts on behalf ofthose who trust in Him.
You'll see that in Psalm 34,verse 15, 15, and in 1 John 5,
(06:27):
verse 14.
Number two the victories ofGod's people are expressions of
His power.
Any success is a demonstrationof God's might, not our own.
1 Corinthians 15, verse 57 willhelp us there as well.
Number three trusting God leadsto security.
Those who rely on God'ssteadfast love will not be
(06:49):
shaken.
You can find that in Psalm 125,verse 1.
Number four God's blessingsoften exceed our prayers.
He gives abundantly more thanwe can ask or imagine.
I love this passage inEphesians 3, verse 20.
And number five Christ is theultimate fulfillment of this
(07:10):
royal psalm.
Jesus reigns with eternal gloryand ultimate victory over evil,
revelation 19.11-16.
Now let's put all of thattogether and let's make it
practical.
Perhaps you're in a seasonwhere prayers have been answered
and long-awaited breakthroughshave come.
(07:30):
Or perhaps you're at thebeginning, where you feel the
warmth of God's nearness after along winter.
Rejoice deeply, reflectintentionally and praise freely.
Take time to remember what Godhas done, name the answers to
prayers that you have receivedand let your joy be rooted not
in the temporary relief but inthe enduring presence of the
(07:53):
Lord.
And let Psalm 21 teach you thatvictory is not an invitation to
self-reliance but a call todeeper dependence.
Let it point you forward to thefinal triumph of your king.
He will come again, he willfinish what he has started, and
you in him will not be moved.
Well, let's reflect and respond.
(08:14):
Number one what answers toprayers can you trace back to
God's hand at work?
Number two in what ways haveyou been quick to pray but slow
to praise?
Number three Number four whatdoes trusting in God's steadfast
(08:39):
love look like in your dailylife?
Number five are you anchoringyour confidence in the strength
of God or in your abilities?
Number six how does the futurevictory of Christ shape your
present circumstances?
Number seven what specificpraise can you offer to God
(09:02):
today for his faithfulness toyou?
Well, let's pray.
Thank you so much for Psalm 21.
Thank you for the beauty ofanswered prayer, thank you for
the beauty of enduring joy andthank you for the lasting
security that we have in yourpresence.
Remind us of your son, remindus of his victory, fill us with
(09:23):
your spirit and help us to bringglory and honor to your name.
In Jesus' name we pray Amen.
Rejoicing after the storm.
So if you're going through astorm in life, remind yourself
that you can rejoice because Godpromises you ultimate victory
in him.
If you're looking for moresupport, consider joining our
(09:44):
free navigator level of ourLessons for Life community at
jameslongjrorg slash communityfor devotionals, meetups and
training that will help you walkby faith or explore one of our
full memberships atjameslongjrorg slash.
(10:05):
Sign up now for deeper coachingand content designed to help
you grow in emotional,relational and spiritual wisdom.
The battle may be behind you,but the praise should never be.
Rejoice in his strength, restin his love and you will not be
shaken.
Well, thank you so much forbeing with us again.
We look forward to seeing younext time.
(10:25):
Be blessed, take care.
Well, hello everyone, it's James Long Jr.
Do me a favor and grab yourBible and turn to Psalm 21.
Psalm 21 celebrates answeredprayers, enduring joy and
lasting security in God'spresence.
It offers hope for those whohave prayed through crisis and
are learning to rejoice in thevictory that God has given and
(00:20):
to trust Him for the battles yetto come.
Well, the first section we'llbe looking at today is the joy
of looking back and seeing God'shands.
There are moments in life whenwe cry out to the Lord in
desperation, when the weight ofuncertainty presses down and all
that we can do is pray.
Psalm 20 captured a moment likethat, as God's people
(00:43):
interceded for their king on thebrink of battle.
But Psalm 21 invites us to theother side of the story the day
after the deliverance, the dawnof rejoicing.
Watch what it says in verse 1.
