Friday, April 10, 2009
Colossians 3:13
"Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." (NIV)
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Malachi 2:10
"Have we not all one Father? Did not one God create us? Why do we profane the covenant of our fathers by breaking faith with one another?" (NIV)
1 John 4:12
"No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us." (NIV)
1 John 1:7
"But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the bood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin." (NIV)
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
James 4:11
"Brothers, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against his brother or judges him speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it." (NIV)
1 Corinthians 1:10
"I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought." (NIV)
Romans 15:7
"Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God." (NIV)
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
1 Peter 5:5
"Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, 'God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.'" (NIV)
Romans 12:16
"Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited." (NIV)
Monday, April 6, 2009
Zechariah 7:9
"This is what the LORD Almighty says: 'Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another." (NIV)
Friday, April 3, 2009
Hebrews 10:24
"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds." (NIV)
Thursday, April 2, 2009
1 Peter 3:8
"Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble." (NIV)
Ephesians 4:32
"Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." (NIV)
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
James 4:11
"Brothers, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against his brother or judges him speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it." (NIV)
1 Corinthians 1:10
"I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought."(NIV)
Romans 15:7
"Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God." (NIV)
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
1 John 3:23
"And this is his command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us." (NIV)
Ephesians 4:2
"Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love." (NIV)
Monday, March 30, 2009
Hebrews 3:13
"But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness." (NIV)
1 Thessalonians 5:11
"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." (NIV)
Ephesians 5:19
"Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord." (NIV)
Romans 14:13
"Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother's way." (NIV)
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Galatians 5:13
"You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love." (NIV)
Romans 12:10
"Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves." (NIV)
John 13:34
"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another." (NIV)
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Psalm 66
1Shout with joy to God, all the earth!
2Sing the glory of his name; make his praise glorious!
3Say to God, "How awesome are your deeds! So great is your power that your enemies cringe before you.
4All the earth bows down to you; they sing praise to you, they sing praise to your name." Selah
5Come and see what God has done, how awesome his works in man's behalf!
6 He turned the sea into dry land, they passed through the waters on foot—come, let us rejoice in him.
7He rules forever by his power, his eyes watch the nations—let not the rebellious rise up against him. Selah
8 Praise our God, O peoples, let the sound of his praise be heard;
9 he has preserved our lives and kept our feet from slipping.
10For you, O God, tested us; you refined us like silver.
11You brought us into prison and laid burdens on our backs.
12You let men ride over our heads; we went through fire and water, but you brought us to a place of abundance.
13I will come to your temple with burnt offerings and fulfill my vows to you-
14vows my lips promised and my mouth spoke when I was in trouble.
15I will sacrifice fat animals to you and an offering of rams; I will offer bulls and goats. Selah
16Come and listen, all you who fear God; let me tell you what he has done for me.
17I cried out to him with my mouth; his praise was on my tongue.
18If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened;
19but God has surely listened and heard my voice in prayer.
20Praise be to God, who has not rejected my prayer or withheld his love from me!
In verse one, who does David call to praise God with shouts?
Read verse 4. Can you imagine the whole earth bowing to the Lord? Think of the most magnificent and grand aspect of nature that you have ever seen. Now, imagine that place or object bowing low to the God of its creation and sustainment.
How many times do you see the word Selah in this psalm? Selah means “stop and consider”. The David is begging you to stop and wrap your mind around these powerful claims of earthly praise!
In verse 16, David asks if he can personally tell what the Lord has done in his life.
We see the “bigness” of God in nature beside the “intimacy” of God in the person. Do you comprehend one of these ideas easier? Often, as people, we tend to cling to the idea that brings the most peace or understanding to ourselves. However, it is crucial to not loose sight of any of God’s attributes. Remind yourself right now how God is both powerful and personal.
2Sing the glory of his name; make his praise glorious!
3Say to God, "How awesome are your deeds! So great is your power that your enemies cringe before you.
4All the earth bows down to you; they sing praise to you, they sing praise to your name." Selah
5Come and see what God has done, how awesome his works in man's behalf!
6 He turned the sea into dry land, they passed through the waters on foot—come, let us rejoice in him.
7He rules forever by his power, his eyes watch the nations—let not the rebellious rise up against him. Selah
8 Praise our God, O peoples, let the sound of his praise be heard;
9 he has preserved our lives and kept our feet from slipping.
10For you, O God, tested us; you refined us like silver.
11You brought us into prison and laid burdens on our backs.
12You let men ride over our heads; we went through fire and water, but you brought us to a place of abundance.
13I will come to your temple with burnt offerings and fulfill my vows to you-
14vows my lips promised and my mouth spoke when I was in trouble.
15I will sacrifice fat animals to you and an offering of rams; I will offer bulls and goats. Selah
16Come and listen, all you who fear God; let me tell you what he has done for me.
17I cried out to him with my mouth; his praise was on my tongue.
18If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened;
19but God has surely listened and heard my voice in prayer.
20Praise be to God, who has not rejected my prayer or withheld his love from me!
In verse one, who does David call to praise God with shouts?
Read verse 4. Can you imagine the whole earth bowing to the Lord? Think of the most magnificent and grand aspect of nature that you have ever seen. Now, imagine that place or object bowing low to the God of its creation and sustainment.
How many times do you see the word Selah in this psalm? Selah means “stop and consider”. The David is begging you to stop and wrap your mind around these powerful claims of earthly praise!
In verse 16, David asks if he can personally tell what the Lord has done in his life.
We see the “bigness” of God in nature beside the “intimacy” of God in the person. Do you comprehend one of these ideas easier? Often, as people, we tend to cling to the idea that brings the most peace or understanding to ourselves. However, it is crucial to not loose sight of any of God’s attributes. Remind yourself right now how God is both powerful and personal.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Psalm 22
Read through the entire psalm one time or two times through before you begin. Then, buckle yourself in, because there are amazing treasures in this psalm that you will discover.
1My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from the words of my groaning?
2 O my God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer, by night, and am not silent.
3Yet you are enthroned as the Holy One; you are the praise of Israel.
4In you our fathers put their trust; they trusted and you delivered them.
5They cried to you and were saved; in you they trusted and were not disappointed.
6But I am a worm and not a man, scorned by men and despised by the people.
7All who see me mock me; they hurl insults, shaking their heads:
8 "He trusts in the LORD; let the LORD rescue him. Let him deliver him, since he delights in him."
9Yet you brought me out of the womb; you made me trust in you even at my mother's breast.
10From birth I was cast upon you; from my mother's womb you have been my God.
11Do not be far from me, for trouble is near and there is no one to help.
12Many bulls surround me; strong bulls of Bashan encircle me.
13Roaring lions tearing their prey open their mouths wide against me.
14I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint. My heart has turned to wax; it has melted away within me.
15My strength is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth; you lay me in the dust of death.
16Dogs have surrounded me; a band of evil men has encircled me, they have pierced my hands and my feet.
17I can count all my bones; people stare and gloat over me.
18They divide my garments among them and cast lots for my clothing.
19 But you, O LORD, be not far off; O my Strength, come quickly to help me.
20 Deliver my life from the sword, my precious life from the power of the dogs.
21 Rescue me from the mouth of the lions; save me from the horns of the wild oxen.
22 I will declare your name to my brothers; in the congregation I will praise you.
23You who fear the LORD, praise him! All you descendants of Jacob, honor him!
Revere him, all you descendants of Israel!
24 For he has not despised or disdained the suffering of the afflicted one; he has not hidden his face from him but has listened to his cry for help.
25 From you comes the theme of my praise in the great assembly; before those who fear you will I fulfill my vows.
26 The poor will eat and be satisfied; they who seek the LORD will praise him—may your hearts live forever!
27 All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the LORD, and all the families of the nations will bow down before him,
28 for dominion belongs to the LORD and he rules over the nations.
29All the rich of the earth will feast and worship; all who go down to the dust will kneel before him—those who cannot keep themselves alive.
30Posterity will serve him; future generations will be told about the Lord.
31They will proclaim his righteousness to a people yet unborn— for he has done it.
Throughout the psalms, David uses dramatic language to depict his sufferings and anguish, but this psalm is different. It isn’t merely a cry for safety, or deliverance. According to all the written records of David that we have, He never once comes close to execution. This psalm, however, describes an intense execution.
Do you see any language that affirms that idea?
Read v. 1-5. How does David describe the state he is in? He says, “My God, my god, why have you __________ me?”
In v. 3-5, he reminds himself that God is “enthroned” and that his fathers (men of the faith before him) never regretted trusting God.
In just these three small verses, we see David taking his thoughts captive and claim in truth to himself for a moment. Truth in our mind brings perspective to our eyes.
Read verse 6. What does David call himself? Can you think of a more pitiful depiction? He feels “forsaken” (v.1) and “worthless” (v.6), but he continues to remember his roots. Read verse 9-10.
In verses 11-18, what sticks out to you personally? There is no right answer here, just observe for yourself.
The language in these 8 verses initially refers to the psalmists’ experiences, but the ultimate fulfillment of these words will be found in the execution of Jesus Christ at the cross.
Read the following statements that are pulled from v. 11-18.
This is an exhaustive description of the death of crucifixion! Death by crucifixion was not even conceived of until the rule of the Romans, but this psalm was written previous to the Roman Empire even being established! King David’s psalm transcends time and takes us to Jesus, the true King. This is prophecy of the Christ.
Read v. 27. David goes on to say that all the families will bow to the Lord, and further, all the nations. Read Romans 15:12 for another reference of Jesus ruling the nations.
In the last verse, David proclaims, “He has done it”. Jesus’ final proclamation on the cross was one in the same. He says, “It is finished” (John 19:30).
What David writes about is clearly a description of what was to come. How amazing are our timeless prophetical scriptures! Stop and consider that your Savior’s death was planned since the beginning of time; he had plans to offer redemption before you were even created. Today, focus your mind on your salvation, and meditate on how His death has affected your life. Praise Him.
1My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from the words of my groaning?
2 O my God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer, by night, and am not silent.
3Yet you are enthroned as the Holy One; you are the praise of Israel.
4In you our fathers put their trust; they trusted and you delivered them.
5They cried to you and were saved; in you they trusted and were not disappointed.
6But I am a worm and not a man, scorned by men and despised by the people.
7All who see me mock me; they hurl insults, shaking their heads:
8 "He trusts in the LORD; let the LORD rescue him. Let him deliver him, since he delights in him."
9Yet you brought me out of the womb; you made me trust in you even at my mother's breast.
10From birth I was cast upon you; from my mother's womb you have been my God.
11Do not be far from me, for trouble is near and there is no one to help.
12Many bulls surround me; strong bulls of Bashan encircle me.
13Roaring lions tearing their prey open their mouths wide against me.
14I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint. My heart has turned to wax; it has melted away within me.
15My strength is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth; you lay me in the dust of death.
16Dogs have surrounded me; a band of evil men has encircled me, they have pierced my hands and my feet.
17I can count all my bones; people stare and gloat over me.
18They divide my garments among them and cast lots for my clothing.
19 But you, O LORD, be not far off; O my Strength, come quickly to help me.
20 Deliver my life from the sword, my precious life from the power of the dogs.
21 Rescue me from the mouth of the lions; save me from the horns of the wild oxen.
22 I will declare your name to my brothers; in the congregation I will praise you.
23You who fear the LORD, praise him! All you descendants of Jacob, honor him!
Revere him, all you descendants of Israel!
24 For he has not despised or disdained the suffering of the afflicted one; he has not hidden his face from him but has listened to his cry for help.
25 From you comes the theme of my praise in the great assembly; before those who fear you will I fulfill my vows.
26 The poor will eat and be satisfied; they who seek the LORD will praise him—may your hearts live forever!
27 All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the LORD, and all the families of the nations will bow down before him,
28 for dominion belongs to the LORD and he rules over the nations.
29All the rich of the earth will feast and worship; all who go down to the dust will kneel before him—those who cannot keep themselves alive.
30Posterity will serve him; future generations will be told about the Lord.
31They will proclaim his righteousness to a people yet unborn— for he has done it.
Throughout the psalms, David uses dramatic language to depict his sufferings and anguish, but this psalm is different. It isn’t merely a cry for safety, or deliverance. According to all the written records of David that we have, He never once comes close to execution. This psalm, however, describes an intense execution.
Do you see any language that affirms that idea?
Read v. 1-5. How does David describe the state he is in? He says, “My God, my god, why have you __________ me?”
In v. 3-5, he reminds himself that God is “enthroned” and that his fathers (men of the faith before him) never regretted trusting God.
In just these three small verses, we see David taking his thoughts captive and claim in truth to himself for a moment. Truth in our mind brings perspective to our eyes.
Read verse 6. What does David call himself? Can you think of a more pitiful depiction? He feels “forsaken” (v.1) and “worthless” (v.6), but he continues to remember his roots. Read verse 9-10.
In verses 11-18, what sticks out to you personally? There is no right answer here, just observe for yourself.
The language in these 8 verses initially refers to the psalmists’ experiences, but the ultimate fulfillment of these words will be found in the execution of Jesus Christ at the cross.
Read the following statements that are pulled from v. 11-18.
- I am poured out like water
- Bones are out of joint
- Strength is dried up
- Tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth
- Band of evil men surround me
- Pierced hands and feet
- People stare and gloat over me
- They divide my garments
- Cast lots for my clothing
This is an exhaustive description of the death of crucifixion! Death by crucifixion was not even conceived of until the rule of the Romans, but this psalm was written previous to the Roman Empire even being established! King David’s psalm transcends time and takes us to Jesus, the true King. This is prophecy of the Christ.
Read v. 27. David goes on to say that all the families will bow to the Lord, and further, all the nations. Read Romans 15:12 for another reference of Jesus ruling the nations.
In the last verse, David proclaims, “He has done it”. Jesus’ final proclamation on the cross was one in the same. He says, “It is finished” (John 19:30).
What David writes about is clearly a description of what was to come. How amazing are our timeless prophetical scriptures! Stop and consider that your Savior’s death was planned since the beginning of time; he had plans to offer redemption before you were even created. Today, focus your mind on your salvation, and meditate on how His death has affected your life. Praise Him.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Psalm 132
The LORD Has Chosen Zion
A Song of Ascents.
1Remember, O LORD, in David’s favor,
all the hardships he endured,
2how he swore to the LORD
and vowed to the Mighty One of Jacob,
3"I will not enter my house
or get into my bed,
4I will not give sleep to my eyes
or slumber to my eyelids,
5until I find a place for the LORD,
a dwelling place for the Mighty One of Jacob."
