Psalm 26
I have quite a few handwritten notes in the margins of my study Bible. Usually they’re certain insights the Lord has given me as I’ve read through Scripture, references to other passages, or applications the Spirit has impressed to me. One such note in the margin beside this chapter reads “Find love!”
In verse 2 the writer opens himself to the searching and convicting light of the Lord. In view of the false accusations against him from his enemies, David earnestly begs the Lord to test him and make sure that his own actions are pure. He’s not claiming to be sinless, but he knows that through his trust and abiding fellowship with the Lord, God will vindicate him.
The Bible tells us that in Christ we are reconciled to God. That means we’re without blame in His sight, holy and free from accusation (see Colossians 1:21-23). That’s our hope in the gospel, our confidence in Christ, who has redeemed us, made us righteous and steadies our feet on level ground.
As I pray for the Lord to examine my heart and my mind, I pray that He finds love. Since His love is ever before me, my earnest desire is to walk always in His truth. I want to love the Lord passionately, with all my heart and mind and soul and strength. I want to love His church zealously. And I want to love the lost with the compassion of Jesus. Love disarms every enemy. Love keeps us walking in the pathway of His truth. Love delights the Father. O Lord, test me, and find love!
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Pleading for God's Guidance (Psalm 25)
Psalm 25
Last year for Christmas my parents bought me a GPS. I think maybe Amy talked them into it. She’s ridden with me enough to know that if I veer off the main roads in search of a better way, there’s a pretty good chance it won’t turn out well.
The same thing happens in our spiritual walk. If we think we can find a better way than God’s way, there’s a really good chance it won’t turn out well for us. And make no mistake about it, there are plenty of voices in this world distracting us from the narrow way, clamoring for our attention and affections, tempting us to compromise and seeking to see us stumble into sin.
Psalm 25 is like the navigational system directing us back to the pathway of Christ. If you’ve veered off the straight and narrow and seem to have lost your way, make the words of this psalm your earnest plea to the Lord for His guidance. Pledge your heart and soul to Him anew this day. Trust in Him without wavering. Plead with Him to show you His ways and teach you His paths and guide you in His truth.
The best part is that because the Lord is good, because His mercy is new every morning, His grace greater than our sins, and because He is loving and faithful toward the humble, He will take away all your sins. He will guard your life and rescue you from your affliction and distress. He will instruct you in the way you should go without fail and without disappointing.
Last year for Christmas my parents bought me a GPS. I think maybe Amy talked them into it. She’s ridden with me enough to know that if I veer off the main roads in search of a better way, there’s a pretty good chance it won’t turn out well.
The same thing happens in our spiritual walk. If we think we can find a better way than God’s way, there’s a really good chance it won’t turn out well for us. And make no mistake about it, there are plenty of voices in this world distracting us from the narrow way, clamoring for our attention and affections, tempting us to compromise and seeking to see us stumble into sin.
Psalm 25 is like the navigational system directing us back to the pathway of Christ. If you’ve veered off the straight and narrow and seem to have lost your way, make the words of this psalm your earnest plea to the Lord for His guidance. Pledge your heart and soul to Him anew this day. Trust in Him without wavering. Plead with Him to show you His ways and teach you His paths and guide you in His truth.
The best part is that because the Lord is good, because His mercy is new every morning, His grace greater than our sins, and because He is loving and faithful toward the humble, He will take away all your sins. He will guard your life and rescue you from your affliction and distress. He will instruct you in the way you should go without fail and without disappointing.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Bowing before the King of Glory (Psalm 24)
Psalm 24
I think one reason, maybe the main reason, that people refuse to acknowledge God as the creator of the universe is because they don’t want to be held accountable to Him, or anything else for that matter. The Big Bang Theory and other alternative creation theories provide convenient but dangerously deceptive ways of explaining how our world came to be without holding us accountable to its Creator.
The Bible, however, clearly and repeatedly declares the Lord God to be the Architect and Builder of the heavens and the earth. The whole earth belongs to the One who made it, who sustains it, who reveals His glory through it and who holds all men responsible for their actions.
The Israelites in singing this psalm not only recognize the Lord their God as the Creator, but they welcome His reign over them. They rejoice in the Lord Almighty as their King of glory, and are glad to make way for His rightful entry into their gates. They also realize they must come with clean hands and pure hearts, undivided in their devotion to Him.