Oh Lord, in your strength theking rejoices, and in your
salvation, how greatly he exalts.
This is not aself-congratulatory celebration,
(01:05):
it's worship.
David's victories are nottreated as the result of clever
strategy or strong armies, butas a divine answer to prayer.
The same lips that once beggedfor mercy now burst with praise.
Now many of us struggle tolinger in this posture.
We know how to plead, but weforget how to praise.
(01:25):
We sprint through the valley,but we never pause at the
mountaintop.
Psalm 21 slows us down andteaches us how to give thanks
with depth, how to reflect onGod's specific answers and how
to recognize his hand in everystep.
Watch what it says in verse 2.
You have given him his heart'sdesire and not withheld the
(01:46):
request of his lips.
These words echo Psalm 20,verse 4.
The petition has become atestimony.
God answered David's prayer notjust partially but abundantly.
He gave him a crown in verse 3,preserved his life in verse 4,
increased his glory in verse 5,and filled him with joy through
(02:08):
his presence verse 6.
This psalm is for anyone whohas seen God show up in
unexpected ways, who have prayedthrough sleepless nights and
now find themselves standing inthe sunrise surprised by grace.
It reminds us that joy is notshallow celebration.
It's the fruit of rememberingGod's faithfulness, the security
(02:30):
of trusting God's loyal love.
Verse 7 is the hinge of thispsalm and the heart of its
theology.
Watch what it says, for theking trusts in the Lord and
through the steadfast love ofthe Most High, he shall not be
moved.
David did not merely experiencevictory.
He was angered by somethingdeeper, by abiding trust in the
(02:52):
unfailing love of God.
The Hebrew word cheseddescribes God's covenantal love,
his steadfast, immovable,promise-keeping love.
It's not conditional, it doesnot waver with circumstances.
This is what undergirds theking's confidence.
His feet are steady, notbecause the battle is over, but
(03:12):
because his heart is rooted in aGod who cannot be shaken.
It is the trust that hascarried him into war and it's
the same trust that will carryhim forward.
If your heart feels tossed bythe winds of uncertainty, psalm
21 offers you a place to stand.
You're not secure because yourenemies are gone.
You are secure because God isnear.
(03:34):
His love is loyal, his purposesare firm, his presence is
enough.
Now notice that David does notsay Through my strength I shall
not be moved, but he saysthrough the steadfast love of
the Most High.
This psalm is not aboutself-assurance, but it is about
God-dependence, and it is goodnews for all of us who feel our
(03:54):
limitations acutely, trustingGod for the victories still to
come.
The second half of the psalmturns towards the future.
The language shifts fromthanksgiving to expectation.
Watch what it says in verse 8.
Your hand will find all of yourenemies, your right hand will
find those who hate you Verse 8.
These are not words ofvengeance, but assurance.
(04:15):
The king and his people haveseen God's deliverance in the
past and now they trust him tocontinue the work.
The same God who crowned Davidwith victory will conquer future
threats.
The same hand that upheld himin battle will bring justice to
those who oppose God's kingdom.
For the believer, this pointsbeyond David to Christ.
(04:37):
Psalm 21 has a typologicalthread running through it the
king who trusted fully in God,who was crowned with thorns
before he was crowned with glory, who rose from the dead and now
reigns forever.
This king is Jesus.
He is the one who brings finaljustice.
He will conquer sin, death andevery force that sets itself up
(04:58):
against the will of God.
And we, his people, wait withconfidence, not because we are
strong, but because he is.
Wait with confidence, notbecause we are strong, but
because he is.
Evil will not win.
Those who plot against the Lordwill not prevail.
God will bring them low andthose who have taken refuge in
him will stand in awe, notbecause of their own
righteousness, but because ofthe mercy and might of God.
(05:20):
Let God be lifted high in yourpraise.
The psalm ends where it began.
Watch when it says in verse 13,.
Be exalted, o Lord, in yourstrength, we will sing and
praise your praise.
The psalm ends where it began.
