The benefits of caring for the weak and poor read better than any insurance policy. [Ps. 41]

Paul encouraged us to be aware of the needs of those around us rather than just focusing on our needs.

This was the posture of Christ Jesus. He sought no permanent dwelling and preached that we weren’t to strive to be well dressed. [Matt. 6:28] His focus was constantly upon those around Him who were in need.

We should ask ourselves, “What have I done for the weak and poor around me?” Let God’s Spirit bring ideas of deeds and actions we can commence with.

READ/HEAR: Ps. 38-41

Often I am amazed at the boldness and blatantly anti-God attitude of many well-known people in our society. As usual, I find answers and reasons in God’s word. This type of person is not a new event. David wrote about them from his experience.

Here are traits he identified:

• There is no fear of God before their eyes
• In their own eyes they flatter themselves
• They don’t see their own sin
• Their words are wicked and deceitful
• Their lack of wisdom is apparent
• They dream up preposterous plans for the future
• They reject what is right and hold to what is wrong

His posture was to trust the Lord Who would eventually cause them to wither away and die while the righteous were ultimately exalted. Jesus said the meek would inherit the earth.

READ/HEAR: Ps. 36,37

The Psalmist asked the Lord to lead him for the sake of God’s Name. He also used the words, “Into Your hands I commit my spirit.” These were the words Jesus used as he neared death, hanging upon the cross. Christ sacrificed His life that we might live. The Heavenly Father led Him to that moment because it was God’s eternal will and plan to redeem man. Christ relinquished His entire will to the Father … “Nevertheless not My will but Thine be done.”

We relinquish our will to God and let Him lead us. We accept each challenge along the way and reckon them as God’s will. All of life’s experiences blend together to make us who He wants us to be and equip us to do His will.

Ask the Lord to lead you for the sake of His Name and His Spirit will begin to reveal His higher purpose for the things you go through.

READ/HEAR: Ps. 31-35

Our culture promotes haste. I get so upset with drivers who are ahead of me at a stoplight who are looking at their phone while the light has already turned green. They have actually caused me to have to wait an extra 2.7 seconds.

King David, the Sweet Psalmist of Israel, often extolled the virtue of waiting … “on the Lord.” He discovered that as he was “waiting” on the Lord, he was accumulating rather than diminishing.

When we put air in our tires, we put the hose on the valve and wait. The tire is gaining air in the process. As we pray and wait upon the Lord, we are getting filled.

“Wait on the Lord. Be of good courage and He shall strengthen thine heart. Wait, I say, on the Lord.” [Ps. 27:14]

READ/HEAR: Ps. 26-30

Psalm 22 is a profound glimpse at the sufferings of Christ.

We go through things. If you haven’t, just hold on a bit and you will.

I was laughing the other day with Patty, my wife. I said, “When you married me, you didn’t know I’d go through these physical problems, did you. (Four joint replacements, Multiple Myeloma, Stem Cell Transplant, numerous other issues, all in the last 25 years of our marriage) What could she say? She knows that the Lord has brought us THROUGH IT ALL. We have endured with the strength God gives.

Christ endured. He triumphed and is now seated at the right hand of the Father. He makes intercession for us.

READ/HEAR:  Ps. 21-25

David discovered one of the primary keys to contentment by finding ALL his fulfillment IN THE LORD ALONE.  [Ps. 16:5]  He didn’t need the comforts and luxuries of this world to satisfy him. Even hidden in a cave, running from King Saul, he had everything he really needed … the Lord’s presence.

Paul also discovered this truth. [Phil. 4:12,13]

The sons of Zadok were priests who maintained the integrity of the priesthood when others sought their own welfare. They also had this distinction … the Lord was their portion. He rewarded their devotion by giving HIMSELF to them. This is a type of the New Testament priesthood which we can all be a part. [1 Tim. 2:5]

As the songwriter said, “Take this whole world but give me Jesus.”

READ/HEAR:  Ps. 16-20

David’s writings amplify God’s concern for the condition of our hearts. He knew the Lord was always watching what was going on inside of us. Christ’s teachings complete the picture, drawing attention to heart attitudes rather than outward actions.  [Matt. 5:28]

When Christians embrace God’s penchant for justice, it will affect everything they do. They will enact God’s high standard of moral purity in every little detail of their daily lives, knowing it pleases Him when they do.

Every thought and action are like incense in God’s nostrils.

What does he smell when considering your life?

READ/HEAR:  Ps. 11-15

David knew God would eventually vindicate him because he walked in his integrity. His enemies would soon come to their end, but the timing was in God’s hands.

The toughest test of David’s leadership was when his own son rose up against him. Still, he waited and the Lord took care of the situation.

God will fight our battles while we continue to do His will, maintain our integrity, and keep praising and worshiping Him.

READ/HEAR:  Ps. 6-10

The Sweet Psalmist of Israel, King David, experienced many leadership struggles during his reign, even within his own family. He was constantly aware that lies were being told about him, yet he took his concerns to God.

God spends a great deal of His response to Job and his comforters talking about significant animals, their purpose, and how they illustrate His creation and its care. God possibly pointed to His designs for animals to show how He has a purpose for every aspect of our lives, even our sufferings. If He devotes such detail to their existence, how much more does He care about the struggles each human being has, especially His children.

What is your struggle today? Do you feel overlooked and all alone. Cast your care upon Him because He cares for YOU.

READ/HEAR: Job 39-42