Psalm 13 - Praying For Relief

The author of Psalm 13 is David.  He is praying for relief from despair.  We must continue to trust God even when he doesn't answer us immediately.

 

Sometimes all we need to do is talk over a problem with a friend to help put it in perspective. In this psalm, the phrase "how long" occurs four times in the first two verses, indicating the depth of David's distress.  David expressed his feelings to God and found strength.  By the end of this prayer, he was able to express hope and trust in God. Through prayer we can express our feelings and talk out problems with God. He helps us regain the right perspective, and this gives us peace.

 

David frequently claimed that God was slow to act on his behalf. We often feel this same impatience. It seems that evil and suffering go unchecked, and we wonder when God is going to stop them. David affirmed that he would continue to trust God no matter how long he had to wait for God's justice to be realized. When you feel impatient, remember David's steadfast faith in God's unfailing love.

Psalm 12 - A Call For Protection

The author of Psalm 12 is David.  The theme of Psalm 12 is a call for protection against those who try to manipulate us.

 

"Help, Lord, for the godly are no more; the faithful have vanished from among men."

~ Psalm 12:1 

 

Living for God in a deceitful world can be a difficult and lonely battle. At one time the great prophet Elijah felt so lonely he wanted to die.  But God told him that there were 7,000 other faithful servants (1 Kings 19:4, 14, 18). We are never alone in our battle against evil. When you feel alone, seek out other believers for strength and support.

 

"Everyone lies to his neighbor; their flattering lips speak with deception. May the Lord cut off all flattering lips and every boastful tongue that says, 'We will triumph with our tongues; we own our lips -- who is our master?'" ~ Psalm 12:2-4

 

We may be tempted to believe that lies are relatively harmless, even useful at times. But God does not overlook lies, flattery, deception, or boasting. Each of these sins originates from bad attitude that is eventually expressed in our speech. The tongue can be our greatest enemy because, though small, it can do great damage. Be careful how you use yours.

 

"Because of the oppression of the weak and the groaning of the needy, I will now arise," says the Lord. "I will protect them from those who malign them." ~ Psalm 12:5

 

God cares for the weak and the needy. Here he promises to protect the downtrodden and confront their oppressors.  We should identify with God's attitude.  His work is not done until we care for the needs of the poor.

 

"And the words of the Lord are flawless, like silver refined in a furnace of clay, purified seven times." ~ Psalm 12:6

 

Sincerity and truth are extremely valuable because they are so rare. Many people are deceivers, liars, flatterers; they think they will get what they want by deception. As a king, David certainly faced his share of such people, who hoped to win his favor and gain advancement through flattery. When we feel as though sincerity and truth have nearly gone out of existence, we have one hope -- the Word of God. God's word's are as flawless as refined silver. So listen carefully when he speaks.

Psalm 11: God Provides Stability In The Midst of Panic

The author of Psalm 11 is David - God's rule provides stability in the midst of panic.  Because we can trust him, we can face our problems. 

 

"In the LORD I take refuge. How then can you say to me: 'Flee like a bird to your mountain. For look, the wicked bend their bows; they set their arrows against the strings to shoot from  the shadows at the upright at heart. When the foundations are being destroyed, what can the righteous do?' The LORD is in his holy temple; the LORD is on his heavenly throne.  He observes the sons of men; his eyes examine them" - Psalm 11:1-4

David seems to be speaking to  those who are advising him to run from his enemies. David's faith contrasted dramatically with the fear of the advisers who tell him to flee.  Faith in God keeps us from losing hope and will help us resist fear.  David's advisers were afraid because they saw only frightening circumstances and crumbling foundations.  David was comforted and optimistic because he knew God was greater than anything his enemies could bring against him.

 

When the foundations are shaking and you wish you could hide, remember that God is still in control. His power is not diminished by any turn of events. Nothing happens without his knowledge and permission. When you feel like running away - run to God.  He will restore justice and goodness on the earth in his good time.

 

5-"The Lord examines the righteous, but the wicked and those who love violence his soul hates." ~Psalm 11:5

 

God does not preserve believers from difficult circumstances, but he tests both the righteous and the wicked.  For some, God's tests become a refining fire, while for others, they become an incinerator for destruction.  Don't ignore or defy the tests and challenges that come your way.  Use them as opportunities for you to grow.

