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Psalm 57
Observe: David’s life is again in peril. Alone and discouraged, he hides in the cave of Adullam in fear of Saul (1 Sam 22). Anxiously he cries out for mercy while taking refuge in the Lord (1), trusting God’s vindication while he is in the midst of lions; … forced to dwell among ravenous beasts (4). Yet there’s a repeated refrain: Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; Let Your glory be above all the earth (5,11). Hebrew poetry uses repetition to express importance and truth; twice David says his heart is steadfast. He will sing and make music (7) loud enough to wake the dawn, so all the nations will hear. His confidence in God’s deliverance becomes praise: For great is your love, reaching to the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies. (10) He ends with the refrain. Interpret: There are four “Do Not Destroy” ‘miktamim’ (Golden Psalms): 57-59 and 75. Derek Kidner suggests the title may be a snatch of an old song or saying. Spurgeon notes destruction of the wicked and preservation of the righteous are principal themes. Literal lions and ravenous beasts gather at the mouth of that cave, symbolic enemies ganging up against him. In deepest darkness, he sings his hope in God – no stoic defiance here! His perspective aligns with God’s, and in Him will he find his life preserved. Tim Keller, commenting on this Psalm, writes: “The universe is an endless ocean of God’s joy and glory. We are caught temporarily in a little drop of sadness here on earth. But eventually it will be removed. Regardless of what happens immediately to believers, eventually it will be all right.” Apply: It’s so easy to get caught up in news from one-sided perspectives that fosters dread or panic. It’s so easy to become a news junkie, watching for the next roaring lion over the horizon. (Remembering my brief stay in Kharkiv, years ago, I confess I was glued to newsfeeds.) Tragedies abound: illness, needless death, protests, wars, injustice, loss, our own failures (less newsworthy but equally sad). When our spiritual enemy roars at the gates of our hearts, Spurgeon gives comfort: · If you are among lion s, you will have fellowship with Jesus and His church. · If you are among lions, you will be driven nearer to your God. · If you are among lions, remember that God has them on a leash. · If you are among lions, remember there is another Lion, of the Tribe of Judah. (from https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/psalm-57/) Psalm 27 tells us to seek the Lord’s face, to gaze at the beauty of the Lord and to seek Him in His temple (His church as together we worship Him), and we find His beauty in the most surprising places -- even caves! In Him we are secure. Problems live on earth; God is far above them – yet with us in them. Ask: Will you deal with the lions in my life, Lord? How can I align my life to You when what I see around me contradicts all that You are? Will You reveal Your holy perspective through Your word, even amidst lions? Pray: Lord, only in You will all the evil in this world, all my failure and weakness, be transformed into ‘all right’. But only in You, Jesus; help me to trust this is already so, despite this ‘drop of sadness’ that is life in this world. And then, Lord, Let Your glory be in all the earth. Your perspective is grace, truth, and goodness. Thank You, thank You! Sing Ps 57 Psalms Project Be Gracious Unto Me - Worship Community Josh Sparkman Observe: David is petitioning the Lord for mercy amongst the malice of his enemies (verse 1-7). He then declares his obligation to praise God for His mercies despite those enemies (verses 8-13).
Interpret and Application: David is fleeing from Saul – again! However, he decides to flee to Gath where the Philistines live. Why would he do this as the Philistines were enemies of both Saul and David? It’s a death sentence for sure! However, David acted like a crazy person when he got there which would assure him that the Philistines wouldn’t kill him. They never killed anyone who was crazy in those times. David pleads with God for mercy from his enemies after listing all their schemes and wickedness. However, in between these “lists”, David wholeheartedly puts his faith and trust in the Lord, knowing that he has nothing to fear because of God’s word. (verses 3 & 4). He goes on to say that God has both a book and a bottle in which He stores our tears of sin and affliction. How wonderful to know that when we at last see Him He shall “wipe every tear from (our) eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain (Rev. 21:4) and God will wipe away every tear from (our) eyes” (Rev. 7:17). Did you notice that David once again repeats verses 3 & 4 in verses 10 & 11? We need not fear if we trust the Lord and His word. Mere mortals can do nothing to harm us. I know that in my life I falter in this often. My husband David calls me a “control aficionado” and I have to admit that this is a very difficult part of my life to hand over to the Lord. I want control more than I give the Lord the reins of my life. However, I think I’m learning! One of my daughters is quite distraught at the way the world is heading and is concerned about how this will affect Christians. My answer to her is: “Well…what’s the worst that can happen? We may lose our lives, but think of where we’ll be headed then!” We will head to a place where God will wipe away all our tears. David’s vows of thankfulness follow his pleas for mercy because he knows that God has delivered us from sin whose wages are death. (Rom. 6:23) David desired that God would keep him from even the appearance of sin. We should do so as well, so that we may give better service to the Lord and serve Him without fear. Prayer: Lord, we thank You that we can trust Your word and not fear! Keep us from even the appearance of evil and keep us in Your ways so that when we meet You face to face all of our tears will be wiped away and we will do nothing but rejoice in Your presence. Amen. Song: Psalm 56 - Jason Silver Observe: The Psalmist pleas for help from God for his inner turmoil. He wants to flee from his enemy, who was a near friend. The depth of betrayal is very deep, and his reaction is to ask God for revenge. At. V 16, he pleads with God who alone can save him. After more description of the betrayer’s lies, the final stanza is spoken to others: “Cast your cares/burdens on the Lord, and he will sustain you,” ending with a final hope that God will avenge him.