6Behold, we heard of it in Ephrathah;
we found it in the fields of Jaar.
7"Let us go to his dwelling place;
let us worship at his footstool!"
8Arise, O LORD, and go to your resting place,
you and the ark of your might.
9Let your priests be clothed with righteousness,
and let your saints shout for joy.
10For the sake of your servant David,
do not turn away the face of your anointed one.
11The LORD swore to David a sure oath
from which he will not turn back:"One of the sons of your body
I will set on your throne.
12If your sons keep my covenant
and my testimonies that I shall teach them,their sons also forever
shall sit on your throne."
13For the LORD has chosen Zion;
he has desired it for his dwelling place:
14"This is my resting place forever;
here I will dwell, for I have desired it.
15I will abundantly bless her provisions;
I will satisfy her poor with bread.
16Her priests I will clothe with salvation,
and her saints will shout for joy.
17There I will make a horn to sprout for David;
I have prepared a lamp for my anointed.
18His enemies I will clothe with shame,
but on him his crown will shine."
This psalm refers to 2 important things in the history of Israel: the ark, or Ark of the Covenant, and the promise God made to David, what we call the Davidic Covenant. I’d encourage you to read 2 Samuel 6-7. It is a good amount of reading, but it will give you some great biblical history on how David was involved with the ark and this promise with God. Verses 1-10 take a look at the ark, so let’s go there first…
Ark: The ark was important to the people of Israel because it held the laws that God gave to Moses (yep, the 10 commandments on the stone tablets were in the ark!). It represented God’s covenantal relationship with the Israelites, His people. God’s law was holy. He created it to show Israel His standard of perfection, knowing that no person could attain it. When the ark was in the temple, there was a special place (The Holy of Holies) that the ark was kept. Once a year, a priest would sprinkle blood from an animal sacrificed to God on top of the ark. Instead of God seeing the law and how His people did not meet the standards, God would see the blood that was to atone for the sins of the Israelites.
What do verses 3-5 tell us that David wanted for the ark? Why do you think this was important to him? Look at 2 Samuel 6:6-9. How did David feel about God and the ark at this point? Why? What do you think changed his emotions regarding God and the ark? Do you think there were advantages for David to bring the ark to Jerusalem, the city he was in and the center of Israel?
Promises: God’s promises to David are found in 2 Samuel 7:8-16, read this passage now. What promises were made to David? Part of the promises that we will focus on are found in this psalm in verses 11-12. God tells David that one of his sons will continue to be king and if his descendants keep the way of God, they will also reign as king. The son that took over as king was Solomon. While his reign was not perfect, Solomon was given wisdom from God while he was king (a big chunk of what scholars call ‘wisdom literature’ in the Old Testament was written by Solomon: a lot of Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon). Solomon was able to build the temple that David prayed for (1 Kings 6) and the ark was placed there (1 Kings 8). However, after Solomon, things took a bad turn. His son, Rehoboam, did not listen to the wisdom of the elders and his decisions ended up splitting up the kingdom of Israel (1 Kings 12). So, by David’s grandson it looks like all is lost for this promise!
But here’s my favorite part- it isn’t. Read Luke 1:26-33. Who does it say Jesus is? Whose line is he in (for a complete lineage, check out Matthew 1)? Jesus was born into the line of David. Read verse 18 of this psalm again. Does that verse sound familiar to the life of Christ? Jesus Christ is the answer to this promise that was given to David. Even though David’s descendants did not follow God, He sent His Son, the only one able to follow God’s law perfectly, to reign on David’s throne forever. How do you see Jesus tie into the ark?
I hope this humbles you and boggles the mind a bit. If we look back at David’s story in 2 Samuel 7, he prays for God to allow him to build a resting place for the ark. Instead of saying yes, God blesses David with some pretty amazing promises. These promises could not be filled during David’s lifetime or through the means that man thought, but ultimately they are filled in Jesus Christ. If you have never read about Jesus Christ and His ministry, start out reading in the book of John. I’d encourage you to praise God for this amazing plan and for His Son!
A Song of Ascents.
1Remember, O LORD, in David’s favor,
all the hardships he endured,
2how he swore to the LORD
and vowed to the Mighty One of Jacob,
3"I will not enter my house
or get into my bed,
4I will not give sleep to my eyes
or slumber to my eyelids,
5until I find a place for the LORD,
a dwelling place for the Mighty One of Jacob."
6Behold, we heard of it in Ephrathah;
we found it in the fields of Jaar.
7"Let us go to his dwelling place;
let us worship at his footstool!"
8Arise, O LORD, and go to your resting place,
you and the ark of your might.
9Let your priests be clothed with righteousness,
and let your saints shout for joy.
10For the sake of your servant David,
do not turn away the face of your anointed one.
11The LORD swore to David a sure oath
from which he will not turn back:"One of the sons of your body
I will set on your throne.
12If your sons keep my covenant
and my testimonies that I shall teach them,their sons also forever
shall sit on your throne."
13For the LORD has chosen Zion;
he has desired it for his dwelling place:
14"This is my resting place forever;
here I will dwell, for I have desired it.
15I will abundantly bless her provisions;
I will satisfy her poor with bread.
16Her priests I will clothe with salvation,
and her saints will shout for joy.
17There I will make a horn to sprout for David;
I have prepared a lamp for my anointed.
18His enemies I will clothe with shame,
but on him his crown will shine."
This psalm refers to 2 important things in the history of Israel: the ark, or Ark of the Covenant, and the promise God made to David, what we call the Davidic Covenant. I’d encourage you to read 2 Samuel 6-7. It is a good amount of reading, but it will give you some great biblical history on how David was involved with the ark and this promise with God. Verses 1-10 take a look at the ark, so let’s go there first…
Ark: The ark was important to the people of Israel because it held the laws that God gave to Moses (yep, the 10 commandments on the stone tablets were in the ark!). It represented God’s covenantal relationship with the Israelites, His people. God’s law was holy. He created it to show Israel His standard of perfection, knowing that no person could attain it. When the ark was in the temple, there was a special place (The Holy of Holies) that the ark was kept. Once a year, a priest would sprinkle blood from an animal sacrificed to God on top of the ark. Instead of God seeing the law and how His people did not meet the standards, God would see the blood that was to atone for the sins of the Israelites.
What do verses 3-5 tell us that David wanted for the ark? Why do you think this was important to him? Look at 2 Samuel 6:6-9. How did David feel about God and the ark at this point? Why? What do you think changed his emotions regarding God and the ark? Do you think there were advantages for David to bring the ark to Jerusalem, the city he was in and the center of Israel?
Promises: God’s promises to David are found in 2 Samuel 7:8-16, read this passage now. What promises were made to David? Part of the promises that we will focus on are found in this psalm in verses 11-12. God tells David that one of his sons will continue to be king and if his descendants keep the way of God, they will also reign as king. The son that took over as king was Solomon. While his reign was not perfect, Solomon was given wisdom from God while he was king (a big chunk of what scholars call ‘wisdom literature’ in the Old Testament was written by Solomon: a lot of Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon). Solomon was able to build the temple that David prayed for (1 Kings 6) and the ark was placed there (1 Kings 8). However, after Solomon, things took a bad turn. His son, Rehoboam, did not listen to the wisdom of the elders and his decisions ended up splitting up the kingdom of Israel (1 Kings 12). So, by David’s grandson it looks like all is lost for this promise!
But here’s my favorite part- it isn’t. Read Luke 1:26-33. Who does it say Jesus is? Whose line is he in (for a complete lineage, check out Matthew 1)? Jesus was born into the line of David. Read verse 18 of this psalm again. Does that verse sound familiar to the life of Christ? Jesus Christ is the answer to this promise that was given to David. Even though David’s descendants did not follow God, He sent His Son, the only one able to follow God’s law perfectly, to reign on David’s throne forever. How do you see Jesus tie into the ark?
I hope this humbles you and boggles the mind a bit. If we look back at David’s story in 2 Samuel 7, he prays for God to allow him to build a resting place for the ark. Instead of saying yes, God blesses David with some pretty amazing promises. These promises could not be filled during David’s lifetime or through the means that man thought, but ultimately they are filled in Jesus Christ. If you have never read about Jesus Christ and His ministry, start out reading in the book of John. I’d encourage you to praise God for this amazing plan and for His Son!
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Psalm 110
A Psalm of David.
1The Lord says to my Lord:
“Sit at my right hand,
until I make your enemies your footstool.”
2The Lord sends forth from Zion
your mighty scepter.
Rule in the midst of your enemies!
3Your people will offer themselves freely
on the day of your power,
in holy garments;
from the womb of the morning,
the dew of your youth will be yours.
4The Lord has sworn
and will not change his mind,
“You are a priest forever
after the order of Melchizedek.”
5The Lord is at your right hand;
he will shatter kings on the day of his wrath.
6He will execute judgment among the nations,
filling them with corpses;
he will shatter chiefs
over the wide earth.
7He will drink from the brook by the way;
therefore he will lift up his head.
Verse 1 tells us that this is a Psalm composed by David. David then states that the LORD (a translation of Yahweh, the one true God) speaks to “my Lord.” The king of the nation speaks of God enthroning a higher king than him, someone who David would refer to as “Lord”.
Who could this higher king be?
How could he be David’s heir and yet be greater than David?
The New Testament quotes this psalm more than any other. Consider turning to some of these passages and seeing how the New Testament authors understood these words of David.
Matt 22:44; 26:64; Mark 12:36; Luke 20:42; Acts 2:22-36; 1 Cor 15:25; Eph 1:20-22; Col 3:1; Heb 1:3; 1:13; 2:8; 7; 8:1; 10:12; 12:2; 1 Peter 3:22
1The Lord says to my Lord:
“Sit at my right hand,
until I make your enemies your footstool.”
2The Lord sends forth from Zion
your mighty scepter.
Rule in the midst of your enemies!
3Your people will offer themselves freely
on the day of your power,
in holy garments;
from the womb of the morning,
the dew of your youth will be yours.
4The Lord has sworn
and will not change his mind,
“You are a priest forever
after the order of Melchizedek.”
5The Lord is at your right hand;
he will shatter kings on the day of his wrath.
6He will execute judgment among the nations,
filling them with corpses;
he will shatter chiefs
over the wide earth.
7He will drink from the brook by the way;
therefore he will lift up his head.
Verse 1 tells us that this is a Psalm composed by David. David then states that the LORD (a translation of Yahweh, the one true God) speaks to “my Lord.” The king of the nation speaks of God enthroning a higher king than him, someone who David would refer to as “Lord”.
Who could this higher king be?
How could he be David’s heir and yet be greater than David?
The New Testament quotes this psalm more than any other. Consider turning to some of these passages and seeing how the New Testament authors understood these words of David.
Matt 22:44; 26:64; Mark 12:36; Luke 20:42; Acts 2:22-36; 1 Cor 15:25; Eph 1:20-22; Col 3:1; Heb 1:3; 1:13; 2:8; 7; 8:1; 10:12; 12:2; 1 Peter 3:22
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Psalm 89
This Psalm is actually not written by David. Ethan, who lived long after David, wrote it about God’s covenant promise to David (see 2 Samuel 7). Read all the way through it and then interact with the questions at the end.
A Maskil of Ethan the Ezrahite.
1I will sing of the steadfast love of the Lord, forever;
with my mouth I will make known your faithfulness to all generations.
2For I said, “Steadfast love will be built up forever;
in the heavens you will establish your faithfulness.”
3You have said, “I have made a covenant with my chosen one;
I have sworn to David my servant:
4I will establish your offspring forever,
and build your throne for all generations.’ ” Selah
5Let the heavens praise your wonders, O Lord,
your faithfulness in the assembly of the holy ones!
6For who in the skies can be compared to the Lord?
Who among the heavenly beings is like the Lord,
7a God greatly to be feared in the council of the holy ones,
and awesome above all who are around him?
8O Lord God of hosts,
who is mighty as you are, O Lord,
with your faithfulness all around you?
9You rule the raging of the sea;
when its waves rise, you still them.
10You crushed Rahab like a carcass;
you scattered your enemies with your mighty arm.
11The heavens are yours; the earth also is yours;
the world and all that is in it, you have founded them.
12The north and the south, you have created them;
Tabor and Hermon joyously praise your name.
13You have a mighty arm;
strong is your hand, high your right hand.
14Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne;
steadfast love and faithfulness go before you.
15Blessed are the people who know the festal shout,
who walk, O Lord, in the light of your face,
16who exult in your name all the day
and in your righteousness are exalted.
17For you are the glory of their strength;
by your favor our horn is exalted.
18For our shield belongs to the Lord,
our king to the Holy One of Israel.
19Of old you spoke in a vision to your godly one, and said:
“I have granted help to one who is mighty;
I have exalted one chosen from the people.
20I have found David, my servant;
with my holy oil I have anointed him,
21so that my hand shall be established with him;
my arm also shall strengthen him.
22The enemy shall not outwit him;
the wicked shall not humble him.
23I will crush his foes before him
and strike down those who hate him.
24My faithfulness and my steadfast love shall be with him,
and in my name shall his horn be exalted.
25I will set his hand on the sea
and his right hand on the rivers.
26He shall cry to me, ‘You are my Father,
my God, and the Rock of my salvation.’
27And I will make him the firstborn,
the highest of the kings of the earth.
28My steadfast love I will keep for him forever,
and my covenant will stand firm for him.
29I will establish his offspring forever
and his throne as the days of the heavens.
30If his children forsake my law
and do not walk according to my rules,
31if they violate my statutes
and do not keep my commandments,
32then I will punish their transgression with the rod
and their iniquity with stripes,
33but I will not remove from him my steadfast love
or be false to my faithfulness.
34I will not violate my covenant
or alter the word that went forth from my lips.
35Once for all I have sworn by my holiness;
I will not lie to David.
36His offspring shall endure forever,
his throne as long as the sun before me.
37Like the moon it shall be established forever,
a faithful witness in the skies.” Selah
38But now you have cast off and rejected;
you are full of wrath against your anointed.
39You have renounced the covenant with your servant;
you have defiled his crown in the dust.
40You have breached all his walls;
you have laid his strongholds in ruins.
41All who pass by plunder him;
he has become the scorn of his neighbors.
42You have exalted the right hand of his foes;
you have made all his enemies rejoice.
43You have also turned back the edge of his sword,
and you have not made him stand in battle.
44You have made his splendor to cease
and cast his throne to the ground.
45You have cut short the days of his youth;
you have covered him with shame. Selah
46How long, O Lord? Will you hide yourself forever?
