Psalm 10
I fear for those who arrogantly reject God and mistakenly think that they will not be held accountable for their wicked deeds. Our world is full of such men and women. From leaders of nations to ordinary citizens, a prideful heart dismisses God from all his thoughts. He boasts in his own prosperity. He takes advantage of the poor, ambushes the innocent and lies in wait to crush the helpless.
All the while he thinks he’ll get away with everything. He thinks he’s invincible and that nothing will shake him.
And since the psalmist knows that God is a just God, a defender of the fatherless and the oppressed, he pours out his complaint to the Lord wondering when God will arise and come to the help of the helpless.
Don’t you wonder the same thing sometimes? “God, you see the oppression of the poor. You see the persecution of Your people. You see how the wicked mock and revile Your name. Why aren’t You doing something about it? When will You rise up and bring down the wicked in your justice?”
Yet even as we plead with the Lord for help on behalf of the afflicted, we can also trust in His compassion and deliverance. He knows what’s going on, and He’ll soon enough vindicate those who commit themselves into His hand, calling the wicked to account.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Never Forsaken (Psalm 9)
Psalm 9
Enthroned forever. Righteous Judge. Refuge for the oppressed. Stronghold in times of trouble. Destroyer of the wicked. The Lord Most High.
Such are the characteristics of a God who inspires unwavering confidence in His ability to uphold His people when they seek His help against the attacks of their enemies. What a comfort to know that when the Lord is for us, none can stand against us! None!
No wonder the writer opens this psalm with an attitude of wholehearted praise and exuberant gladness in the wonderful deeds of the Lord. God had never let His people down in the past, and David believed He would come through for them again. Surely those who trust in the Lord Almighty and seek Him for help will never be forsaken!
Just as God had chosen Israel to be a light to the nations, He has chosen His church to shine out the light of Christ to the lost world. Keep trusting Him, dear friend. Keep seeking Him for help. Keep running to Him as your stronghold. Keep praising Him and proclaiming His wonders to the nations.
He kept His covenant with Israel, and He’ll keep His covenant with His church. Against His power and justice, the enemy doesn’t stand a chance. His people will never be forsaken.
Enthroned forever. Righteous Judge. Refuge for the oppressed. Stronghold in times of trouble. Destroyer of the wicked. The Lord Most High.
Such are the characteristics of a God who inspires unwavering confidence in His ability to uphold His people when they seek His help against the attacks of their enemies. What a comfort to know that when the Lord is for us, none can stand against us! None!
No wonder the writer opens this psalm with an attitude of wholehearted praise and exuberant gladness in the wonderful deeds of the Lord. God had never let His people down in the past, and David believed He would come through for them again. Surely those who trust in the Lord Almighty and seek Him for help will never be forsaken!
Just as God had chosen Israel to be a light to the nations, He has chosen His church to shine out the light of Christ to the lost world. Keep trusting Him, dear friend. Keep seeking Him for help. Keep running to Him as your stronghold. Keep praising Him and proclaiming His wonders to the nations.
He kept His covenant with Israel, and He’ll keep His covenant with His church. Against His power and justice, the enemy doesn’t stand a chance. His people will never be forsaken.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Still Captured By God's Care (Psalm 8)
Psalm 8
I remember our pastor at Trimble Bible Church where I grew up asking the congregation to think about our favorite psalm one week and come back the next ready to share about it. I was just a boy, but I clearly remember this Psalm being my favorite. Too young, however, and too shy to speak up in the middle of all those adults and say it! I regret that, because I’m sure it would have been an inspiration to them to see a young boy learning to love the Word of God!
Thirty years later, though, and I still love this majestic song. So I’m saying it now that this psalm still humbles me to the core when I think about the glory and the love of the Almighty Creator. When I think about the brilliance of the heavens and realize that the One who created the starry host and brings them out one by one and calls them each by name is the One who is also mindful of me, who cares for me, who loved me enough to send His very own Son to take my place on the cross, who calls me His very own child – my soul falls prostrate before Him in worship and gratitude and adoration.