Interpret: David was betrayed by his own son Absalom, ending in civil war, with the crown of Israel as the prize. Is this the background for this anguished plea for help against an enemy? Certainly David fled, and this Psalm expresses the desire to flee. The inner anguish of betrayal by someone close, “my companion, my close friend,” cuts deep. All this is told honestly to the Lord, mixed with expressions of trust. The final “Cast your cares on the Lord” is mixed with thirst for vindication. Application: Nearly everyone gets betrayed by someone we trust at some point. A close friend turns her back; a spouse commits adultery; a trusted boss screws you over; a church leader you leaned on turns on you instead; an adult child cuts you off. Examples abound. Psalm 55 is a deep dive into the pain of betrayal: the turmoil, the desire to run away, and the prayers that God will avenge you. Pain slowly gives way to trust in what God will do, although the desire to inflict pain back is not completely gone. The last few verses show that the struggle is ongoing: telling others to trust, even as the desire for vindication lingers. The last verse: “But as for me, I trust in you,” points ahead to a path to resolution, but forgiveness is not yet in sight. Judas betrayed Jesus; so did Peter. Jesus even saw it coming long before it happened. How did Jesus deal with that? Not by asking God for vengeance, but by trusting in God. For us to get to that point of trust, after deep personal betrayal, requires a long process of honestly dealing with the wounds and what caused them, asking God for help, and accepting that only God acts with perfect justice on our behalf. Key verse: “Cast your cares/burdens on the Lord, and he will sustain you.” Prayer: “Lord, I have been deeply hurt by betrayal, but I will trust in your justice and your care. Amen.” Song: “What A Friend We Have in Jesus” Psalm 54
Observe: Psalm 54 is quite short at only 7 verses. It is addressed to the choirmaster, a Maskil of David, when the Ziphites went and told Saul, “Is not David among us?” There were actually two times that the Ziphites betrayed David to King Saul by revealing his location, the first of which is 1 Samuel 23 and the second is 1 Samuel 26. David escaped both times. This Psalm is likely written about the first account, when David learned about the Ziphite betrayal but before he saw the deliverance of God. David cries out for God to save him, according to His name and by His strength. He then asks God to hear the words of his prayer, that strangers (or insolent men) have risen up against him and are looking to take his life; men who are opposed to God and ignore Him. David then proclaims that God is his helper, the Lord is with those who uphold his life, and that He will repay his enemies for their evil. He continued in prayer, asking the Lord to cut off those who are working for such evil, and ends on a note of confident conclusion declaring the goodness of God and the certainty of his enemy’s downfall. Interpret: “David lived a life of dangers and hair-breadth ‘scapes, yet was he always safe.” (Spurgeon) How often can one’s world come tumbling down in a single lifetime? How often have you found yourself at the end of your rope, utterly spent and defeated, with nothing ahead but bleakness? How often has God then used the end of your own strength to show you that He really is in control? How often until we actually learn that He is good and faithful and loves us like the perfect Father He is? What is remarkable about this Psalm in particular is the present danger is mixed with confident praise and assurance. David laments and wails, he implores and vents, and he constantly reassures himself (and now us) of the constant lovingkindness of God! These two things are not kept separate from one another but purposefully woven together. Go back and read it again; take note of how often he jumps from pleading to preaching. David is a unique example for all who read the Psalms especially, for he was constantly on the run from those who sought his very life yet he remained steadfast on the promises of God! He is a reminder that we must not sanitize our prayers before God, we must not compartmentalize our thoughts and struggles and feelings and joy, for we see in this 7 verse tapestry a striking combination of contrasting threads of the human soul, all of which give glory to God, whether it be through earnest prayer or heartfelt praise. Application and Question: Do you censor your prayers before God? If so, that might be a big reason why you don’t like to pray. That might be a big reason as to why you might not feel heard or comforted or corrected. I mean, what sort of relationship would I have with my wife if I didn’t let her in on everything I’m going through and only told her the good stuff? That wouldn’t be a deep or meaningful relationship in any way because I’m not being my actual self around her. I’m not letting her into my life as it is really happening, just on the parts I think she’ll want to see. If we are doing this with the Lord God