How long will your wrath burn like fire?
47Remember how short my time is!
For what vanity you have created all the children of man!
48What man can live and never see death?
Who can deliver his soul from the power of Sheol? Selah
49Lord, where is your steadfast love of old,
which by your faithfulness you swore to David?
50Remember, O Lord, how your servants are mocked,
and how I bear in my heart the insults of all the many nations,
51with which your enemies mock, O Lord,
with which they mock the footsteps of your anointed.
52Blessed be the Lord forever!
Amen and Amen.
The psalm takes a surprising and painful twist at verse 38. Ethan grips onto the word “forever” in the promise of God made to David (1,2,4), before pointing out that the situation in his life seems to totally contradict God’s promise. Derek Kidner writes: There is a painful tension here, yet the spirit of the psalm is humble, never bitter. Instead of railing at the promise of God or explaining it away, it faces the full clash of word and event in an appeal to God to show His hand.
Like an unresolved discord it therefore impels us toward the New Testament, where we find that the fulfillment will altogether outstrip the expectation.
In Ethan’s pain, he does not call God a liar, nor does He dismiss the promise of God. He stares this seeming contradiction in the face and cries out, “I don’t understand.” This type of honest struggle is welcomed by the Bible.
Have you ever felt that God’s promises aren’t playing out in your experience? How do you respond in those moments? Have you ever taken the path of Ethan – wrestling with God? It is okay to respectfully question God and to struggle with His words. The tragedy would be to walk away from Him or dismiss His word. Honesty is the best policy. Ethan opts for an honest struggle with the Lord, and I hope you will in whatever difficult situation you encounter.
So is there any resolution for Ethan? Yes. If you continue to read the saga of the nation of Israel (1&2 Samuel, 1&2 Kings, 1&2 Chronicles) you see a continued march toward evil. God warns His people generation after generation to turn from their course of action, yet they remain. He fulfills His promise of judgment by sending them into captivity in Babylon (Daniel, Esther, Nehemiah as well as a number of the prophetic books record this time of captivity). Has God broken His promise to David and sent them away for good?
God answers this question through the prophet Jeremiah. He states that God will “cause a righteous Branch of David to spring forth” (33:15). Man’s sin does not break God’s covenant. God will judge the nation with the hand of the Babylonians, and then He will restore the nation. The Old Testament ends with the return of the people of God to the promised land (Nehemiah, Ezra). The Scriptures ended with the hope of restoration still in the hearts of the people however. When will the Davidic King arrive? Read Isaiah 9:6-7 and Luke 1:32-34 and then join us at Breakaway on the 10th!
A Maskil of Ethan the Ezrahite.
1I will sing of the steadfast love of the Lord, forever;
with my mouth I will make known your faithfulness to all generations.
2For I said, “Steadfast love will be built up forever;
in the heavens you will establish your faithfulness.”
3You have said, “I have made a covenant with my chosen one;
I have sworn to David my servant:
4I will establish your offspring forever,
and build your throne for all generations.’ ” Selah
5Let the heavens praise your wonders, O Lord,
your faithfulness in the assembly of the holy ones!
6For who in the skies can be compared to the Lord?
Who among the heavenly beings is like the Lord,
7a God greatly to be feared in the council of the holy ones,
and awesome above all who are around him?
8O Lord God of hosts,
who is mighty as you are, O Lord,
with your faithfulness all around you?
9You rule the raging of the sea;
when its waves rise, you still them.
10You crushed Rahab like a carcass;
you scattered your enemies with your mighty arm.
11The heavens are yours; the earth also is yours;
the world and all that is in it, you have founded them.
12The north and the south, you have created them;
Tabor and Hermon joyously praise your name.
13You have a mighty arm;
strong is your hand, high your right hand.
14Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne;
steadfast love and faithfulness go before you.
15Blessed are the people who know the festal shout,
who walk, O Lord, in the light of your face,
16who exult in your name all the day
and in your righteousness are exalted.
17For you are the glory of their strength;
by your favor our horn is exalted.
18For our shield belongs to the Lord,
our king to the Holy One of Israel.
19Of old you spoke in a vision to your godly one, and said:
“I have granted help to one who is mighty;
I have exalted one chosen from the people.
20I have found David, my servant;
with my holy oil I have anointed him,
21so that my hand shall be established with him;
my arm also shall strengthen him.
22The enemy shall not outwit him;
the wicked shall not humble him.
23I will crush his foes before him
and strike down those who hate him.
24My faithfulness and my steadfast love shall be with him,
and in my name shall his horn be exalted.
25I will set his hand on the sea
and his right hand on the rivers.
26He shall cry to me, ‘You are my Father,
my God, and the Rock of my salvation.’
27And I will make him the firstborn,
the highest of the kings of the earth.
28My steadfast love I will keep for him forever,
and my covenant will stand firm for him.
29I will establish his offspring forever
and his throne as the days of the heavens.
30If his children forsake my law
and do not walk according to my rules,
31if they violate my statutes
and do not keep my commandments,
32then I will punish their transgression with the rod
and their iniquity with stripes,
33but I will not remove from him my steadfast love
or be false to my faithfulness.
34I will not violate my covenant
or alter the word that went forth from my lips.
35Once for all I have sworn by my holiness;
I will not lie to David.
36His offspring shall endure forever,
his throne as long as the sun before me.
37Like the moon it shall be established forever,
a faithful witness in the skies.” Selah
38But now you have cast off and rejected;
you are full of wrath against your anointed.
39You have renounced the covenant with your servant;
you have defiled his crown in the dust.
40You have breached all his walls;
you have laid his strongholds in ruins.
41All who pass by plunder him;
he has become the scorn of his neighbors.
42You have exalted the right hand of his foes;
you have made all his enemies rejoice.
43You have also turned back the edge of his sword,
and you have not made him stand in battle.
44You have made his splendor to cease
and cast his throne to the ground.
45You have cut short the days of his youth;
you have covered him with shame. Selah
46How long, O Lord? Will you hide yourself forever?
How long will your wrath burn like fire?
47Remember how short my time is!
For what vanity you have created all the children of man!
48What man can live and never see death?
Who can deliver his soul from the power of Sheol? Selah
49Lord, where is your steadfast love of old,
which by your faithfulness you swore to David?
50Remember, O Lord, how your servants are mocked,
and how I bear in my heart the insults of all the many nations,
51with which your enemies mock, O Lord,
with which they mock the footsteps of your anointed.
52Blessed be the Lord forever!
Amen and Amen.
The psalm takes a surprising and painful twist at verse 38. Ethan grips onto the word “forever” in the promise of God made to David (1,2,4), before pointing out that the situation in his life seems to totally contradict God’s promise. Derek Kidner writes: There is a painful tension here, yet the spirit of the psalm is humble, never bitter. Instead of railing at the promise of God or explaining it away, it faces the full clash of word and event in an appeal to God to show His hand.
Like an unresolved discord it therefore impels us toward the New Testament, where we find that the fulfillment will altogether outstrip the expectation.
In Ethan’s pain, he does not call God a liar, nor does He dismiss the promise of God. He stares this seeming contradiction in the face and cries out, “I don’t understand.” This type of honest struggle is welcomed by the Bible.
Have you ever felt that God’s promises aren’t playing out in your experience? How do you respond in those moments? Have you ever taken the path of Ethan – wrestling with God? It is okay to respectfully question God and to struggle with His words. The tragedy would be to walk away from Him or dismiss His word. Honesty is the best policy. Ethan opts for an honest struggle with the Lord, and I hope you will in whatever difficult situation you encounter.
So is there any resolution for Ethan? Yes. If you continue to read the saga of the nation of Israel (1&2 Samuel, 1&2 Kings, 1&2 Chronicles) you see a continued march toward evil. God warns His people generation after generation to turn from their course of action, yet they remain. He fulfills His promise of judgment by sending them into captivity in Babylon (Daniel, Esther, Nehemiah as well as a number of the prophetic books record this time of captivity). Has God broken His promise to David and sent them away for good?
God answers this question through the prophet Jeremiah. He states that God will “cause a righteous Branch of David to spring forth” (33:15). Man’s sin does not break God’s covenant. God will judge the nation with the hand of the Babylonians, and then He will restore the nation. The Old Testament ends with the return of the people of God to the promised land (Nehemiah, Ezra). The Scriptures ended with the hope of restoration still in the hearts of the people however. When will the Davidic King arrive? Read Isaiah 9:6-7 and Luke 1:32-34 and then join us at Breakaway on the 10th!
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Psalm 31
David was king during a very tumultuous time in the region. Israel was literally surrounded by hostile nations. Here again David faces some attack. Note how David deals with the reality of trouble. This psalm actually journeys twice from anguish to assurance; first in verses 1-8 and again in 9-24. We will look at 1-8 here, but feel free to continue the journey through verse 9-24 in your Bible.
Kidner: This psalm impressed itself on more than one biblical character deeply enough to come to mind at moments of supreme crisis. Jonah’s prayer draws upon it (6); Jeremiah was haunted by a phrase from verse 13; verse 5 gave words to Jesus for His last utterance on the cross. And in old age the writer of Psalm 71; possibly David himself, opened his prayer with the substance of verses 1-3. It illustrates the role of the Psalms in meeting a great variety of human needs beyond the bounds of formal worship and the original experiences of the authors.
To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David.
1In you, O Lord, do I take refuge;
let me never be put to shame;
in your righteousness deliver me!
2Incline your ear to me;
rescue me speedily!
Be a rock of refuge for me,
a strong fortress to save me!
3For you are my rock and my fortress;
and for your name’s sake you lead me and guide me;
4you take me out of the net they have hidden for me,
for you are my refuge.
5Into your hand I commit my spirit;
you have redeemed me, O Lord, faithful God.
6I hate those who pay regard to worthless idols,
but I trust in the Lord.
7I will rejoice and be glad in your steadfast love,
because you have seen my affliction;
you have known the distress of my soul,
8and you have not delivered me into the hand of the enemy;
you have set my feet in a broad place.
How does David approach God in verses 1 & 2?
Do your prayers sound like this when you face difficult circumstances?
Note David’s metaphors of “rock” and “fortress” – they bring to mind images of his days on the run in the desert where he hid in natural rock formations from Saul. David remembers times in his earlier life when he was delivered from danger as he calls out to God in this time of distress.
How does David speak to the Lord in verse 3 & 4? Does he push away from God in a time of crisis and accuse God of wrong-doing?
Do you confidently associate yourself with God like this when you are in crisis? How do you respond?
David asks God to lead him in verse 3. On what basis does David do this? What does this mean?
In verse 5 David declares his course of action and bases it upon realities about who God is and what God has done. What does David choose to do?
Upon what basis does David do this?
In verse 7 David acknowledges that he resides “in [God’s] steadfast love.” The words “steadfast love” translate the Hebrew term hesed. This term refers to God’s covenantal love with which He binds Himself to His chosen people. David knows he is one of God’s people, and so, based upon God’s commitment of love, what does he choose to do in verse 7? What does he know that God will do because of their bond of love (7-8)?
In the OT, God’s chosen people were those who knew the One True God and trusted in His means of rescue from sin. They were committed to Him and He to them. In the New Testament God’s means of rescue from our sin is made manifestly clear: the person of Jesus Christ. In the moment he uttered the words of this psalm, “into your hands I commit my spirit” He had just paid for the sins of humanity on the cross. It is on the basis of this act that we can become the people of God. God knits Himself in a covenantal relationship of love with those who receive His Son. Have you done this? Those who look to Christ as their righteousness before God can have the confidence David did in crisis. Even when times are hard, I can know God listens and cares, because I am one of His kids. Read 2 Corinthians 5:17-21 and Ephesians 2.
Note: there is some textual variance on verse 6: some commentators believe it says “I hate” while others believe it is “You hate”, referring to God’s absolute rejection of worship given to idols. Of course we learn in the New Testament to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. Yet this text, equally inspired, does represent David’s absolute unwillingness to associate with the worship of false gods. After David, in the interest of diplomacy, many kings of Israel would participate in the acknowledgement and worship of idols. David refuses to be aligned with such activity. David is in a covenant relationship with the one true God, and He will not commit adultery. He refuses to be counted among those who would bow before false gods. We continue in this hatred of false gods, yet we pray that God would rescue the people who worship idols, and lead them to worship Him alone.
Kidner: This psalm impressed itself on more than one biblical character deeply enough to come to mind at moments of supreme crisis. Jonah’s prayer draws upon it (6); Jeremiah was haunted by a phrase from verse 13; verse 5 gave words to Jesus for His last utterance on the cross. And in old age the writer of Psalm 71; possibly David himself, opened his prayer with the substance of verses 1-3. It illustrates the role of the Psalms in meeting a great variety of human needs beyond the bounds of formal worship and the original experiences of the authors.
To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David.
1In you, O Lord, do I take refuge;
let me never be put to shame;
in your righteousness deliver me!
2Incline your ear to me;
rescue me speedily!
Be a rock of refuge for me,
a strong fortress to save me!
3For you are my rock and my fortress;
and for your name’s sake you lead me and guide me;
4you take me out of the net they have hidden for me,
for you are my refuge.
5Into your hand I commit my spirit;
you have redeemed me, O Lord, faithful God.
6I hate those who pay regard to worthless idols,
but I trust in the Lord.
7I will rejoice and be glad in your steadfast love,
because you have seen my affliction;
you have known the distress of my soul,
8and you have not delivered me into the hand of the enemy;
you have set my feet in a broad place.
How does David approach God in verses 1 & 2?
Do your prayers sound like this when you face difficult circumstances?
Note David’s metaphors of “rock” and “fortress” – they bring to mind images of his days on the run in the desert where he hid in natural rock formations from Saul. David remembers times in his earlier life when he was delivered from danger as he calls out to God in this time of distress.
How does David speak to the Lord in verse 3 & 4? Does he push away from God in a time of crisis and accuse God of wrong-doing?
Do you confidently associate yourself with God like this when you are in crisis? How do you respond?
David asks God to lead him in verse 3. On what basis does David do this? What does this mean?
In verse 5 David declares his course of action and bases it upon realities about who God is and what God has done. What does David choose to do?
Upon what basis does David do this?
In verse 7 David acknowledges that he resides “in [God’s] steadfast love.” The words “steadfast love” translate the Hebrew term hesed. This term refers to God’s covenantal love with which He binds Himself to His chosen people. David knows he is one of God’s people, and so, based upon God’s commitment of love, what does he choose to do in verse 7? What does he know that God will do because of their bond of love (7-8)?