Are you welcoming the reign of the King of glory over your life? Will you be among those who ascend the hill of the Lord and stand in His holy place? Let the sacrifice of Jesus be your cleansed and purified life as you bow in joyful worship in His presence. He’s your only hope for salvation.
I think one reason, maybe the main reason, that people refuse to acknowledge God as the creator of the universe is because they don’t want to be held accountable to Him, or anything else for that matter. The Big Bang Theory and other alternative creation theories provide convenient but dangerously deceptive ways of explaining how our world came to be without holding us accountable to its Creator.
The Bible, however, clearly and repeatedly declares the Lord God to be the Architect and Builder of the heavens and the earth. The whole earth belongs to the One who made it, who sustains it, who reveals His glory through it and who holds all men responsible for their actions.
The Israelites in singing this psalm not only recognize the Lord their God as the Creator, but they welcome His reign over them. They rejoice in the Lord Almighty as their King of glory, and are glad to make way for His rightful entry into their gates. They also realize they must come with clean hands and pure hearts, undivided in their devotion to Him.
Are you welcoming the reign of the King of glory over your life? Will you be among those who ascend the hill of the Lord and stand in His holy place? Let the sacrifice of Jesus be your cleansed and purified life as you bow in joyful worship in His presence. He’s your only hope for salvation.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Led by the Good Shepherd (Psalm 23)
Psalm 23
You’ve been waiting to get to this psalm. So have I. Since we’re here, let’s soak in it for a while. I know you’ve read or heard this psalm hundreds of times, but today read it through thoughtfully, line by line, as you meditate on the Shepherd. Think about who He is and what He does for His sheep.
And make sure you consider how Jesus took up this shepherd imagery in John 10. He knows His sheep by name, and they know His voice and follow Him. He is the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for them, only to take it up again!
How should we respond? Well, when the Lord is your Shepherd He’s all you need. You want for nothing more, nothing less, and nothing else. When the Lord is your Shepherd you don’t fear anything. You know He is with you even through the valley of the shadow of death. When the Lord is your Shepherd you’re not anxious for anything. You trust in His provision, His power, His promises and His presence. When the Lord is your Shepherd you’re blessed in abundance. He fills your cup to overflowing with the full measure of His goodness and mercy, watching over you all the days of your life and assuring you of that glorious hope we share of dwelling in the house of the Lord forever.
Do you really know Him as your Shepherd? Are you resting in His loving care for you? Are you listening to His voice and following where He leads?
You’ve been waiting to get to this psalm. So have I. Since we’re here, let’s soak in it for a while. I know you’ve read or heard this psalm hundreds of times, but today read it through thoughtfully, line by line, as you meditate on the Shepherd. Think about who He is and what He does for His sheep.
And make sure you consider how Jesus took up this shepherd imagery in John 10. He knows His sheep by name, and they know His voice and follow Him. He is the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for them, only to take it up again!
How should we respond? Well, when the Lord is your Shepherd He’s all you need. You want for nothing more, nothing less, and nothing else. When the Lord is your Shepherd you don’t fear anything. You know He is with you even through the valley of the shadow of death. When the Lord is your Shepherd you’re not anxious for anything. You trust in His provision, His power, His promises and His presence. When the Lord is your Shepherd you’re blessed in abundance. He fills your cup to overflowing with the full measure of His goodness and mercy, watching over you all the days of your life and assuring you of that glorious hope we share of dwelling in the house of the Lord forever.
Do you really know Him as your Shepherd? Are you resting in His loving care for you? Are you listening to His voice and following where He leads?
Saturday, January 22, 2011
When You Feel Forsaken (Psalm 22)
Psalm 22
Reading this psalm first through Israel’s eyes you feel for the anguished soul who cries out for God yet finds no immediate relief. You feel his pain as he suffers physically and emotionally through the attacks and taunts of the violent.
Then you have to read this psalm through the eyes of Jesus. Indeed, this psalm finds fulfillment in the cross. Jesus echoes the words of verse 1 as He suffers the agony and humiliation of crucifixion. The description of the psalmist’s distress finds uncanny resemblance in Jesus’ own misery on the cross.
