The Psalms of the Bible

PSALM 1

2009-11-22T09:01:00.000-08:00

Hey All,

This summer I am going through "The Psalms of the Bible" again. As often as possible, my husband Bill and I do the day's Psalm together. We finally got our sitting garden going and that's where we enjoy the study. Yeah!

Some thoughts from Psalm 1; I found the mention of fruit bearing in v. 3 really interesting:

"They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all that they do."

There are so many references to bearing fruit in the New Testament. Here are two that I really enjoyed; Philippians 11:1 and John 15:16 (below):

"You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you."

By delighting in His Word and meditating on it day and night, we can be fruitful and not barren in our walk with Christ. God bless!

PSALM 2

2009-11-20T11:09:00.000-08:00

For Psalm 2 I noted as a theme "Jesus is the King of Kings; submit to Him!" What did you put?

Sitting in my garden yesterday, talking with a friend, we were noticing how you can boil down much of the world's unrest to people trying to deny and throw off the Lord's rule over His creation. This Psalm makes that so clear. But...oh what joy for all who take refuge in Him! (v. 12b)

PSALM 3

2009-11-19T08:52:00.000-08:00

Good Morning! Another beautiful, hot, sunny day in North Texas. Today I'm on Psalm 3. I love this Psalm. The first thing that I'm struck by is that David, the author of this Psalm, is struggling with his enemies, and here we find Him running to God to rescue him. This is a wonderful example for us. So often we don't look solely to God until all else has failed us.

I also find it interesting that people taunted David for trusting in God (v.2). David's trust in God, was obvious to all those around him, and some of them reacted negatively. That will happen to us too, and sometimes it hurts. But Jesus said we are blessed when it does. Here are a couple of cross references for v. 2 - Ps. 22:7,8 Ps. 71:11-16.

In the "What did you learn about God?" section for Psalm 3 I listed all the different things I learned about God our rescuer: He is our shield, He lifts our (despondent) heads, He watches over us when we sleep, He rescues us, and VICTORY comes from Him alone!

God bless!

PSALM 4

2009-11-17T09:32:00.000-08:00

This Psalm by King David, is similar to Psalm 3. David is exhorting those who "seek falsehood" and "love worthlessness" to know that the Lord has set the godly apart for Himself (v. 2, 3). He assures the weak that the Lord will hear them when they call.

Great instructions follow in v. 4 and 5: first, in your anger and disappointment do not sin, instead be still, second live sacrificially to please the Lord; and third, trust, trust, trust in the Lord.

In v. 6b through the end of the Psalm David closes with a prayer and thanksgiving. I prayed these verses from my heart to God's; you may want to too.

God bless!

PSALM 5

2009-11-16T10:08:00.000-08:00

Good morning! Another great day, if you're in the air conditioning that is! Over 100* again today.

If you are looking for major themes as you go through the Psalms, I think the theme of rejoicing or having joy is apparent in Psalm 5. After several comparisons of those who enter God's house praying to Him (v. 7) vs. those who are evil and boastful and who will not stand in His sight (v. 5), the writer closes the Psalm in v. 11 and 12 mentioning several times the "joy" that belongs to the believer!

The verse that moves me the most is the last part of v. 11: "Let those also who love your name be joyful in You." It caused me to reflect that the only place that lasting joy will be found is in Him, and not in accomplishments, things or even other people. I strenghthened my resolve to spend more time with Him each morning.

What did you get out of this Psalm?

PSALM 6

2009-11-15T17:01:00.000-08:00

Happy 4th of July! Of course I'm thinking about our greatest freedom; freedom in Christ, "He whom the Son sets free, is free indeed!"
There are many great things to focus on in Psalm 6, so I'll just share the one that ministered to me today. Verse 2b says, "Have compassion on me, Lord, for I am weak."

The Lord knows our frame, He knows what we are made of. The Bible says He knows our weaknesses and has compassion on us (Hebrews 4:16 & 10:21). How wonderful! I think it's so important that we have the freedom to come to Him in our weaknesses, and like the psalmist to confess our weaknesses, knowing that He'll receive us and restore us. I was also reminded how essential it is that I extend this compassion to others for their weaknesses as well.

