I love you, O LORD, my strength. The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I call to the LORD, who is worthy of praise, and I am saved from my enemies.
The cords of death entangled me; the torrents of destruction overwhelmed me. The cords of the grave coiled around me; the snares of death confronted me. In my distress I called to the LORD; I cried to my God for help.
From his temple he heard my voice; my cry came before him, into his ears. The earth trembled and quaked, and the foundations of the mountains shook; they trembled because he was angry. Smoke rose from his nostrils; consuming fire came from his mouth, burning coals blazed out of it.
He parted the heavens and came down; dark clouds were under his feet. He mounted the cherubim and flew; he soared on the wings of the wind. He made darkness his covering, his canopy around him—the dark rain clouds of the sky, Out of the brightness of his presence clouds advanced, with hailstones and bolts of lightning. The LORD thundered from heaven; the voice of the Most High resounded. He shot his arrows and scattered the enemies, great bolts of lightning and routed them. The valleys of the sea were exposed and the foundations of the earth laid bare at your rebuke, O LORD, at the blast of breath from your nostrils.
He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew me out of deep waters. He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from my foes, who were too strong for me. They confronted me in the day of my disaster, but the LROD was my support. He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me.
I have a hard time comprehending what it was like to be David, having to run for your life from King Saul numerous times. However, I also need to realize that here in this life I am surrounded by spiritual danger that God protects me from on a daily basis, and I should be thankful every day that He is my refuge and my shield, as it says at the beginning of this psalm. He is always there listening to me.
It is easy to forget all that we have been saved from when Jesus took our place on the cross, especially for those of us who have been in church since we were children. But the imagery in this psalm: cords of death entangled me. . . torrents of destruction overwhelmed me. . . cords of the grave coiled around me. . . the snares of death confronted me remind me of how trapped in sin and completely helpless we are without the grace of God.
Thankfully, From his temple he heard my voice; my cry came before him, into his ears. And what follows is an amazing picture of God coming to our rescue, shaking the foundations of earth, causing storms, smoke, hail, and just about every other force of nature we can think of. It’s also pretty prophetic of Jesus coming to earth, the first time, and when He comes again to finally rescue us from this world.
When Jesus shows up, things are never the same.
What an amazing God I have who hears me when I call and moves the heavens and earth to save me. He loves me that much.
He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew me out of deep waters. He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from my foes, who were too strong for me. They confronted me in the day of my disaster, but the LROD was my support. He brought me out into a spacious place; God reaches down and pulls us out of the sin we are in.
No sin is so small that we can overcome it alone.
No sin is so great that God cannot handle it.
And why does He do this? he rescued me because he delighted in me. God delighted in me! Even when I am full of sin and am drowning in a sea of helplessness, God looks and sees the child He formed, the child He knows is His, and the child He wants in His arms.
Thank you, God, for loving me. For saving me. For delighting in me.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Monday, September 28, 2009
Psalm 17
Hear, O LORD, my righteous plea; listen to my cry. Give ear to my prayer—It does not rise from deceitful lips. May my vindication come from you; may your eyes see what is right. Though you probe my heart and examine me at night, though you test me, you will find nothing; I have resolved that my mouth will not sin. As for the deeds of men—by the word of your lips I have kept myself from the ways of the violent. My steps have held to your paths; my feel have not slipped.
I call on you, O God, for you will answer me; give ear to me and hear my prayer. Show the wonder of your great love, you who save by your right hand those who take refuge in you from their foes. Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings from the wicked who assail me, from my mortal enemies who surround me. They close up their callous hearts, and their mouths speak with arrogance. They have tracked me down, they now surround me, with eyes alert, to throw me to the ground. They are like a lion hungry for pretty, like a great lion crouching in cover.
Rise up, O LORD, confront them, bring them down; rescue me from the wicked by your sword. O LORD, by your hand save me from such men, from men of this world whose reward is in this life. You still the hunger of those cherish; their sons have plenty, and they store up wealth for their children. And I – in righteousness I will see your face; when I awake, I will be satisfied with seeing your likeness.
This psalm is full of different insights about our relationship with God and what we should value. Though you probe my heart and examine me at night, though you test me, you will find nothing; I have resolved that my mouth will not sin. Was David sinless? Of course not, but his heart was pure. He wasn’t telling God he was perfect; he was telling God that he doesn’t keep anything from Him.
Later, in verse 8 he compares his relationship with God to a mother bird with her babies. Sometimes it is easier for me to see God as a judge, waiting to catch me doing something wrong. And although we will definitely be judged, that’s not how God wants my relationship with Him to be perceived. He is my Father, the One I run to when I am in need (I call on you, O God, for you will answer me; give ear to me and hear my prayer.) The One who protects me (you who save by your right hand those who take refuge in you from their foes) and saves me, not only from the world (rescue me from the wicked by your sword) but from the lifestyle this world thinks we should have, which is
More
More
More.
This world tries to convince us that we need just a little more of everything and then we will be happy. . . .such men, from men of this world whose reward is in this life. People who live with this worldly mindset have already been rewarded in this life. How sad.
But You still the hunger of those cherish; if we seek God and a relationship with Him, we will be satisfied. If I am looking for fulfillment anywhere else besides in God, it’s not going to work. Only when I am content with God.
May I chase after Him and leave the things of this world behind.
I call on you, O God, for you will answer me; give ear to me and hear my prayer. Show the wonder of your great love, you who save by your right hand those who take refuge in you from their foes. Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings from the wicked who assail me, from my mortal enemies who surround me. They close up their callous hearts, and their mouths speak with arrogance. They have tracked me down, they now surround me, with eyes alert, to throw me to the ground. They are like a lion hungry for pretty, like a great lion crouching in cover.
Rise up, O LORD, confront them, bring them down; rescue me from the wicked by your sword. O LORD, by your hand save me from such men, from men of this world whose reward is in this life. You still the hunger of those cherish; their sons have plenty, and they store up wealth for their children. And I – in righteousness I will see your face; when I awake, I will be satisfied with seeing your likeness.
This psalm is full of different insights about our relationship with God and what we should value. Though you probe my heart and examine me at night, though you test me, you will find nothing; I have resolved that my mouth will not sin. Was David sinless? Of course not, but his heart was pure. He wasn’t telling God he was perfect; he was telling God that he doesn’t keep anything from Him.
Later, in verse 8 he compares his relationship with God to a mother bird with her babies. Sometimes it is easier for me to see God as a judge, waiting to catch me doing something wrong. And although we will definitely be judged, that’s not how God wants my relationship with Him to be perceived. He is my Father, the One I run to when I am in need (I call on you, O God, for you will answer me; give ear to me and hear my prayer.) The One who protects me (you who save by your right hand those who take refuge in you from their foes) and saves me, not only from the world (rescue me from the wicked by your sword) but from the lifestyle this world thinks we should have, which is
More
More
More.
This world tries to convince us that we need just a little more of everything and then we will be happy. . . .such men, from men of this world whose reward is in this life. People who live with this worldly mindset have already been rewarded in this life. How sad.
But You still the hunger of those cherish; if we seek God and a relationship with Him, we will be satisfied. If I am looking for fulfillment anywhere else besides in God, it’s not going to work. Only when I am content with God.
May I chase after Him and leave the things of this world behind.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Psalm 16
Keep me safe, O God, for in you I take refuge. I said to the LORD, “You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing.” As for the saints who are in the land, they are the glorious ones in whom is all my delight. The sorrows of those will increase who run after other gods. I will not pour out their libations of blood or take up their names on my lips. LORD, you have assigned me my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance. I will praise the LORD, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. I have set the LORD always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure, because you will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your Holy One see decay. You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.
If this psalm doesn’t make me joyful, I don’t know what would. What an amazing reminder of how great God is!
Keep me safe, O God, for in you I take refuge. It’s comforting and a little frightening to know that God is my refuge. This means that at times in my life I will need a refuge from something. Life is not all “health & wealth” if we choose to follow God. In fact, it might be harder on some levels to choose His path. But the promise of His refuge is more than enough to make up for that.
. . .apart from you I have no good thing. Do I truly believe and live out these words? Of course they are true. If I have God and nothing else, it’s all good. If I have everything else except God, life means nothing. The things of this world mean NOTHING! I know that in my head, but I need to live it out in my life.
As for the saints who are in the land, they are the glorious ones in whom is all my delight. One of the greatest ways to lose my desire for earthly things is to watch those around me. The people around me who are making a difference for Jesus aren’t spending time clinging to their material goods. They are out serving and taking care of needs. On the other side: The sorrows of those will increase who run after other gods. Why do I spend so much time wishing I could look like someone else or have more things. Have I EVER seen a person who has true joy from their stuff? It’s not worth it!