Let the wonder of God’s glorious creation take hold of you. Consider the beauty of the mountain peaks, the vastness of the ocean’s depth, the limitless reaches of the galaxies – whatever spurs your awe of God’s design – and marvel at His handiwork. Then know that this majestic, omnipotent God knows your name and cares deeply for you.
I remember our pastor at Trimble Bible Church where I grew up asking the congregation to think about our favorite psalm one week and come back the next ready to share about it. I was just a boy, but I clearly remember this Psalm being my favorite. Too young, however, and too shy to speak up in the middle of all those adults and say it! I regret that, because I’m sure it would have been an inspiration to them to see a young boy learning to love the Word of God!
Thirty years later, though, and I still love this majestic song. So I’m saying it now that this psalm still humbles me to the core when I think about the glory and the love of the Almighty Creator. When I think about the brilliance of the heavens and realize that the One who created the starry host and brings them out one by one and calls them each by name is the One who is also mindful of me, who cares for me, who loved me enough to send His very own Son to take my place on the cross, who calls me His very own child – my soul falls prostrate before Him in worship and gratitude and adoration.
Let the wonder of God’s glorious creation take hold of you. Consider the beauty of the mountain peaks, the vastness of the ocean’s depth, the limitless reaches of the galaxies – whatever spurs your awe of God’s design – and marvel at His handiwork. Then know that this majestic, omnipotent God knows your name and cares deeply for you.
Friday, January 7, 2011
Tell It to the Judge (Psalm 7)
Psalm 7
Have you noticed how many of the Psalms this week have emphasized the writer finding refuge in the Lord? David needed the Lord’s protection from his human enemies who wanted to tear him to pieces like a lion. How much more do we need the Lord’s help from our adversary, the Devil, who prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour?
In this chapter the context refers to a time in his life when David was slandered by a man from the tribe of Benjamin. Is there really anything worse than someone deliberately and maliciously raking your name and reputation through the mud? Spreading lies and saying false and unflattering things about you, about your family? And even if the rumors prove untrue, hasn’t damage already been done? Don’t you long for justice to prevail in such circumstances?
So did David. I imagine he would have loved to take matters into his own hands and seek revenge. But instead he left the vengeance to God. He understood that the Lord his God would ultimately save him while executing righteous judgment upon his enemies.
Friend, if you’re tempted to “get even” with someone who’s done you wrong, follow David’s example in this psalm. Take the matter to the Judge who will take care of it and give you cause to sing praise to His name.
Have you noticed how many of the Psalms this week have emphasized the writer finding refuge in the Lord? David needed the Lord’s protection from his human enemies who wanted to tear him to pieces like a lion. How much more do we need the Lord’s help from our adversary, the Devil, who prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour?
In this chapter the context refers to a time in his life when David was slandered by a man from the tribe of Benjamin. Is there really anything worse than someone deliberately and maliciously raking your name and reputation through the mud? Spreading lies and saying false and unflattering things about you, about your family? And even if the rumors prove untrue, hasn’t damage already been done? Don’t you long for justice to prevail in such circumstances?
So did David. I imagine he would have loved to take matters into his own hands and seek revenge. But instead he left the vengeance to God. He understood that the Lord his God would ultimately save him while executing righteous judgment upon his enemies.
Friend, if you’re tempted to “get even” with someone who’s done you wrong, follow David’s example in this psalm. Take the matter to the Judge who will take care of it and give you cause to sing praise to His name.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Seeking Spiritual Healing from Sin (Psalm 6)
Psalm 6
Sometimes our most passionate prayers arise out of our most miserable circumstances. Sometimes those miserable circumstances arise from our own reckless sin.
Along with Psalms 32, 51, 130 and others, it is helpful to read this one as a cry from a man who sees the folly of his sin. He recognizes that his sin has brought tremendous misery upon himself. He’s faint, his bones are in agony and his soul is in anguish. He needs physical and spiritual relief from the well of God’s steadfast mercy, and he needs it fast!