But please don’t miss the hope held out by the psalm writer. Despite his wretched condition, his hope was anchored in the Holy One enthroned on the praises of Israel. God had delivered the generations before who trusted in Him, and he was certain that God would come through once more.
Yes, so did God deliver His own Son! The agony of the hour was unbearable, but glory was on the way! Friday may be a dark and gloomy day of despair, but hold on, dear friend, Sunday is coming soon! The grave could not hold the King of kings. Death is no match for the power of God that freed Jesus from its grip and broke the chains forevermore.
That deliverance is ours, as well, Christian! Those who cry out to God in trust will be saved and will not be disappointed. His face is not hidden, even when you feel forsaken.
Reading this psalm first through Israel’s eyes you feel for the anguished soul who cries out for God yet finds no immediate relief. You feel his pain as he suffers physically and emotionally through the attacks and taunts of the violent.
Then you have to read this psalm through the eyes of Jesus. Indeed, this psalm finds fulfillment in the cross. Jesus echoes the words of verse 1 as He suffers the agony and humiliation of crucifixion. The description of the psalmist’s distress finds uncanny resemblance in Jesus’ own misery on the cross.
But please don’t miss the hope held out by the psalm writer. Despite his wretched condition, his hope was anchored in the Holy One enthroned on the praises of Israel. God had delivered the generations before who trusted in Him, and he was certain that God would come through once more.
Yes, so did God deliver His own Son! The agony of the hour was unbearable, but glory was on the way! Friday may be a dark and gloomy day of despair, but hold on, dear friend, Sunday is coming soon! The grave could not hold the King of kings. Death is no match for the power of God that freed Jesus from its grip and broke the chains forevermore.
That deliverance is ours, as well, Christian! Those who cry out to God in trust will be saved and will not be disappointed. His face is not hidden, even when you feel forsaken.
Friday, January 21, 2011
Praising God for Answered Prayer (Psalm 21)
Psalm 21
It’s been said, “If you pray for rain, carry an umbrella.” Are you truly expecting God to answer your prayers?
Read together with Psalm 20, this psalm reveals the Israelite community rejoicing with thanksgiving because the Lord indeed answered their prayers. God gave the king the victory in battle for which they prayed. God showed off His great salvation. God granted him the desire of his heart and did not withhold the request of his lips. God poured out His blessings upon the king – and thus upon the entire nation of Israel – in overflowing abundance. It seems He not only answered their prayers, but put His glory on display in the way He did it.
This psalm, then, shows the people of God shouting for joy and lifting up their banners in the name of the Lord, as they said they would do in Psalm 20:5, because God answered.
What is the key to such answered prayer? Look at verse 7. It’s faith! They asked in faith for God’s help, believing that He would not only hear their prayer, but answer. They trusted in His unfailing, steadfast love, knowing that when the Most High sets His loving affection and protection upon His people, they will not be moved. The enemy may plot evil but cannot succeed against the strength of Almighty God!
Jesus Himself made some bold promises to us regarding prayer. Check out John 15:5-8 or Matthew 21:21-22 for starters. And make sure you have your umbrella handy!
It’s been said, “If you pray for rain, carry an umbrella.” Are you truly expecting God to answer your prayers?
Read together with Psalm 20, this psalm reveals the Israelite community rejoicing with thanksgiving because the Lord indeed answered their prayers. God gave the king the victory in battle for which they prayed. God showed off His great salvation. God granted him the desire of his heart and did not withhold the request of his lips. God poured out His blessings upon the king – and thus upon the entire nation of Israel – in overflowing abundance. It seems He not only answered their prayers, but put His glory on display in the way He did it.
This psalm, then, shows the people of God shouting for joy and lifting up their banners in the name of the Lord, as they said they would do in Psalm 20:5, because God answered.
What is the key to such answered prayer? Look at verse 7. It’s faith! They asked in faith for God’s help, believing that He would not only hear their prayer, but answer. They trusted in His unfailing, steadfast love, knowing that when the Most High sets His loving affection and protection upon His people, they will not be moved. The enemy may plot evil but cannot succeed against the strength of Almighty God!
Jesus Himself made some bold promises to us regarding prayer. Check out John 15:5-8 or Matthew 21:21-22 for starters. And make sure you have your umbrella handy!