. . . surely I have a delightful inheritance. God’s blessings are overflowing and we can trust in His protection. I may not always understand His ways, but I can always trust them.
I will praise the LORD . . . I will not be shaken. . . my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices . . . you will fill me with joy . . . I definitely need to spend more time praising God! Not only does He supply blessing after blessing, but He gives me guidance along the way through the Holy Spirit, circumstances, the Bible, and other believers. If my eyes are on God, my heart will be filled with joy.
If this psalm doesn’t make me joyful, I don’t know what would. What an amazing reminder of how great God is!
Keep me safe, O God, for in you I take refuge. It’s comforting and a little frightening to know that God is my refuge. This means that at times in my life I will need a refuge from something. Life is not all “health & wealth” if we choose to follow God. In fact, it might be harder on some levels to choose His path. But the promise of His refuge is more than enough to make up for that.
. . .apart from you I have no good thing. Do I truly believe and live out these words? Of course they are true. If I have God and nothing else, it’s all good. If I have everything else except God, life means nothing. The things of this world mean NOTHING! I know that in my head, but I need to live it out in my life.
As for the saints who are in the land, they are the glorious ones in whom is all my delight. One of the greatest ways to lose my desire for earthly things is to watch those around me. The people around me who are making a difference for Jesus aren’t spending time clinging to their material goods. They are out serving and taking care of needs. On the other side: The sorrows of those will increase who run after other gods. Why do I spend so much time wishing I could look like someone else or have more things. Have I EVER seen a person who has true joy from their stuff? It’s not worth it!
. . . surely I have a delightful inheritance. God’s blessings are overflowing and we can trust in His protection. I may not always understand His ways, but I can always trust them.
I will praise the LORD . . . I will not be shaken. . . my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices . . . you will fill me with joy . . . I definitely need to spend more time praising God! Not only does He supply blessing after blessing, but He gives me guidance along the way through the Holy Spirit, circumstances, the Bible, and other believers. If my eyes are on God, my heart will be filled with joy.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Psalm 15
LORD, who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy hill? He whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from his heart and has no slander on his tongue, who does his neighbor no wrong and casts no slur on his fellowman, who despises a vile man but honors those who fear the LORD, who keeps his oath even when it hurts, who lends his money without usury and does not accept a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things will never be shaken.
Wow. Talk about a wake-up call. David gives me a list of what my life should look like if I am truly living for God. And if I am honest, I don’t measure up most of the time.
Do I live a blameless life day after day?
When given a choice, do I choose God’s path?
Is my speech truthful, from the heart, uplifting to all, and honoring God?
Ouch!
Do I keep my promises, even when if hurts?
Am I giving to others in need?
It is so easy to be persuaded by the world around us to believe that our lives should be comfortable. But the characteristics David describes don’t sound comfortable to me. They sound challenging. They sound like I have to choose God over my selfish desires on a daily basis. Am I doing that? If so, David says in verse 5: He who does these things will never be shaken.
Why? Because our foundation is on a God who is eternal, all-powerful, and never changing instead of having a material, worldly foundation that will fail us.
People will let you down.
Things will let you down.
You will let yourself down.
HE will NEVER let you down.
Thank you, God, for always being on our side and for never letting us down.
Wow. Talk about a wake-up call. David gives me a list of what my life should look like if I am truly living for God. And if I am honest, I don’t measure up most of the time.
Do I live a blameless life day after day?
When given a choice, do I choose God’s path?
Is my speech truthful, from the heart, uplifting to all, and honoring God?
Ouch!
Do I keep my promises, even when if hurts?
Am I giving to others in need?
It is so easy to be persuaded by the world around us to believe that our lives should be comfortable. But the characteristics David describes don’t sound comfortable to me. They sound challenging. They sound like I have to choose God over my selfish desires on a daily basis. Am I doing that? If so, David says in verse 5: He who does these things will never be shaken.
Why? Because our foundation is on a God who is eternal, all-powerful, and never changing instead of having a material, worldly foundation that will fail us.
People will let you down.
Things will let you down.
You will let yourself down.
HE will NEVER let you down.
Thank you, God, for always being on our side and for never letting us down.
Friday, September 04, 2009
Psalm 14
The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good. The LORD looks down from heaven on the sons of men to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God. All have turned aside, they have together become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one. Will evildoers never learn—those who devour my people as men eat bread and who do not call on the LORD? There they are, overwhelmed with dread, for God is present in the company of the righteous. You evildoers frustrate the plans of the poor, but the LORD is their refuge. Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion! When the LORD restores the fortunes of his people, let Jacob rejoice and Israel be glad!
We are foolish not to follow God. Plain and simple.
In Romans 3:10-12, Paul uses the first three verses of this psalm to explain that none of us is perfect. No matter how great you think you are, you aren’t perfect. Nobody can earn salvation by their works, because nobody is truly good—we are all flawed, sinful people. Which means we all need a savior, and that we have no right to judge anyone.
We are foolish not to rely on God.
Why do I every try to think I can do it all by myself? It’s like watching Noel try to do something that is much too advanced. If he just realized I could help him, the problem would be solved in no time. But we let our selfish pride get in the way.
We are foolish not to do things God’s way.
Will that mean life is easy? Not at all, but we will have the best life possible with God’s protection and guidance.
To me, this psalm seems to be a longing for Jesus. Here David is writing that we all have sinned, that nobody is perfect, and that there will be a day when God’s people will be saved, “when the LORD restores the fortunes of his people.”
We are foolish if we think we don’t need a Savior.
We are foolish not to follow God. Plain and simple.
In Romans 3:10-12, Paul uses the first three verses of this psalm to explain that none of us is perfect. No matter how great you think you are, you aren’t perfect. Nobody can earn salvation by their works, because nobody is truly good—we are all flawed, sinful people. Which means we all need a savior, and that we have no right to judge anyone.
We are foolish not to rely on God.
Why do I every try to think I can do it all by myself? It’s like watching Noel try to do something that is much too advanced. If he just realized I could help him, the problem would be solved in no time. But we let our selfish pride get in the way.
We are foolish not to do things God’s way.
Will that mean life is easy? Not at all, but we will have the best life possible with God’s protection and guidance.
To me, this psalm seems to be a longing for Jesus. Here David is writing that we all have sinned, that nobody is perfect, and that there will be a day when God’s people will be saved, “when the LORD restores the fortunes of his people.”
We are foolish if we think we don’t need a Savior.
Tuesday, September 01, 2009
Psalm 13
How long, O LORD? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hid your face from me? How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and every day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me? Look on me and answer, O LORD my God. Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death; my enemy will say, “I have overcome him,” and my foes will rejoice when I fall. But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing to the LORD, for he has been good to me.
The footnotes in my Bible say that this prayer for help was written during a time of physical illness that David had. I’m sure many people who are struggling with physical pain, injuries, diseases, and illnesses ask the same question David asks:
How long? How long?
How long will I have to endure this?
How long will God hold out on me?
Are you out there, God?
What a helpless feeling—to see no end in sight to a sickness. I think about those who have fought cancer for years and years, and my heart breaks for them and their families.
Sometimes life doesn’t make sense to us. But it makes sense to God.
David asks, “Will you forget me forever?” ‘Forget’ in this psalm actually means ignore. David knows that God could never forget one of his own, but doesn’t it sometimes feel like God is just ignoring us sometimes? Some of our prayers have been prayed for months and even years without an answer.
How long, God?
Again, this psalm reminds us that it is okay to pour our hearts out to God, the good and the bad, but we need to finish our prayers the same way David did, with a declaration of our faith, even when we don’t understand.
But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing to the LORD, for he has been good to me.
God’s love is unfailing. He never forgets or ignores us. He has saved us from our sins and has given us eternity with Him. If he did nothing else but that, He still deserves our praise forever. The amazing thing is that He has done so much more than just saving our souls. He gives us peace, blessings beyond compare, joy, friendships, family, opportunities to serve, life, and laughter to name a few.
I hope that every day I will choose to praise Him.
When I don’t understand His ways—I will praise Him.
When I feel like He has forgotten me—I will praise Him.
No matter what—I will praise Him.
The footnotes in my Bible say that this prayer for help was written during a time of physical illness that David had. I’m sure many people who are struggling with physical pain, injuries, diseases, and illnesses ask the same question David asks:
How long? How long?
How long will I have to endure this?
How long will God hold out on me?
Are you out there, God?
What a helpless feeling—to see no end in sight to a sickness. I think about those who have fought cancer for years and years, and my heart breaks for them and their families.
Sometimes life doesn’t make sense to us. But it makes sense to God.