Have you ever been there? Realized that the reason you’re in the mess you’re in is because of your own foolish disobedience to the Lord? Because you did your own thing when you should have done God’s thing?
David not only knew the agony of his own foolishness, he also knew that the only hope he had for help was in the One against whom he had sinned. So he poured out his heart to the Lord, pleading for the mercy that brings physical, emotional and spiritual healing to a sin-sick soul. And by faith he knew that God had heard and accepted his prayer. He was certain that he would experience the forgiveness and deliverance he desperately needed.
On some days the best prayer you can utter may simply be: “Be merciful to me, O Lord, for I am so weak.”
Sometimes our most passionate prayers arise out of our most miserable circumstances. Sometimes those miserable circumstances arise from our own reckless sin.
Along with Psalms 32, 51, 130 and others, it is helpful to read this one as a cry from a man who sees the folly of his sin. He recognizes that his sin has brought tremendous misery upon himself. He’s faint, his bones are in agony and his soul is in anguish. He needs physical and spiritual relief from the well of God’s steadfast mercy, and he needs it fast!
Have you ever been there? Realized that the reason you’re in the mess you’re in is because of your own foolish disobedience to the Lord? Because you did your own thing when you should have done God’s thing?
David not only knew the agony of his own foolishness, he also knew that the only hope he had for help was in the One against whom he had sinned. So he poured out his heart to the Lord, pleading for the mercy that brings physical, emotional and spiritual healing to a sin-sick soul. And by faith he knew that God had heard and accepted his prayer. He was certain that he would experience the forgiveness and deliverance he desperately needed.
On some days the best prayer you can utter may simply be: “Be merciful to me, O Lord, for I am so weak.”
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Praying for an Unwavering Walk (Psalm 5)
Psalm 5
Wow. You really want to know what the Lord thinks about those who are full of violence and deceit? You really want to know how the Lord feels about those who continually rebel against Him? You really want to see what will become of those who reject God’s ways and boast in themselves?
David’s plea in this psalm is for God to lead him in the way of righteousness because of his enemies. He doesn’t even want to think about wavering from the ways of the Lord because he knows what fate awaits the wicked, and he knows what joy and blessings await those who love the name of the Lord.
And note that David approaches the Lord not in his own merit, but in holy reverence and humility through the measureless mercy of God. He comes before Him in the morning pouring out his requests to his King, and then waits in expectation for God to answer and vindicate him.
And though he is sure the Lord will deal justly with the rebellious and unrepentant who seek his harm, David is fully convinced that the faithful in Christ will be glad when He spreads His protection over them and surrounds them with His favor as with a shield.
Pray hard, dear friend, that God will lead you in His righteousness and keep your walk unwavering. He’ll deal soon enough with the wicked.
Wow. You really want to know what the Lord thinks about those who are full of violence and deceit? You really want to know how the Lord feels about those who continually rebel against Him? You really want to see what will become of those who reject God’s ways and boast in themselves?
David’s plea in this psalm is for God to lead him in the way of righteousness because of his enemies. He doesn’t even want to think about wavering from the ways of the Lord because he knows what fate awaits the wicked, and he knows what joy and blessings await those who love the name of the Lord.
And note that David approaches the Lord not in his own merit, but in holy reverence and humility through the measureless mercy of God. He comes before Him in the morning pouring out his requests to his King, and then waits in expectation for God to answer and vindicate him.
And though he is sure the Lord will deal justly with the rebellious and unrepentant who seek his harm, David is fully convinced that the faithful in Christ will be glad when He spreads His protection over them and surrounds them with His favor as with a shield.
Pray hard, dear friend, that God will lead you in His righteousness and keep your walk unwavering. He’ll deal soon enough with the wicked.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Getting Through the First Time (Psalm 4)
Psalm 4
Ever notice how hard it is to get connected with a live person when you have to call the phone company or nearly any other corporation these days? Isn’t that frustrating?! It seems like you spend the first ten minutes answering automated questions as they try to route your call to the right department. Then if you make it through that maze you have to wait on hold for the next available representative, who they say will be with you shortly, but you know you have plenty of time to grab lunch and get back before they answer.