Down in verses 8 & 9 we see the confidence of being heard and answered. Have you ever spoken with that much confidence; that God has heard you and will answer your prayer? We can pray like that:)

PSALM 7

2009-11-14T15:58:00.000-08:00

Have you ever been torn to pieces by persecution, or felt attacked on all sides? Well, you're in good company, David, the writer of this Psalm, was too. David ran to God, who defends the innocent. As a theme for this Psalm I put "God is just and rescues His own."

I think it's interesting that we see in v. 14-16 that people who conceive trouble and give "birth to lies" reap what they sow. God is able to protect those whose hearts turn fully to Him. This Psalm reminds me to let the Lord sort it out when people persecute, lie about or stir up trouble for me or my family and friends.

What part of this Psalm spoke to you?

PSALM 8

2009-11-13T20:21:00.000-08:00

I think it is so neat how this Psalm begins and ends with "O Lord, our Lord, your majestic name fills the earth!" It reminds me that everything begins and ends with God. In Acts 17:28a it says, "In Him we live and move and and exist."

For the "What did you learn about God?" section I wrote that all of creation is His handiwork (v. 3, 4), including the children that He "taught" to praise Him (v. 2), and people who He has filled with His glory and crowned with His honor (v. 5). It blows me away that God has blessed us and loves us so much that He has chosen to crown or encircle us with His glory! I don't know about you but that makes me realize His love and care for me, all because of Christ.

What did you put for this section?

Below is a link for the song "O Lord How Majestic is Your Name in all the Earth" Click on the "Listen now" option.

http://www.metrolyrics.com/how-majestic-is-your-name-lyrics-sandi-patty.html

Discussion Questions Week 2

2009-11-12T06:14:00.000-08:00

I would love to have some "group" discussion for the Discussion Questions for Week 2. For question number one I put;
To keep remembering how loved I am by the Lord. To remember that I've been washed in the blood of the precious Lamb. That I have been accepted in the beloved!
What did you all have for 1, 2 or 3?

PSALM 9

2009-11-11T06:25:00.000-08:00

One of the things that you can look for on your Psalm page for "Points of interest to study further" is the making of a list. When you see many different facets of a topic being mentioned in a Psalm like; God's characteristics, the joy of the believer, our reliance on Him, etc., you can make a list of them in order to draw out the meaning and application from the Psalm.

For Psalm 9 I saw a whole list of things God does for the oppressed. This is my list: He is a shelter for the oppressed, a fair and just judge, He doesn't abandon those that search for Him, He avenges murder and cares for the helpless, He doesn't ignore their cries, and He lifts the hopes of the poor.

This is a great list to read to yourself or share with another when they are being oppressed. Remember, God won't abandon you when you search for Him!
God bless!

PSALM 10

2009-11-10T06:58:00.000-08:00

This Psalm has the same cry as Psalm 9, for the Lord to ARISE and punish the wicked; those who say "God is dead."

Another great study technique is noticing key words. This is generally a repeated word that is significant. It helps to draw out the message in the Psalm and bring it home. In this Psalm the repeated word that stood out to me is "seeing." I find the different ways that it is used thought provoking.

1) The wicked do not "see" the punishment awaiting them (v. 5b).
2) They think God does not "see" what they do (v. 11)
3) We are assured that God "sees" the trouble they cause; He will punish them (if they don't repent) and will bring justice to the oppressed (v. 14).

We have had so much religious and political freedom in our country that we may not appreciate what it is to be so oppressed that we cry out to God to be free of evil oppressors. But don't forget that there will be a day of accounting for the proud and lawless. So don't grow weary in doing well.

God bless!

PSALM 11

2009-11-09T13:36:00.000-08:00

Hello everybody! In verse 2 when the Psalmist mentions his enemies drawing their arrows and shooting at the upright in heart, I thought of Ephesians 6 where Paul tells us how to deal with the fiery arrows of the devil. His instructions include using the shield of faith to stop the arrows from hitting their mark and doing their damage.

