Psalm 37

Just listen to this:

https://www.biblegateway.com/audio/dramatized/niv/Ps.37

Psalms 33-36

David exposed the truth that “In (God’s) Light we can see light.” This means that without the revelation that only God can give, people don’t understand spiritual things. We often can’t understand why others don’t feel the way we do. It’s so obvious to us. It’s not to them.

The entrance of Thy Word gives light; it gives understanding to the simple. [Ps. 119:130]

The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light. [Isaiah 9:2]

Pray that they accept Jesus. THEN they can truly see.

Psalms 30-33

The Bee Gees recorded the song “Stayin’ Alive” for the pop culture movie “Saturday Night Fever.” The movie includes inappropriate themes, but I have always liked the sound of the song. I guess John Travolta’s quest was enjoying the dance and social trends of the day.

David composed a song as recorded in Psalm 30 that reflected on life activities that would cease if he went to the grave. He reminded God that his audible praise would subside, and that God’s faithfulness wouldn’t be proclaimed from his life and lips. God would not hear his cries for mercy and help any longer. May I add, God would have one less witness to share the Gospel with the lost.

Selfish reasons for staying alive: enjoying my family and watching my grandchildren mature; tinkering in my garage with stereo equipment and bikes; playing my trombone at church and an upright bass at TCS; rooting for Ohio State to win another national championship …

Above all though … I want to keep praying for God’s will to be done in the earth and doing what I can to show Christ’s love to others.

Psalms 26-29

To seek God’s face means to seek His approval. He approves by showing us His face and shining the light of His presence upon us. David frequently used this expression in his devotion https://youtu.be/j5qc0EcNgqwto the Lord.

Jesus put a face on God. He was the fullness of the Godhead in a body form. His approval is given when we love and serve others the way He did. Living for Him is our highest and most pure motivation.

Psalms 23-25

Why? Because THE LORD is my Shepherd. A shepherd’s duties include feeding the sheep, finding pasture and water, grooming, leading, teaching, searching after the lost and PROTECTING them.

Our Shepherd, Jesus, is the Master of the universe. He has the Heavenly Host of angels at His command. He watches over us with an all-seeing eye and jealously guards over every step we take. Who could ask for anything more?

Doubting His protection ability is like fearing that your bed will collapse every night when you lay down.

Psalms 19-22

Christ felt forsaken when He was on the cross. You could be going through a trial … feeling like you are painfully on a cross of affliction. In Psalm 22, we prophetically read about a Dying Shepherd Who felt great pain and sorrow. Isaiah said He was “acquainted with grief, a Man of Sorrows.”

Christ went through it so we could stand it. He feels your pain. He can relate. Have you been forsaken and hurt by supposed loved ones? Are you experiencing physical pain and affliction that you don’t deserve. Christ did. He did it for you.

“Take My yoke upon you and learn of me. Come to me and you will find rest for your souls.” {Matt. 11:28, 29]

Psalms 15-18

Amazingly, a meek shepherd boy from Bethlehem became famous for his military victories. David’s reputation provided many years of security for the nation. Where did he learn war? He was God’s student while upon the hillsides watching sheep. God showed him how to whip the lion and the bear. Then God pitted him against the most formidable opponent of the time … Goliath. David conquered the giant in a non-traditional way … with a rock.

God has given to us the ability to be victorious over every foe we encounter. Instead of a small rock hurled from a sling-shot, we have the Rock, Christ Jesus, Who can subdue ANY FOE.

If there is any person from the Old Testament that we want to be like, it’s David. Christ quoted more often from David than any other author. This is a good reason to read the Psalms often. For many years I sang through 5 Psalms a day. It provided a firm foundation for my ministry as a worship leader.

Psalms 7-14

The Psalmist disclosed that God sits in His Heaven and examines closely the lives of all men. He watches the Godly and ungodly. Their ways are recorded. Nothing escapes His eye. It’s foolish to think there is no God and that a day of reckoning is not coming.

The fear of the Lord includes living with an awareness that God IS watching, and that we are wise to please Him with our daily lives. He has given us a conscience to probe our hearts when we depart from His Ways.

Concerning our defense; weapons may be formed against us, but they won’t prosper. If we give more concern to the devices of our enemies, we are NOT properly fearing the Lord. Hence, we are putting our enemy’s power over God’s. That’s a form of idolatry.

Psalm 1-6

David had enemies, but found protection in the Lord. His first course of action when troubled was to call upon the name of the Lord. He described God’s protection as being spread over him as a shield.

God’s protection is one of the many benefits extended to those who trust Him. When we walk in His protection we can apply all our energy to obeying Him and doing deeds of service. We won’t fear what man can do to us.

Job 38-42

God eventually rewards Job for his suffering with twice as much blessing as his former life. God also reproves his friends who give him unwise counsel and judgemental attitude. Job exhibited extreme patience and seemed wait for God to redeem him in the end.

When life throws us distress and heartache, we should do likewise … patiently endure with the strength God gives and trust Him to work everything out. His reward is well worth it.