In the OT, God’s chosen people were those who knew the One True God and trusted in His means of rescue from sin. They were committed to Him and He to them. In the New Testament God’s means of rescue from our sin is made manifestly clear: the person of Jesus Christ. In the moment he uttered the words of this psalm, “into your hands I commit my spirit” He had just paid for the sins of humanity on the cross. It is on the basis of this act that we can become the people of God. God knits Himself in a covenantal relationship of love with those who receive His Son. Have you done this? Those who look to Christ as their righteousness before God can have the confidence David did in crisis. Even when times are hard, I can know God listens and cares, because I am one of His kids. Read 2 Corinthians 5:17-21 and Ephesians 2.
Note: there is some textual variance on verse 6: some commentators believe it says “I hate” while others believe it is “You hate”, referring to God’s absolute rejection of worship given to idols. Of course we learn in the New Testament to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. Yet this text, equally inspired, does represent David’s absolute unwillingness to associate with the worship of false gods. After David, in the interest of diplomacy, many kings of Israel would participate in the acknowledgement and worship of idols. David refuses to be aligned with such activity. David is in a covenant relationship with the one true God, and He will not commit adultery. He refuses to be counted among those who would bow before false gods. We continue in this hatred of false gods, yet we pray that God would rescue the people who worship idols, and lead them to worship Him alone.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Psalm 30
A psalm. A song. For the dedication of the temple of David.
- Notice the subscription before you begin reading the Psalm. What is the purpose of this Psalm? Begin reading, and read through the entire psalm.
1 I will exalt you, O LORD
for you lifted me out of the depths
and did not let my enemies gloat over me.
2O LORD my God, I called to you for help
and you healed me.
3O LORD, you brought me up from the grave;
you spared me from going down into the pit.
4Sing to the LORD, you saints of his;
praise his holy name.
5For his anger lasts only a moment,
but his favor lasts a lifetime;
weeping may remain for a night,
but rejoicing comes in the morning.
6When I felt secure, I said,
"I will never be shaken."
7 O LORD, when you favored me,
you made my mountain stand firm;
but when you hid your face,
I was dismayed.
8To you, O LORD, I called;
to the Lord I cried for mercy:
9"What gain is there in my destruction,
in my going down into the pit?
Will the dust praise you?
Will it proclaim your faithfulness?
10Hear, O LORD, and be merciful to me;
O LORD, be my help."
11You turned my wailing into dancing;
you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,
12that my heart may sing to you and not be silent.
O LORD my God, I will give you thanks forever. - Read verses 1-3. What verbs do you see that show God’s actions toward David?
- How do you think God’s protection over David’s life would affect David's dependence on God? Hold onto that thought for a moment.
- The word “For” at the beginning of verse 5 implies that verse 4 occurs because of verse 5. Read verse 4 and 5 together. From these two verses, what is your conclusion as to why we can sing while in sorrow, or rejoice while in suffering?
- How long does God’s anger last? How long does his favor last?
- David says in verse 6, “When I felt secure, I said, ‘I will never be shaken.’” The Lord has sustained David, but whom is David depending on?
- Stop and consider how dependable the LORD is. Is there any reason to continue depending on our own shallow understanding and our own strength over His? (Prov. 20:24)
- Verse 7 shows the stark contrast between God showing His favor and God hiding his face.
- Read verse 9. What is David’s reasoning for God to hold off his destruction? Can you hear his heart? He says, “Will the dust praise you?” David is more concerned about God’s praise than his own well being, and ultimately his life.
- The two verses that surround verse 9 are cries for mercy. David’s heart is passionate about receiving God’s mercy so that praises will continue to flow from his lips.
- The psalm ends (v.12) with joy leaping off the page. David acknowledges God as the giver of his dance, his joy and his song.
- Praise your merciful God who created you and sustains you so that you can bring Glory to His Name. Praise Him today with joyful song and dancing!
Friday, March 6, 2009
Psalm 25
1 To you, O LORD, I lift up my soul.
2 O my God, in you I trust;
let me not be put to shame;
let not my enemies exult over me.
3 Indeed, none who wait for you shall be put to shame;
they shall be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous.
4 Make me to know your ways, O LORD;
teach me your paths.
5 Lead me in your truth and teach me,
for you are the God of my salvation;
for you I wait all the day long.
6 Remember your mercy, O LORD, and your steadfast love,
for they have been from of old.
7 Remember not the sins of my youth or my transgressions;
according to your steadfast love remember me,
for the sake of your goodness, O LORD!
8 Good and upright is the LORD;
therefore he instructs sinners in the way.
9 He leads the humble in what is right,
and teaches the humble his way.
10 All the paths of the LORD are steadfast love and faithfulness,
for those who keep his covenant and his testimonies.
11 For your name’s sake, O LORD,
pardon my guilt, for it is great.
12 Who is the man who fears the LORD?
Him will he instruct in the way that he should choose.
13 His soul shall abide in well-being,
and his offspring shall inherit the land.
14 The friendship of the LORD is for those who fear him,
and he makes known to them his covenant.
15 My eyes are ever toward the LORD,
for he will pluck my feet out of the net.
16 Turn to me and be gracious to me,
for I am lonely and afflicted.
17 The troubles of my heart are enlarged;
bring me out of my distresses.
18 Consider my affliction and my trouble,
and forgive all my sins.
19 Consider how many are my foes,
and with what violent hatred they hate me.
20 Oh, guard my soul, and deliver me!
Let me not be put to shame, for I take refuge in you.
21 May integrity and uprightness preserve me,
for I wait for you.
22 Redeem Israel, O God,
out of all his troubles.
This psalm is an acrostic poem, each verse beginning with the successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet.
A few themes weave throughout the psalm:
Read through the psalm a few times and see if you can mark the verses that flow with each theme. Consider writing your own personal prayer alongside David’s, following his lead as he interacts with God honestly.
2 O my God, in you I trust;
let me not be put to shame;
let not my enemies exult over me.
3 Indeed, none who wait for you shall be put to shame;
they shall be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous.
4 Make me to know your ways, O LORD;
teach me your paths.
5 Lead me in your truth and teach me,
for you are the God of my salvation;
for you I wait all the day long.
6 Remember your mercy, O LORD, and your steadfast love,
for they have been from of old.
7 Remember not the sins of my youth or my transgressions;
according to your steadfast love remember me,
for the sake of your goodness, O LORD!
8 Good and upright is the LORD;
therefore he instructs sinners in the way.
9 He leads the humble in what is right,
and teaches the humble his way.
10 All the paths of the LORD are steadfast love and faithfulness,
for those who keep his covenant and his testimonies.
11 For your name’s sake, O LORD,
pardon my guilt, for it is great.
12 Who is the man who fears the LORD?
Him will he instruct in the way that he should choose.
13 His soul shall abide in well-being,
and his offspring shall inherit the land.
14 The friendship of the LORD is for those who fear him,
and he makes known to them his covenant.
15 My eyes are ever toward the LORD,
for he will pluck my feet out of the net.
16 Turn to me and be gracious to me,
for I am lonely and afflicted.
17 The troubles of my heart are enlarged;
bring me out of my distresses.
18 Consider my affliction and my trouble,
and forgive all my sins.
19 Consider how many are my foes,
and with what violent hatred they hate me.
20 Oh, guard my soul, and deliver me!
Let me not be put to shame, for I take refuge in you.
21 May integrity and uprightness preserve me,
for I wait for you.
22 Redeem Israel, O God,
out of all his troubles.
This psalm is an acrostic poem, each verse beginning with the successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet.
A few themes weave throughout the psalm:
- Enemies: those who oppose David and do not honor the Lord in their thoughts or actions.
- Guidance: this is a major theme. David looks for instruction in the general will of God, longing to know, not just God’s specific will for particular instances in David’s life, but to know God’s ways in general. David wants to be godly.
- Guilt: David sees his imperfection, and speaks honestly about it with the Lord.
- Trust: David chooses to wait upon God – trusting God’s timing and judgment on issues David faces. David wants resolution, but will not act in a way that dishonors the Lord. He asks for the grace to do what God commands, trusting that God will lead him out of trouble and into peace.
Read through the psalm a few times and see if you can mark the verses that flow with each theme. Consider writing your own personal prayer alongside David’s, following his lead as he interacts with God honestly.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Psalm 141
A Psalm of David.
1 O Lord, I call upon you; hasten to me!
Give ear to my voice when I call to you!
2 Let my prayer be counted as incense before you,
and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice!
3 Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth;
keep watch over the door of my lips!
4 Do not let my heart incline to any evil,
to busy myself with wicked deeds
in company with men who work iniquity,
and let me not eat of their delicacies!
5 Let a righteous man strike me—it is a kindness;
let him rebuke me—it is oil for my head;
let my head not refuse it.
Yet my prayer is continually against their evil deeds.
6 When their judges are thrown over the cliff,
then they shall hear my words, for they are pleasant.
7 As when one plows and breaks up the earth,
so shall our bones be scattered at the mouth of Sheol.
8 But my eyes are toward you, O God, my Lord;
in you I seek refuge; leave me not defenseless!
9 Keep me from the trap that they have laid for me
and from the snares of evildoers!
10 Let the wicked fall into their own nets,
while I pass by safely.
State what is happening in verses 1&2 in your own words.
What is David doing? What does David want from God? Have you ever felt like this?
Note: In ancient Israel a sacrifice was offered up at the end of the day as a final act of worship. Here David requests that his prayers rise up to the Lord in the same way the incense and smoke from the sacrifice rise up to the Lord. The New Testament grabs this imagery as well: Revelation 5:8 speaks of “golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints’, and Hebrews 13:15 speaks of the ‘sacrifice of praise.’
What does David ask for in verse 3? Why would he ask that? Would you?
Note: Derek Kidner comments: “the request…grows naturally out of verse 2 with its concern for a pure offering of prayer. Out of the same mouth there must not flow both blessing and cursing (cf. verse 3 with James 3:9); and if the house of God needed its guards and doorkeepers, how much more the man of God!”
What does David ask for in verse 4? In verse 3 David’s concern was with his lips (what he says). How does his concern shift in verse 4? What does this tell us about David’s desires for his life? How much influence is he asking God to exert in his inclinations and decisions? Do you feel like you are in a place to pray this way?
Note: to eat with someone in the near east was to share fellowship with them. David is concerned with engaging in the social cues of the day that would indicate, “I’m one of you guys.” He doesn’t want to tie himself in socially with those who do evil. Do you feel this concern in your life? Who do you associate yourself with at the deepest levels?
In verse 4 David did not want the delicacies of the wicked. Yet in verse 5 he welcomes something from the righteous – what is it? What does he mean by this (see Proverbs 27:6)? How do you handle criticism and rebuke from godly people?
In verse 6 the language is a little idiomatic. David asserts that the day will come when the rulers (judges) of the wicked will be destroyed. There will be a day when their evil catches up with them. In that day, David’s decisions to listen to righteousness and not fraternize with evil will be vindicated. Then the followers of the evil ones will be willing to listen to David.
In verse 7 and following David acknowledges that, though he believes he will be vindicated, he is still very much in a dangerous place. He has enemies who want to hurt him. He is not safe. But notice his decision in verse 8. What does David determine to do while the wicked flourish? Do you speak this way when you are stressed, or do you lose hope? What are some things you are concerned about this week? Are you trusting God? David prayed for help and for the ability to act righteously even when no one around him seemed to value that kind of lifestyle. Are you willing to pray like that? Consider doing that now. Consider asking for a friend who can righteously rebuke you as well!
1 O Lord, I call upon you; hasten to me!
Give ear to my voice when I call to you!
2 Let my prayer be counted as incense before you,
and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice!
3 Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth;
keep watch over the door of my lips!
4 Do not let my heart incline to any evil,
to busy myself with wicked deeds
in company with men who work iniquity,
and let me not eat of their delicacies!
5 Let a righteous man strike me—it is a kindness;
let him rebuke me—it is oil for my head;
let my head not refuse it.
Yet my prayer is continually against their evil deeds.
6 When their judges are thrown over the cliff,
then they shall hear my words, for they are pleasant.
7 As when one plows and breaks up the earth,
so shall our bones be scattered at the mouth of Sheol.
8 But my eyes are toward you, O God, my Lord;
in you I seek refuge; leave me not defenseless!
9 Keep me from the trap that they have laid for me
and from the snares of evildoers!
10 Let the wicked fall into their own nets,
while I pass by safely.
State what is happening in verses 1&2 in your own words.
What is David doing? What does David want from God? Have you ever felt like this?
Note: In ancient Israel a sacrifice was offered up at the end of the day as a final act of worship. Here David requests that his prayers rise up to the Lord in the same way the incense and smoke from the sacrifice rise up to the Lord. The New Testament grabs this imagery as well: Revelation 5:8 speaks of “golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints’, and Hebrews 13:15 speaks of the ‘sacrifice of praise.’
What does David ask for in verse 3? Why would he ask that? Would you?
Note: Derek Kidner comments: “the request…grows naturally out of verse 2 with its concern for a pure offering of prayer. Out of the same mouth there must not flow both blessing and cursing (cf. verse 3 with James 3:9); and if the house of God needed its guards and doorkeepers, how much more the man of God!”
What does David ask for in verse 4? In verse 3 David’s concern was with his lips (what he says). How does his concern shift in verse 4? What does this tell us about David’s desires for his life? How much influence is he asking God to exert in his inclinations and decisions? Do you feel like you are in a place to pray this way?
Note: to eat with someone in the near east was to share fellowship with them. David is concerned with engaging in the social cues of the day that would indicate, “I’m one of you guys.” He doesn’t want to tie himself in socially with those who do evil. Do you feel this concern in your life? Who do you associate yourself with at the deepest levels?
In verse 4 David did not want the delicacies of the wicked. Yet in verse 5 he welcomes something from the righteous – what is it? What does he mean by this (see Proverbs 27:6)? How do you handle criticism and rebuke from godly people?
In verse 6 the language is a little idiomatic. David asserts that the day will come when the rulers (judges) of the wicked will be destroyed. There will be a day when their evil catches up with them. In that day, David’s decisions to listen to righteousness and not fraternize with evil will be vindicated. Then the followers of the evil ones will be willing to listen to David.
In verse 7 and following David acknowledges that, though he believes he will be vindicated, he is still very much in a dangerous place. He has enemies who want to hurt him. He is not safe. But notice his decision in verse 8. What does David determine to do while the wicked flourish? Do you speak this way when you are stressed, or do you lose hope? What are some things you are concerned about this week? Are you trusting God? David prayed for help and for the ability to act righteously even when no one around him seemed to value that kind of lifestyle. Are you willing to pray like that? Consider doing that now. Consider asking for a friend who can righteously rebuke you as well!