Psalm 10: God Is Aware Of Everything

The author of Psalm 10 is not noted, but we assume it was probably David.  Many ancient manuscripts combine Psalms 9 and 10, and Psalm 9 was written by David.  The theme of Psalm 10 shows us that although God may seem to be hidden at times, we can be assured that he is aware of every injustice.

1-"Why, O Lord, do you stand far off? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?"
Psalm 10:1

 

Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble? To the psalmist, God seemed far away.  But even though the writer had honest doubts, he did not stop praying or conclude that God no longer cared.  He was not complaining, but simply asking God to hurry to his aid. It is during those times when we feel most alone or oppressed that we need to keep praying, telling God about our troubles.

 

4-"In his pride the wicked does not seek him; in all his thoughts there is no room for God. 5-His ways are always prosperous; he is haughty and your laws are far from him; he sneers at all his enemies. 6-He says to himself, 'Nothing will shake me; I'll always be happy and never have trouble.'" Psalm 10:4-6
 

Some people succeed in everything they do, and they brag that no one, not even God, can keep them down. We may wonder why God allows these people to amass great wealth while they despise him as they do. But why are we upset when the wicked prosper? Are we angry about the damage they are doing or just jealous of their success? To answer these questions we must gain the right perspective on wickedness and wealth. The wicked will surely be punished because God hates their evil deeds. Wealth is only temporary. It is not necessarily a sign of God's approval on a person's life; nor is lack of it a sign of God's disapproval. Don't let wealth or lack of it become your obsession.

 

11-"He says to himself, "God has forgotten; he covers his face and never sees." Psalm 10:11

 

There is an incompatibility between blind arrogance and the prescence of God in our hearts. The proud person depends on himself rather than on God.  This causes God's guiding influences to leave his life. When God's presence is welcome, there is no room for pride because he makes us aware of our true selves.

 

14-"But you, O God, do see trouble and grief; you consider it to take it in hand. The victim commits himself to you; you are the helper of the fatherless." Psalm 10:14

 

God sees and takes note of each evil deed, encourages us, and listens to our cries. He is always with us.  We can face the wicked because we do not face them alone. God is by our side.

Psalm 9: God Never Ignores Our Cry For Help

The author of Psalm 9 is David, who probably wrote it after a victory over the Philistines. This psalm tells us that God never ignores a cry for help.

 

Praise is expressing to God our appreciation and understanding of his worth.  It is saying "thank you" for each aspect of his divine nature. Our inward attitude becomes outward expression.  When we praise God, we help ourselves by expanding our awareness of who He is.  In each psalm you read, look for an attribute or characteristic of God for which you can thank him.

 

1-"I will praise you, O Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonders."  Psalm 9:1

 

God upholds our just cause; he is our vindicator (one who clears us from criticism and justifies us before others). In this life, we may face many injustices: (1) we may be falsely accused and misunderstood by friends and enemies; (2) we may not be truly appreciated by others for the love we show: (3) the true value of our work and service may not be duly rewarded; (4) our ideas may be ignored.

 

But God is to be praised, for he sees and remembers all the good we do, and it is up to him to decide the timing and the appropriateness of our rewards. If we do not trust him to vindicate us, then we will be susceptible to hatred and self-pity. If we do trust him, we can experience God's peace and be free from the worry of how others perceive and treat us.

 

4-"For you have upheld my right and my cause; you have sat on your throne, judging righteously." Psalm 9:4

 

God will never forsake those who seek him. To forsake someone is to abandon that person. God's promise does not mean that if we trust in him we will escape loss or suffering; it means that God himself will never leave us no matter what we face.

 

10-"Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you."  Psalm 9:10

 

All of us want God to help us when we are in trouble, but often for different reasons.  Some want God's help so that they will be successful and other people will like them.  Others want God's help so that they will be comfortable and feel good about themselves. David, however, wanted help from God so that justice would be restored to Israel and so that he could show others God's power.  When you call to God for help, consider your motive.  Is it to save yourself pain and embarrassment or to bring God glory and honor?

