Psalm 12 “Help Lord”

“Help, LORD, for godly man ceases! For the faithful disappear from among the sons of men.” (v.1)

Here in Psalm 12, evil men seem to be all around David, and it appeared to him that the godly had vanished. Although it wasn’t true, this psalm reflects David’s human fear and depression of the moment. Therefore, he cried out to God for help. His prayer is short, simple, and straight forward. He told the LORD what he saw, how he felt, and asked God to do something about it.

This “cry for help" goes a long way in guiding us how to pray when we feel like evil is prevailing around us. Like David, we too should lay it out before the LORD and leave the rest to Him.

The Truth: "Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need." (Hebrews 4:16)

Psalm 11 “The Lord Is On His Throne”

“The LORD is in His Holy Temple; The LORD is on His Heavenly Throne” (v.4a)

Today’s verse is about divine justice, and how David closely linked God’s holiness with His justice. These two divine attributes are joined because God’s holiness is the only reliable standard to measure right and wrong, as opposed to man’s judgment which is imperfect and flawed. Man is not holy or just, and he lacks perfect knowledge in any situation. But heaven’s Judge possesses both holiness and justice and from His heavenly throne, "observes the sons of men” (v. 4b).

Sometimes people who are victims of injustice wonder out loud if anybody’s watching “up there.” The unfairness of life in a sinful world can even lead God’s people to doubt His goodness. But Scripture’s answer to these doubts is that nothing escapes heaven’s attention. God is not only watching the events of earth; He is closely examining every motive and action and executing judgment based on His righteous character. Nothing escapes the sight of heaven’s judge, and "the wicked will not escape His justice” (vv.5-6). 

The encouraging promise of this psalm is found in verse 7, “He loves righteousness, His countenance beholds the upright.” Therefore, as the Apostle Paul wrote, “Let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart” (Galatians 6:9).

The Truth: "But with righteousness He shall judge the poor, And decide with equity for the meek of the earth; He shall strike the earth with the rod of His mouth, And with the breath of His lips He shall slay the wicked.” (Isaiah 11:4)

Psalm 10 “ Perils of A Pilgrim”

This psalm is traditionally attributed to David, who is expressing a deep sense of distress and questioning God's apparent absence during troubling times.

“Why do You stand afar off, O Lord?

Why do You hide in times of trouble?” (v.1)

This is a psalm of complaint, of God hiding Himself (Psalm 10:1); where He appears to be afar off, no longer “a very present help in time of trouble,” but an inaccessible mountain, into which no man would be able to climb. Furthermore, it expresses the outrage and pride of the wicked (Psalm 10:2-5), the malicious practices of the wicked (Psalm 10:8-10), and their denying God’s omniscience (Psalm 10:11). 

So the psalmist inquires, Why? Why, after delivering his people from their foreign foes, does he not interfere to protect his true people from their domestic oppressors? It can only be answered, "In His wisdom; for His own purposes; because He knows it to be best." 

“The refiner is never far from the mouth of the furnace when his gold is in the fire, and the Son of God is always walking in the midst of the flames when his holy children are cast into them. Yet he that knows the frailty of man will little wonder that when we are sharply exercised, we find it hard to bear the apparent neglect of the Lord when he forbears to work our deliverance.”

(Elliot)

Therefore, even when God seems distant, His sovereignty and faithfulness remain unchanged. As believers we are called to trust in His ultimate plan and timing.

The Truth: “ Do not fret over those who do evil; do not envy those who do wrong. For they wither quickly like grass and wilt like tender plants.” (Psalm 37:1-2) “But the salvation of the righteous is from the LORD; He is their strength in time of trouble.” (37:39)

**Read Psalm 37 completely 

Psalm 9 “A Psalm Of Conquest”

(A Psalm of David to the chief Musician to the tune of Muthlabben)

“Sing praises to the Lord, who dwells in Zion; declare among the peoples His deeds.” (v.11)

Psalm 9 is a psalm of conquest, believed written in response to David’s victory over Goliath. The term Muthlabben means “death of a son” and Goliath was truly the Philistines favorite son. Therefore, this song was created to mark God’s conquest over Goliath through David. 