Aren’t you glad that God doesn’t put you on hold when you call upon His name? Aren’t you glad that He doesn’t force you to navigate through a maze of automated instructions before answering? Aren’t you glad that His line is never busy, and that you always get through the first time?
The psalmist knew that God had come to his rescue plenty of times in the past, so he prayed with confidence knowing that God would indeed listen to his prayer again and answer him.
Faithful Christian, you, too, can call upon the name of the Lord with confidence through Jesus Christ. He’s there for you! Remember how the Lord has delivered you in past distress. Know that God has set you apart for Himself. His attention and affections are set on you! He loves you more than you’ll ever know! The light of His face is shining upon you! And He’ll answer your desperate cry on the first ring.
Ever notice how hard it is to get connected with a live person when you have to call the phone company or nearly any other corporation these days? Isn’t that frustrating?! It seems like you spend the first ten minutes answering automated questions as they try to route your call to the right department. Then if you make it through that maze you have to wait on hold for the next available representative, who they say will be with you shortly, but you know you have plenty of time to grab lunch and get back before they answer.
Aren’t you glad that God doesn’t put you on hold when you call upon His name? Aren’t you glad that He doesn’t force you to navigate through a maze of automated instructions before answering? Aren’t you glad that His line is never busy, and that you always get through the first time?
The psalmist knew that God had come to his rescue plenty of times in the past, so he prayed with confidence knowing that God would indeed listen to his prayer again and answer him.
Faithful Christian, you, too, can call upon the name of the Lord with confidence through Jesus Christ. He’s there for you! Remember how the Lord has delivered you in past distress. Know that God has set you apart for Himself. His attention and affections are set on you! He loves you more than you’ll ever know! The light of His face is shining upon you! And He’ll answer your desperate cry on the first ring.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Remarkable Faith in Terrifying Times (Psalm 3)
Psalm 3
If troubling and distressing circumstances seem to have you surrounded, welcome to David’s world. In Psalm 3, David’s foes include his very own son and a host of traitors with him who are taunting him and wanting to take his life. The temptation for David would be to abandon faith in God and to fret uncontrollably over the danger.
But David displays remarkable faith in terrifying times. His confidence in the Lord remains steadfast though his enemies are raging against him. David resolutely trusts in the protection and power of the Lord to whom he calls with expectation for salvation.
The Lord is his shield, his glory and the lifter of his head. Why then should he be afraid of the many thousands who have him surrounded when the Lord is on his side? David even managed to get a good night’s sleep knowing that God heard his prayer and would come to his deliverance.
Friend, why should we fret and worry and fear when the Lord is our shield, our glory and the lifter of our heads? Yes, the threats are real, the danger is real and the situation is beyond our control. But, salvation belongs to the Lord! Lift your heart to heaven, cry to Him for help, and get a good night’s sleep.
If troubling and distressing circumstances seem to have you surrounded, welcome to David’s world. In Psalm 3, David’s foes include his very own son and a host of traitors with him who are taunting him and wanting to take his life. The temptation for David would be to abandon faith in God and to fret uncontrollably over the danger.
But David displays remarkable faith in terrifying times. His confidence in the Lord remains steadfast though his enemies are raging against him. David resolutely trusts in the protection and power of the Lord to whom he calls with expectation for salvation.
The Lord is his shield, his glory and the lifter of his head. Why then should he be afraid of the many thousands who have him surrounded when the Lord is on his side? David even managed to get a good night’s sleep knowing that God heard his prayer and would come to his deliverance.
Friend, why should we fret and worry and fear when the Lord is our shield, our glory and the lifter of our heads? Yes, the threats are real, the danger is real and the situation is beyond our control. But, salvation belongs to the Lord! Lift your heart to heaven, cry to Him for help, and get a good night’s sleep.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Trusting in the King of Kings (Psalm 2)
Psalm 2
How foolish it is for even the most powerful rulers in this world to fight against the Almighty King in heaven.