What is it about faith that makes a great shield? Hebrews 10:32-36 has a lot to say about faith. We know that faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen, it's assurance about the things we can not see. Also in Hebrews 11:6 we find that faith is believing that God exists and that He is a rewarder of those that diligently seek Him.

Our confidence in God's promise of eternal life keeps us from faltering. As I meditated on this basic but most important truth, I personally realized that that many of my worries and concerns over this or that, will fall away as I comprehend the promise of eternal life. It frees me up not to succomb to every attack that comes my way. Eph. 6:18 also tells us to pray in the Spirit at all times and to be persistant in praying for all believers. Great instructions for handling lifes battles! I look forward to the promise in Psalm 11:7b;

"For the Lord is righteous, He loves justice; Those who do what is right shall see His face."

Praise the Lord!

PSALM 12

2009-11-08T10:57:00.000-08:00

In Psalm 12 David is bemoaning of the loss of the "godly man, the faithful man." All around him he sees people who use their speech deceitfully and for selfish gain. He sees no fear of God in their lives (v. 2,3,4).

In contrast, David says in verse 6, "The words of the Lord are pure words." In the book of James we learn a lot about the tongue;

Jas 3:2 Indeed, we all make many mistakes. For if we could control our tongues, we would be perfect and could also control ourselves in every other way.

and;

Jas 3:9 Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God.

For me this Psalm is a great reminder to consider my motivation as I talk with others, and to be careful not to "curse those who have been made in the image of God." Additionally, I think this Psalm is a good challenge to look and see if our faith is propelling us toward godliness:)

God bless!

Discussion Questions Week 3

2009-11-07T11:46:00.000-08:00

Hello - For question 1 "When you pray do you feel that you can let go of "keeping up appearances" with God? I put;

I recognize that I relate to God somewhat through a filter of my experiences and who I am. For me, I had two great fathers, so approaching Father God is comfortable. I think the area that I want to grow in is knowing that because of the blood of Jesus that I am worthy and ask for God's blessings at all times, without shrinking back.

This is where renewing our thinking comes in. Spending daily time in the Word and prayer is the key.

What did anyone else have on these DQ?

PSALM 13

2009-11-06T12:51:00.000-08:00

Hope you all are having a great day:) Psalm 13 has a good pattern for prayer. The psalmist earnestly and honestly pours out his needs and desires to God (v. 1,2). Then in verses 3 & 4 he makes a confident and bold request of the Lord, and in verses 5 & 6 David affirms his trust in God's mercy and salvation in every situation; closing with praise;

"I will sing to the Lord, because He has dealt bountifully with me."
Beautiful!

There are many other things that can be drawn out of the Psalm. Some of the possibilities are; v. 1 & 2 When you don't feel heard; v. 4 Not being moved; v. 5 Trusting in God's mercy; v. 6 How the Lord deals bountifully with us.

What did God speak to you through this Psalm?

PSALM 14

2009-11-05T05:44:00.000-08:00

Do you ever run across people who look down on you for being a Christian? Perhaps intellectuals who think belief in God as Creator is archaic? Or the liberated person who will not be bound by the morality of the past? Psalm 14 starts out with God's view of these ideas; those who say "there is no God" are fools. This encourages me to share Christ knowing that the wisdom we have is from God and needs to be shared unashamedly.

For ""Do you find a theme?" I put; The foolish and the wise. What did you have for a theme?

I also really liked v. 2 where it connects having wisdom and understanding with seeking God. This echos Proverbs 1:7 that says, "Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline." What did you have under "Points of interest"?

Have a great day!

PSALM 15

2009-11-04T19:29:00.000-08:00

In the margin of my study Bible there is a wonderful cross reference for verse 2 of this Psalm; it is Ephesians 4:24. I really enjoyed comparing the Psalm to what Paul writes in Eph. 4:17 to 5:14. It's all about putting off our old sinful nature and putting on our "new nature - created to be like God." I love this exhortation in 5:8 & 9;

"For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the
Lord. So live as people of light! For this light within you produces only
what is good and right and true."