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Confidence in Prayer (Psalm 20)
Psalm 20
There are millions of things you could put your trust in. Some trust in stocks and some in bonds. Some trust in jobs and some in luck. Some trust in abilities and some in education. Some trust in power and some in popularity. Some trust in government and some in themselves. But we trust in the name of the Lord our God.
Everything else will eventually wear out, fade out, burn out or run out. The only confidence we have in prayer is the confidence we have in the name of the Lord our God. We can approach His throne of grace with great boldness in the name of Jesus, knowing that in Him we will receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
So I wonder, what would happen if we prayed these first five verses for our fellow believers? What might God do in response to our sincere prayers for victory in the lives of others, as Israel here pleads for victory on behalf of their king?
For pastors, for Sunday School teachers, for missionaries, for deacons, for committee members, for greeters, for ushers, for church clerks, secretaries and treasurers, for pew sitters and the homebound – God, give great victory to your people today! Answer them in their hour of need. Help them rise up and stand firm. Show off your power and love through their lives, and we’ll rejoice in the saving power of your right hand! For we trust in your name alone, O Lord our God!
There are millions of things you could put your trust in. Some trust in stocks and some in bonds. Some trust in jobs and some in luck. Some trust in abilities and some in education. Some trust in power and some in popularity. Some trust in government and some in themselves. But we trust in the name of the Lord our God.
Everything else will eventually wear out, fade out, burn out or run out. The only confidence we have in prayer is the confidence we have in the name of the Lord our God. We can approach His throne of grace with great boldness in the name of Jesus, knowing that in Him we will receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
So I wonder, what would happen if we prayed these first five verses for our fellow believers? What might God do in response to our sincere prayers for victory in the lives of others, as Israel here pleads for victory on behalf of their king?
For pastors, for Sunday School teachers, for missionaries, for deacons, for committee members, for greeters, for ushers, for church clerks, secretaries and treasurers, for pew sitters and the homebound – God, give great victory to your people today! Answer them in their hour of need. Help them rise up and stand firm. Show off your power and love through their lives, and we’ll rejoice in the saving power of your right hand! For we trust in your name alone, O Lord our God!
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
God Is Speaking - Are You Listening (Psalm 19)
Psalm 19
This beautiful psalm highlights two distinct ways God speaks into our world. One is through the declaration of His glory in creation. The other is through His written Word. Both reveal the greatness of God and draw us humbly to Him.
Honestly, I can’t understand how anyone could gaze upon the countless stars at night or peer into the spacious skies without being blown away in awe. Studying the world’s design, how could anyone conclude this all came into being by random chance? How could anyone not see there is indeed a mighty Maker and Sustainer of all things?
And as if the voice of creation were not enough to draw us in worship to God, He speaks even more clearly through His Word. God wants us to know Him, and His Word tells us more about His love, His mercy, His grace, His power, than the skies would have space to begin to say.
And consider closely the rich blessings God pours out into the hearts of those who receive His teaching. His Word revives the soul, makes the simple wise, rejoices the heart, enlightens the eyes and endures forever. His Word will keep you from sin and teach you how to live to please the One who has redeemed you and calls you by name. There’s great reward in keeping His commands. Live in the Word of God today, and let His Word come alive in you. God has something to say. Are you listening?
This beautiful psalm highlights two distinct ways God speaks into our world. One is through the declaration of His glory in creation. The other is through His written Word. Both reveal the greatness of God and draw us humbly to Him.
Honestly, I can’t understand how anyone could gaze upon the countless stars at night or peer into the spacious skies without being blown away in awe. Studying the world’s design, how could anyone conclude this all came into being by random chance? How could anyone not see there is indeed a mighty Maker and Sustainer of all things?
And as if the voice of creation were not enough to draw us in worship to God, He speaks even more clearly through His Word. God wants us to know Him, and His Word tells us more about His love, His mercy, His grace, His power, than the skies would have space to begin to say.
And consider closely the rich blessings God pours out into the hearts of those who receive His teaching. His Word revives the soul, makes the simple wise, rejoices the heart, enlightens the eyes and endures forever. His Word will keep you from sin and teach you how to live to please the One who has redeemed you and calls you by name. There’s great reward in keeping His commands. Live in the Word of God today, and let His Word come alive in you. God has something to say. Are you listening?