 

13-"O Lord, see how my enemies persecute me! Have mercy and lift me up from the gates of death, 14-that I may declare your praises in the gates of the Daughter of Zion and there rejoice in your salvation." Psalm 9:13-14

 

The world may ignore the plight of the needy, crushing earthly hope they may have. But God, the champion of the weak, promises that this will not be the case forever. The wicked nations who forget the Lord and refuse to help their people will be judged by God.  He knows our needs, he knows our tendency to despair, and he has promised to care for us.  Even when others forget us, he will remember.

 

18-"But the needy will not always be forgotten, nor the hope of the afflicted ever perish." Psalm 9:18

Psalm 8: God Cares For You

The author of Psalm 8 is David.  The greatness of God assures the worth of mankind. God, the all-powerful Creator, cares for his most valuable creation - YOU!

 

Jesus became human, just a little lower than the heavenly beings and he will raise all who belong to him above the heavenly beings when he comes to reign over the new heaven and new earth.  Jesus is the only person who perfectly reflects God's image.

 

"O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens."  Psalm 8:1

 

"You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor" Psalm 8:5

 

Children are able to trust and praise God without doubts or reservations.  As we get older, many of us find this more and more difficult to do.  Ask God to give you childlike faith, removing any barriers to having a closer walk with him.  Get in touch with this childlike quality in yourself so that you can be more expressive.

 

"From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise because of your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger."  Psalm 8:2

 

To respect God's majesty, we must compare ourselves to his greatness.  When we look at creation, we often feel small by comparison.  To feel small is a healthy way to get back to reality, but God does not want us to dwell on our smallness.  Humility means proper respect for God, not self-depreciation. When we look at the vast expanse of creation, we wonder how God could be concerned for people who constantly disappoint him.  Yet God created us only a little lower than himself or the angels!  The next time you question your worth as a person, remember that God considers you highly valuable.  We have great worth because we bear the stamp of the Creator.  Because God has already declared how valuable we are to him, we can be set free from feelings of worthlessness.

 

"When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, 4-what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?"  Psalm 8:3-4

 

God gave human beings tremendous authority - to be in charge of the whole earth.  But with great authority comes great responsibility.  If we own a pet, we have the legal authority to do with it as we wish, but we also have the responsibility to feed and care for it. How do you treat God's creation? Use your  resources wisely because God holds you accountable for your stewardship.

 

"You made him ruler over the works of your hands; you put everything under his feet; . . ."    Psalm 8:6

Psalm 7: A Request For Justice

The author of Psalm 7 is David.  It tells us that God is the perfect judge and will punish those who persecute the innocent.

Have you ever been falsely accused or so badly hurt that you wanted revenge?  David wrote this psalm in response to the slanderous accusations of those who claimed he was trying to kill Saul and seize the throne.  Instead of taking matters into his own hands and striking back, David cried out to God for justice.  The proper response to slander is prayer, not revenge, because God says, "It is mine to avenge, I will repay" (Romans 12:19) Instead of striking back, ask God to take your case, bring justice and restore your reputation.

 

1-"O Lord my God, I take refuge in you; save and deliver me from all who pursue me, 2-for they will tear me like a lion and rip me to pieces with no one to rescue me. 3-O Lord my God, if I have done this and there is guilt on my hands 4-if I have done evil to him who is at peace with me or without cause have robbed my foe  5-then let my enemy pursue and overtake me; let him trample my life to the ground and make me sleep in the dust. 6-Arise, O Lord, in your anger; rise up against the rage of my enemies. Awake, my God; decree justice.   ~Psalm 7:1-6

 

God searches minds and hearts. Nothing is hidden from God - this can be either terrifying or comforting. Our thoughts are an open book to him.  Because he knows even our motives, we have no place to hide, no way to pretend we can get away with sin.  But that very knowledge also gives us great comfort. We don't have to impress God or put up a false front. Instead, we can trust God to help us work through our weaknesses in order to serve him as he has planned. When we truly follow God he rewards our effort.

"O righteous God, who searches minds and hearts, bring to an end the violence of the wicked and make the righteous secure."  ~ Psalm 7:9

During a time of great evil and injustice, David was grateful that God is righteous.  When we wonder if anyone is honest or fair, we can be assured that God will continue to bring justice and fairness when we involve him in our activities.  If you ever feel that you are being treated unfairly, ask the one who is always fair and just to be with you.  Then thank him for his presence

"I will give thanks to the Lord because of his righteousness and will sing praise to the name of the Lord Most High."  ~ Psalm 7:17

Psalm 6: God's Deliverance In Trouble

The author of Psalm 6 is David.  He is sharing with us that God is able to rescue us in times of distress.