Almighty, creator of heaven and earth, who knew us before all time and space and knows us and our thoughts more than we could ever know ourselves and loves us more than we can conceive, how much shallower is that relationship going to feel to us? God wants literally all of you; heart, mind, body, soul, sins, confessions, struggles, anger, joys, praises, confusion, doubts, secrets, shame, you name it! Just let it out, man! Stop holding back and trying to keep Him at arms length – instead, run to that wonderful and loving Father and jump into His arms! Let Him know it all. Be vulnerable and lost and open and honest. Pour out your heart to Him and build intimacy with Him; make Him a refuge from even your own hearts and minds. Establish Him daily as the King of your life, first in your heart; surrender yourself daily to His will for you and be all-consumed by worship and thanksgiving; hear His voice when you open your Bible and take His yoke upon you; come to Jesus, all you who are weary and heavy-laden, and you will find rest for your souls. He is gentle. A bruised reed He will not break, and a smoldering wick He will not snuff out. Spend time with Him and learn to walk beside Him. Only then will you begin to crave time alone in prayer, and only then will His words be sweeter than honey. Only then will you go on being filled with the Holy Spirit. This is the most important daily discipline of all, yet one largely ignored in our fast-paced lives. King David knew the value in pouring out one’s heart to the Lord, as well as being well-versed in God’s promises and familiar with His character. It is through a life lived in intimacy with God that we can stand confidently upon the waves of any storm, our eyes fixed on Jesus, and never worry that we’re going to slip under. Prayer: Lord, please help me pray when I really, really don’t want to pray. Please take away my reluctance to meet with you and help me be honest with you. I confess that I have neglected time spent with you, that I have gradually let my love grow cold. Please forgive me and renew my heart, that I might pour it out before you in praise and wonder and worship. Teach me to love you properly, that I might love others properly and be that city on a hill that cannot be hidden. Teach me your laws and precepts, and teach me to love your word. In Jesus’ name, amen. Song: Only There (Shane & Shane) “The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God.’ They are corrupt, and their ways are vile; there is no one who does good.”
Psalm 53: 1 Psalm 47 Observe
Interpret The introduction to this Psalm calls for the ‘Director of Music’ to use a particular tune, mahalath. In some of its forms this word appears to signify, disease; hence the title of this blog, the Song of Humankind’s Disease. This song, though, has an ending full of hope. Psalm 53 is a near repeat of Psalm 14 with some minor changes. For example the ‘deeds’ (14:1) of the wicked have now become their ‘ways’ (53: 1), and the people that had ‘turned aside’ (14:1), have now ‘turned away,’ (53:2). It seems that, however long the interval between writing these Psalms, David has simply observed a worsening of humankind’s disease. This disease, arises from the denial of God; unbelief in Him. This is utter folly as the evidence of God’s existence is everywhere. The symptoms of this disease are: corruption; vile behaviour, acts of evil and violence. This disease causes dis-ease as another symptom is fear, even when there are no causal factors. The increase of knowledge has not lessened this behaviour. The solution is to believe in God and to call upon Him. He is the source of all salvation and is able to restore humankind, bringing real joy to the hearts of His creation. Application These two Psalms (14 & 53) depict the reality of sin, the denial of and unbelief in God. This is a situation where individuals believe in themselves and their own created truths instead of God. We see the result of this sin in the world and in our lives today. We also see that it is our hearts that are the source of this sin (1). C. H. Spurgeon describes this condition defined in these Psalms as the: Fact of Sin; the Fault of Sin; the Folly of Sin; the Filthiness of Sin; the Fruit of Sin; and the Fear that attends sin. Wonderfully there is a solution, the salvation that God offers us by His grace through our faith in Jesus Christ. His Son can be our Saviour because Jesus died in our place and then rose again defeating death and the power of sin. Through this means of salvation God restores us to what we were created to be in relationship with Him. A joy that is not of this world is simply one of the blessings He bestows (Ephesians 2: 8-9; Colossians 1: 21-23). The Question of Application God can be seen in Jesus Christ, in His creation, in the Bible, in the Church and in those who truly believe in Him. Above all, He can be seen AND known in our hearts with the presence of His Holy Spirit through our faith in Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 3: 16). Do you see God? Prayer God of hope, help us to see you and to put our faith in you. Lead us to repentance and new life. In times of trouble save us from blind despair and help us to wait in confidence for the blessings that we cannot imagine. May our lives be a testimony to your love and truth so as to encourage the world in which we live, and to give you glory and honour. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ the Lord. Amen Praise Come Thou Fount of every blessing sung by Chris Tomlin Text: Psalm 52