Does your Bible have any cross references that really spoke to you?

God bless!

PSALM 16

2009-11-03T05:57:00.000-08:00

Wow, every Psalm has so many great messages that it's sometimes hard to choose which part to blog about. This time I think I'll share about what I put in the "What did you learn about God? " section.

I basically made a list of the things that I found in this Psalm about who God is, and what He does for us; He is my Master, every good thing comes from Him, He is my inheritance and my cup of blessing, He guards all that is mine, He guides me and is right beside me, and in the final verse, He grants me joy in His presence and the pleasure of living with Him forever (NLT)!

I also found it interesting that in verse 5 it says that God is my cup of blessing. It reminds me that Christ drank the cup of sorrows (Mark 10:37-40 & Mark 14:35,36) so that He can be my cup of blessing.

God bless!

Discussion Questions Week 4

2009-11-02T06:20:00.000-08:00

For #2 what came to mind is the importance of keeping my word with my husband and kids about the day to day things: like being ready to go at the agreed upon time, getting back home when I say I will, doing the little things that I've said I will take care of, getting off the phone or the computer when I say I will, etc. I feel like keeping these "promises" is important and worth paying attention to. So I'll be working on it:)

PSALM 17

2009-11-01T06:33:00.000-08:00

A good study tool is being on the lookout for contrasts; one idea being made clearer by being placed with the opposite idea. In this Psalm I loved the contrast of verses 4 & 5. In v. 4 the psalmist says that he has kept himself from the path of the destroyer (NKJ), from following cruel and evil people (NLT). In verse 5 there is the contrast; his steps have stayed on God's path (NKJ), he has not wavered from following God (NLT).

I love the picture of the two paths. It reminds me of Joshua's challenge to "Choose this day whom you will serve." And in John 12:23-26 Jesus tells us that anyone who wants to be His disciple must follow Him. We are always on some path, the questions to ask ourselves is which one we are on?

Happy trails to you!

PSALM 18

2009-10-31T06:40:00.000-07:00

Hi all! Just for a little fun with looking for key words (words that are the key to the authors message), how many times do you find "rescue" and "saves" or their closely related words like "salvation" in this Psalm? I came up with 12 times in the NLT version. There is also "rock" at the beginning, middle and end of the Psalm (v. 46);

The Lord lives! Praise to my rock!
May the God of my salvation be exalted!

As the Bible says, "Selah" - pause and meditate on how God is your Rock, your Fortress and your Savior; give Him praise.

Another neat way to get this Psalm in your heart is to make a list of the different ways that God has armed you for strength, there are several in v. 32-36.

If you've never done it before, try praising God for His great salvation out loud and with great enthusiasm:)

PSALM 19

2009-10-30T05:32:00.000-07:00

Praise God for this beautiful day! His mercies are new every morning! This Psalm seems to divide nicely into three parts; extolling God's power and perfection in His creation, extolling God's power and perfection in His Word, and ending with a petition to the Lord for grace to live a life that is pleasing to Him.

The truth of who God is, is clearly revealed in creation, the truth of who God is, is clearly revealed in His Word. As it says in verses 1 & 2,

The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies proclaim His craftsmanship. Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they continue to make Him known.

And I love the last verse; "May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer." NLT

It might be valuable to make a list of all the ways that the Word is described in verses 7-11.

God bless!

PSALM 20

2009-10-29T07:26:00.000-07:00

I love this Psalm! You can find music and words to sing to this Psalm at http://www.psalmistry.com/psalms_christian_music_directory.piano.htm . It is one of my favorite songs from that collection. The theme that I found in my Thomas Nelson NKJ Bible for this Psalm is "The Assurance of God's Saving Work," which is exactly how this Psalm spoke to me. Such a beautiful Psalm about the greatness of the salvation that we have in Him.

Here are some of the things that I found that are encompassed in His saving work listed in this Psalm: He defends us (v. 1), He grants us our heart's desire (v. 4), and fulfills our petitions (v. 5). And of course, the greatest benefit of salvation; delivering us from perdition into eternal life with Him through Jesus Christ.

