Today and Forever: A Narrative Coloring Book, Out NOW!
A new series from Debra Hill: Psalms In Your Palm.
Tune in every Sunday to read a passage of scripture, hear Debra’s personal thoughts on the reading, and then relate and reflect on the words as you write them into your palm and into your heart.
Psalm 18 begins with the descriptive title explaining the context of David’s song. This psalm is a song of victory, a lengthy and exuberant praise for God’s mighty deliverance of David from all his enemies and from the long-time oppression of Saul.
David seems to be presenting an argument to God, justifying his right for God’s protection because of his own works. David sees man’s covenant with God as one where, as long as you are keeping your end of the bargain, by keeping God’s commandments, then God will honor His promises by blessing and protecting you. This perspective is not unusual in light of the Old Testament/Covenant of God and man.
I know that God will keep me in perfect peace if I keep my mind on Him. I also live with the blessed assurance that this peace and joy will continue through eternity when my soul is forever with the lord. Amen.
David’s checklist provides examples of how the righteousness of the heart will correspond with righteous actions. The disciples were known as Christians by their love (John 13:35). It is not of works that any man should boast (Ephesians 2:9) because we all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). I thank God that instead of condemnation, he invites us to come boldly to his throne to obtain mercy (Hebrews 4:16). All my righteousness is as filthy rags. But the blood of Jesus alone has washed me whiter than snow (Hebrews 9:14/Psalm 51:7).
Jesus said, “As it was in the days of Noah, so it shall be in the latter days.” David focused on the hearts of men and God does as well. I pray that God will cleanse my heart. I know that all of my righteousness “is as filthy rags.” [Paul] I know that it is only through the righteousness of Christ that I can stand before God cleansed from sin.
Psalm 13:1-6 (KJV) To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. 1How long wilt thou forget me, O LORD? for ever? How long wilt thou hide thy face from me? 2How long shall I take counsel in my soul, Having sorrow in my heart daily? How long shall mine enemy be exalted over me? 3Consider…
The betrayal of a friend or someone you love cuts deep into your trusting heart like a knife. Deceit, falsehood and lies—once revealed—show the true, malicious character of the person you thought was honest, caring and faithful.
There have been times in my life when my faith has wavered. I want to stand firm on my trust in God, but sometimes when I have been tested by struggles and troubles of this world, I have found myself anxious, afraid and feeling hopeless. My faith is restored when, like David, I remind myself that I will put my trust in the Lord. I know that His word sets a firm foundation for me to land on solid, safe and steady ground. I search the scriptures for His precious promises of love, healing and deliverance.
Stephen King himself has never described a most wicked villain as David does in Psalm 10. I literally cringed in fear as I read verse after verse, the evil characteristics of the wicked being unveiled before my eyes. In his pride and filled with vanity and cursing, the villain persecutes the poor. He murders the innocent and crouches like a lion to ensnare the impoverished.
Chapter nine is a defiant shout of David in the face of heathen nations. Just as he did to Goliath, he boldly declares the marvelous works of God. With his whole heart, he sings praises and sees his enemies turned back and destroyed. A Christian life is described as a spiritual warfare. Sometimes, when I am in the midst of this battle, being bombarded on all sides by enemies, it feels like the battle will never end. But in chapter nine, David reminds me to rejoice in my salvation. He rebukes the enemy and has faith that God will give him mercy. God has proven this to be true for me, and through it all, I have learned I can depend on him.
