Psalms 11-13, Matthew 7

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In Psalm 11-13, David continues the theme of God being a place of refuge. He writes “in the LORD I take refuge”.  Of the poor and needy, David writes “You, O LORD, will keep them; you will guard us from this generation for ever”.  Psalm 13 concludes “I have trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation”.

Jesus mentions a similar idea when he encourages us to ask, seek and knock. Like earthly fathers, so will our “Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!” God is pleased when we seek to develop our relationship with Him, recognise the need to do His will, and take refuge in Him.

Psalm 9, Matthew 6

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In Psalm 9, David praises and thanks God for His guidance and care. David acknowledges that “The LORD is a stronghold for the oppressed… those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek you.”

In Psalm 10, the Psalmist writes that God can appear to “hide … in times of trouble” while the wicked prey on the innocent, poor and helpless.  But the Psalmist concludes “you do see, for you note mischief and vexation, that you may take it into your hands”.  Not only does God see the actions of the wicked, He hears “the desire of the afflicted; you will strengthen their heart; you will incline your ear”.

Some of these ideas are picked up by Jesus in Matthew 6.  On the subject of alms, “your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” Jesus encouraged his disciples to lay up treasure in heaven, and not to “be anxious about your life”, knowing that God watches over all creation, even the birds of the air.  Instead, “seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness”.

Genesis 6, Matthew 5

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Noah walked with God, in a time when the wickedness of man was great in the earth. He found favour in the eyes of God, and was given a hope of salvation. He was faithful to God’s command to build a boat, even when it seemed unusual and unnecessary.

There are a lot of parallels between Noah’s life and our lives. We have a hope, a future, that this world does not. It is up to us to share that hope.  We are “the light of the world”, we must let our “light shine before others” and so give God glory.

We can “rejoice and be glad”, serving God rather than the cares of this life, knowing that there is a future reward for us stored securely, where neither moth nor rust can destroy it.

Psalm 3-5

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Even when surrounded by enemies, David places his trust in God. In Psalm 3, when fleeing from Absalom, David refers to God as his shield and his sustainer. By trusting in God, David would “not be afraid of many thousands of people”.

In Psalm 4, David continues to thank and praise God.  He writes “you have put more joy in my heart than have they when their grain and wine abound”. As someone who loves fresh bread or a glass of red, this idea really resonates with me. God can provide joy far greater than food or drink ever can!

God is our refuge from the world, He makes us feel safe and secure. Psalm 5 concludes “but let all who take refuge in you rejoice… for you bless the righteous, O LORD; you cover him with favour as with a shield”.

Genesis 2, Psalms 2, Matthew 1

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At a time of year many call the festive season, all 3 of our daily readings give us something to truly be happy and cheerful about.

In Genesis 2 we read of creation and God’s rest on the seventh day, calling it holy. We are looking forward to entering God’s rest, and resting from our own works.

In Psalms 2 we read “The Lord said to me, “You are my Son; today I have begotten you… Blessed are all who take refuge in him””. We need a place of refuge from the influence of sin, and God has provided us a refuge in the hope of the gospel.

In Matthew 1 we read that Jesus “will save his people from their sins”. He is described as a ruler, who will shepherd God’s people. This is our salvation, the gospel message.

 

Job 28

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“But where shall wisdom be found? And where is the place of understanding? … God understands the way to it, and he knows its place. For he looks to the ends of the earth and sees everything under the heavens”

Job responds to Bildad the Shuhite statements that man is a maggot, and that man cannot “be in the right before God” by asserting that he is righteous and has done nothing deserving of his current suffering.

Mankind can mine the earth for precious stones and minerals, dams rivers and searches oceans, but wisdom cannot be found there.  God created the earth, established weather patterns and boundaries for the oceans.  He sees everything. This mighty being revealed to man the place to find wisdom, “Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding”

2 Peter 3

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Peter continues the theme of growth, “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” We have an opportunity now, “waiting for… the coming of the day of God”. That day seems to be slow in coming, but really God is being patient, giving us time to grow and repent.

Just as people scoffed at the idea of a flood, so today people scoff at the idea of the return of Christ. Peter warns us not to be deceived by this thinking, remembering that “the day of the Lord will come like a thief”. In the mean time, lets “be diligent to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace.”

2 Peter 1-2

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God has offered us “precious and very great promises”, in response we should develop our faith into love. Failure to do so is blindness, forgetting we were cleaned from sin.  If we practice these qualities we “will never fall”. Peter speaks as an eyewitness, in contrast to false prophets with destructive ideas.

God knows “how to rescue the godly from trials, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment until the day of judgement”. We have “escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ”, but we must be careful not to become “slaves of corruption” once more.

Psalm 38

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David describes the guilt of sin as a heavy burden.  He feels “feeble and crushed”, spending his day mourning, distanced from friends and companions, ready to fall.

In this state he knows all he can do is turn to God. “But for you, O Lord, do I wait; it is you, O Lord my God, who will answer”.  He confesses his sin, and pleads with God not to forsake him, a vivid example of the need to take refuge in God, our stronghold in time of trouble.

Psalm 37

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God cares for those that seek Him. He holds their hand in times of difficulty, He is “their stronghold in the time of trouble. The Lord helps them and delivers them… and saves them, because they take refuge in Him”.

We are advised to “trust in the Lord, and do good”, to wait patiently for God to act, and not to concern ourselves with the actions of the evildoers that will soon “fade like the grass”.