David asks, “Will you forget me forever?” ‘Forget’ in this psalm actually means ignore. David knows that God could never forget one of his own, but doesn’t it sometimes feel like God is just ignoring us sometimes? Some of our prayers have been prayed for months and even years without an answer.
How long, God?
Again, this psalm reminds us that it is okay to pour our hearts out to God, the good and the bad, but we need to finish our prayers the same way David did, with a declaration of our faith, even when we don’t understand.
But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing to the LORD, for he has been good to me.
God’s love is unfailing. He never forgets or ignores us. He has saved us from our sins and has given us eternity with Him. If he did nothing else but that, He still deserves our praise forever. The amazing thing is that He has done so much more than just saving our souls. He gives us peace, blessings beyond compare, joy, friendships, family, opportunities to serve, life, and laughter to name a few.
I hope that every day I will choose to praise Him.
When I don’t understand His ways—I will praise Him.
When I feel like He has forgotten me—I will praise Him.
No matter what—I will praise Him.
Psalm 12
Help, LORD, for the godly are no more; the faithful have vanished from among men. Everyone lies to his neighbor; their flattering lips speak with deception. May the LORD cut off all flattering lips and every boastful tongue that says, “We will triumph with our tongues; we own our lips—who is our master?”
“Because of the oppression of the weak and the groaning of the needy, I will now arise,” says the LORD. “I will protect them from those who malign them.” And the words of the LORD are flawless, like silver refined in a furnace of clay, purified seven times.
O LORD, you will keep us safe and protect us from such people forever. The wicked freely strut about when what is vile is honored among men.
I think the longer I study the psalms the more I am amazed how relevant they are to our current culture. This entire psalm could have been written in 2009 without changing a word and still make sense. Thank you, God, that your words are relevant to every generation!
In this psalm, David is asking for protection again from those who are out to hurt believers. He starts the psalm by stating he feels like he is the only believer left who does what God asks! I’m sure we can all recall a time when we have felt like that. When we look around at the world we live in, it is easy to agree with him when he says, Everyone lies to his neighbor; lying is one of the most acceptable sins in our society that some people do it and don’t even realize they are doing it. James hit the nail on the head when he writes in chapter 3 about how impossible it is to tame the tongue without God’s help. I cringe when I think about how much hurt I could have saved others and myself if I could just keep my big mouth closed more often. But I have to surrender that to God and let Him control my words.
And after David’s prayer for help, God answers.
“Because of the oppression of the weak and the groaning of the needy, I will now arise,” says the LORD. “I will protect them from those who malign them.” And the words of the LORD are flawless, like silver refined in a furnace of clay, purified seven times.
He promises that those who follow Him will be protected. Then He backs that up by reminding us that His words are perfect. Anything He says, we can count on it 100. But His #1 priority is our spiritual protection, not just our physical protection. So we must trust that He is doing what is best for us, even when it doesn’t make sense.
“Because of the oppression of the weak and the groaning of the needy, I will now arise,” says the LORD. “I will protect them from those who malign them.” And the words of the LORD are flawless, like silver refined in a furnace of clay, purified seven times.
O LORD, you will keep us safe and protect us from such people forever. The wicked freely strut about when what is vile is honored among men.
I think the longer I study the psalms the more I am amazed how relevant they are to our current culture. This entire psalm could have been written in 2009 without changing a word and still make sense. Thank you, God, that your words are relevant to every generation!
In this psalm, David is asking for protection again from those who are out to hurt believers. He starts the psalm by stating he feels like he is the only believer left who does what God asks! I’m sure we can all recall a time when we have felt like that. When we look around at the world we live in, it is easy to agree with him when he says, Everyone lies to his neighbor; lying is one of the most acceptable sins in our society that some people do it and don’t even realize they are doing it. James hit the nail on the head when he writes in chapter 3 about how impossible it is to tame the tongue without God’s help. I cringe when I think about how much hurt I could have saved others and myself if I could just keep my big mouth closed more often. But I have to surrender that to God and let Him control my words.
And after David’s prayer for help, God answers.
“Because of the oppression of the weak and the groaning of the needy, I will now arise,” says the LORD. “I will protect them from those who malign them.” And the words of the LORD are flawless, like silver refined in a furnace of clay, purified seven times.
He promises that those who follow Him will be protected. Then He backs that up by reminding us that His words are perfect. Anything He says, we can count on it 100. But His #1 priority is our spiritual protection, not just our physical protection. So we must trust that He is doing what is best for us, even when it doesn’t make sense.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Psalm 11
Psalm 11
In the LORD I take refuge. How then can you say to me: “Flee like a bird to your mountain. For look, the wicked bend their bows; they set their arrows against the strings to shoot from the shadows at the upright in heart. When the foundations are being destroyed, what can the righteous do?” The LORD is in his holy temple; the LORD is on his heavenly throne. He observes the sons of men; his eyes examine them. The LORD examines the righteous, but the wicked and those who love violence his soul hates. On the wicked he will rain fiery coals and burning sulfur; a scorching wind will be their lot. For the LORD is righteous, he loves justice; upright men will see his face.
I will admit, several of the psalms I have been reading have convicted me. I need to walk with God every day. I need to delight in His law. I need to declare how great He is every chance I can get. I need to thank Him for answered prayer.
But this psalm struck me differently today. Instead of feeling convicted, I feel a great peace when I read this psalm. Yet again, this psalm is incredibly relevant even today, thousands of years after it was written. The people around David are asking him, “What are we going to do? It seems like everyone around us is out to get those who honor God!”
When the foundations are being destroyed, what can the righteous do?
I think a lot of believers are asking themselves that in today’s world. We live in a world where truth is relative now. Whatever YOU think is true must be true. Josh McDowell describes is as this great switch: It used to be: It’s true, so it works. Now society’s thought is: If it works, it must be true. With no absolute truth, our foundations are indeed crumbling. What are we to do?
Trust.
Trust.
Trust.
The LORD is in his holy temple; the LORD is on his heavenly throne. He observes the sons of men; his eyes examine them.
God is still in control. We might think we have control, but that is an illusion. Nothing gets past God. He sees everything and knows everything. There are times for us to be vocal and defend our faith, and there are times for us to stand up against something. But ultimately, we must surrender that God is in control of this world, and He will take care of it. All wrongs will be made right. The wicked will see their judgment. Those who have served God will see His face. But we must trust.
In the LORD I take refuge. How then can you say to me: “Flee like a bird to your mountain. For look, the wicked bend their bows; they set their arrows against the strings to shoot from the shadows at the upright in heart. When the foundations are being destroyed, what can the righteous do?” The LORD is in his holy temple; the LORD is on his heavenly throne. He observes the sons of men; his eyes examine them. The LORD examines the righteous, but the wicked and those who love violence his soul hates. On the wicked he will rain fiery coals and burning sulfur; a scorching wind will be their lot. For the LORD is righteous, he loves justice; upright men will see his face.
I will admit, several of the psalms I have been reading have convicted me. I need to walk with God every day. I need to delight in His law. I need to declare how great He is every chance I can get. I need to thank Him for answered prayer.
But this psalm struck me differently today. Instead of feeling convicted, I feel a great peace when I read this psalm. Yet again, this psalm is incredibly relevant even today, thousands of years after it was written. The people around David are asking him, “What are we going to do? It seems like everyone around us is out to get those who honor God!”
When the foundations are being destroyed, what can the righteous do?
I think a lot of believers are asking themselves that in today’s world. We live in a world where truth is relative now. Whatever YOU think is true must be true. Josh McDowell describes is as this great switch: It used to be: It’s true, so it works. Now society’s thought is: If it works, it must be true. With no absolute truth, our foundations are indeed crumbling. What are we to do?
Trust.
Trust.
Trust.
The LORD is in his holy temple; the LORD is on his heavenly throne. He observes the sons of men; his eyes examine them.
God is still in control. We might think we have control, but that is an illusion. Nothing gets past God. He sees everything and knows everything. There are times for us to be vocal and defend our faith, and there are times for us to stand up against something. But ultimately, we must surrender that God is in control of this world, and He will take care of it. All wrongs will be made right. The wicked will see their judgment. Those who have served God will see His face. But we must trust.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Psalm 10
In his arrogance the wicked man hunts down the weak, who are caught in the schemes he devises. He boasts of the cravings of his heart; he blesses the greedy and reviles the LORD. In his pride the wicked does not seek him; in all his thoughts there is no room for God. His ways are always prosperous; he is haughty and your laws are far from him; he sneers at all his enemies. He says to himself, “Nothing will shake me; I’ll always be happy and never have trouble.” His mouth is full of curses and lies and threats; trouble and evil are under his tongue. He lies in wait near the villages; from ambush he murders the innocent, watching in secret for his victims. He lies in wait like a lion in cover; he lies in wait to catch the helpless; he catches the helpless and drags them off in his net. His victims are crushed, they collapse; they fall under his strength. He says to himself, “God has forgotten; he covers his face and never sees.”