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Psalm 86
A Psalm of Supplication and Trust.
A Prayer of David.
1Incline Your ear, O LORD, and answer me;
For I am afflicted and needy.
2Preserve my soul, for I am a godly man;
O You my God, save Your servant who trusts in You.
3Be gracious to me, O Lord,
For to You I cry all day long.
4Make glad the soul of Your servant,
For to You, O Lord, I lift up my soul.
5For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive,
And abundant in loving kindness to all who call upon You.
6Give ear, O LORD, to my prayer;
And give heed to the voice of my supplications!
7In the day of my trouble I shall call upon You,
For You will answer me.
8There is no one like You among the gods, O Lord,
Nor are there any works like Yours.
9All nations whom You have made shall come and worship before You, O Lord,
And they shall glorify Your name.
10For You are great and do wondrous deeds;
You alone are God.
11Teach me Your way, O LORD;
I will walk in Your truth;
Unite my heart to fear Your name.
12I will give thanks to You, O Lord my God, with all my heart,
And will glorify Your name forever.
13For Your loving kindness toward me is great,
And You have delivered my soul from the depths of Sheol.
14O God, arrogant men have risen up against me,
And a band of violent men have sought my life,
And they have not set You before them.
15But You, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious,
Slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness and truth.
16Turn to me, and be gracious to me;
Oh grant Your strength to Your servant,
And save the son of Your handmaid.
17Show me a sign for good,
That those who hate me may see it and be ashamed,
Because You, O LORD, have helped me and comforted me.
Read the psalm through 2 times. If you’ve been following these devotionals, does this psalm follow the pattern of some of the other psalms you’ve read? Why or why not?
This psalm does sound a lot like some of the other psalms we’ve been going through. David tells God he is in need, praises God for who He is based on truths about Him, gets more specific about the circumstances he is in, asks God to deliver him and ends it by praising God. As is the case with the other psalms, there are some great truths in this one. Let’s take a look at some of those-
- David uses 2 main names for God in this psalm- LORD and Lord. LORD we’ve seen quite a few times before. It is the covenantal name between God and Israel. What is significant about this name? The other name, Lord, means ‘master’ or ‘sovereign’. What does this name of God show us? What is happening in this psalm that would cause David to use this name?
- In verse 4, David discusses his soul with God. Who does the work of making David’s soul glad, David or God? What is David’s role? What is David’s basis for this decision (look at the beginning of v 5)?
- Verse 8 says, “There is no one like You among the gods, O Lord”. Do you think David believes in other gods? How does verse 10 support your answer?
- At the end of verse 11, David asks God to, “Unite my heart to fear Your name”. In verse 12, we see David giving thanks to God with his whole heart. Does this seem contradictory to you? As is the case in other psalms, David has faith that God will grant him his request based on what David knew to be true of God. How does this stretch your faith? What actions can you take, like David, which demonstrates your faith in God?
- Which of these verses stood out to you the most? What truths about God did you learn from that verse? Take a minute and praise God for this truth about Him!
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Psalm 133
A Song of Ascents. Of David.
1Behold, how good and pleasant it is
when brothers dwell in unity!
2It is like the precious oil on the head,
running down on the beard,
on the beard of Aaron,
running down on the collar of his robes!
3It is like the dew of Hermon,
which falls on the mountains of Zion!
For there the Lord has commanded the blessing,
life forevermore.
Derek Kidner:
God’s blessings are not the preserve of a few but are free to be spread and to be shared, unifying the recipients all the more – just as the oil doesn’t stay on the head but covers beard and shirt
Hermon: the highest mountain in Israel, was evidently proverbial for it’s heavy dew; yet the little Mount Zion enjoyed the same gift. ‘High and low drink in the same sweet refreshment’.
The second half of verse 3, with its strong accent on God’s initiative and on what is only His to give (life forevermore), clinches another emphasis of the psalm, which is made by a threefold repetition, partially lost in translation: literally, “descending (2a)…descending (2b)…descending (3a).” In short, true unity, like all good gifts, is from above; bestowed rather than contrived, a blessing far more than an achievement.
What does the psalmist call us to behold in verse 1?
Why would this be a good and pleasant thing?
Aaron was the first priest of the nation of Israel. As priest, he was the symbolic mediator between God and the people. He offered up sacrifices to God on behalf of the people and He blessed the people in the name of God. Oil was a sign of blessing and abundance. Here the psalmist pictures the blessing of unity as something that is precious (oil) that starts at the top of the head and runs down the face of Aaron all the way to his shirt. The same idea is presented with the two mountains verse 3: blessings roll down from above and cover both. The imagery is meant to show how the blessings of God work: God extends blessing from heaven and we pass them along. The most blessed situation imaginable is when God blesses and we don’t hoard his blessings to ourselves. Rather, as God gives, we give and the whole community is blessed. This psalm serves as a song of praise and rejoicing when this occurs. It also serves as a reminder to the people: God’s blessings were never meant to be gripped tightly – they were meant to be shared.
How are you giving?
Do you give money to ministries that serve the poor? Do you support your local church? Do you serve in community projects? How might you take the blessings given to you and pass them along?
1Behold, how good and pleasant it is
when brothers dwell in unity!
2It is like the precious oil on the head,
running down on the beard,
on the beard of Aaron,
running down on the collar of his robes!
3It is like the dew of Hermon,
which falls on the mountains of Zion!
For there the Lord has commanded the blessing,
life forevermore.
Derek Kidner:
God’s blessings are not the preserve of a few but are free to be spread and to be shared, unifying the recipients all the more – just as the oil doesn’t stay on the head but covers beard and shirt
Hermon: the highest mountain in Israel, was evidently proverbial for it’s heavy dew; yet the little Mount Zion enjoyed the same gift. ‘High and low drink in the same sweet refreshment’.
The second half of verse 3, with its strong accent on God’s initiative and on what is only His to give (life forevermore), clinches another emphasis of the psalm, which is made by a threefold repetition, partially lost in translation: literally, “descending (2a)…descending (2b)…descending (3a).” In short, true unity, like all good gifts, is from above; bestowed rather than contrived, a blessing far more than an achievement.
What does the psalmist call us to behold in verse 1?
Why would this be a good and pleasant thing?
Aaron was the first priest of the nation of Israel. As priest, he was the symbolic mediator between God and the people. He offered up sacrifices to God on behalf of the people and He blessed the people in the name of God. Oil was a sign of blessing and abundance. Here the psalmist pictures the blessing of unity as something that is precious (oil) that starts at the top of the head and runs down the face of Aaron all the way to his shirt. The same idea is presented with the two mountains verse 3: blessings roll down from above and cover both. The imagery is meant to show how the blessings of God work: God extends blessing from heaven and we pass them along. The most blessed situation imaginable is when God blesses and we don’t hoard his blessings to ourselves. Rather, as God gives, we give and the whole community is blessed. This psalm serves as a song of praise and rejoicing when this occurs. It also serves as a reminder to the people: God’s blessings were never meant to be gripped tightly – they were meant to be shared.
How are you giving?
Do you give money to ministries that serve the poor? Do you support your local church? Do you serve in community projects? How might you take the blessings given to you and pass them along?
Monday, March 2, 2009
Psalm 14
To the choirmaster. Of David.
1 The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.”
They are corrupt, they do abominable deeds,
there is none who does good.
2 The Lord looks down from heaven on the children of man,
to see if there are any who understand,
who seek after God.
3 They have all turned aside; together they have become corrupt;
there is none who does good,
not even one.
4 Have they no knowledge, all the evildoers
who eat up my people as they eat bread
and do not call upon the Lord?
5 There they are in great terror,
for God is with the generation of the righteous.
6 You would shame the plans of the poor,
but the Lord is his refuge.
7 Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion!
When the Lord restores the fortunes of his people,
let Jacob rejoice, let Israel be glad.
The psalm begins by identifying as “fool” the person who would dismiss the existence of the Deity. This person casts aside any notion of an ultimate authority and thus feels free to engage in corrupt and abominable deeds without any feelings of accountability. This is a dangerous place to be. The psalmist does not spend the bulk of his time focusing on this person however. The focus widens to include all of humanity.
What does God search for in verse 2?
What does He find (v.3)?
In verses 4 & 5 the psalmist ponders this perspective in light of the reality that God exists and will execute justice.
Do you believe in this assessment of humanity?
In Romans 3 Paul quotes this text after describing two different kinds of “sinners”. Some are hedonists – diving into all manner of sensual sins: lust, greed, violence, and the like. Others are legalists – following a set of “rules” and passing judgment on those who don’t follow their rules. The problem is in doing this they, in a different way, satisfy the same desires as the hedonists: they derive pleasure at other’s expense and search for their own glory, satisfaction and power.
The psalmist ends longing for God to send salvation to His people, the nation of Israel.
Here the psalmist most likely means relief from their sinful neighbors who frequently attacked the nation.
In Romans, Paul shows us God’s ultimate provision of “salvation” from our ultimate problem: not enemy nations, but the enemy within – the sin within us that makes all of us corrupt and godless.
Read Romans chapter 3 and see God’s provision.
Have you come to see your desperate estate before God? Have you looked to Christ alone for rescue?
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Psalm 139
Search Me, O God, and Know My Heart
To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David.
1O LORD, you have searched me and known me!
2You know when I sit down and when I rise up;
you discern my thoughts from afar.
3You search out my path and my lying down
and are acquainted with all my ways.
4Even before a word is on my tongue,
behold, O LORD, you know it altogether.
5You hem me in, behind and before,
and lay your hand upon me.
6Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
it is high; I cannot attain it.
7Where shall I go from your Spirit?
Or where shall I flee from your presence?
8If I ascend to heaven, you are there!
If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there!
9If I take the wings of the morning
and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,
10even there your hand shall lead me,
and your right hand shall hold me.
11If I say, "Surely the darkness shall cover me,
and the light about me be night,"
12even the darkness is not dark to you;
the night is bright as the day,
for darkness is as light with you.
13For you formed my inward parts;
you knitted me together in my mother’s womb.
14I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Wonderful are your works;
my soul knows it very well.
15My frame was not hidden from you,
when I was being made in secret,
intricately woven in the depths of the earth.
16Your eyes saw my unformed substance;
in your book were written,
every one of them,
the days that were formed for me,
when as yet there was none of them.
17How precious to me are your thoughts, O God!
How vast is the sum of them!
18If I would count them, they are more than the sand.
I awake, and I am still with you.
19Oh that you would slay the wicked, O God!
O men of blood, depart from me!
20They speak against you with malicious intent;
your enemies take your name in vain!
21Do I not hate those who hate you, O LORD?
And do I not loathe those who rise up against you?
22I hate them with complete hatred;
I count them my enemies.
23Search me, O God, and know my heart!
Try me and know my thoughts!
24And see if there be any grievous way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting!
This is one of my favorite psalms. A few summers ago, it felt like I couldn’t get away from it. The bible study I was in went over it, I attended a women’s event at a church I rarely went to and the woman spoke on it, the daily devotional I was using went through it… and the list goes on. I just couldn’t escape it! Because of that, my heart is very much tied to this psalm. There are parts in which my heart is filled with love for God and parts that I can feel it breaking because it seems too much or too good for me. I hope you can relate to the words David writes in this psalm!
To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David.
1O LORD, you have searched me and known me!
2You know when I sit down and when I rise up;
you discern my thoughts from afar.
3You search out my path and my lying down
and are acquainted with all my ways.
4Even before a word is on my tongue,
behold, O LORD, you know it altogether.
5You hem me in, behind and before,
and lay your hand upon me.
6Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
it is high; I cannot attain it.
7Where shall I go from your Spirit?
Or where shall I flee from your presence?
8If I ascend to heaven, you are there!
If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there!
9If I take the wings of the morning
and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,
10even there your hand shall lead me,
and your right hand shall hold me.
11If I say, "Surely the darkness shall cover me,
and the light about me be night,"
12even the darkness is not dark to you;
the night is bright as the day,
for darkness is as light with you.
13For you formed my inward parts;
you knitted me together in my mother’s womb.
14I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Wonderful are your works;
my soul knows it very well.
15My frame was not hidden from you,
when I was being made in secret,
intricately woven in the depths of the earth.
16Your eyes saw my unformed substance;
in your book were written,
every one of them,
the days that were formed for me,
when as yet there was none of them.
17How precious to me are your thoughts, O God!
How vast is the sum of them!
18If I would count them, they are more than the sand.
I awake, and I am still with you.
19Oh that you would slay the wicked, O God!
O men of blood, depart from me!
20They speak against you with malicious intent;
your enemies take your name in vain!
21Do I not hate those who hate you, O LORD?
And do I not loathe those who rise up against you?
22I hate them with complete hatred;
I count them my enemies.
23Search me, O God, and know my heart!
Try me and know my thoughts!
24And see if there be any grievous way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting!
This is one of my favorite psalms. A few summers ago, it felt like I couldn’t get away from it. The bible study I was in went over it, I attended a women’s event at a church I rarely went to and the woman spoke on it, the daily devotional I was using went through it… and the list goes on. I just couldn’t escape it! Because of that, my heart is very much tied to this psalm. There are parts in which my heart is filled with love for God and parts that I can feel it breaking because it seems too much or too good for me. I hope you can relate to the words David writes in this psalm!
- Verses 1-6: These verses talk a lot about God knowing everything, also known as God’s omniscience. Does the idea of God knowing everything about you give you peace, fear or both? It can be peaceful when we are having a difficult time in prayer or when we are down and can’t even find the words to explain it. There are also the times it can be fearful when we are living in sin or just trying to comprehend what it means that God is omniscient! Look at verse 6, how does David respond to the idea of God being all knowing (check out verse 7 if you don’t see it)?
- Verses 7-12: In these verses, David looks at the aspect of God being all present, or His omnipresence. In 7-10, David tells us that there is nowhere he can go away from the presence of God. Verses 11 and 12 show us how God sees things that we, literally, cannot see. Have you ever been in a place so truly dark that you cannot see anything? Think about that place and how different of an experience it would have been if you’d been able to see everything there as though it was completely illuminated. Does the idea of darkness seeming the same as light to God give you peace, fear or both? Why?