Watch what it says in verse 13.
Be exalted, o Lord, in yourstrength.
We will sing and praise yourpower, verse 13.
This is a fitting conclusion tothe heart that has seen the
faithfulness of God.
It's the final expression ofjoy, not self-glory, but
(05:41):
God-exalting worship.
When God answers your prayers,let praise become your posture.
When he delivers you, let joyfill your mouth.
When he reveals his power, donot keep it quiet.
Let it echo, sing, testify andrejoice.
Psalm 21 is not just about theend of a battle.
It's about a heart posture thatshould mark our entire journey
(06:04):
Humble dependence, joyful praiseand offering trust in the love
of the Lord.
Well, let's look at thedoctrinal truths from Psalm 21.
Number one God answers theprayers of the righteous.
He hears and acts on behalf ofthose who trust in Him.
You'll see that in Psalm 34,verse 15, 15, and in 1 John 5,
(06:27):
verse 14.
Number two the victories ofGod's people are expressions of
His power.
Any success is a demonstrationof God's might, not our own.
1 Corinthians 15, verse 57 willhelp us there as well.
Number three trusting God leadsto security.
Those who rely on God'ssteadfast love will not be
(06:49):
shaken.
You can find that in Psalm 125,verse 1.
Number four God's blessingsoften exceed our prayers.
He gives abundantly more thanwe can ask or imagine.
I love this passage inEphesians 3, verse 20.
And number five Christ is theultimate fulfillment of this
(07:10):
royal psalm.
Jesus reigns with eternal gloryand ultimate victory over evil,
revelation 19.11-16.
Now let's put all of thattogether and let's make it
practical.
Perhaps you're in a seasonwhere prayers have been answered
and long-awaited breakthroughshave come.
(07:30):
Or perhaps you're at thebeginning, where you feel the
warmth of God's nearness after along winter.
Rejoice deeply, reflectintentionally and praise freely.
Take time to remember what Godhas done, name the answers to
prayers that you have receivedand let your joy be rooted not
in the temporary relief but inthe enduring presence of the
(07:53):
Lord.
And let Psalm 21 teach you thatvictory is not an invitation to
self-reliance but a call todeeper dependence.
Let it point you forward to thefinal triumph of your king.
He will come again, he willfinish what he has started, and
you in him will not be moved.
Well, let's reflect and respond.
(08:14):
Number one what answers toprayers can you trace back to
God's hand at work?
Number two in what ways haveyou been quick to pray but slow
to praise?
Number three Number four whatdoes trusting in God's steadfast
(08:39):
love look like in your dailylife?
Number five are you anchoringyour confidence in the strength
of God or in your abilities?
Number six how does the futurevictory of Christ shape your
present circumstances?
Number seven what specificpraise can you offer to God
(09:02):
today for his faithfulness toyou?
Well, let's pray.
Thank you so much for Psalm 21.
Thank you for the beauty ofanswered prayer, thank you for
the beauty of enduring joy andthank you for the lasting
security that we have in yourpresence.
Remind us of your son, remindus of his victory, fill us with
(09:23):
your spirit and help us to bringglory and honor to your name.
In Jesus' name we pray Amen.
Rejoicing after the storm.
So if you're going through astorm in life, remind yourself
that you can rejoice because Godpromises you ultimate victory
in him.
If you're looking for moresupport, consider joining our
(09:44):
free navigator level of ourLessons for Life community at
jameslongjrorg slash communityfor devotionals, meetups and
training that will help you walkby faith or explore one of our
full memberships atjameslongjrorg slash.
(10:05):
Sign up now for deeper coachingand content designed to help
you grow in emotional,relational and spiritual wisdom.
The battle may be behind you,but the praise should never be.
Rejoice in his strength, restin his love and you will not be
shaken.
Well, thank you so much forbeing with us again.
We look forward to seeing younext time.
(10:25):
Be blessed, take care.
Popular Podcasts
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
The Joe Rogan Experience
The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.