This Psalm reminds us of the sovereignty of our God who sits enthroned on high, His authority, His power, His justice and His salvation. Those who rebel against Him are like a feeble band of sheep assembling themselves together to fight a pack of lions. They don’t stand a chance.
Indeed, God’s Chosen King, the Holy and Anointed One who is the King of all kings and Lord of all lords, will rule victoriously over all the kingdoms of the earth! He is the Son who has become heir of all things and ruler of all nations. He is Jesus, the radiance of God’s glory, the image of the invisible God, the One who has created and sustains all things by the word of His power. His kingdom will be an everlasting kingdom, and He will snap His enemies’ mightiest weapons of war into pieces like rotting twigs.
God is not threatened in the least by the most devious and malicious schemes of man. Neither should we. Our trust is in the King of kings. He has the final and ultimate say. His kingdom will prevail, and we are richly blessed and eternally secure by taking refuge in Him.
How foolish it is for even the most powerful rulers in this world to fight against the Almighty King in heaven.
This Psalm reminds us of the sovereignty of our God who sits enthroned on high, His authority, His power, His justice and His salvation. Those who rebel against Him are like a feeble band of sheep assembling themselves together to fight a pack of lions. They don’t stand a chance.
Indeed, God’s Chosen King, the Holy and Anointed One who is the King of all kings and Lord of all lords, will rule victoriously over all the kingdoms of the earth! He is the Son who has become heir of all things and ruler of all nations. He is Jesus, the radiance of God’s glory, the image of the invisible God, the One who has created and sustains all things by the word of His power. His kingdom will be an everlasting kingdom, and He will snap His enemies’ mightiest weapons of war into pieces like rotting twigs.
God is not threatened in the least by the most devious and malicious schemes of man. Neither should we. Our trust is in the King of kings. He has the final and ultimate say. His kingdom will prevail, and we are richly blessed and eternally secure by taking refuge in Him.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Starting Fresh (Psalm 1)
Psalm 1
Are you ready and willing for God to start a fresh work of trust and obedience in your life this year? Would you like for Him to bless you with greater joy and sweeter peace, and to make you more useful and more fruitful for His glory?
This Psalm offers a telling description of the man who lifts his heart to heaven and receives God’s abundant and eternal blessings, while warning the wicked of God’s judgment.
Stated negatively first, such blessing comes to the one who does not pursue the ways of the ungodly world. He does not follow the foolish advice of godless people. He does not share the mindset of those who reject God’s commands.
Instead, the one who receives the blessings of the Lord finds his delight in the Word of God. To him the words of Scripture are treasures far more valuable than silver or gold. The words of God taste sweeter than honey, for they provide flawless counsel, they guide in the way of truth, illuminate the path of righteousness and unfold the revelation of God’s salvation in the mercy and grace of Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. They are truly words of joy and delight to all who seek God.
If you want this to be the year you find a truer and greater happiness than you’ve ever known before, lift your heart to heaven in 2011, starting fresh by soaking day and night in the Word of God.
Are you ready and willing for God to start a fresh work of trust and obedience in your life this year? Would you like for Him to bless you with greater joy and sweeter peace, and to make you more useful and more fruitful for His glory?
This Psalm offers a telling description of the man who lifts his heart to heaven and receives God’s abundant and eternal blessings, while warning the wicked of God’s judgment.
Stated negatively first, such blessing comes to the one who does not pursue the ways of the ungodly world. He does not follow the foolish advice of godless people. He does not share the mindset of those who reject God’s commands.
Instead, the one who receives the blessings of the Lord finds his delight in the Word of God. To him the words of Scripture are treasures far more valuable than silver or gold. The words of God taste sweeter than honey, for they provide flawless counsel, they guide in the way of truth, illuminate the path of righteousness and unfold the revelation of God’s salvation in the mercy and grace of Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. They are truly words of joy and delight to all who seek God.
If you want this to be the year you find a truer and greater happiness than you’ve ever known before, lift your heart to heaven in 2011, starting fresh by soaking day and night in the Word of God.
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