- Verses 13-18: One of the main themes in these verses is that God has ultimate power an authority, or that He is omnipotent. Starting in Genesis 1:1, we see that God creates the whole world from nothing- it doesn’t get more powerful than that! If you are ever struggling with self-worth, verses 13-16 speak to this. Look over these verses now. God was so intimately involved with making you from the beginning! Whether your parents had prayed for a child for years and you were the answer or if you were an “accident”, there are no accidents to God. How does that make you feel? How does that effect how you view yourself now? In verses 17 and 18, David ponders all of God’s thoughts toward him and says they are innumerable. God thinks about you. Constantly. You could not count His thoughts of you even if you tried. Let that sink in and encourage you!
- Verses 19-24: If the jump from verses 17 and 18 to 19 seems like your TV just switched channels from a sappy love story to a war movie, you aren’t alone. David has been pondering all of these amazing attributes of God but is struck by the reality of his situation. He’s being pursued by some people who are completely against God. Keep in mind when reading these verses that David was God’s anointed king. God’s enemies were David’s enemies. While we do not stand in the same position as David, there is an ever-present enemy in our lives in sin. Sin is serious business to God (read Genesis 3 if you doubt that). How do these verses affect the way you see sin? In 23 and 24 David asks God to search him and show him any sin in his life. This is a bold prayer but also very biblical. If you have trusted in Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, you have His Spirit that will convict you of any sin in your life. If you’re up for it, pray verses 23-24.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Psalm 27
Read the entire psalm one time through.
1The LORD is my light and my salvation—
whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the stronghold of my life—
of whom shall I be afraid?
2When evil men advance against me
to devour my flesh,
when my enemies and my foes attack me,
they will stumble and fall.
3Though an army besiege me,
my heart will not fear;
though war break out against me,
even then will I be confident.
4One thing I ask of the LORD,
this is what I seek:
that I may dwell in the house of the LORD
all the days of my life,
to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD
and to seek him in his temple.
5For in the day of trouble
he will keep me safe in his dwelling;
he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle
and set me high upon a rock.
6Then my head will be exalted
above the enemies who surround me;
at his tabernacle will I sacrifice with shouts of joy;
I will sing and make music to the LORD.
7Hear my voice when I call, O LORD;
be merciful to me and answer me.
8 My heart says of you, "Seek his face!"
Your face, LORD, I will seek.
9Do not hide your face from me,
do not turn your servant away in anger;
you have been my helper.
Do not reject me or forsake me,
O God my Savior.
10Though my father and mother forsake me,
the LORD will receive me.
11Teach me your way, O LORD;
lead me in a straight path
because of my oppressors.
12Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes,
for false witnesses rise up against me,
breathing out violence.
13I am still confident of this:
I will see the goodness of the LORD
in the land of the living.
14Wait for the LORD;
be strong and take heart
and wait for the LORD.
1The LORD is my light and my salvation—
whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the stronghold of my life—
of whom shall I be afraid?
2When evil men advance against me
to devour my flesh,
when my enemies and my foes attack me,
they will stumble and fall.
3Though an army besiege me,
my heart will not fear;
though war break out against me,
even then will I be confident.
4One thing I ask of the LORD,
this is what I seek:
that I may dwell in the house of the LORD
all the days of my life,
to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD
and to seek him in his temple.
5For in the day of trouble
he will keep me safe in his dwelling;
he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle
and set me high upon a rock.
6Then my head will be exalted
above the enemies who surround me;
at his tabernacle will I sacrifice with shouts of joy;
I will sing and make music to the LORD.
7Hear my voice when I call, O LORD;
be merciful to me and answer me.
8 My heart says of you, "Seek his face!"
Your face, LORD, I will seek.
9Do not hide your face from me,
do not turn your servant away in anger;
you have been my helper.
Do not reject me or forsake me,
O God my Savior.
10Though my father and mother forsake me,
the LORD will receive me.
11Teach me your way, O LORD;
lead me in a straight path
because of my oppressors.
12Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes,
for false witnesses rise up against me,
breathing out violence.
13I am still confident of this:
I will see the goodness of the LORD
in the land of the living.
14Wait for the LORD;
be strong and take heart
and wait for the LORD.
- Before you begin, ask the Lord to use this Psalm to teach you and show you more of Himself.
- In verse one, what three things does David call the Lord?
- Verse three shows David’s complete trust in the Lord. He is “confident” before his enemies.
- Read verse 4. How many things is David asking the Lord for? Do you notice the singleness of purpose in this verse? Put this verse into your own words. This is a great verse to memorize!
- David is longing to know the LORD on earth. He pleads for the ability to “dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of his [my] life.”
- In verse eight, David says, “My heart says of you, ‘Seek His face.’” Doesn’t face seem like a deeply personal part of the LORD? It is important to see that David does not only seek the LORD as his “stronghold” and his “hiding place”. He seeks the very FACE of his Creator. Wow! Right now we are observers of an intimate relationship between David and the LORD.
- In verse thirteen what word do you see that you also saw in verse three? Verse thirteen is a declaration of David’s confidence in the LORD. It is not that he has received all the things asked for, but he trusts is God’s good and faithful character.
- What is the verb you see two times in verse fourteen? Stop and think if there is anything you are waiting on in your life right now. Don’t you think it is comforting to see that David intimately knows the Lord and is confident in Him, yet he is still seen “waiting” on the LORD. How does David act while he is waiting? He tells us to do two things.
- Why don’t you seek the Lord’s face right now! Here are some things you might want to pray over. You can thank Him for being your stronghold and your light. If you know Jesus Christ personally, but at times are not confident in Him, you can ask Him to strengthen your belief. Lastly ask Him to make you strong and to give your heart hope as you WAIT on Him. Remember, He is faithful to hear your prayers.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Psalm 138
Give Thanks to the LORD
Of David.
1I give you thanks, O LORD, with my whole heart;
before the gods I sing your praise;
2I bow down toward your holy temple
and give thanks to your name for your steadfast love and your faithfulness,
for you have exalted above all things
your name and your word.
3On the day I called, you answered me;
my strength of soul you increased.
4All the kings of the earth shall give you thanks, O LORD,
for they have heard the words of your mouth,
5and they shall sing of the ways of the LORD,
for great is the glory of the LORD.
6For though the LORD is high, he regards the lowly,
but the haughty he knows from afar.
7Though I walk in the midst of trouble,
you preserve my life; you stretch out your hand against the wrath of my enemies, and your right hand delivers me.
8The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me;
your steadfast love, O LORD, endures forever.
Do not forsake the work of your hands.
Of David.
1I give you thanks, O LORD, with my whole heart;
before the gods I sing your praise;
2I bow down toward your holy temple
and give thanks to your name for your steadfast love and your faithfulness,
for you have exalted above all things
your name and your word.
3On the day I called, you answered me;
my strength of soul you increased.
4All the kings of the earth shall give you thanks, O LORD,
for they have heard the words of your mouth,
5and they shall sing of the ways of the LORD,
for great is the glory of the LORD.
6For though the LORD is high, he regards the lowly,
but the haughty he knows from afar.
7Though I walk in the midst of trouble,
you preserve my life; you stretch out your hand against the wrath of my enemies, and your right hand delivers me.
8The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me;
your steadfast love, O LORD, endures forever.
Do not forsake the work of your hands.
- Verses 1-3: David says in the first two verses that he sings praise to God before other gods and that he bows down toward the temple. What 2 characteristics does David display in those actions? What 2 things does verse 3 tell us that God exalted? How should this affect how we view those 2 things?
- Verses 4-6: These verses tell us that all of the kings of the earth will praise God. Do we live in a day when that is true? History shows us that this has never happened, when do you think it will come? Verse 6 tells us God is far from the haughty. What is another word for haughty? Why do you think God is far from those people?
- Verses 7-8: Verses 7 and 8 give us some beautiful promises between God and David. Which of these promises mean the most to you? Why? David ends this psalm by saying, “Do not forsake the work of your hands”. He is making a request to God, what do you think it is?
Monday, February 23, 2009
Psalm 20
Trust in the Name of the LORD Our God
To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David.
1May the LORD answer you in the day of trouble! May the name of the God of Jacob protect you!
2May he send you help from the sanctuary and give you support from Zion!
3May he remember all your offerings and regard with favor your burnt sacrifices! Selah
4May he grant you your heart’s desire and fulfill all your plans!
5May we shout for joy over your salvation, and in the name of our God set up our banners!May the LORD fulfill all your petitions!
6Now I know that the LORD saves his anointed; he will answer him from his holy heaven with the saving might of his right hand.
7Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.
8They collapse and fall, but we rise and stand upright.
9O LORD, save the king! May he answer us when we call.
- Read the psalm through 2 times. What do you think is happening while David writes this psalm? Keep this in mind as you look at the next few questions!
- Verses 1-5: These verses speak specifically of “you”. Who do you think these verses are talking about (check out verse 6 for help)? Do you think this might have been something David’s troops prayed over him? Verse 1 uses a couple of historical references to God. LORD is His covenantal name with Israel and Jacob is an important man of faith from the past. Why do you think that history is brought in at the very beginning? Verse 5 speaks of salvation. What do you think this refers to (remember- they’re in battle!)?
- Verses 6-9: In verse 6, we switch from “you” to “I” and then to “we”. Who do you think the “I” is? How about the “we”? Verse 7 speaks of others putting their trust in things besides God. What are 3 things the world tells us we should place our trust in? What does verse 8 tell us will happen if we trust in these things? Verse 9 ends with the phrase, “May he answer us when we call.” Why do you think the Israelites can be so sure God will answer them? How can you have that assurance?
Friday, February 20, 2009
Psalm 51
Read the text and then interact with the questions below. Consider reading 2 Samuel 11 & 12 in order to grasp the circumstances in which David utters this prayer.
51 TO THE CHOIRMASTER. A PSALM OF DAVID, WHEN NATHAN THE PROPHET WENT TO HIM, AFTER HE HAD GONE IN TO BATHSHEBA.
1Have mercy on me, O God,
according to your steadfast love;
according to your abundant mercy
blot out my transgressions.
2Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity,
and cleanse me from my sin!
3For I know my transgressions,
and my sin is ever before me.
4Against you, you only, have I sinned
and done what is evil in your sight,
so that you may be justified in your words
and blameless in your judgment.
5Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity,
and in sin did my mother conceive me.
6Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being,
and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart.
7Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean;
wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
8Let me hear joy and gladness;
let the bones that you have broken rejoice.
9Hide your face from my sins,
and blot out all my iniquities.
10Create in me a clean heart, O God,
and renew a right spirit within me.
11Cast me not away from your presence,
and take not your Holy Spirit from me.
12Restore to me the joy of your salvation,
and uphold me with a willing spirit.
13Then I will teach transgressors your ways,
and sinners will return to you.
14Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God,
O God of my salvation,
And my tongue will sing aloud of your righteousness.
15O Lord, open my lips,
and my mouth will declare your praise.
16For you will not delight in sacrifice, or I would give it;
you will not be pleased with a burnt offering.
17The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;
a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.
18Do good to Zion in your good pleasure;
build up the walls of Jerusalem;
19then will you delight in right sacrifices,
in burnt offerings and whole burnt offerings;
then bulls will be offered on your altar.
Notes:
1. The cry “have mercy” reveals that David understands that he has no claim on the pardon he seeks. He is asking God to extend undeserved kindness. However the term “steadfast love” is a covenant word. David understands that, though unworthy, he still has a relationship with God because of God’s covenantal love. A great New Testament parallel would be the prodigal son crying out, “Father, I am not worthy to be called your son…”
2. David employs language from the laundry. He is a soiled garment that must be cleansed.
4. David sees that his sin, at the root, is a violation of God. He also feels that God is entirely justified in condemning him. No one would find fault in God if God punished David.
5. David acknowledges that “sin” is not just an indecent act, but rather a human condition. We are “sinful” from birth, and sins come forth from us. This tragedy flowed from his very nature.
7. cleansing with hyssop alludes to the cleansing of lepers (Leviticus 14:6) or the ritual cleansing of those who touched a dead body and had thus become “unclean” (Numbers 19:16-19).
11. David’s concern recalls God’s removal of His Spirit from Saul, the previous king (1 Samuel 16:14). After Christ’s provision of the Spirit for the believer, this removal of the Spirit is not a possibility, though sinful actions can significantly hinder intimacy with God and incite God’s discipline.
13. This rhythm of restoration leading to instruction played out in the life of Peter (Luke 22:32).
Questions:
What is David asking for in verses 1 & 2?
What aspect of God’s character is he appealing to?
What does he acknowledge about his situation in verses 3 & 4?
What does verse 5 reveal to us about David’s understanding of his basic nature as a human being?
What does David understand that God wants for him (v.6)?
How is this accomplished? What does David see he needs (vv.7-12)?
How can David experience joy again after his tremendous failure (v.12)?
What does he believe will follow after God forgives him (vv.13-15)?
In verses 16 & 17 David acknowledges both (1) what God wants and (2) what God does not want from sinful people. What does David see?
What does David see as a result if God extends forgiveness (vv.18-19)?
Final Thoughts:
Some read this Psalm and feel David’s disgust at his actions. They can empathize with his feelings of shame and join him in the longing that God will forgive and restore. The good news is that God does forgive David and even bless him in the future!
Others read this with a sense of frustration. They read Nathan’s pronouncement in 2 Samuel that David’s sins are taken away the instant he repents. Some cry out, “That isn’t fair! He kills a guy and he gets off! Where is the justice?” Some are deeply bothered by this. Fortunately, the New Testament remedies this for us. In Romans 3:25-26 Paul tells us that God did exact punishment. He did require atonement for all the sins that were committed before the arrival of Jesus. These sins were paid for on the cross by Christ. The Son of David, Jesus Christ, paid for the sins of David. This gives us hope when we sin as well. The true believer will weep over sin, but there is hope. For those who trust in Christ there is a covenant, a bond of steadfast love, between them and the Lord. He will forgive, and he will restore.
51 TO THE CHOIRMASTER. A PSALM OF DAVID, WHEN NATHAN THE PROPHET WENT TO HIM, AFTER HE HAD GONE IN TO BATHSHEBA.
1Have mercy on me, O God,
according to your steadfast love;
according to your abundant mercy
blot out my transgressions.
2Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity,
and cleanse me from my sin!
3For I know my transgressions,
and my sin is ever before me.
4Against you, you only, have I sinned
and done what is evil in your sight,
so that you may be justified in your words
and blameless in your judgment.
5Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity,
and in sin did my mother conceive me.
6Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being,
and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart.
7Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean;
wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
8Let me hear joy and gladness;
let the bones that you have broken rejoice.