I also love how this Psalm is a blessing that can be prayed over all those that you love (v. 1-5). God hears and He answers. Verses 7 & 8 challenge us to ask ourselves if we can say with the psalmist "Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; But we will remember the name of the Lord our God."

PSALM 21

2009-10-28T07:59:00.000-07:00

Verses 1- 7 of this Psalm are great to read in the first person...

How I rejoice in Your strength, O Lord!
I shout for joy because You give me the victory.
For you have given me my hearts desire;
You have withheld nothing I have requested.

and v. 6...

You have endowed me with eternal blessings
and given me the joy of your presence.

David's heart's desire and his requests must have been part of God's best for his life, because God gave him the victory and held nothing back that he requested. As we spend time in the Word and in prayer our heart's desire and requests can be shaped and blessed by God too.

PSALM 22

2009-10-27T08:42:00.000-07:00

The theme of this Psalm could be "The suffering and the glory of Jesus!" You can find many cross references to the New Testament in the margins of most Bibles throughout this Psalm. Some of these references relate to Jesus' suffering such as verse 16;

My enemies surround me like a pack of dogs; an evil gang closes in on me. They have pierced my hands and feet.

Others like verses 27 & 28 tell of His glory;

The whole earth will acknowledge the Lord and return to Him. All the families of the nations will bow down before Him. For royal power belongs to the Lord. He rules all the nations.

One of the parts of this Psalm that spoke to me personally is v. 22a;

I will proclaim your name to my brothers and sisters.

Jesus is quoted using this very verse in Hebrews 2:11-13, calling believers His brothers and sisters. It explains that we can be called His brothers and sisters because He (Jesus) has made us holy. This reminds me that the relationship that I have with Jesus is just that, a relationship, to be treasured and experienced everyday!

PSALM 23

2009-10-26T17:42:00.000-07:00

Imagine times of sitting on an old porch swing with a ice cold glass of homemade lemonade. Or perhaps an old fashioned day of picking berries from the garden, later to be served as a tasty cobbler for your family. Good times.

Psalm 23 strikes me a bit like that; a huge dose of God's goodness, just for us, in a way we can understand it. And of course, because it's dealing with eternal truth it's message goes so much deeper, building our sense of security in God's care and goodness in our life.

For my theme I put "The Lord is my good Shepherd." I love the analogy of us as defenseless, gentle creatures, prone to wondering. Jesus as the good Shepherd, so willingly and wonderfully caring for His sheep. For the "What did you learn about yourself?" section I put, "Remembering to meditate on the Lord's care and goodness to me so that I can have the joy of my salvation." God bless!

PSALM 24

2009-10-25T08:32:00.000-07:00

For my theme I put "Jesus is the King of glory!" I found the psalmist's cry in verses 7 & 9 very interesting, "Open up, ancient gates! Open up, ancient doors, and let the King of glory enter." The cross reference in the margin of my study Bible points to Zechariah 9:9 where Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem is prophesied. Also, there is the cross reference to Matthew 21;1-11 where the prophesy is fulfilled as Jesus enters Jerusalem through the ancient gates. You may want to take time to read those verses.

I'm excited about the fact that when Jesus returns as King of glory to rule and reign, He will once again enter through the ancient gates!

Discussion Questions Week 6

2009-10-24T08:48:00.000-07:00

For Discussion Question 1 "What do you think is the most remarkable aspect about finding detailed prophesies pertaining to Christ in the Psalms?" I put, "It shows the sureness of God's Word, confirming that He will keep His Word about things yet to come. Psalm 24 was a powerful example of this."

Which question did you find most interesting and what did you put for an answer?

PSALM 25

2009-10-22T08:56:00.000-07:00

Hello Friends!

Making lists can help us draw out many of the main points and clarify the message. My first list for this Psalm was Things that God does for us: He forgives our sins, teaches us His way, shows us the path to choose, rescues us from traps, keeps us from distress, and is our friend. Four different times in the NLT version we are told that He shows us the path or the road to take. This really encouraged me. God wants to, and is leading us in the right paths for our lives.