Arise, LORD! Lift up your hand, O God. Do not forget the helpless. Why does the wicked man revile God! Why does he say to himself, “He won’t call me to account”? But you, O God, do see trouble and grief; you consider it to take it in hand. The victim commits himself to you; you are the helper of the fatherless. Break the arm of the wicked and evil man; call him to account for his wickedness that would not be found out. The LORD is King for ever and ever; the nations will perish from his land. You hear, O LORD, the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry, defending the fatherless and the oppressed, in order than man, who is of the earth, may terrify no more.
Psalm 10 is a prayer David wrote to be rescued from the attacks of the wicked. This psalm is thought to originally be part of Psalm 9.
Why, O LORD, do you stand far off? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble? Again, the author is begging for help, asking God to show Himself. When I read this out of context, I start to think that David was kind of a whiner, always asking for help. But when I think about how many people came up against David, how many battles he had to fight, it’s much easier to understand his feelings. This is just another reminder to me that it is okay to pour out my heart to God. Even if it’s something He’s heard a thousand times before, He wants to hear it again.
God is never far away---even when it seems like it. I need to remind myself of that every day.
In verses 2-11 David explains several things that the wicked have done. I find myself yet amazed. Not because of what they are doing, but it is the same stuff people do today. Solomon was right: there is nothing new under the sun, including sin. Here are some of the examples:
*taking advantage of the weak
*being greedy
*living with pride (“I can do it myself; I don’t need God.”)
*foul language, threats, and lies
*failing to acknowledge God.
Verse 4 says, “. . .in all his thoughts there is no room for God.”Wow. If I hadn’t just read that right out of the Bible, I would have thought our generation was being described.
In all of this, David prays that the wicked be judged by God, that He remind them that He is God and they are not. He ends with these words: You hear, O LORD, the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry, defending the fatherless and the oppressed, in order than man, who is of the earth, may terrify no more.
What a great reminder: we are just of the earth. So there is no need for us to fear anyone. We belong to a God who is so much greater and so much more powerful than anyone else. Be assured of two things today:
#1—As long as we live on this earth we will be surrounded by wicked people
#2—God is greater than any of them, and He is in control
Arise, LORD! Lift up your hand, O God. Do not forget the helpless. Why does the wicked man revile God! Why does he say to himself, “He won’t call me to account”? But you, O God, do see trouble and grief; you consider it to take it in hand. The victim commits himself to you; you are the helper of the fatherless. Break the arm of the wicked and evil man; call him to account for his wickedness that would not be found out. The LORD is King for ever and ever; the nations will perish from his land. You hear, O LORD, the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry, defending the fatherless and the oppressed, in order than man, who is of the earth, may terrify no more.
Psalm 10 is a prayer David wrote to be rescued from the attacks of the wicked. This psalm is thought to originally be part of Psalm 9.
Why, O LORD, do you stand far off? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble? Again, the author is begging for help, asking God to show Himself. When I read this out of context, I start to think that David was kind of a whiner, always asking for help. But when I think about how many people came up against David, how many battles he had to fight, it’s much easier to understand his feelings. This is just another reminder to me that it is okay to pour out my heart to God. Even if it’s something He’s heard a thousand times before, He wants to hear it again.
God is never far away---even when it seems like it. I need to remind myself of that every day.
In verses 2-11 David explains several things that the wicked have done. I find myself yet amazed. Not because of what they are doing, but it is the same stuff people do today. Solomon was right: there is nothing new under the sun, including sin. Here are some of the examples:
*taking advantage of the weak
*being greedy
*living with pride (“I can do it myself; I don’t need God.”)
*foul language, threats, and lies
*failing to acknowledge God.
Verse 4 says, “. . .in all his thoughts there is no room for God.”Wow. If I hadn’t just read that right out of the Bible, I would have thought our generation was being described.
In all of this, David prays that the wicked be judged by God, that He remind them that He is God and they are not. He ends with these words: You hear, O LORD, the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry, defending the fatherless and the oppressed, in order than man, who is of the earth, may terrify no more.
What a great reminder: we are just of the earth. So there is no need for us to fear anyone. We belong to a God who is so much greater and so much more powerful than anyone else. Be assured of two things today:
#1—As long as we live on this earth we will be surrounded by wicked people
#2—God is greater than any of them, and He is in control
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Thoughts on Psalm 9
Psalm 9 is pretty lengthy, so instead of writing the whole thing out, I will share some of my favorite parts. As a whole, psalm 9 is a praise song David wrote to thank God for saving him from his enemies. In the previous psalms (especially 7), David begged for mercy from those attacking him, led by his own son! God did just that, and Psalm 9 is in response to that.
I will praise you, O LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonders. I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High.
David vows to tell of God’s wonders. How often am I guilty of making known my trials and heartaches, but never sharing when God answers those prayers? The word “name” in this psalm refers to the character of who someone is. So when David says to sing praise to God’s name, we are to sing about how awesome God is. That shouldn’t be hard, considering all that He has done for us, but we can forget so easily.
My enemies turn back; they stumble and perish before you. For you have upheld my right and my cause;
David’s prayers have been answered. He has been saved!
The LORD reigns forever; he has established his throne for judgment. He will judge the world in righteousness; he will govern the peoples with justice. The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.
If there is anything to take from this psalm, this is it: God is on His throne. Not me. Not you. Not our enemies. Not Hollywood. Not even the church. God. Period. Judgment and justice is His to give. And because we are His children, we can trust that we are safe in the hands of God—no matter what. He will never forget me or forsake me. I have to trust that, even when it doesn’t seem that way.
I love how this psalm ends: O LORD; let the nations know they are but men. It is so tempting to start thinking highly of ourselves, but may we all be reminded that God is in control, not us (thankfully).
God has blessed us so very much! I need to do a better job of sharing what He has done in my life so that others can see how great He is.
I will praise you, O LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonders. I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High.
David vows to tell of God’s wonders. How often am I guilty of making known my trials and heartaches, but never sharing when God answers those prayers? The word “name” in this psalm refers to the character of who someone is. So when David says to sing praise to God’s name, we are to sing about how awesome God is. That shouldn’t be hard, considering all that He has done for us, but we can forget so easily.
My enemies turn back; they stumble and perish before you. For you have upheld my right and my cause;
David’s prayers have been answered. He has been saved!
The LORD reigns forever; he has established his throne for judgment. He will judge the world in righteousness; he will govern the peoples with justice. The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.
If there is anything to take from this psalm, this is it: God is on His throne. Not me. Not you. Not our enemies. Not Hollywood. Not even the church. God. Period. Judgment and justice is His to give. And because we are His children, we can trust that we are safe in the hands of God—no matter what. He will never forget me or forsake me. I have to trust that, even when it doesn’t seem that way.
I love how this psalm ends: O LORD; let the nations know they are but men. It is so tempting to start thinking highly of ourselves, but may we all be reminded that God is in control, not us (thankfully).
God has blessed us so very much! I need to do a better job of sharing what He has done in my life so that others can see how great He is.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Psalm 8, revised
Psalm 8 (New International Version)
O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!
You have set your glory above the heavens. From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise because of your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger. When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him? You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor. You made him ruler over the works of your hands; you put everything under his feet: all flocks and herds, and the beasts of the field, the birds of the air, and the fish of the sea, all that swim the paths of the seas.
O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!
Psalm 8 (Beth's Version)
God, who You are is just awesome.
Anyone who questions that just needs to stand outside under a starry sky
or visit the ocean
or hold the hand of a little child.
You are powerful. Otherwise, how could you take losers like us and use us in powerful ways?
I can’t understand why You care about us. We are so insignificant. So small. So puny.
But we are Yours.
The longer I am a parent, the more I try to understand my relationship with You, God. But that is such a flawed comparison, because You never let us down! Thank You for being my Heavenly Father, and for using us, when You don’t really need us to accomplish Your will at all. Forgive me when I become so proud as to think You need me. Thank You for entrusting me with so many things here on earth. Thank You for believing in me, even when I doubt You.
God, who You are is just awesome.
O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!
You have set your glory above the heavens. From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise because of your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger. When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him? You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor. You made him ruler over the works of your hands; you put everything under his feet: all flocks and herds, and the beasts of the field, the birds of the air, and the fish of the sea, all that swim the paths of the seas.
