Backstabbers
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.
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A Firm Foundation
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.
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No Secrets
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.
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Kingdoms Rise and Fall
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.
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How Great Thou Art
In the beginning of Psalm chapter eight, David proclaims the greatness of God. When I reflect on the ways mankind has abused, neglected and ravaged our planet, I feel we should all be reminded that all life around us, from the planets to the rivers, mountains and forests, was lovingly created for us by God. I pray that we do better to honor this gesture by cherishing and preserving God’s miraculous creation. And that includes the one that was made in His image, mankind. Let’s take good care of each other.
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Repentance leads to Restoration
God welcomes me back with open arms, for He says, “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:16)” What joy it is to be reunited with my Father and continue to walk each day in His love, grace and mercy.
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God Is Not Your Average King
When I pray to God, just as David did, I want to acknowledge that He is a God of love, grace, and mercy. Sometimes my cries come from a place of frustration, hurt or anger. But God helps me to see through His word and the actions of Jesus how He would respond to every situation.
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Set Apart
David begins this Psalm with a thanks to God for His mercy. I also thank God that I can come boldly to His throne of grace to obtain mercy, especially when I fall short of righteousness. I know that He shines His light on me and that He has set me apart to be in a relationship with Him.
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King of Kings – Psalm 2
If I were a king, I would consider Psalm chapter two to be a personal warning to me about the way I rule over my kingdom. The verses admonish kings to be wise leaders, serving with reverence for God. Ultimately, Jesus, the King of kings, will be given dominion over the people and all the earth. God will hold kings accountable for the way they lead. As Shakespeare said, “Heavy is the head that wears the crown.”
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Influence for Affluence – Psalm 1
Psalms chapter one compares predictable outcomes when one makes the choice to follow one type of group versus another. As they say, “birds of a feather flock together.” I believe when two or three are gathered together to praise, worship, pray and honor God, then His presence is with them. I delight in being in His presence and love His word. There is so much joy in fellowshipping with others who feel the same. Sounds like heaven, doesn’t it?