"... that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ." (Phil. 1:6b)

My second list was The psalmist's attitude and actions toward the Lord. If you have time you can make this list yourself. Ponder on your lists and see what the Lord is speaking to you through this Psalm. I look forward to hearing from you!

PSALM 26

2009-10-21T11:52:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends;
There are so many interesting ideas in this Psalm. The idea that stood out the most to me this morning is the emphasis on words such as; walk, sat, go about, and stands. They run through the whole Psalm. If someone were to talk to David in modern vernacular, they might say, "Where are you coming from man?" or "Where are you at?" Based on his words from this Psalm, David might say, "I'm walking in His truth man, telling everyone how great He is. I'm hanging in His presence." It's where David was coming from, hanging with God, not with the hypocrites or the idolators. Where will you and I spent this day, walking with Him, standing in His presence, or hanging with the idolators?

PSALM 27

2009-10-20T08:08:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends:

Looking at the backdrop for Psalm 27, David is dealing with people who have come against him (v. 2, 3, 6, 12), but he has nurtured a confidence in God in times of trial. This Psalm was to encourage David's soul, as well as our own, in times of conflict. We can be confident of "one thing" just as David was: that we will dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of our life, beholding the beauty of the Lord. I love the exchange between David and the Lord in verse 8: When you said, "Seek my face," My heart said to you, "Your face, Lord, I will seek."

Thus the great closing admonition for us: "Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait I say on the Lord!" I honestly believe we can have this kind of confidence in our trials if we will seek His face, dwell in His presence, and wait on Him.

Blessings!

Discussion Questions Week 7

2009-10-19T05:57:00.000-07:00

In the Week 7 Discussion Questions I found the first question the most thought provoking: "David speaks of the different ways in which he will be kept safe from the enemy in Psalm 27. Which one of them would be the most meaningful to you in your life right
now?"

When I studied Psalm 27 I was impressed with David's "one thing" that he seeks the most; to live in God's house, delighting in the Lord's perfections all the days of his life. So I went and spent sometime in the Lord's presence, just sitting there being still, enjoying His presence. It was marvelous and definitely a safe haven from the "attacks" of the enemy of our souls.

Blessings

PSALM 28

2009-10-18T03:28:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends;

In reading Psalms 28 this morning I was touched by many things, I'll share two of them: Verse 5, regarding those who care nothing for what the Lord has done, challenged me to think about the inestimable value of Christ's work on the cross saving each one of us who believe. We must be careful not to tear down those Christ died for, but to lift up His body of believers.

I was also touched by verse 9b where David asked the Lord to lead us like a shepherd, carrying us in His arms forever. Luke 15:5 tells us that when Jesus finds His lost sheep, He joyfully carries it home on his shoulders. Jesus is carrying us today, and always; enjoy the ride!

PSALM 29

2009-10-17T15:32:00.000-07:00

As I'm reading Psalm 29 today I'm struck by the last verse: "The Lord blesses them with peace." This verse presents such a contrast to the rest of the Psalm; painting a picture of our God as He who shatters the cedars of Lebanon and whose voice thunders over the mighty seas. And yet... He sent His Son as the Prince of Peace. It was the angel's proclamation to the shepherds...peace on earth, good will towards men. Through faith in Jesus we have absolute peace with the Almighty who rules over the flood waters. Romans 5:2 says, "Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing His glory."

I for one don't want to take it for granted that Almighty God, who has the right and the power to do anything, has chosen to give us strength and bless us with peace! I hope that this unearned peace that we have with God will bring peace to our minds hour by hour as we go through our days.

For me knowing this truth is the sure cure for fear brought on by condemnation. Christ has cleansed me and brought me into this place of peace with God, and no one can take me from it. How does having God's peace impact your life on a practical level?

Peace on earth and good will to men!

