A Vile Villain
Before reading Psalm 52, one should acquaint themselves with the full context of this story found in 1st Samuel Chapter 22.
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A Contrite Heart
I also recall the joy I felt when the person I harmed showed love and kindness toward me. I made amends, and the relationship eventually was restored. All of these feelings abound in David as he comes before God in Psalm 51 with a contrite heart. Like him, the greater hurt for my sin was that I had disappointed God with my sin. I ask the Lord to continuously, each day, forgive my sin and restore a right spirit in me. He alone can cleanse and change my heart.
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Rich and Wise
What good is it to gain the whole world but lose your soul? I pray daily that I set my affections on things above, not on things of this earth. God, help me to have the right perspective, knowing I can’t take any of my earthly treasures with me when I die.
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Holy Place of Praise
Even if I never make it to this great city, I thank God that Jesus said to the woman at the well that one day we will worship God in a temple not made with hands. Today, I can worship my amazing God in spirit and in truth. God says He inhabits the praises of His people. So where we are gathered together in joyful praise, He is there amongst us. Hallelujah.
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Loud Praise
Give the Lord God Almighty exuberant, joyful and loud acclimations of praise. Let all the earth unite in spiritual, physical and emotional gestures to exalt our God. Oh, clap your hands all ye people.
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Help is Here
This is the way David feels about his God, who is a very present help in times of trouble. He reminds me that, first and foremost, I can call on the Lord any time, day or night, and He will always be my refuge and strength. He will calm my fears and trembling heart. Lord, help me to put my faith and trust in you, knowing that I can be still and rely on your power to save me in my times of need.
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The Look of Love
Jesus’ love and sacrifice on the cross for us brings me to grateful tears. His character revealed in the scriptures, through His words and works, show His humble, giving and gracious heart. Each day, I thank Him for His unwavering love for me. I love Him because He first loved me.
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Our Exceeding Joy
As I go through each day, facing many challenges, I will remind myself of David’s attitude and ask myself, “Why am I discouraged when I know I can cast my cares on the Lord.” David’s confidence came from his personal experience with God as his Deliverer and Provider. He did it before and He will do it again. I thank you, God, that you are a very present help in my times of trouble. Your praise shall be continually in my mouth.
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Hope in the Storm
Recently, I was hospitalized for several days. It was a time of pain, confusion and uncertainty. Like David, I cried out to the lord for his comfort and presence. I put my faith and hope in the healing power of Jesus, knowing and recalling the many times he has healed me before. I felt the Spirit’s comforting peace throughout the long, dark nights. I never stopped praising God for who he is and all I know he can do. I thank god that I am healed today.
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Lifting the Lowly
In Psalm 41, David reminds us how God extends mercy to us, even when we are poor and weak in our trespasses and sins. How much more gracious then, should we be to provide mercy and grace to those in need. May I always remember how God saved me from darkness and brought me to His marvelous light. I want to share the news of this blessing with others, which is of greater value to the poor in spirit than silver or gold.