Psalm 6 is the first of seven psalms where the writer humbly realizes his predicament (usually the result of sin), expresses sorrow over it, and demonstrates a fresh commitment to remain close to God.  We don't know the cause of David's pain, but whatever the cause, he sought God for the remedy.

"O LORD, do not rebuke me in your anger or discipline me in your wrath.  Be merciful to me, LORD, for I am faint; O LORD, heal me, for my bones are in agony. My soul is in anguish.  How long, O LORD, how long?" - Psalm 6:1-3

David accepted God's punishment, but he begged God not to discipline him in anger.  David recognized that if God treated him with justice alone and not with mercy, he would be wiped out by God's wrath.  Often we want God to show mercy to us and justice to everyone else. God in his kindness forgives us instead of giving us what we deserve.

"I am worn out from groaning; all night long I flood my bed with weeping and drench my couch with tears" - Psalm 6:6

Pouring out his heart with tears, David was completely honest with God.  We can be honest with God even when we are filled with anger or despair because God knows us thoroughly and wants the very best for us.  Anger may result in rash outward acts or turning inward in depression. But because we trust in our all-powerful God, we don't have to be victims of circumstance or be weighed down by the guilt of sin.  Be honest with God, and he will help you turn your attention from yourself to him and his mercy.

Psalm 5: God Is Able To Defend Us

The author of Psalm 5 is David.  He tells us that God is able to defend us from lies spoken against us.

 

"Give ear to my words, O Lord, consider my sighing. Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God, for to you I pray. In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation." ~ Psalm 5:1-3

 

The secret of a close relationship with God is to pray to him earnestly each morning.  In the morning, our minds are more free from problems and then we can commit the whole day to God. Regular communication helps any friendship and is certainly necessary for a strong relationship with God. We need to communicate with him daily.  Do you have a regular time to pray and read God's Word?

 

"The arrogant cannot stand in your presence; you hate all who do wrong." ~ Psalm 5:5

 

God cannot condone or excuse even the smallest sin.  Therefore we cannot excuse ourselves for sinning only a little bit. As we grow spiritually, our sensitivity to sin increases. What is your reaction to sin in your life? Are you insensitive, unconcerned, disappointed, or comfortable? As God makes us aware of sin, we must be intolerant toward it and be willing to change. All believers should strive to be more tolerant of people but less tolerant to the sin on others and in themselves.

Psalm 4 - Rejoicing In God's Protection And Peace

The author of Psalm 4 is David.  We can place our confidence in God because he will listen when we call on him.

 

"Know that the Lord has set apart the godly for himself; the Lord will hear when I call to him."  ~Psalm 4:3

 

The godly are those who are faithful and devoted to God. David knew that God would hear him when he called and would answer him. We too can be confident that God listens to our prayers and answers when we call on him. Sometimes we think that God will not hear us because we have fallen short of his high standards for holy living. But if we have trusted Christ for salvation, God has forgiven us, and he will listen to us. 

 

When you feel as though your prayers are bouncing off the ceiling, remember that as a believer you have been set apart by God and that he loves you.  He hears and answers, although his answers may not be what you expect. Look at your problems in the light of God's power instead of looking at God in the shadow of your problems.

 

"You have filled my heart with greater joy than when their grain and new wine abound." ~Psalm 4:7

 

Two kinds of joy are contrasted here - inward joy that comes from knowing and trusting God and happiness that comes as a result of pleasant circumstances.  Inward joy is steady as long as we trust God; happiness is unpredictable.  Inward joy defeats discouragement; happiness covers it up. Inward joy is lasting; but happiness is temporary.

Psalm 3 - Confidently Trusting God

The author of Psalm 3 is David.  He is confidently trusting God for protection and peace.