OBSERVE: In verses 1-4, the psalmist blasts an evil person. The psalmist sarcastically calls him a mighty hero, but in reality, this person is a disgrace to God because of his wicked actions. Doeg the Edomite fits this picture well. Then in verses 5-7, we read about the downfall of the wicked as God will eventually judge this wicked person as he deserves. The righteous, who were the victims of his oppression, will witness his destruction and mock him because he tried to protect himself by his own strength. This is unlike the righteous who put themselves under God’s protection. In the final two verses, we read that the righteous will flourish. In a similar way that a olive tree is a symbol of life and fertility, God’s protection gives the psalmist hope and leads the composer of this psalm to worship God continually. INTERPRET: This psalm shares traits of many types of psalms, but in the end it is a psalm of confidence. The psalmist addresses an evil person, who celebrated the destruction he leaves behind him. The title of the psalm names Doeg the Edomite as this evil person and this story is found in 1 Samuel 7; 22: 6-23. However, in spite of the threat, the psalmist knows the evildoer will be uprooted, while the psalmist himself is like an olive tree which is productive, healthy and alive. Thus the psalmist praises God for what he has done for him. According to the title, this historical event inspired the writing of Psalm 52. Even so, the psalm is historically non-specific, so it can be used in later, similar, but not identical situations. APPLICATION: Psalm 52 reminds both ancient and modern readers that God is the only true source of protection and prosperity. While on the surface it may look like the wicked person may win, the truth is that God will bless the righteous. Just as olive trees flourished and were of great importance to the Israelite agriculture, so too will the righteous flourish and be of great importance to the Kingdom of God. Perhaps for us today, this psalm can be more helpful to read as a prayer of Jesus. Jesus was attacked by wicked spiritual and human agents but nevertheless put his hope in his Heavenly Father. Although Jesus suffered death, he was ultimately victorious. Here again we see Christ as our ultimate example, for when we trust in God’s unfailing love, we also become like an olive tree flourishing in the House of God. PRAYER: Heavenly Father, help me to not lean on my own strength but to trust in your protection. May I prosper through your unfailing love so that I may be productive, healthy and alive like an olive tree. Thank you for the righteousness of your Son, so that I may be righteous. AMEN. SONG: Psalm 52 - Olive Tree Psalm 51 Lynne McCarthy 4/29/22
Observe: A man is racked with guilt and shame; memories of past sin haunt him. He craves mercy because of his terrible, multiple wrongs. No ordinary man (though it could be anybody); this is David, King David, chosen and loved by God. How could he sin, having such a special place in God’s heart? He recounts first his appeal for mercy (1,2) then in agonies of conscience, recognizes he deserves God’s just judgment. But David longs for a new sense of God’s presence; humble repentance compels him to ask to hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have broken rejoice (8) – there’s no self-flagellation here, but His Presence will blot out (remove) the stain of sin that He cannot look upon. Verses 10-12 are powerful and poignant. God has indeed made his heart new, but rather than removing His Spirit, as David feared, He answers his appeal for mercy. Remembering Uriah’s murder he prays, Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O Lord … and my tongue will sing aloud of Your salvation. (14). If God can forgive this evil, He can forgive all else, so David asks for a renewed disposition of heart: … open my lips and my mouth will declare Your praise (15), and later, a broken and contrite heart (17), a sacrifice to honour God. His people, united as broken penitents who follow His covenant and worship Him, foreshadow His Church, sharing in God’s life. (18, 19) Interpret: Probably the best-known of David’s Penitential Psalms. He knows guilt and implores God, in penitence, for His mercy. His sin? He looked, but didn’t look away, look became desire, desire became a sequence of horrific actions: deception, murder, adultery. But this man after God’s own heart couldn’t remain in his guilt and shame; he runs to his God and repents, voicing his wrongdoing, asking for mercy, and receives it. The Holy Spirit is rarely spoken of regarding