David was not one to take credit for God’s workings in his life. Although sometimes his outward displays seemed self-serving, it was simply his way of giving glory to God. He would, “praise the LORD with all of his heart testifying of God’s marvelous works” (v.1), “exult the LORD” and “sing praises to His name” for “turning back his enemies in defeat” (vv.2-3). David did not hold anything back, he was "all in". This psalm then was meant to be a testament to God, not David, for His hand of protection and provision, and a declaration to the people of God’s power of deliverance as well. 

We too, like David, should not hold back, but sing praises to the LORD testifying of God’s marvelous works in our lives. Therefore, sing out Christian, sing Hallelujah to the LORD! Declare His deeds among the people. Oh! what a Savior.

The Truth: “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:57)

Psalm 8 “ A Psalm of Glory”

 A psalm of David, to the chief Musician.

"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?” (vv.3-4)

This psalm is believed to have been be written by David when he was a shepherd, recognizing the glory of God in creation. As a shepherd, David had many opportunities to lay back in the fields, look up into the heavens, gaze at the stars above, and consider the greatness of God, and the awesomeness of His handy work (v.3). This brought him to the realization of his own insignificance and to ask the question, “What is man?" - in respect to a God who could create a universe like this (v.4).

David went on to answer his own question: “You made him a little lower than the angels and crowned him with glory and honor” (Psalm 8:5). According to the Bible, God made man in his own image (Genesis 1:27), lower than the angles (to live here on earth), but giving him glory and honor by placing him higher than all other living things (Genesis 1:26).  Man then became the creature nearest to God, for God Himself was to live in man to be the glory (the light, the truth), of man's life.

God created human beings to be fully alive in union with Him. Therefore, as heavens tell the heavenly glory of God, we (who have His Spirit within us) need the risen Christ to be fully alive in and through us to express His glory while here on earth.

The Truth: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)

Psalm 7 “A Cry of David”

 Psalm 7 is a shiggaion, or literally “a loud cry” which David sang to the LORD concerning the words of Cush, the Benjamite. Although we don’t know who Cush was, we do know he was someone who lied to Saul concerning David.

Throughout the psalm David declares his innocence in the matter and declares to the LORD, “ If I am guilty, let my enemy destroy me” (vv.4-5). He isn’t claiming to be sinless here, only innocent of the accusation made against him. He even boldly calls upon God to judge him, placing his defense in the righteousness of God (vv.8-10). 

In the face of accusation, condemnation, and slander David says, “My defense is in God. Meaning sooner or later, the slanderer will reap what he sows (vv.14-16). Yes we can choose to defend ourselves against those who would slander us, but once we start down that path, it will never stop. It will become our full-time occupation and build hatred and resentment that will takeover our hearts. 

The solution to slander is turn it over to God and let patience have its perfect work.

The Truth: “While being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously.” (1 Peter 2:23)

Psalm 6 “A Prayer Of Deliverance”

 A Psalm of David to the chief Musician)

“Return, O Lord, deliver me!; Oh save me for Your mercies’ sake!” (v. 4)

This is one of seven penitential psalms, a psalm that expresses sorrow for sin, a cry of repentance, and a plea for forgiveness. It is common knowledge that this psalm was written by David, but what is not known, are the circumstances surrounding its construction. 

Some believe it came out of the adulterous affair David had with Bathsheba followed by the murder of her husband, Uriah. The Rabbis teach, it was written by David when he was in the Philistine city of Gath as he was fleeing Saul who sought to destroy him. 

Whichever the case may be, David felt an awareness of his compromises, failures, weaknesses, and sin. Sobbing he cries out for forgiveness and repents. No sooner than the prayer is uttered, David knows his prayer has been heard and that the petition is granted (v.9). 

We too can have these same assurances when we repent of our sin and ask Him for deliverance. 