O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!
Psalm 8 (Beth's Version)
God, who You are is just awesome.
Anyone who questions that just needs to stand outside under a starry sky
or visit the ocean
or hold the hand of a little child.
You are powerful. Otherwise, how could you take losers like us and use us in powerful ways?
I can’t understand why You care about us. We are so insignificant. So small. So puny.
But we are Yours.
The longer I am a parent, the more I try to understand my relationship with You, God. But that is such a flawed comparison, because You never let us down! Thank You for being my Heavenly Father, and for using us, when You don’t really need us to accomplish Your will at all. Forgive me when I become so proud as to think You need me. Thank You for entrusting me with so many things here on earth. Thank You for believing in me, even when I doubt You.
God, who You are is just awesome.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Psalm 7
O LORD my God, I take refuge in you: save and deliver me from all who pursue me, or they will tear me like a lion and rip me to pieces with no one to rescue me. O LORD my God, if I have done this and there is guilt on my hands—if I have done evil to him who is at peace with me or without cause have robbed my foe—then let my enemy pursue and overtake me; let him trample my life to the ground and make me sleep in the dust.
Arise, O LORD, in your anger; rise up against the rage of my enemies. Awake, my God; decree justice. Let the assembled peoples gather around you. Rule over them from on high; let the LORD judge the peoples. Judge me, O LORD, according to my righteousness, according to my integrity, O Most High. O righteous God, who searches minds and hearts, bring to an end the violence of the wicked and make the righteous secure.
My shield is God Most High, who saves the upright in heart. God is a righteous judge, a God who expresses his wrath every day. If he does not relent, he will sharpen his sword; he will bend and string his bow. He has prepared his deadly weapons; he makes ready his flaming arrows. He who is pregnant with evil and conceives trouble gives birth to disillusionment. He who digs a hole and scoops it out falls into the pit he has made. The trouble he causes recoils on himself; his violence comes down on his own head.
I will give thanks to the LORD because of his righteousness and will sing praise to the name of the LORD Most High.
This psalm was probably written about someone in Saul’s camp who was after David’s life. I can’t imagine being afraid for my life, especially when there was nothing done to deserve it. But that was exactly the situation David was in. But it does remind me that life is not fair, even for the most righteous people, like David.
Arise, O LORD, in your anger; rise up against the rage of my enemies.
Awake, my God; decree justice. Let the assembled peoples gather around you. Rule over them from on high; let the LORD judge the peoples. Judge me, O LORD, according to my righteousness, according to my integrity, O Most High. O righteous God, who searches minds and hearts, bring to an end the violence of the wicked and make the righteous secure.
I think the hardest part about being wronged is wanting to retaliate. But David is doing the right thing: praying that God take care of it. We want people to know what they have done hurt us and make them pay for it immediately, but God doesn’t always work like that. I need to trust that He is faithful in His promises to bring about justice to those who do not turn to God. The trouble he causes recoils on himself; his violence comes down on his own head. It’s easy for us to expect immediate revenge on those who hurt us, but what about when we’re the ones doing the hurting? Thank God that He doesn’t always bring about immediate judgment, or we would all be doomed!
My shield is God Most High
What a great picture of protection. But it also means that God is not going to take away all of my battles (why would I need a shield if I wasn’t going to face a battle?), but He will protect me during them.
Many psalms end with a prayer of thanksgiving for what God will do, and this one does just that:
I will give thanks to the LORD because of his righteousness and will sing praise to the name of the LORD Most High.
David is thanking God in advance for answering his prayers. I wish I had that kind of faith every day—to pray and then thank God for the prayers that I know He will answer. How many prayers does He answer every day that go unnoticed? May I be more aware of God’s work, and may I get out of the way so that He can accomplish just that.
Arise, O LORD, in your anger; rise up against the rage of my enemies. Awake, my God; decree justice. Let the assembled peoples gather around you. Rule over them from on high; let the LORD judge the peoples. Judge me, O LORD, according to my righteousness, according to my integrity, O Most High. O righteous God, who searches minds and hearts, bring to an end the violence of the wicked and make the righteous secure.
My shield is God Most High, who saves the upright in heart. God is a righteous judge, a God who expresses his wrath every day. If he does not relent, he will sharpen his sword; he will bend and string his bow. He has prepared his deadly weapons; he makes ready his flaming arrows. He who is pregnant with evil and conceives trouble gives birth to disillusionment. He who digs a hole and scoops it out falls into the pit he has made. The trouble he causes recoils on himself; his violence comes down on his own head.
I will give thanks to the LORD because of his righteousness and will sing praise to the name of the LORD Most High.
This psalm was probably written about someone in Saul’s camp who was after David’s life. I can’t imagine being afraid for my life, especially when there was nothing done to deserve it. But that was exactly the situation David was in. But it does remind me that life is not fair, even for the most righteous people, like David.
Arise, O LORD, in your anger; rise up against the rage of my enemies.
Awake, my God; decree justice. Let the assembled peoples gather around you. Rule over them from on high; let the LORD judge the peoples. Judge me, O LORD, according to my righteousness, according to my integrity, O Most High. O righteous God, who searches minds and hearts, bring to an end the violence of the wicked and make the righteous secure.
I think the hardest part about being wronged is wanting to retaliate. But David is doing the right thing: praying that God take care of it. We want people to know what they have done hurt us and make them pay for it immediately, but God doesn’t always work like that. I need to trust that He is faithful in His promises to bring about justice to those who do not turn to God. The trouble he causes recoils on himself; his violence comes down on his own head. It’s easy for us to expect immediate revenge on those who hurt us, but what about when we’re the ones doing the hurting? Thank God that He doesn’t always bring about immediate judgment, or we would all be doomed!
My shield is God Most High
What a great picture of protection. But it also means that God is not going to take away all of my battles (why would I need a shield if I wasn’t going to face a battle?), but He will protect me during them.
Many psalms end with a prayer of thanksgiving for what God will do, and this one does just that:
I will give thanks to the LORD because of his righteousness and will sing praise to the name of the LORD Most High.
David is thanking God in advance for answering his prayers. I wish I had that kind of faith every day—to pray and then thank God for the prayers that I know He will answer. How many prayers does He answer every day that go unnoticed? May I be more aware of God’s work, and may I get out of the way so that He can accomplish just that.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Psalm 6--A Cry For Help
Psalm 6
O LORD, do not rebuke me in your anger or discipline me in your wrath. Be merciful to me, LORD, for I am faint; O LORD, heal me, for my bones are in agony. My soul is in anguish. How long, O LORD, how long? Turn, O LORD, and deliver me; save me because of your unfailing love. No one remembers you when he is dead. Who praises you from the grave? I am worn out from groaning; all night long, I flood my bed with weeping and drench my couch with tears. My eyes grow weak with sorrow; they fall because of all my foes. Away from me, all you who do evil, for the LORD has heard my weeping. The LORD has heard my cry for mercy; the LORD accepts my prayer. All my enemies will be ashamed and dismayed; they will turn back in sudden disgrace.
According to the footnotes in my Bible, this psalm was written during a time when David was very ill. My notes even say that the illness might have been a punishment from God for sinful choices. I don’t know what the sin was, but this psalm makes much more sense in that perspective.
Most of this psalm is incredibly sad. David is begging for relief from his anguish, which keeps him up all night. But near the end, David resolves to trust in God.
Away from me, all you who do evil, for the LORD has heard my weeping. It is so tempting to turn our backs on God, especially when trials come and life is painful. But that is the time when we can really grow closer to God, when there is nothing else to hold onto in life but Him. That is the time to resist the urge to listen to those around us, and surrender to Him, because. . .
The LORD has heard my cry for mercy; the LORD accepts my prayer. We aren’t given the exact when’s, where’s, and how’s, but we MUST believe that God hears our prayers and will give us mercy.
I’m not really at a point in my life right now where I can relate to David in this psalm, but I have been there in the past. And I’m pretty sure I’ll be there again someday. And when those trials come, I pray that I have the strength to hang onto God’s hand, even if it feels like He’s not there.
O LORD, do not rebuke me in your anger or discipline me in your wrath. Be merciful to me, LORD, for I am faint; O LORD, heal me, for my bones are in agony. My soul is in anguish. How long, O LORD, how long? Turn, O LORD, and deliver me; save me because of your unfailing love. No one remembers you when he is dead. Who praises you from the grave? I am worn out from groaning; all night long, I flood my bed with weeping and drench my couch with tears. My eyes grow weak with sorrow; they fall because of all my foes. Away from me, all you who do evil, for the LORD has heard my weeping. The LORD has heard my cry for mercy; the LORD accepts my prayer. All my enemies will be ashamed and dismayed; they will turn back in sudden disgrace.