PSALM 30

2009-10-16T11:51:00.000-07:00

In the study tip for Psalm 30 I encouraged you to journal about a time when God brought you to a place where "...joy comes in the morning," as it did for David in this Psalm. My first thought is from the time when I received salvation. I came from a place of not knowing anything about God's love for me, or the forgiveness that He gives, to a place of full forgiveness and acceptance and love. It was like night and day. I didn't get saved until I was about 27 years old, and by then I had figured out that I didn't have the answers. I was looking in the wrong places for the kind of love that only God can give. Don't we all? He does turn mourning into joyful dancing (v. 11 NLT)! How about you?

(Photo credit Jennifer Welch)

PSALM 31

2009-10-15T12:06:00.000-07:00

What a Psalm! What an amazing Psalm. When David finds himself under severe attack, he cries out to the Lord for mercy and help. In the midst of his trial David says, "You are my God! My future is in Your hands." (v.14b,15a) David knows who his God is and what His character is like. He knows that God's goodness is "stored up" for those that fear Him; He lavishes it on those that come to Him for protection (v. 19).

Can you say with David that God is "your" God? I told my children the other day that when I was a child, I made the family dog "my" dog, even if no one else knew about or agreed upon it:)

Are you absolutely sure of your God's character? David asked God to save him because of His unfailing love; as in never failing love for those who cry out to Him for mercy. Be confident with the psalmist that your future is in your God's hands and that He has never failing love for you. When we know this, we can face the present trials and the future with strength and courage.

Blessings!

Psalm32

2009-10-13T12:50:00.000-07:00

How often it is, when I'm trying to convince myself of how right I am in a conflict, that all I really need is to humble myself before the Lord with genuine repentance and godly sorrow. Have you ever noticed how God is then able to work in our hearts and bring us the resolution and peace that we desire? God is good and He doesn't want us stuck in our self righteousness, but dependent on His mercy.

I am so glad that I can enter His throne-room to seek grace and forgiveness - 24/7!

Psalm 32 A Psalm of David.

Oh, what joy for those

whose disobedience is forgiven,

whose sin is put out of sight!

Yes, what joy for those

whose record the LORD has cleared of guilt,

whose lives are lived in complete honesty!

When I refused to confess my sin,

my body wasted away,

and I groaned all day long.

Day and night your hand of discipline was heavy on me.

My strength evaporated like water in the summer heat.

Interlude

Finally, I confessed all my sins to you

and stopped trying to hide my guilt.

I said to myself, “I will confess my rebellion to the LORD.”

And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone.

Interlude

Therefore, let all the godly pray to you while there is still time,

that they may not drown in the floodwaters of judgment.

For you are my hiding place;

you protect me from trouble.

You surround me with songs of victory.

Interlude

The LORD says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life.

I will advise you and watch over you.

Do not be like a senseless horse or mule

that needs a bit and bridle to keep it under control.”

Many sorrows come to the wicked,

but unfailing love surrounds those who trust the LORD.

So rejoice in the LORD and be glad, all you who obey him!

Shout for joy, all you whose hearts are pure!

PSALM 33

2009-06-12T18:58:00.000-07:00

So often when I read the Psalms I say to myself "This is my favorite one." Psalm 33 is amazing. It contains so many wonderful truths that it's sometimes hard to choose an idea and zero in on it for discussion. And each time I read through the same Psalm different parts grab my heart. That's a wonderful thing.
Today I noticed the repeated use of "unfailing love" in the NLT version of the Bible. In verse 5 it tells us that God's unfailing love fills the earth. In the NKJ it's translated as the "goodness" of the Lord. In verse 18 we're told that the Lord watches over those who rely, lean on or count on his unfailing love (His mercy in the NKJ). Finally in verse 22 the Psalmist cries out to God and asks to be surrounded by God's unfailing love. In all three of these verses the word "unfailing love" is the Greek word checed. It speaks of God's mercy, His kindness and His favor towards men. Jesus said of Himself, quoting Isaiah 61:1, 2 "He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free, and that the time of the Lord's favor has come." God's free gift of favor has been given to us through Jesus Christ. His favor and unfailing love fills the earth, protects us as we rely upon Him and surrounds us, for our hope is in Him alone!