The Truth: “This is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests which we have asked from Him.” (1 John 5:14-15)

Psalm 5 “A Psalm Of Direction”

 A Psalm of David to the chief Musician Nehiloth)

“Lead me, O LORD, in Your righteousness because of my enemies; make Your way straight before me.” (v. 8)

The opening of Psalm 5 is a prayer by David for help and refuge in a time of trouble (vv.1-3). In the next few verses, David justifies that cry for help by describing what God abhors: the wicked, the boastful, liars, murders, and deceitful men (vv.4-6). Then, after David describes his own reverence, he asks God for direction in dealing with his enemies (vv. 7-9), even making an appeal to God for their judgment (v.10). However, by the end of his prayer we find David saying, “But let all who take refuge in You be glad, let them ever sing for joy; and may You shelter them, that those who love Your name may exalt in You” (v.12) 

Wow, A complete turn around! He goes from asking for protection and judgment on his enemies, to rejoicing in the LORD who has never failed him. Jesus said, "Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, and do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you" (Matthew 5:44). It took David a while to get there, and it may take us some time until we can pray for our enemies as well. But, I believe it was here David began to pray in God’s will and that as he prayed, he began to see their greater need, salvation. 

The lesson for us is obvious. When we pray in His will, believing and trusting in Him for our provision and protection, like David, we will be surrounded by His favor, and greater things can happen than we could ever imagine.

The Truth

He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust.” (Psalm 91:1)

Psalm 4 “Confidence In God”

(A Psalm of David To the chief Musician on Neginoth.)

“In peace I will both lie down and sleep, for You alone, O Lord, make me to dwell in safety.” (v. 8)

There is nothing in this psalm, or in the title, to determine the occasion on which it was written. The Jewish interpreters generally, and most Christian expositors, suppose that it was composed on the same occasion as the preceding one, in relation to the rebellion of Absalom. 

The content of our text expresses a general confidence in God, along with a great sense of security. David, having enemies who are seeking to destroy him, is so calm in his mind that he feels that he can lie down and sleep, even though he had no power to defend himself - He put his trust entirely in the Lord. 

The unwavering confidence we see in David here should speak volumes to us as well. To keep our eyes focused on Him who is able to do abundantly more than we could ever ask or think, giving us the confidence to rest in times of distress, and sleep the sleep of kings.

The Truth: “Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.” ( 1 John 5:14)

Psalm 3 Salvation Belongs To The Lord “

 A Psalm of David when he fled from Absalom his son)

“I cried to the LORD with my voice, and He heard me from His holy hill” (v.4)

Here we find David at what may be considered his lowest of low points. His son, Absalom, had betrayed him and led a rebellion against his throne (2 Sam. 15-19). His enemies surrounded him, and his situation seemed hopeless, yet he demonstrates complete faith that God would deliver him. Why? Because David knew God was greater than the terrible situation he was in, even greater than the betrayal of his own son.

He trusted that God would be his protection and seized on the picture of the Lord as a shield (v. 3a), an image also found in Moses’ final blessing on the Israelites (Deut. 33:9). David further declared his confidence that God would not only save him, but give him the victory (v. 3b). He was sure enough of God’s answer that he could sleep peacefully under the Lord’s protection (v. 5), and not loose heart when foes were drawn up on every side (v. 6).

What do we do when things seem hopeless; panic, give up, toss and turn, loose heart? I suggest we take a page from Psalm 3 and go immediately to prayer knowing God is greater than any situation. Then sleep peacefully under our God's protection knowing with Whom we are aligned. 

The Truth: “Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; ‘For Yah, the Lord, is my strength and song; He also has become my salvation.’” (Isaiah 12:2)

Psalm 2 “A Royal Psalm”

 

“I have installed my King on Zion, my holy hill.” (v.6)

Psalm 2 (written by David) is called a royal psalm because it was used at the coronation of the kings who were in David’s line. This psalm leaves no doubt about the absolute nature of Christ’s rule when He returns to take His throne as King and rule in His kingdom.

In light of Messiah’s position as God’s Son and chosen Ruler, the psalmist expressed amazement that rebellious nations would even attempt to resist Him, as His kingdom will not be a democracy. He will rule “with an iron scepter” that smashes His foes like pieces of pottery (v.9). 

David goes on to warn Kings and Judges that the only wise response to Messiah’s power and authority is to bow before Him in submission. Failure to do so means being consumed by the fire of His judgment. But those who willingly bow their knees to the King of Kings in submission will find Him to be a refuge, a place of blessing and protection (vv.10-12).

Therefore, take the advise of David in verse 12, “pay homage to the Son, and you will not perish in the way.”