According to the footnotes in my Bible, this psalm was written during a time when David was very ill. My notes even say that the illness might have been a punishment from God for sinful choices. I don’t know what the sin was, but this psalm makes much more sense in that perspective.
Most of this psalm is incredibly sad. David is begging for relief from his anguish, which keeps him up all night. But near the end, David resolves to trust in God.
Away from me, all you who do evil, for the LORD has heard my weeping. It is so tempting to turn our backs on God, especially when trials come and life is painful. But that is the time when we can really grow closer to God, when there is nothing else to hold onto in life but Him. That is the time to resist the urge to listen to those around us, and surrender to Him, because. . .
The LORD has heard my cry for mercy; the LORD accepts my prayer. We aren’t given the exact when’s, where’s, and how’s, but we MUST believe that God hears our prayers and will give us mercy.
I’m not really at a point in my life right now where I can relate to David in this psalm, but I have been there in the past. And I’m pretty sure I’ll be there again someday. And when those trials come, I pray that I have the strength to hang onto God’s hand, even if it feels like He’s not there.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Psalm 5
Psalm 5
Give ear to my words, O LORD, consider my sighing. Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God, for to you I pray. In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation. You are not a God who takes pleasure in evil; with you the wicked cannot dwell. The arrogant cannot stand in your presence; you hate all who do wrong. You destroy those who tell lies; bloodthirsty and deceitful men the LORD abhors.
But I, by your great mercy, will come into your house; in reverence will I bow down toward your holy temple. Lead me, O LORD, in your righteousness because of my enemies—make straight your way before me. Not a word from their mouth can be trusted; their heart is filled with destruction. Their throat is an open grave; with their tongue they speak deceit. Declare them guilty, O God! Let their intrigues be their downfall. Banish them for their many sins, for they have rebelled against you.
But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you. For surely, O LORD, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield.
I just love this verse: In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.
What a great way to start the day—praying to God and then waiting in expectation for the things He has to offer for the day! Usually I start the day grumbling because I’m up so early or because I can’t get anything “accomplished”, but what if I started the day in prayer and expectation?
What if I started with my eyes focused on what God is going to do today with me, through me, and for me?
But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. There is absolutely no reason for me to be anything but joyful! God is my refuge, and even if everything goes wrong today I have that assurance.
God, today I choose You. I choose joy. I wait in expectation for what You have in store for me today.
Give ear to my words, O LORD, consider my sighing. Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God, for to you I pray. In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation. You are not a God who takes pleasure in evil; with you the wicked cannot dwell. The arrogant cannot stand in your presence; you hate all who do wrong. You destroy those who tell lies; bloodthirsty and deceitful men the LORD abhors.
But I, by your great mercy, will come into your house; in reverence will I bow down toward your holy temple. Lead me, O LORD, in your righteousness because of my enemies—make straight your way before me. Not a word from their mouth can be trusted; their heart is filled with destruction. Their throat is an open grave; with their tongue they speak deceit. Declare them guilty, O God! Let their intrigues be their downfall. Banish them for their many sins, for they have rebelled against you.
But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you. For surely, O LORD, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield.
I just love this verse: In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.
What a great way to start the day—praying to God and then waiting in expectation for the things He has to offer for the day! Usually I start the day grumbling because I’m up so early or because I can’t get anything “accomplished”, but what if I started the day in prayer and expectation?
What if I started with my eyes focused on what God is going to do today with me, through me, and for me?
But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. There is absolutely no reason for me to be anything but joyful! God is my refuge, and even if everything goes wrong today I have that assurance.
God, today I choose You. I choose joy. I wait in expectation for what You have in store for me today.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Psalm 4
Psalm 4
Answer me when I call to you, O my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; be merciful to me and hear my prayer. How long, O men, will you turn my glory into shame? How long will you love delusions and seek false gods? Know that the LORD has set apart the godly for himself; the LORD will hear when I call to him. In your anger do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent. Offer right sacrifices and trust in the LORD. Many are asking, “Who can show us any good?” Let the light of your face shine upon us, O LORD. You have filled my heart with greater joy than when their grain and new wine abound. I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O LORD make me dwell in safety.
Who doesn’t want to be heard? I think it’s one of our deepest needs in life—for someone to hear you. Some of my biggest frustrations have come from when I feel like nobody is listening to me, whether it’s a student, a friend, a co-worker, or my two year-old son. We all desire to be heard.
The LORD will hear when I call to him.
When I’m hurt, or angry, or scared, or stressed, where do I turn? David reminds us here in Psalm 4 that God is the One we should turn to. How long is it going to take for me to figure that out?! We as believers have been set apart by God for Himself. He promises to hear us when we call. And yet I usually find myself turning to God when all my other resources have failed me.
Many are asking, “Who can show us any good?”
We look around and ask, “Why Is this world falling apart?” Sometimes it seems hopeless when you look at what we are surrounded by in our culture. But where are we looking for help? Ourselves? Others? The government?
Let the light of your face shine upon us, O LORD.
It is only when we look to God and ask Him for help that true relief can come. We have been told by our society that happiness comes from material things: if only my house were bigger, if only we could take that vacation, if only my job paid a little more. But the joy God offers is greater than anything this world has to offer. One of my favorite Caedmon’s Call songs has the line, “This world has nothing for me, and this world has everything. All that I could want, and nothing that I need.”
I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O LORD make me dwell in safety.
I must learn to rest in God’s strength instead of my own. If I surrender to Him, He offers peace, security, and safety. May we turn to You, God, who listens when we call and fills us with a joy that cannot be equaled.
Answer me when I call to you, O my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; be merciful to me and hear my prayer. How long, O men, will you turn my glory into shame? How long will you love delusions and seek false gods? Know that the LORD has set apart the godly for himself; the LORD will hear when I call to him. In your anger do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent. Offer right sacrifices and trust in the LORD. Many are asking, “Who can show us any good?” Let the light of your face shine upon us, O LORD. You have filled my heart with greater joy than when their grain and new wine abound. I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O LORD make me dwell in safety.
Who doesn’t want to be heard? I think it’s one of our deepest needs in life—for someone to hear you. Some of my biggest frustrations have come from when I feel like nobody is listening to me, whether it’s a student, a friend, a co-worker, or my two year-old son. We all desire to be heard.
The LORD will hear when I call to him.
When I’m hurt, or angry, or scared, or stressed, where do I turn? David reminds us here in Psalm 4 that God is the One we should turn to. How long is it going to take for me to figure that out?! We as believers have been set apart by God for Himself. He promises to hear us when we call. And yet I usually find myself turning to God when all my other resources have failed me.
Many are asking, “Who can show us any good?”
We look around and ask, “Why Is this world falling apart?” Sometimes it seems hopeless when you look at what we are surrounded by in our culture. But where are we looking for help? Ourselves? Others? The government?
Let the light of your face shine upon us, O LORD.
It is only when we look to God and ask Him for help that true relief can come. We have been told by our society that happiness comes from material things: if only my house were bigger, if only we could take that vacation, if only my job paid a little more. But the joy God offers is greater than anything this world has to offer. One of my favorite Caedmon’s Call songs has the line, “This world has nothing for me, and this world has everything. All that I could want, and nothing that I need.”
I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O LORD make me dwell in safety.
I must learn to rest in God’s strength instead of my own. If I surrender to Him, He offers peace, security, and safety. May we turn to You, God, who listens when we call and fills us with a joy that cannot be equaled.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Friday, August 14, 2009
Psalm 3
Psalm 3
O LORD, how many are my foes! How many rise up against me! Many are saying of me, “God will not deliver him.” But you are a shield around me, O LORD; you bestow glory on me and lift up my head. To the LORD I cry aloud, and he answers me from his holy hill. I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the LORD sustains me. I will not fear the tens of thousands drawn up against me on every side. Arise, O LORD! Deliver me, O my God! Strike all my enemies on the jaw; break the teeth of the wicked. From the LORD comes deliverance. May your blessing be on your people.
This psalm was written by David right after he escaped from Absalom. I went and reread this passage of the Bible (2 Samuel 15) to get a better perspective. I cannot imagine being in the situation David was in. One of his sons was trying to overthrow his throne, forcing David to run for his life. How would I feel if one of my own children led a revolt against me?
In smaller ways, I’m sure we all have felt as David does in this psalm—that everyone is against us. One of the coolest things about the Psalms is that there is every emotion you can think of present in at least one psalm. This one begins with what I would call despair. It is comforting to know that God is okay with me expressing all of my feelings to Him. If I’m sad, or feel defeated, or even if I’m angry, God will listen.