9Hide your face from my sins,
and blot out all my iniquities.
10Create in me a clean heart, O God,
and renew a right spirit within me.
11Cast me not away from your presence,
and take not your Holy Spirit from me.
12Restore to me the joy of your salvation,
and uphold me with a willing spirit.
13Then I will teach transgressors your ways,
and sinners will return to you.
14Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God,
O God of my salvation,
And my tongue will sing aloud of your righteousness.
15O Lord, open my lips,
and my mouth will declare your praise.
16For you will not delight in sacrifice, or I would give it;
you will not be pleased with a burnt offering.
17The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;
a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.
18Do good to Zion in your good pleasure;
build up the walls of Jerusalem;
19then will you delight in right sacrifices,
in burnt offerings and whole burnt offerings;
then bulls will be offered on your altar.
Notes:
1. The cry “have mercy” reveals that David understands that he has no claim on the pardon he seeks. He is asking God to extend undeserved kindness. However the term “steadfast love” is a covenant word. David understands that, though unworthy, he still has a relationship with God because of God’s covenantal love. A great New Testament parallel would be the prodigal son crying out, “Father, I am not worthy to be called your son…”
2. David employs language from the laundry. He is a soiled garment that must be cleansed.
4. David sees that his sin, at the root, is a violation of God. He also feels that God is entirely justified in condemning him. No one would find fault in God if God punished David.
5. David acknowledges that “sin” is not just an indecent act, but rather a human condition. We are “sinful” from birth, and sins come forth from us. This tragedy flowed from his very nature.
7. cleansing with hyssop alludes to the cleansing of lepers (Leviticus 14:6) or the ritual cleansing of those who touched a dead body and had thus become “unclean” (Numbers 19:16-19).
11. David’s concern recalls God’s removal of His Spirit from Saul, the previous king (1 Samuel 16:14). After Christ’s provision of the Spirit for the believer, this removal of the Spirit is not a possibility, though sinful actions can significantly hinder intimacy with God and incite God’s discipline.
13. This rhythm of restoration leading to instruction played out in the life of Peter (Luke 22:32).
Questions:
What is David asking for in verses 1 & 2?
What aspect of God’s character is he appealing to?
What does he acknowledge about his situation in verses 3 & 4?
What does verse 5 reveal to us about David’s understanding of his basic nature as a human being?
What does David understand that God wants for him (v.6)?
How is this accomplished? What does David see he needs (vv.7-12)?
How can David experience joy again after his tremendous failure (v.12)?
What does he believe will follow after God forgives him (vv.13-15)?
In verses 16 & 17 David acknowledges both (1) what God wants and (2) what God does not want from sinful people. What does David see?
What does David see as a result if God extends forgiveness (vv.18-19)?
Final Thoughts:
Some read this Psalm and feel David’s disgust at his actions. They can empathize with his feelings of shame and join him in the longing that God will forgive and restore. The good news is that God does forgive David and even bless him in the future!
Others read this with a sense of frustration. They read Nathan’s pronouncement in 2 Samuel that David’s sins are taken away the instant he repents. Some cry out, “That isn’t fair! He kills a guy and he gets off! Where is the justice?” Some are deeply bothered by this. Fortunately, the New Testament remedies this for us. In Romans 3:25-26 Paul tells us that God did exact punishment. He did require atonement for all the sins that were committed before the arrival of Jesus. These sins were paid for on the cross by Christ. The Son of David, Jesus Christ, paid for the sins of David. This gives us hope when we sin as well. The true believer will weep over sin, but there is hope. For those who trust in Christ there is a covenant, a bond of steadfast love, between them and the Lord. He will forgive, and he will restore.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Psalm 32
1Blessed is he
whose transgressions are forgiven,
whose sins are covered.
2Blessed is the man
whose sin the LORD does not count against him
and in whose spirit is no deceit.
3When I kept silent,
my bones wasted away
through my groaning all day long.
4For day and night
your hand was heavy upon me;
my strength was sapped
as in the heat of summer.
Selah
5Then I acknowledged my sin to you
and did not cover up my iniquity.
I said, "I will confess
my transgressions to the LORD "—
and you forgave
the guilt of my sin.
Selah
6Therefore let everyone who is godly pray to you
while you may be found;
surely when the mighty waters rise,
they will not reach him.
7You are my hiding place;
you will protect me from trouble
and surround me with songs of deliverance.
Selah
8I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
I will counsel you and watch over you.
9Do not be like the horse or the mule,
which have no understanding
but must be controlled by bit and bridle
or they will not come to you.
10Many are the woes of the wicked,
but the LORD's unfailing love
surrounds the man who trusts in him.
11Rejoice in the LORD and be glad, you righteous;
sing, all you who are upright in heart!
David wrote this Psalm after he confessed his sin with Bathsheba. In verses 1-2, David expresses that he is blessed because his sins are forgiven. In verses 3-4, we get to hear him think back. It appears that David might not have been so quick to confess his sin to the Lord.
Verse 4 shows us that the Lord’s hand was _______upon him. How did the Lord deal with David while he remained silent? Notice all the verbs in verses 3-4.
What action is David doing in verse 5? What do you see God doing?
It says the Lord forgave not only his transgressions, but “the guilt of his sin”. When we accept Christ as our Lord, he forgives every ounce of sin from our life. Any sin from the past, in the present, or that will come in the future is banished from our slate. The Lord’s gift of his Son covers it all! We are clean, so we should not live with guilt. Holding onto our guilt can make us feel as though we are not forgiven. Satan would be thrilled if we forgot our true redeemed identity. Do not let Satan, your flesh, and the world let you harbor your guilt. (1 John 2:1-2)
After David confesses, what does he call the Lord? (v.7) ____________________ We can take refuge in Him. He is our “hiding place”. Just as the Lord is serious about our repentance, he is serious about our fellowship with Him. Let verse seven sink in for a minute.
Finally, in verse 9, David tells us to not be like a “horse or mule” that only comes by the control of a bit. Are you willingly confessing your sin to the Lord?
You can enter in to His presence right now by praying. (Hebrews 10:19) Spend this time confessing any sin that you are ashamed to admit. If you have trusted in Jesus as your savior, the sins are already washed away. The act of confessing will bring you into a deeper, more authentic relationship with Him. (Hebrews 10:22)
whose transgressions are forgiven,
whose sins are covered.
2Blessed is the man
whose sin the LORD does not count against him
and in whose spirit is no deceit.
3When I kept silent,
my bones wasted away
through my groaning all day long.
4For day and night
your hand was heavy upon me;
my strength was sapped
as in the heat of summer.
Selah
5Then I acknowledged my sin to you
and did not cover up my iniquity.
I said, "I will confess
my transgressions to the LORD "—
and you forgave
the guilt of my sin.
Selah
6Therefore let everyone who is godly pray to you
while you may be found;
surely when the mighty waters rise,
they will not reach him.
7You are my hiding place;
you will protect me from trouble
and surround me with songs of deliverance.
Selah
8I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
I will counsel you and watch over you.
9Do not be like the horse or the mule,
which have no understanding
but must be controlled by bit and bridle
or they will not come to you.
10Many are the woes of the wicked,
but the LORD's unfailing love
surrounds the man who trusts in him.
11Rejoice in the LORD and be glad, you righteous;
sing, all you who are upright in heart!
David wrote this Psalm after he confessed his sin with Bathsheba. In verses 1-2, David expresses that he is blessed because his sins are forgiven. In verses 3-4, we get to hear him think back. It appears that David might not have been so quick to confess his sin to the Lord.
Verse 4 shows us that the Lord’s hand was _______upon him. How did the Lord deal with David while he remained silent? Notice all the verbs in verses 3-4.
What action is David doing in verse 5? What do you see God doing?
It says the Lord forgave not only his transgressions, but “the guilt of his sin”. When we accept Christ as our Lord, he forgives every ounce of sin from our life. Any sin from the past, in the present, or that will come in the future is banished from our slate. The Lord’s gift of his Son covers it all! We are clean, so we should not live with guilt. Holding onto our guilt can make us feel as though we are not forgiven. Satan would be thrilled if we forgot our true redeemed identity. Do not let Satan, your flesh, and the world let you harbor your guilt. (1 John 2:1-2)
After David confesses, what does he call the Lord? (v.7) ____________________ We can take refuge in Him. He is our “hiding place”. Just as the Lord is serious about our repentance, he is serious about our fellowship with Him. Let verse seven sink in for a minute.
Finally, in verse 9, David tells us to not be like a “horse or mule” that only comes by the control of a bit. Are you willingly confessing your sin to the Lord?
You can enter in to His presence right now by praying. (Hebrews 10:19) Spend this time confessing any sin that you are ashamed to admit. If you have trusted in Jesus as your savior, the sins are already washed away. The act of confessing will bring you into a deeper, more authentic relationship with Him. (Hebrews 10:22)
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Psalm 13
Read the entire Psalm through one time.
1How long, O LORD? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?
2How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and every day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me?
3Look on me and answer, O LORD my God. Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death;
4my enemy will say, "I have overcome him,"and my foes will rejoice when I fall.
5But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation.
6I will sing to the LORD, for he has been good to me.
How many questions does David ask the Lord at the beginning of the psalm?
In verses 1-2, David asks 4 questions. There is “no doubt the divine ‘forgetting’ and ‘hiding the face’ meant the withholding of practical help” (Kidner). The third question deals with the state of David’s inner soul, and the last question refers to the presence of his enemies.
This psalm is a great example of how we should talk with the Lord. David asked the Lord real questions, and hoped for the Lord to answer. In verse 3 he says, “Give light to my eyes”. This is a request for divine wisdom or perspective.
Amidst his feelings of being forsaken, David continues to talk with the Lord. His trust in God’s truth gives him perspective, and allows him to move past his feelings of sorrow.
Read verse 5. David makes a choice here. He chooses to trust God, remember his unfailing love, and rejoice in his own salvation. What do these things move David to claim in verse 6? “I will sing to the Lord, for he has been _____ to me.” Psalm 13:6
Read verses 1-2 again, then read verse 6. What do you observe as you look at these verses next to each other?
David shows us how to deal with our disappointment in life and God. He speaks to God honestly, he remembers truth, and he trusts God over his emotions. All of this brings him to praise God again!
1How long, O LORD? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?
2How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and every day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me?
3Look on me and answer, O LORD my God. Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death;
4my enemy will say, "I have overcome him,"and my foes will rejoice when I fall.
5But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation.
6I will sing to the LORD, for he has been good to me.
How many questions does David ask the Lord at the beginning of the psalm?
In verses 1-2, David asks 4 questions. There is “no doubt the divine ‘forgetting’ and ‘hiding the face’ meant the withholding of practical help” (Kidner). The third question deals with the state of David’s inner soul, and the last question refers to the presence of his enemies.
This psalm is a great example of how we should talk with the Lord. David asked the Lord real questions, and hoped for the Lord to answer. In verse 3 he says, “Give light to my eyes”. This is a request for divine wisdom or perspective.
Amidst his feelings of being forsaken, David continues to talk with the Lord. His trust in God’s truth gives him perspective, and allows him to move past his feelings of sorrow.
Read verse 5. David makes a choice here. He chooses to trust God, remember his unfailing love, and rejoice in his own salvation. What do these things move David to claim in verse 6? “I will sing to the Lord, for he has been _____ to me.” Psalm 13:6
Read verses 1-2 again, then read verse 6. What do you observe as you look at these verses next to each other?
David shows us how to deal with our disappointment in life and God. He speaks to God honestly, he remembers truth, and he trusts God over his emotions. All of this brings him to praise God again!
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Psalm 103
Bless the LORD, O My Soul
Of David.
1Bless the LORD, O my soul,
And all that is within me, bless His holy name.
2Bless the LORD, O my soul,
And forget none of His benefits;
3Who pardons all your iniquities,
Who heals all your diseases;
4Who redeems your life from the pit,
Who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion;
5Who satisfies your years with good things,
So that your youth is renewed like the eagle.
6The LORD performs righteous deeds
And judgments for all who are oppressed.
7He made known His ways to Moses,
His acts to the sons of Israel.
8The LORD is compassionate and gracious,
Slow to anger and abounding in lovingkindness.
9He will not always strive with us,
Nor will He keep His anger forever.
10He has not dealt with us according to our sins,
Nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.
11For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
So great is His lovingkindness toward those who fear Him.
12As far as the east is from the west,
So far has He removed our transgressions from us.
13Just as a father has compassion on his children,
So the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him.
14For He Himself knows our frame;
He is mindful that we are but dust.
15As for man, his days are like grass;
As a flower of the field, so he flourishes.
16When the wind has passed over it, it is no more,
And its place acknowledges it no longer.
17But the lovingkindness of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him, and His righteousness to children's children,
18To those who keep His covenant
And remember His precepts to do them.
19The LORD has established His throne in the heavens,
And His sovereignty rules over all.
20Bless the LORD, you His angels,
Mighty in strength, who perform His word,
Obeying the voice of His word!
21Bless the LORD, all you His hosts,
You who serve Him, doing His will.
22Bless the LORD, all you works of His,
In all places of His dominion;
Bless the LORD, O my soul!
Notes:
If you read this psalm through a few times, you’ll notice that David doesn’t speak about any specific situation. He isn’t pleading with God to free him from enemies, like so many other psalms, he’s just telling us about God and what we should do in response to that. This psalm speaks many truths to us. I’d encourage you to print out this psalm and grab 3 different colors of highlighters or pens (if that is too much for you, just make some mental notes). Underline or highlight each of these: 1- Things the psalm tells us to do (look for the word bless) 2- Things true of God 3- Things that God does for us (2 and 3 can look a lot alike- feel free to put 2 colors on those). If your page is very colorful, you’re on the right track!
What in this psalm means the most to you? I’ll list some of the most meaningful things to me from each category above:
This is a great psalm to look back at if you ever doubt God’s love for you. Our response to this amazing truth should be the same as how David begins and ends this psalm, “Bless the LORD, O my soul!”
Of David.
1Bless the LORD, O my soul,
And all that is within me, bless His holy name.
2Bless the LORD, O my soul,
And forget none of His benefits;
3Who pardons all your iniquities,
Who heals all your diseases;
4Who redeems your life from the pit,
Who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion;
5Who satisfies your years with good things,
So that your youth is renewed like the eagle.
6The LORD performs righteous deeds
And judgments for all who are oppressed.
7He made known His ways to Moses,
His acts to the sons of Israel.
8The LORD is compassionate and gracious,
Slow to anger and abounding in lovingkindness.
