Ps. 52-56
We can take refuge in God until the disaster passes. Evil can abound all around like a storm. We merely hunker down, receive God’s protection, and wait until its over. We trust. We wait. We have hope in God, not in men.
Psalms 50, 51
David’s masterpiece of a song is Ps. 51. It is his thank offering and testimony to God for the life-saving mercy he received after he had committed adultery with Bathsheba. He was fortunate that God didn’t rip away the kingship and abolish him from Jerusalem. Because he found God’s forgiveness and restoration through this trial, God’s mercy became a prominent theme in David’s life. David called this healing arm of God the “Sure Mercies.”
All of us have sinned and fallen short. We are likewise fortunate that God doesn’t zap us when we fall. The Proverbs say that a just man falls seven times and rises up again. The man that rises up is a better man than the one that fell.
Psalms 46-49
The Psalmist declared, “God, your name is known everywhere; all over the earth people praise you.” [Ps. 48:10 NCV]
This salvation we enjoy and participate in reaches around the world. People of every tribe and tongue will be represented in heaven and so their praise of God now exists in every part of the earth. Scripture also says, “From the rising of the sun to the going down of the same, my Lord’s name is to be praised.” In effect, praise can be heard at any moment of any day. Like the revolving exposure to the sun, praises from the lips of God’s people provide a continuous concert of singing to the ears of God alone.
His subjects boast of His power and Kingdom. He LIVES in those praises.
Psalms 43-45
The Lord’s throne will last forever and ever. His Kingdom is ruled by true justice. John the Revelator heard “Great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.” [Rev. 11:15]
Every earthly government is only temporary. They have an expiration date. We are wise to subject ourselves to the Lord’s Kingdom for as much of our earthly life as possible by becoming very familiar with His Constitution … the Holy Bible. We can all read it and know our rights.
Psalms 41-42
In Psalm 42, the author cites the protection he and his amigos received from the Lord to go to God’s house. As New Testament Christians we know that WE are God’s house, His temple. Whether we meet in a home, at a church building with pews etc., or under a tree down by the river … or in a van down by the river … we are being protectively watched by our Heavenly Father. If any government or enforcing agency tries to hinder us from meeting to worship and hear God’s Word, WE ARE PROTECTED.
One of God’s angels can destroy 185,000 enemy soldiers in one night. [Isaiah 37:36] Who do we need to be afraid of?
Psalms 38-40
The Psalmist wisely encouraged healthy restraint on the tongue. In effect, he said “put on the mute button when around evil, ungodly people.” [Ps. 39:1]
I learned a painful lesson on this note when I made a sarcastic comment to a “friend?” with a contrasting political flavor. I pushed a button that reaped the whirlwind. After apologizing profusely, I was actually dis-fellowshipped. Needless to say, I have applied new limits to my political humor.
When we think we can say “cute” things, beware … we may have walked into a relationship-curbing trap. Hence, the admonition to keep our mouths in check with a bridle. When God by His Spirit gives us an opening to say edifying things, we will know it.
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.
TCS Daily Devotional 