But it doesn’t stop there. Instead of continuing to question and cry about his situation, David turns his focus to the One who can get him out of this terrible situation.
But you are a shield around me, O LORD; you bestow glory on me and lift up my head. I have to always remember that no matter what the situation, I am never alone. I love the imagery of God reaching down, cupping my face, and lifting it up to see Him. It’s so easy to get caught up in the day to day struggles of life. What a relief when we look up and see God saying, “I’m in control. Relax.”
And because of this, I will not fear the tens of thousands drawn up against me on every side. There is no reason to fear the things of this world. God will take care of them. He might even break their teeth, as David suggests—How painful would that be?
I need to remember that God is my deliverer, not me, in hard times. Fighting battles on my own can only result in one thing—eventual failure. May I surrender my battles to God and let Him be my shield.
O LORD, how many are my foes! How many rise up against me! Many are saying of me, “God will not deliver him.” But you are a shield around me, O LORD; you bestow glory on me and lift up my head. To the LORD I cry aloud, and he answers me from his holy hill. I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the LORD sustains me. I will not fear the tens of thousands drawn up against me on every side. Arise, O LORD! Deliver me, O my God! Strike all my enemies on the jaw; break the teeth of the wicked. From the LORD comes deliverance. May your blessing be on your people.
This psalm was written by David right after he escaped from Absalom. I went and reread this passage of the Bible (2 Samuel 15) to get a better perspective. I cannot imagine being in the situation David was in. One of his sons was trying to overthrow his throne, forcing David to run for his life. How would I feel if one of my own children led a revolt against me?
In smaller ways, I’m sure we all have felt as David does in this psalm—that everyone is against us. One of the coolest things about the Psalms is that there is every emotion you can think of present in at least one psalm. This one begins with what I would call despair. It is comforting to know that God is okay with me expressing all of my feelings to Him. If I’m sad, or feel defeated, or even if I’m angry, God will listen.
But it doesn’t stop there. Instead of continuing to question and cry about his situation, David turns his focus to the One who can get him out of this terrible situation.
But you are a shield around me, O LORD; you bestow glory on me and lift up my head. I have to always remember that no matter what the situation, I am never alone. I love the imagery of God reaching down, cupping my face, and lifting it up to see Him. It’s so easy to get caught up in the day to day struggles of life. What a relief when we look up and see God saying, “I’m in control. Relax.”
And because of this, I will not fear the tens of thousands drawn up against me on every side. There is no reason to fear the things of this world. God will take care of them. He might even break their teeth, as David suggests—How painful would that be?
I need to remember that God is my deliverer, not me, in hard times. Fighting battles on my own can only result in one thing—eventual failure. May I surrender my battles to God and let Him be my shield.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Psalm 2
Psalm 2
Why do the nations conspire and the people plot in vain? The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the LORD and against his Anointed One. “Let us break their chains,” they say, “and throw off their fetters.” The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the LORD scoffs at them. Then he rebukes them in his anger and terrifies them in his wrath, saying, “I have installed my King on Zion, my holy hill.” I will proclaim the decree of the LORD: He said to me, “You are my Son; today I have become your Father. Ask of me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession. You will rule them with an iron scepter; you will dash them to pieces like pottery.” Therefore, you kings, be wise; be warned, you rulers of the earth. Serve the LORD with fear and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest he be angry and you be destroyed in your way, for his wrath can flare up in a moment, Blessed are all who take refuge in him.
The beginning of this psalm makes me think of our society right now. It seems as if our society is trying to do anything and everything that goes against what Jesus desires for us. “Truth” keeps changing as people decide what is ‘right’ and ‘wrong’. David and I were talking about this last night. We just read an interview with Brad Pitt. When they asked about why he isn’t married to Angeline Jolie, he said that they won’t get married until “everyone can be legally married”. It’s so interesting to me how over the years we as a society decide what’s right & wrong instead of looking to God for our truth.
It goes back to Psalm 1 that talks about delighting in God’s law. We keep “breaking the chains” of what is acceptable, leading us down a slippery slope away from what God desires for us.
And what is God’s response to this? The One enthroned in heaven laughs. Laughing? What’s so funny? I can picture God looking at all of us scrambling around, trying to make our own truths, our own meaning to life. God must be laughing because we are so idiotic to think we can be our own rulers (truth-makers). It can be compared to when we as adults watch children play a game where they make their own rules. They keep changing the ruler so they can have a bigger advantage, and it all seems pretty comical to us. And yet we think as humans we can change what God, the Almighty Creator, has set into place.
Soon, however, that laughter will turn into consequences for those who do not acknowledge Him.
I think verses 8-12 should be given to every leader in the church, in politics, in any situation. If we follow the lead of God, we will receive blessings beyond measure. They might not be the material blessings we are thinking of, but they will be what God knows is best for us. Therefore, you kings, be wise; be warned, you rulers of the earth. Serve the LORD with fear and rejoice with trembling. We have no excuse now that we know. We tend to forget that God is loving and compassionate. But we also forget at times the mighty power of God. I am owed nothing—NOTHING, and yet I find ways to complain about pretty much everything. I need to wake up every morning and “kiss the Son” as verse 12 says, meaning to bow in submission. This day is Yours; I am just Your vessal.
Why do the nations conspire and the people plot in vain? The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the LORD and against his Anointed One. “Let us break their chains,” they say, “and throw off their fetters.” The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the LORD scoffs at them. Then he rebukes them in his anger and terrifies them in his wrath, saying, “I have installed my King on Zion, my holy hill.” I will proclaim the decree of the LORD: He said to me, “You are my Son; today I have become your Father. Ask of me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession. You will rule them with an iron scepter; you will dash them to pieces like pottery.” Therefore, you kings, be wise; be warned, you rulers of the earth. Serve the LORD with fear and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest he be angry and you be destroyed in your way, for his wrath can flare up in a moment, Blessed are all who take refuge in him.
The beginning of this psalm makes me think of our society right now. It seems as if our society is trying to do anything and everything that goes against what Jesus desires for us. “Truth” keeps changing as people decide what is ‘right’ and ‘wrong’. David and I were talking about this last night. We just read an interview with Brad Pitt. When they asked about why he isn’t married to Angeline Jolie, he said that they won’t get married until “everyone can be legally married”. It’s so interesting to me how over the years we as a society decide what’s right & wrong instead of looking to God for our truth.
It goes back to Psalm 1 that talks about delighting in God’s law. We keep “breaking the chains” of what is acceptable, leading us down a slippery slope away from what God desires for us.
And what is God’s response to this? The One enthroned in heaven laughs. Laughing? What’s so funny? I can picture God looking at all of us scrambling around, trying to make our own truths, our own meaning to life. God must be laughing because we are so idiotic to think we can be our own rulers (truth-makers). It can be compared to when we as adults watch children play a game where they make their own rules. They keep changing the ruler so they can have a bigger advantage, and it all seems pretty comical to us. And yet we think as humans we can change what God, the Almighty Creator, has set into place.
Soon, however, that laughter will turn into consequences for those who do not acknowledge Him.
I think verses 8-12 should be given to every leader in the church, in politics, in any situation. If we follow the lead of God, we will receive blessings beyond measure. They might not be the material blessings we are thinking of, but they will be what God knows is best for us. Therefore, you kings, be wise; be warned, you rulers of the earth. Serve the LORD with fear and rejoice with trembling. We have no excuse now that we know. We tend to forget that God is loving and compassionate. But we also forget at times the mighty power of God. I am owed nothing—NOTHING, and yet I find ways to complain about pretty much everything. I need to wake up every morning and “kiss the Son” as verse 12 says, meaning to bow in submission. This day is Yours; I am just Your vessal.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
My thoughts on Psalm 1
Psalm 1
Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers. Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous. For the LORD watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.
In front of us we have two paths (think Robert Frost with me). This psalm breaks down what lies ahead for the 2. The first path is referred to as the “righteous” path and the second as the way of the “wicked”. I think we have to be really careful here with our words, because it’s not the people who are righteous or wicked, but their actions. Without Jesus’ redemption, all of us would be walking down the way of the wicked. But in order to remain in a right relationship with Jesus, we should be striving to walk righteously every day.