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Song of Deliverance (Psalm 18)
Psalm 18
You’ll be tempted to rush through this psalm. Don’t do it!
Instead, try to put yourself in David’s sandals, praising God for His mighty deliverance. Remember that David had many enemies, but God delivered him from them all.
This psalm comes straight out of 2 Samuel 22 where David glorifies God for hearing His cry for help and saving Him from his foes. When you look at the victories God gave David in 2 Samuel 21, you see that he was at war with some pretty big dudes – in fact, descendents of the giants. God saved him from one guy who carried an 8-pound spear. He saved him from another man of “great stature” who had six fingers on each hand and six toes on each foot.
Time and time again God rescued David from the hand of his enemies. No wonder he burst forth in this song of deliverance, giving praise to the Lord, his rock, his fortress, his strength, his deliverer, his refuge, his shield, his stronghold and his salvation.
He’s done the same for you, dear friend. The giants of worry, fear and doubt may threaten to undo you, but they cannot overcome you when you let the Lord fight your battles for you! Call upon the Lord who is worthy of praise, and trust Him to save you from the enemy. Lift your heart to heaven and you’ll find yourself singing your own song of deliverance!
You’ll be tempted to rush through this psalm. Don’t do it!
Instead, try to put yourself in David’s sandals, praising God for His mighty deliverance. Remember that David had many enemies, but God delivered him from them all.
This psalm comes straight out of 2 Samuel 22 where David glorifies God for hearing His cry for help and saving Him from his foes. When you look at the victories God gave David in 2 Samuel 21, you see that he was at war with some pretty big dudes – in fact, descendents of the giants. God saved him from one guy who carried an 8-pound spear. He saved him from another man of “great stature” who had six fingers on each hand and six toes on each foot.
Time and time again God rescued David from the hand of his enemies. No wonder he burst forth in this song of deliverance, giving praise to the Lord, his rock, his fortress, his strength, his deliverer, his refuge, his shield, his stronghold and his salvation.
He’s done the same for you, dear friend. The giants of worry, fear and doubt may threaten to undo you, but they cannot overcome you when you let the Lord fight your battles for you! Call upon the Lord who is worthy of praise, and trust Him to save you from the enemy. Lift your heart to heaven and you’ll find yourself singing your own song of deliverance!
Monday, January 17, 2011
Safe in the Shadow of His Wings (Psalm 17)
Psalm 17
A mother bird is fiercely jealous for her young. She guards them under the cover of her wings. She keeps them from danger, from predators and from themselves. She unfailingly provides for their needs. She is their shelter, their lifeline. Without her protection they would surely not survive.
That’s how God cares for His own. Left alone we would surely not survive. We would be devoured by the deadly enemy. We would be ambushed by those with evil intent. And we would be so quick to fall into many dangers, toils and snares.
But by His grace God cares for us like a mother bird watching over her young. He protects those who seek refuge in His strong and mighty hand. He provides faithfully for our needs. And yes, He will deliver us from the adversary and vindicate us in His righteousness.
Jesus told His disciples they would experience troubles and persecutions along the way, as will we. But He also said, “I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble; but take heart, I have overcome the world.”
Lift your heart to heaven, dear follower of Christ, calling upon His name and resting in His peace, whatever circumstances may come. And know He will hide you safely in the shadow of His wings. He is fiercely jealous for His own!
A mother bird is fiercely jealous for her young. She guards them under the cover of her wings. She keeps them from danger, from predators and from themselves. She unfailingly provides for their needs. She is their shelter, their lifeline. Without her protection they would surely not survive.
That’s how God cares for His own. Left alone we would surely not survive. We would be devoured by the deadly enemy. We would be ambushed by those with evil intent. And we would be so quick to fall into many dangers, toils and snares.
But by His grace God cares for us like a mother bird watching over her young. He protects those who seek refuge in His strong and mighty hand. He provides faithfully for our needs. And yes, He will deliver us from the adversary and vindicate us in His righteousness.
Jesus told His disciples they would experience troubles and persecutions along the way, as will we. But He also said, “I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble; but take heart, I have overcome the world.”
Lift your heart to heaven, dear follower of Christ, calling upon His name and resting in His peace, whatever circumstances may come. And know He will hide you safely in the shadow of His wings. He is fiercely jealous for His own!
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