The Truth: “And I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse, and He who sat on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and wages war. His eyes are a flame of fire, and on His head are many diadems; and He has a name written on Him, which no one knows except Himself. He is clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called, The Word of God.” (Revelation 19:11-13)

Psalm 1 “Influence Matters”

“Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, or stand in the path of sinners, or sit in the seat of mockers.” (Psalm 1:1)

Psalm 1 lays out a downward spiral (walking, standing, sitting) one can find themselves in as a result of bad influences in their lives. And yet, it also invites us into an upward path of blessing, and that joy is found by rejecting ungodly influence at every stage.

The advice we hear, the activities we join, and the identities we adopt, are but a few examples that set the tone for the type of life we lead, righteous or unrighteous. 

Scripture tells us that, “Bad company corrupts good character.” (1 Corinthians 15:33) Therefore we should pursue friendships that sharpen our faith rather than dull our convictions. 

The Truth: He who walks with the wise will become wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed.” (Proverbs 13:20) 

God’s counsel leads to lasting happiness and sets the tone for a life rooted in His Word. 

Galatians 6 “Bear One Another’s Burdens”

“Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.” (v.1-2)

There’s an old saying, “kindness is the oil that takes the friction out of life.” Here in out text Paul is encouraging the Galatians to do just that, to come along side someone who is struggling under the weight of a burden and provide relief. Notice the assumption which lies behind this command, namely that we all have burdens and that God does not mean us to carry them alone.

As we bear one another’s burdens, we are fulfilling the simple law of Christ found in John 13: "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another" (vv.34-35). Maybe someone in your world needs an act of kindness. You may be the one who could help lighten their load. By giving a little bit of yourself or your resources for the comfort of another person, you will fulfill the law of Christ, the law of love.

John’s gospel also tells us that sacrifice is the greatest demonstration of love, "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends" (15:13). And, while very few of us may ever find ourselves in that situation, kindness is a trait that we all can share to relieve the struggles of those around us.

Remember, you don't have to have a special talent or gift. You don't have to have much money. You don't even have to be well-known. All you need is a willing heart. Maybe someone in your world needs an act of kindness. Keep your heart open as to how you may help lighten their load, especially during these difficult times. "Never grow weary of doing good, for in due season we shall reap a harvest if we do not lose heart." (v.9)

The Truth: “A new commandment I give you: Love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.” (John 13:34)

Galatians 5 “The Great Struggle”

 For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” But if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another! (vv.13-15)

To walk in the Spirit is to be under the control of the Holy Spirit. In contrast, to walk in the flesh, is to be controlled by our worldly desires and inclinations towards sin. The struggle to do what is right, to live holy lives, and to be obedient to Jesus Christ is the battle between the two.

However, Paul assures us that this battle is evidence that Christ lives in us. Were there no regeneration by God’s Spirit, there would be no war! The desire cannot be prevented, but its fulfillment can certainly be withheld. And until we allow God to change our desires, our flesh will win the battle.

So what does it look like to walk with the Spirit and allow God to capture more of your soul and take it under His control? It’s a process of surrender. It begins with repentance, praying honestly, confessing you have hung on to some desire to long, then turning it over to Him. It also entails renewing your Spirit daily in His Word to strengthen your inner man for the battle against the flesh. Satin will always try and tempt us, and temptation itself is not a sin, but we must put on the whole armor of God daily so as to “walk in the Spirit” and not fulfill the lust of the flesh.

While walking in the Spirit is the key, it doesn’t always come easily. Often, it is a battle. There is a battle going on inside the Christian, and the battle is between the flesh and the Spirit. As Paul writes, these are contrary to one another – they don’t get along at all. When the flesh is winning the inside battle, you do not do the things that you wish. You don’t live the way you want to; you live under the flesh instead of under the Spirit.

The antidote to the flesh is not found in the law, but in the Spirit – and if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. You don’t need to be, because you fulfill the will of God through the inner influence of the Holy Spirit instead of the outer influence of the law of God. This is exactly the pattern set by Jesus. He had more liberty than anyone who ever walked this earth did. Yet He used His liberty to through love serve one another.

This attitude of service towards one another fulfills the great commandment (You shall love your neighbor as yourself), and it keeps us from destroying ourselves through strife (beware lest you be consumed by one another!). It’s as if Paul addressed the legalists again, and said: “You want to keep the law? Here you have it: Love your neighbor as yourself and you have fulfilled the law in one word.”

The Truth: “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” (Ephesians 6:10-11)