the interior life in the Hebrew Bible – the only references are v. 11b here, and Ezek. 36:27. Apply: As we recognize our sin, we come to God for His mercy and forgiveness. Our spirits are renewed and refreshed in knowing He has truly forgiven us – proven by Jesus and His cross. As He gave David grace, so He gives to us in our need. But we must: 1. Recognize that we have sinned (specifics and humility needed here); 2. Take hold of that gift of humility, confessing our wrongs to the one we hurt, if possible (Mt. 5:23), then come to God to ask for His mercy; 3. Cleansed now, we make efforts to remove ourselves from agents or environments of sin. But if in our weakness, we do fail -- 4. Repeat the above, again and again, until we know that this sin has no dominion over us (Rom 6:14). We thank God for conscience and ask Him to clear it so we don’t fall into self-condemnation, self-pity; nor do we ignore it, hoping the proddings go away. They won’t, until we come before God for His help in time of need. Ask: Jesus, I’m so weak and fall away from You so often, with such ease, and I am ashamed. Would You cleanse the thoughts of my heart, to grow my desire to remain in You? Would You keep me close to Your heart? Pray: Lord, Your property is always to have mercy. Cleanse the thoughts of my heart by the blood of the Lamb and the breath of Your Spirit that I may come to You in humble praise and thanks for Your great mercy. Lead me away from temptation by Your mercy and grace. Let me always be thankful that You, God of all comfort, are Mercy itself. Song: Psalm 51 Sons of Korah A Broken Spirit and Contrite Heart https://youtu.be/8RnDuwbz5UI Basilica of the Holy Trinity A Prayer of Repentance https://youtu.be/5NQjfIOmGkk Create in Me (Tom Kendzia) https://youtu.be/yWc-QSaw3ME Psalm 50
Observe God addresses His covenant people from all nations (from the rising of the sun to where it sets (1)) who offer lawful animal sacrifices. But while they are acceptable, He doesn’t need them. Reminding them that He owns all of Creation (9-12), His real desire is for His people to worship Him with thanksgiving and sincere, trusting prayer: Sacrifice thank offerings to God, fulfill your vows to the Most High, and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me. (14b,15) His promise of deliverance moves His true people to worship and obedience. He rebukes the wicked for their hypocrisy (16-20). They are far too willing to ally themselves with thieves and adulterers, and slander their own families. But God’s silence isn’t acquiescence or acquittal. His justice for hypocrites is swift, while those who honour Him will enjoy His salvation. (23). Interpret This is the first of twelve Psalms attributed to Asaph (whose name means ‘gather’), the great singer and musician during David and Solomon’s reigns. (1 and 2 Chronicles). God calls everyone on earth to witness His judgment. His justice (fire) and power (storm) (v. 3) begin with His people. He rebukes, not their sacrifices (which He commands), but empty ritual replaces real relationship. Does He judge the wicked outside Israel? No; He rebukes the wicked among His own people, who in their disregard for His word seem to think He is altogether like them (11) that is, unholy. Misinterpreted as agreement, His silence is of no more concern to them than His holiness. But His silence is a patient waiting until they come round. For those who abandon hypocrisy, who repent and return to Him in sacrificial praise, God in His love saves them. Apply This Psalm carries tough words and tough love. Maybe it’s time to reorder minds and hearts towards what God asks of us -- a desire to know Him, a committed, humble heart, a thankful spirit. Going to church (aka, being ‘religious’), and committing ourselves to Jesus as first in our lives, are polar opposites in His sight. After all, He gave His life for ours; that alone is reason for determined worship on Sunday and beyond. Worshipping Jesus worthily requires intentional obedience, repentance and faith. And He will not be silent; He will answer us as we call to Him in our need and praise Him for His goodness. Is this reminding getting a bit repetitious? But we forget, easily and often. Look at Jesus’ disciples! So we ask and ask again for His Spirit, His grace, His mercy, to turn again to true and sincere worship. Let’s remember we walk the narrow and not-easy path in companionship with Him and our faith family. Real relationship replaces empty ritual. Ask Lord, would You show me those shadowy hypocrises that hide in my heart and invade my life? How can I truly worship and avoid mere ‘churchgoing’? Pray Lord, I turn from things that sadden you -- what I have done or failed to do or say or think. I ask Your mercy and forgiveness, seventy times seven, and again take up my cross to follow You, by grace. Sing Psalm 50 To the Upright - Songs in His Presence Psalm 50 (NIV) read by David Suchet INTRODUCTION: This Psalm contrasts the fate between the ultimate destiny of the wealthy who trust in themselves, and those whose trust is in the Lord.