9He will not always strive with us,
Nor will He keep His anger forever.
10He has not dealt with us according to our sins,
Nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.
11For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
So great is His lovingkindness toward those who fear Him.
12As far as the east is from the west,
So far has He removed our transgressions from us.
13Just as a father has compassion on his children,
So the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him.
14For He Himself knows our frame;
He is mindful that we are but dust.
15As for man, his days are like grass;
As a flower of the field, so he flourishes.
16When the wind has passed over it, it is no more,
And its place acknowledges it no longer.
17But the lovingkindness of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him, and His righteousness to children's children,
18To those who keep His covenant
And remember His precepts to do them.
19The LORD has established His throne in the heavens,
And His sovereignty rules over all.
20Bless the LORD, you His angels,
Mighty in strength, who perform His word,
Obeying the voice of His word!
21Bless the LORD, all you His hosts,
You who serve Him, doing His will.
22Bless the LORD, all you works of His,
In all places of His dominion;
Bless the LORD, O my soul!
Notes:
If you read this psalm through a few times, you’ll notice that David doesn’t speak about any specific situation. He isn’t pleading with God to free him from enemies, like so many other psalms, he’s just telling us about God and what we should do in response to that. This psalm speaks many truths to us. I’d encourage you to print out this psalm and grab 3 different colors of highlighters or pens (if that is too much for you, just make some mental notes). Underline or highlight each of these: 1- Things the psalm tells us to do (look for the word bless) 2- Things true of God 3- Things that God does for us (2 and 3 can look a lot alike- feel free to put 2 colors on those). If your page is very colorful, you’re on the right track!
What in this psalm means the most to you? I’ll list some of the most meaningful things to me from each category above:
- Verse 2 tells us to “forget none of his benefits”. A lot of times, when I am angry at God it is because I am forgetting some of His benefits, or characteristics. He has blessed us abundantly! What are 3 benefits of God that move you to praise Him?
- Verse 8 shakes my view of God (if you had some problems thinking of 3 benefits, look at this verse!). A lot of times I see Him as a very stern and angry God. How does it make you feel that God is compassionate, gracious, slow to anger, and full of lovingkindness?
- Verse 12 is a place of peace for me. For those of us who are His by trusting in Christ for the forgiveness of our sins, this verse applies to us. Is there something in your life now or in your past that you feel God can’t forgive you of? This verse speaks otherwise. If you have truly asked God for forgiveness, you are forgiven. Let that truth sink in.
This is a great psalm to look back at if you ever doubt God’s love for you. Our response to this amazing truth should be the same as how David begins and ends this psalm, “Bless the LORD, O my soul!”
Monday, February 16, 2009
Psalm 54
Deeply Rooted Trust
- Read the entire psalm one time through.
1Save me, O God, by your name; vindicate me by your might.
2 Hear my prayer, O God; listen to the words of my mouth.
3 Strangers are attacking me; ruthless men seek my life— men without regard for God. Selah
4Surely God is my help; the Lord is the one who sustains me.
5Let evil recoil on those who slander me; in your faithfulness destroy them.
6I will sacrifice a freewill offering to you; I will praise your name, O LORD, for it is good.
7For he has delivered me from all my troubles, and my eyes have looked in triumph on my foes. - Background: David writes this psalm after the Ziphites have told King Saul David's location. Through the entire Psalm, you see a sincere plea for deliverance matched with a confidence that deliverance will occur.
- Read verse one. Do you see any parallelism? "...by your ______, ...by your _____. " The name and power of God are synonymous. We see here how "His name represents all that God is and what He has done" (Constable). Think of a name of the Lord that you use often. What does that name communicate about God?
- In verse 2, what does David ask of the Lord?
- In verse 3-4, David is expressing that the ones who attack him are "ruthless men" who are "without regard for God." Are these other believers? Are these men who desire to do the Lord's will?
- Read verse 5. On what basis can David ask God to "destroy them?" Refer back to verse 3. Does David's plea for destruction align with the Lord's revealed will? Think about this. David knows that he is anointed as king, and that God's intends to place him on Saul's throne. How does this change your view of his desire for their destruction?
- David can "expect divine assistance because their hostility was contrary to God's revealed will"(Constable).
- In verse 7, how do you see David's absolute confidence in the Lord's delivery? Notice the tense of the verbs.
Summary: As believers, we can expect to be delivered from circumstances and people that impede upon God's will being carried out in our lives. David trusted in what God had revealed to Him, and this confident trust influenced the way he prayed. Listen to the way you pray today. Does your complete trust in the Lord come out in the way you pray? If not, ask the Lord to give you a deeper confidence and trust in His plans for your life.
"Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails." Proverbs 19:21
Source: http://www.soniclight.com (Dr. Constable’s notes)
Friday, February 13, 2009
Psalm 63
My Soul Thirsts for You
A Psalm of David, when he was in the wilderness of Judah.
1O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.
2So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary, beholding your power and glory.
3Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you.
4So I will bless you as long as I live; in your name I will lift up my hands.
5My soul will be satisfied as with fat and rich food, and my mouth will praise you with joyful lips, 6when I remember you upon my bed, and meditate on you in the watches of the night; 7for you have been my help, and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy.
8My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me.
9But those who seek to destroy my life shall go down into the depths of the earth;10they shall be given over to the power of the sword; they shall be a portion for jackals.
11But the king shall rejoice in God; all who swear by him shall exult, for the mouths of liars will be stopped.
Keep in mind as you read this psalm that David is in the wilderness!
A Psalm of David, when he was in the wilderness of Judah.
1O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.
2So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary, beholding your power and glory.
3Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you.
4So I will bless you as long as I live; in your name I will lift up my hands.
5My soul will be satisfied as with fat and rich food, and my mouth will praise you with joyful lips, 6when I remember you upon my bed, and meditate on you in the watches of the night; 7for you have been my help, and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy.
8My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me.
9But those who seek to destroy my life shall go down into the depths of the earth;10they shall be given over to the power of the sword; they shall be a portion for jackals.
11But the king shall rejoice in God; all who swear by him shall exult, for the mouths of liars will be stopped.
Keep in mind as you read this psalm that David is in the wilderness!
- Verses 1-4: Read verse 1 again. What kind of language does David use to speak of God? Does this sound like he is speaking to an intimate friend or somebody he has no relationship with? What kind of language do you use when you speak with God in prayer? Do you think his physical surroundings are having an effect on how he speaks with God? What in God’s creation effects how you talk with God? In verse 3, David looks at the love God has for him and it moves him to action. What do verses 3 and 4 illustrate? How are some ways in which you praise God?
- Verses 5-8: David continues on with very personal, strong language in these verses. Verses 7 and 8 say that God has been David’s help and that He upholds David. David’s praise of God isn’t based on his own actions towards God, but because God sustains David. Do you praise God at all times or only when you see His blessing in your life? God deserves praise at all times because of who He is, not for what He can do for us. Take a break to praise Him!
- Verses 9-11: We are brought back to the reality of where David is by verses 9 and 10. God’s love also brings about justice and David prays that God’s justice will rain on his enemies. Remember that David was anointed as a king by God and that his enemies are God’s! When you demand justice in your life, is it based on God’s standards or your own? What does David to at the end of this psalm? What does he call us to do?
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Psalm 55
Cast Your Burden on the LORD
To the choirmaster: with stringed instruments. A Maskil of David.
1Give ear to my prayer, O God,
and hide not yourself from my plea for mercy!
2Attend to me, and answer me;
I am restless in my complaint and I moan,
3because of the noise of the enemy,
because of the oppression of the wicked. For they drop trouble upon me,
and in anger they bear a grudge against me.
4My heart is in anguish within me;
the terrors of death have fallen upon me.
5Fear and trembling come upon me,
and horror overwhelms me.
6And I say, "Oh, that I had wings like a dove!
I would fly away and be at rest;
7yes, I would wander far away;
I would lodge in the wilderness; Selah
8I would hurry to find a shelter from the raging wind and tempest."
9Destroy, O Lord, divide their tongues;
for I see violence and strife in the city.
10Day and night they go around it
on its walls,and iniquity and trouble are within it;
11ruin is in its midst; oppression and fraud
do not depart from its marketplace.
12For it is not an enemy who taunts me—
then I could bear it;it is not an adversary who deals insolently with me—
then I could hide from him.
13But it is you, a man, my equal,
my companion, my familiar friend.
14We used to take sweet counsel together;
within God’s house we walked in the throng.
15Let death steal over them;
let them go down to Sheol alive;
for evil is in their dwelling place and in their heart.
16But I call to God,
and the LORD will save me.
17Evening and morning and at noon
I utter my complaint and moan,
and he hears my voice.
18He redeems my soul in safety
from the battle that I wage,
for many are arrayed against me.
19God will give ear and humble them,
he who is enthroned from of old,
Selah because they do not change and do not fear God.
20My companion stretched out his hand against his friends;
he violated his covenant.
21His speech was smooth as butter,
yet war was in his heart;his words were softer than oil,
yet they were drawn swords.
22Cast your burden on the LORD,
and he will sustain you; he will never permit
the righteous to be moved.
23But you, O God, will cast them down
into the pit of destruction;men of blood and treachery
shall not live out half their days.But I will trust in you.
Verses 1-8: David says upfront what he is asking for- that God would hear his prayer and be merciful. We find out in verse 3 that David is being oppressed by his enemy. In verse 6, David says he wants to, “fly away and be at rest”. Have you ever been in a situation that you wanted to escape from it? Does David come to the conclusion that this feeling is wrong? David does not give into this feeling to escape. Rather, he is honest with God and trusts that God will deliver him from the situation. How does it comfort you to know that David, a strong man in the faith, had these feelings?
Verses 9-15: In the beginning of this section of verses, David is praying for the city he is in. Have you ever prayed for the city you live in? In what ways do you see iniquity and trouble in your city? Take a break to pray for your city. In the next part, we find out that David has been betrayed by a close friend. David was a powerful king and warrior. Being betrayed meant that his life and the lives of his army could be at stake. No wonder he reacts so severely in verse 15!
This verse also shows by its plural tense that the betrayal affected a group of people to be against him. Can you think of a time that you were betrayed by a close friend? Take another break to pray for this person.
Verses 16-21: After strongly reacting to the betrayal of a friend, David turns his focus to praise God. Verse 17 says that David prays morning, noon, and night. How can you incorporate this idea into your prayer life? David comes to a conclusion in verse 19 that his enemies “do not fear God” and in 20 that a covenant was broken. They are not David’s enemies because of how they treated him, but because they are against the God he believes in. Are the enemies in your life ones that have wronged you or ones that have wronged God?
Verses 22-23: Look at verse 22. Does it say that God will take away your burden if you cast it on him? The psalm says God will sustain us in the midst of it. Have you seen how God can sustain you in the midst of a major burden such as finals or family problems? How does the psalm end? Does David take it into his own hands to try and bring justice to his enemies?
To the choirmaster: with stringed instruments. A Maskil of David.
1Give ear to my prayer, O God,
and hide not yourself from my plea for mercy!
2Attend to me, and answer me;
I am restless in my complaint and I moan,
3because of the noise of the enemy,
because of the oppression of the wicked. For they drop trouble upon me,
and in anger they bear a grudge against me.
4My heart is in anguish within me;
the terrors of death have fallen upon me.
5Fear and trembling come upon me,
and horror overwhelms me.
6And I say, "Oh, that I had wings like a dove!
I would fly away and be at rest;
7yes, I would wander far away;
I would lodge in the wilderness; Selah
8I would hurry to find a shelter from the raging wind and tempest."
9Destroy, O Lord, divide their tongues;
for I see violence and strife in the city.
10Day and night they go around it
on its walls,and iniquity and trouble are within it;
11ruin is in its midst; oppression and fraud
do not depart from its marketplace.
12For it is not an enemy who taunts me—
then I could bear it;it is not an adversary who deals insolently with me—
then I could hide from him.
13But it is you, a man, my equal,
my companion, my familiar friend.
14We used to take sweet counsel together;
within God’s house we walked in the throng.
15Let death steal over them;
let them go down to Sheol alive;
for evil is in their dwelling place and in their heart.
16But I call to God,
and the LORD will save me.
17Evening and morning and at noon
I utter my complaint and moan,
and he hears my voice.
18He redeems my soul in safety
from the battle that I wage,
for many are arrayed against me.
19God will give ear and humble them,
he who is enthroned from of old,
Selah because they do not change and do not fear God.
20My companion stretched out his hand against his friends;
he violated his covenant.
21His speech was smooth as butter,
yet war was in his heart;his words were softer than oil,
yet they were drawn swords.
22Cast your burden on the LORD,
and he will sustain you; he will never permit
the righteous to be moved.
23But you, O God, will cast them down
into the pit of destruction;men of blood and treachery
shall not live out half their days.But I will trust in you.
Verses 1-8: David says upfront what he is asking for- that God would hear his prayer and be merciful. We find out in verse 3 that David is being oppressed by his enemy. In verse 6, David says he wants to, “fly away and be at rest”. Have you ever been in a situation that you wanted to escape from it? Does David come to the conclusion that this feeling is wrong? David does not give into this feeling to escape. Rather, he is honest with God and trusts that God will deliver him from the situation. How does it comfort you to know that David, a strong man in the faith, had these feelings?
Verses 9-15: In the beginning of this section of verses, David is praying for the city he is in. Have you ever prayed for the city you live in? In what ways do you see iniquity and trouble in your city? Take a break to pray for your city. In the next part, we find out that David has been betrayed by a close friend. David was a powerful king and warrior. Being betrayed meant that his life and the lives of his army could be at stake. No wonder he reacts so severely in verse 15!
This verse also shows by its plural tense that the betrayal affected a group of people to be against him. Can you think of a time that you were betrayed by a close friend? Take another break to pray for this person.
Verses 16-21: After strongly reacting to the betrayal of a friend, David turns his focus to praise God. Verse 17 says that David prays morning, noon, and night. How can you incorporate this idea into your prayer life? David comes to a conclusion in verse 19 that his enemies “do not fear God” and in 20 that a covenant was broken. They are not David’s enemies because of how they treated him, but because they are against the God he believes in. Are the enemies in your life ones that have wronged you or ones that have wronged God?
Verses 22-23: Look at verse 22. Does it say that God will take away your burden if you cast it on him? The psalm says God will sustain us in the midst of it. Have you seen how God can sustain you in the midst of a major burden such as finals or family problems? How does the psalm end? Does David take it into his own hands to try and bring justice to his enemies?
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