So, what does it mean to walk with the righteous? (verse 1)
Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked. When I have a problem, where do I go for advice? If I seek the world’s advice, a blessing isn’t promised to me. Does that mean life will be all health & wealth if I’m a believer? Of course not, but it does mean that if I’m looking to be blessed, I’d better be aimed in the right direction.
or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. Here is the constant struggle: to be in the world but not of it. It seems as if I’m always in one extreme or the other. Either I’ve completely excluded myself from all non-believers, giving no opportunity for me to evangelize and share God’s love with those who don’t believe, OR I’ve been engrossed in a situation where none of my friends share my beliefs, and I lose all confidence to share my faith. At this point in my life, I am in camp A. I have a few friends who are unbelievers, but I have very minimal contact with them. And I don’t think I’m alone in this struggle. I need to pray for opportunities in my life to share God’s way, and yet I need to be wary not to be led in their direction.
Instead of being led by the world and its ways, how should I decide to live? (verse 2)
But his delight is in the law of the LORD, There are a lot of things that I look forward to. Is my biggest delight studying the Bible? I wish I could say yes, but to be honest, often times it is a chore. That is part of the reason for this writing. It seems like with so many other things out there that give us a temporary sense of happiness, it is hard to make God’s word a priority. Isn’t it a good feeling, though, to know that God’s law never changes and is the one, absolute source of truth? Maybe that’s what the writer of this psalm is talking about—the fact that God is in control and His law rules makes his delight? Hmmmm…
and on his law he meditates day and night. I can be very legalistic at times. I love my check lists, and I sometimes get into the rut of doing my “devotions” in the morning so I can have that one thing checked off my list. I don’t think the author here is giving us another items to put on a to-do list. I think that he is telling us that we should be thinking about God’s word and His law all of the time.
Verse 3 gives us the outcome of what happens when we do what it says in verse 2 (delight in God’s law and meditate on it all the time)
He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Our source of power comes from God, just like a tree thrives on water and sunlight. If a tree is strong and well-fed, it will withstand storms and winds. Just like that tree, our lives have to be watered with the word of God, or when hard times come, we are likely to snap in half.
Whatever he does prospers. Does this mean I will succeed at everything I set out to do? I don’t know. My first inclination is to say no way, but maybe if I was truly walking righteously every step of the way, my priorities would be so in line with God’s that all of my energy would be spent in the ways He desires, ending in prosperity. I look around and see lots of people who are not righteous prospering, and I don’t know how to wrap my mind around that. That is an area where I need to think eternally instead of just about this life.
So the first three verses of this psalm deal directly with those who do what’s right. Then we focus on what the other option is: the way of the wicked. Which, by contrast, would be someone who
a)walks in the counsel of the wicked
b)stands with sinners and mockers and
c)does not delight or study God’s law.
Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away. What is not so? The previous verse spoke about being prosperous and growing strong. Instead, those who follow the way of the wicked will be useless, which is what chaff is. Chaff is what is taken away from wheat to make it better. This makes me think of when I watch the news and see people who have taken drastic, violent measures because of a break-up or job loss. It takes one major event to break them because they don’t have God’s strength. Thank you, God, that you have given me Your power to rely on.
Just like with verse 3, verse 5 gives us a glimpse of the future for those who walk in the way of the wicked, or as the world wants us to walk:
Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous. My Bible commentary says that this means they will not be able to withstand God’s wrath and judgment when that day comes for them. There will come a time when we will be judged, and I am so thankful we have Jesus’ sacrifice to cover for our sins, because those who refuse to accept it are bound to an eternity without God. I think of the “assembly of the righteous” and my mind pictures heaven, where we all will be eternally praising God! Heaven isn’t about getting to see those who have died before us or getting new bodies or even not hurting any more. The best part of heaven will be being in God’s presence face to face and worshipping Him for eternity. It will never get old.
And then verse 6 gives us the reason for the first 5 verses:
For the LORD watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish. I need to remember every day, all of the time, that God is watching. Not in some creepy, “I’m going to get you” way, but in a fatherly way. God loves us so much that He expects our best, my best. What will I give Him today, tomorrow, and every day after that?
Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers. Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous. For the LORD watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.
In front of us we have two paths (think Robert Frost with me). This psalm breaks down what lies ahead for the 2. The first path is referred to as the “righteous” path and the second as the way of the “wicked”. I think we have to be really careful here with our words, because it’s not the people who are righteous or wicked, but their actions. Without Jesus’ redemption, all of us would be walking down the way of the wicked. But in order to remain in a right relationship with Jesus, we should be striving to walk righteously every day.
So, what does it mean to walk with the righteous? (verse 1)
Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked. When I have a problem, where do I go for advice? If I seek the world’s advice, a blessing isn’t promised to me. Does that mean life will be all health & wealth if I’m a believer? Of course not, but it does mean that if I’m looking to be blessed, I’d better be aimed in the right direction.
or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. Here is the constant struggle: to be in the world but not of it. It seems as if I’m always in one extreme or the other. Either I’ve completely excluded myself from all non-believers, giving no opportunity for me to evangelize and share God’s love with those who don’t believe, OR I’ve been engrossed in a situation where none of my friends share my beliefs, and I lose all confidence to share my faith. At this point in my life, I am in camp A. I have a few friends who are unbelievers, but I have very minimal contact with them. And I don’t think I’m alone in this struggle. I need to pray for opportunities in my life to share God’s way, and yet I need to be wary not to be led in their direction.
Instead of being led by the world and its ways, how should I decide to live? (verse 2)
But his delight is in the law of the LORD, There are a lot of things that I look forward to. Is my biggest delight studying the Bible? I wish I could say yes, but to be honest, often times it is a chore. That is part of the reason for this writing. It seems like with so many other things out there that give us a temporary sense of happiness, it is hard to make God’s word a priority. Isn’t it a good feeling, though, to know that God’s law never changes and is the one, absolute source of truth? Maybe that’s what the writer of this psalm is talking about—the fact that God is in control and His law rules makes his delight? Hmmmm…
and on his law he meditates day and night. I can be very legalistic at times. I love my check lists, and I sometimes get into the rut of doing my “devotions” in the morning so I can have that one thing checked off my list. I don’t think the author here is giving us another items to put on a to-do list. I think that he is telling us that we should be thinking about God’s word and His law all of the time.
Verse 3 gives us the outcome of what happens when we do what it says in verse 2 (delight in God’s law and meditate on it all the time)
He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Our source of power comes from God, just like a tree thrives on water and sunlight. If a tree is strong and well-fed, it will withstand storms and winds. Just like that tree, our lives have to be watered with the word of God, or when hard times come, we are likely to snap in half.
Whatever he does prospers. Does this mean I will succeed at everything I set out to do? I don’t know. My first inclination is to say no way, but maybe if I was truly walking righteously every step of the way, my priorities would be so in line with God’s that all of my energy would be spent in the ways He desires, ending in prosperity. I look around and see lots of people who are not righteous prospering, and I don’t know how to wrap my mind around that. That is an area where I need to think eternally instead of just about this life.
So the first three verses of this psalm deal directly with those who do what’s right. Then we focus on what the other option is: the way of the wicked. Which, by contrast, would be someone who
a)walks in the counsel of the wicked
b)stands with sinners and mockers and
c)does not delight or study God’s law.
Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away. What is not so? The previous verse spoke about being prosperous and growing strong. Instead, those who follow the way of the wicked will be useless, which is what chaff is. Chaff is what is taken away from wheat to make it better. This makes me think of when I watch the news and see people who have taken drastic, violent measures because of a break-up or job loss. It takes one major event to break them because they don’t have God’s strength. Thank you, God, that you have given me Your power to rely on.
Just like with verse 3, verse 5 gives us a glimpse of the future for those who walk in the way of the wicked, or as the world wants us to walk:
Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous. My Bible commentary says that this means they will not be able to withstand God’s wrath and judgment when that day comes for them. There will come a time when we will be judged, and I am so thankful we have Jesus’ sacrifice to cover for our sins, because those who refuse to accept it are bound to an eternity without God. I think of the “assembly of the righteous” and my mind pictures heaven, where we all will be eternally praising God! Heaven isn’t about getting to see those who have died before us or getting new bodies or even not hurting any more. The best part of heaven will be being in God’s presence face to face and worshipping Him for eternity. It will never get old.
And then verse 6 gives us the reason for the first 5 verses:
For the LORD watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish. I need to remember every day, all of the time, that God is watching. Not in some creepy, “I’m going to get you” way, but in a fatherly way. God loves us so much that He expects our best, my best. What will I give Him today, tomorrow, and every day after that?
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Happy 2 Months, Elise!
Here are some updated pictures of our family. Elise is growing and changing every day. She weighs somewhere between 10 and 11 pounds now! She has definitely become more expressive, smiling and trying to talk to us. She's starting to be entertained by her big brother Noel. We are getting ready to take our family of four on our first big trip--heading to Aunt Kendra and Uncle George's in Hotlanta. Hope everything goes well, as we'll be staying in one hotel room--YIKES! Wish us luck!
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