OBSERVATION: The key verse in this Psalm comes near the beginning, verses 5 - 6, "Why should I fear when evil days come, when wicked deceivers surround me - those who trust in their wealth and boast of their great riches?" The rest of the Psalm explains that although the rich have power and influence now, when they die, it will all come to nothing. They will suffer the same fate as those they now despise, because they trust in themselves (always a mistake in the Biblical narrative) and in their followers who approve their sayings (V.13). This is the opposite of the fate of the wise, who get understanding. Wisdom and understanding are more to be valued than gold (Psalm119), and real wealth is in the fear of the Lord (Prov, 9.10). The "upright" ( v.14b) will prevail, God will redeem them from the realm of the dead. The upright are warned against envying the rich (v.16) who will never again see the light of life (v.19b). This is summed up in the final verse, "People who have wealth but lack understanding are like the beasts that perish." APPLICATION: Today, for those of us who have gained understanding, Verses 5-9 direct us to Jesus with the statement, "No one can redeem the life of another or give God a ransome for them - the ransome for a life is costly, no payment is ever enough - so that they should live on forever and not see decay." We know that God gave his only begotten Son, Jesus, as a ransome for all who believe in him, so that we can have eternal life. The pearl beyond price, the crown of life, is for those who believe in him. Thanks be to God. PRAYER: Lord, it is so easy to envy those who have wealth and privilege. Their lives look so easy on the outside. Envy is such a waste of time and blinds us to the blessings of every day life, even as we struggle. Thank you for the reminder that to trust in you is more than enough, and that we have a glorious future ahead, even as death beckons, life with you awaits. Amen. Song: "Living Hope" by Phil Wickham Observe: Psalm 48 focuses on two things – the city of the great King (verses 1-8) and responding to the great King (verses 9-14). Within these two sections we can observe the great King and His city (verses 1-3), the troubled kings of the earth (verses 4-7), the established city of the Lord (verse 8), meditating on His mercies (verses 9-11) and the city representing God’s faithfulness (verses 12-14).
Interpretation and Application: God is to be praised in His city (Jerusalem) and what is interesting is that Jerusalem is also referred to as God’s holy mountain. We often think that Mount Sinai is His holy mountain, but that mountain was deemed so holy that no one could really go there unless sanctioned by God. If one were to approach the mountain, they would die. Psalm 48 indicates that Jerusalem as a holy mountain is open to all – the joy of the whole earth. We as believers have been grafted into Israel and therefore just as God established Zion forever (verse8), Christ promised to establish His church forever (Matthew 16:18) and thus we become part of God’s temple – His dwelling place (I Corinthians 3:16). Israel had heard stories in the past of how God had delivered His people, but now they experienced it for themselves. How true for us as believers! We have heard stories of others coming to Christ, but now when we experience it ourselves we can add our story to theirs. When the kings joined forces to invade God’s city, they must have been giddy with confidence in assuming that they could overtake it. However, once they got a look at it, they turned tail and fled in terror (verses 4-7). Oh, that those of us who know and love the Lord could radiate such an image of Christ that those who mock and confront us would turn in terror and seek Him! When we meditate on God’s unfailing love (verse 9) we should automatically praise His name to the ends of the earth and tell of Him to the next generation (verses 9-13). Verse 14 ties back to verse 1 – the Lord is great and greatly to be praised. He is our God and guide forever and ever, even unto death. We can trust and praise Him because He is faithful to deliver us. No matter what evil we encounter in this world, nothing can thwart God’s loving purposes for those of us who dwell in His city! Prayer: Thank you Lord for your faithfulness and loving kindness. We praise and adore You and know that You will be our guide, even to the end. Help us to shine Your light from Your city into this dark world. In Your holy name, amen. Song: Great is the Lord |
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