 

"O Lord, how many are my foes! How many rise up against me! Many are saying of me, God will not deliver him.  But you are a shield around me, O Lord; you bestow glory on me and lift up my head."  ~Psalm 3:1-3

 

When circumstances go against us, it is tempting to think that God also is against us. But David reminds us that the opposite is true. When everything seems to go against us, God is still for us. If circumstance has turned against you, don't blame God - seek Him!

 

"To the Lord I cry aloud, and he answers me from his holy hill." ~Psalm 3:4

 

David knew that God could not be confined to any space, but he wrote poetically, expressing confidence that God would hear him when he prayed. God responds to us when we urgently pray to him.

 

"I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the Lord sustains me." ~Psalm 3:5

 

Sleep does not come easily during a crisis.  David could have had sleepless nights when his son Absalom rebelled and gathered an army to kill him. But he slept peacefully, even during the rebellion. What made the difference? David cried out to the Lord, and the Lord heard him.  The assurance of answered prayer brings peace. It is easier to sleep well when we have full assurance that God is in control of circumstances. If you are lying awake at night worrying about circumstances you can't change, pour out your heart to God, and thank him that he is in control. Then sleep will come.

 

Psalm 2: God's Ultimate Rule

David, who may have been the author of this psalm, was a shepherd, soldier, and king.  This particular psalm is mentioned in the New Testament many times (Acts 4:25, 26; 13:33;
Hebrews 1:5,6; 5:5 and Revelation 2:26,27; 12:5 and 19:15).

It was a psalm written to celebrate the coronation of an Israelite king, but also written for the coronation of Christ, the eternal King. 

People often think they will be free if they can get away from God.  Yet we all inevitably serve somebody or something, whether a president, an organization, or even our own selfish desires.  Just as a fish is not free when it leaves the water and a tree is not free when it leaves the soil, we are not free when we leave the Lord. We can find the one true route to freedom by wholeheartedly serving God the Creator.  God can set you free to be the person he created you to be.

God is all-powerful.  He created the world, and knew about the empires of the earth long before they came into being.  But pride and power cause nations and leaders to rebel against God and break free of him.  Our world has many leaders who boast of their power, who rant and rave against God and his people, who promise to take over and form their own empires. We need not fear the boasts of tyrants - they are in God's hands.

In verse 11 of Psalm 2, it says "Serve the LORD with fear (reverence) and rejoice with trembling.  "Kiss the Son lest he be angry and you not destroyed in your own way, for his wrath can flare up in a moment."  "Kiss the Son" means to submit fully and submit to him.  Christ is not only God's chosen King, he is also the rightful King of our hearts and lives.

To be ready for his coming, we must submit to his leadership every day!

Psalm 1 - Life's Two Roads

We do not know the author of the first chapter in Psalms.  The theme is showing the life of a faithful person contrasting with the life of a faithless person.  The writer begins his psalm extolling the joys of obeying God and refusing to listen to those who discredit or ridicule him.  Our friends & associates can have a profound influence on us, often in very subtle ways.  If we insist on friendships with those who mock what God considers important, we might sin by becoming indifferent to God's will.  This attitude is the same as mocking. 

 

Do your friends build your faith up, or do they tear it down?  True friends should help, not hinder you to draw closer to God.

 

"Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers." ~Psalm 1:1

 

There are only two paths of life before us - God's way of obedience or the way of rebellion and destruction.  Be sure to choose God's path because the path you choose determines how you will spend eternity.

 

"But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night." ~ Psalm 1:2

 

You can learn how to follow God by meditating on his Word.  Meditating means spending time reading and thinking about what you have read. It means asking yourself how you should change so your living as God wants.  If you want to follow God more closely, you must know what he says.

"He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruits in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers"

There is simple wisdom in verses 2 and 3 - the more we delight in God's Presence, the more fruitful we are.  On the other hand, the more we allow those who ridicule God to affect our thoughts and attitudes, the more we separate ourselves from our source of nourishment.  When Scripture says, "Whatever he does prospers", it does not mean immunity from failure or difficulties.  Nor is it a guarantee of health, wealth and happiness.  What the Bible means by prosperity is this: when we apply God's wisdom, the fruit we bear will be good and receive God's approval.  Just as a tree soaks up water and bears luscious fruit, we also are to soak up God's Word, producing actions and attitudes that honor God. 

To achieve anything worthwhile, we must have God's Word in our hearts!