Tag Archives: Psalms

Exodus 15, Psalm 69

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In Exodus 15 we find the song of Moses, after Israel went through the red sea and were delivered from the Egyptians. It’s a song praising God for his demonstration of strength, mighty deeds, steadfast love, and the hope of the promised land.

It is a rare gift to be able to write a song about our feelings, but fortunately Moses, David and others have written songs to suit many occasions. Psalm 69 contrasts the depths of despair David feels, that sinking, drowning feeling, with the steadfast love and abundant mercy of a God who hears the needy.

Today’s readings are a contrast of highs and lows, praising and mourning, but both are focused on God. In all circumstances in life we can turn to God, knowing that He will hear us, and won’t turn His face from us. “Let heaven and earth praise him, the seas and everything that moves in them.”

Romans 13, Psalms 62-63

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In Romans 13, Paul encourages us to “wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed… cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light”. Now is not the time for relaxing, but instead we have a daily battle to fight against sin and its influence, choosing rather to follow Christ, the light of this world. Paul’s words are even more applicable today – Christ’s return and our salvation is surely imminent.

David continues to write about his trust and reliance upon God in Psalms 62-63. “O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water”. Such vivid imagery of David’s heartfelt desperate need for God in his life. “He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken.” God is our fortress against the works of darkness Paul talks about. God’s thinking and influence are the armor of light with which we have to battle. David concludes with the solemn thought, that God “will render to a man according to his work”.

We can clearly see the signs in the world around us that God is preparing for the return of Christ. Let’s take Paul’s words to heart and today battle against sin, using the armor of light to protect us from its influence.

Romans 12, Psalms 60-61

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Paul continues his letter of instruction and encouragement by reminding us that we all have been given different gifts, just as each part of the body has a different function. Having recognised that we have been given gifts, Paul writes “let us use them”, in serving, exhortation, generosity, zeal and cheerfulness.

Regardless of our gift, Paul says “let love be genuine”. A true Christian is visible by their actions, in overcoming evil with good.  This is how we are to be transformed, how we act as a living sacrifice.  As David writes, “with God we shall do valiantly; it is He who will tread down our foes… so will I ever sing praises to your name, as I perform my vows day after day”.

Yes there are injustices in the world; God will judge those responsible accordingly. It is up to us to live according to our calling, involving God in all things, serving Him daily.

Exodus 5-6, Psalms 58-59

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God told Moses, “I have heard the groaning of the people of Israel … and I have remembered my covenant … I am the LORD”. God’s very name indicates how certain His promises are to His children, including us. It was difficult for Israel to see at the time; their brick-making burden had just been increased as a result of Moses’ talks with Pharaoh.  But God sees all and hears our prayers, just as He heard Israel’s cries, and just as He heard David’s prayers.

“Deliver me from my enemies, O my God; protect me from those who rise up against me … O my Strength, I will watch for you, for you, O God, are my fortress.” David relied on God for his daily survival, such as the time this Psalm was written, when Saul sent men to kill David.  We too rely on God daily, although less obviously. This can be our prayer as well, “you, O God, are my fortress, the God who shows me steadfast love”.

 

Genesis 46-47, Psalms 50

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In Genesis 46-47 we read of Jacob’s journey down to Egypt, along with his household. God appears to Jacob to reassure him that this is the right thing to do, despite the problems that Abraham and Isaac experienced in Egypt. “Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for there I will make you into a great nation”.

God would continue to bless the household of Jacob as they grew into a great nation, despite being settled in Egypt, a country unfamiliar with God, a country that despised occupations such as shepherds.

There are a lot of similarities to our calling. We live in a spiritual Egypt, a place that isn’t familiar with God, that doesn’t understand the things that God’s children must do. But God has promised that He will watch over us and bless us, just as He did for Israel.

We can be confident that God is in control, as Psalm 50 describes. “The Mighty One, God the LORD, speaks and summons the earth from the rising of the sun to its setting”.  He wants to be involved in our lives, “Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and perform your vows to the Most High, and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.”

 

Psalm 46, Matthew 28

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In Psalm 46, David writes “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling.”

Matt 28 gives us another reason to trust in God.  Jesus was no longer in the tomb when the two Marys went to find him, because “he has risen, as he said”.  This phrase encompasses the hope we’ve been given. Firstly, that Jesus’ words were true, and secondly, that he was indeed raised from the dead.  God kept His promise to Jesus, that he would not “let [Jesus] see corruption”, and through that promise, extends a glorious hope to us all.

Therefore, no matter what happens in the earth, we have no need to be afraid. God is our refuge and strength too, willing and able to help us through the troubles of this life.  “The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress”.

Genesis 39-40, Psalm 44

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In Genesis 39-40 we read of Joseph in the land of Egypt, a foreign country with foreign gods and customs. Yet Joseph doesn’t abandon his faith in God, and 4 times we read that God was with Joseph, that God “caused all that he did to succeed”.  Joseph’s life was not easy, and his temptations and trials are recorded for us, along with the consequences he faced from holding onto his beliefs and integrity.

Sitting in prison “for some time”, Joseph still had the hope of the visions he had seen of him ruling over his brothers. There are many similarities to our lives today. We’re in a prison of sin, with our faith in God and the hope of a better future to strengthen us.

In Psalm 44 we read of a nation who trusted in God like this, “For not in my bow do I trust,
nor can my sword save me. But you have saved us from our foes and have put to shame those who hate us”. We too can trust in God rather than our own strength, knowing that God will set us free, just as He did to Joseph, and to Israel.

Genesis 38, Psalms 41-43

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Genesis 38 describes the awful consequences of Judah leaving his brothers and pursing his own desires. Two of Judah’s children were put to death by God for their wickedness, and Judah’s daughter-in-law acts as a prostitute in order to blackmail Judah into allowing her to marry Judah’s final son. A very graphic story, but a reminder of what happens when we leave God behind.

By contrast, David’s “soul thirsts for God”, even when he was mourning and suffering at the hands of his enemies. God sustains and restores David when he is sick, and even though David repeatedly refers to his soul being cast down, his hope remains sure, “For you are the God in whom I take refuge… Hope in God, for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God”.

 

Psalm 39-40

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In Psalms 39-40, David progresses from a man distressed, distant from God, to a man encouraged and strengthened. He finds keeping silent does not help. “I was mute and silent;
I held my peace to no avail, and my distress grew worse.” The only remedy was to turn to God, “Hear my prayer, O Lord, and give ear to my cry; hold not your peace at my tears”.

David finds comfort and security in his relationship with God. “I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined to me and heard my cry. He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure.” He finds comfort and mercy, “O Lord, you will not restrain your mercy from me; your steadfast love and your faithfulness will ever preserve me“, and ensures others know also, “I have told the glad news of deliverance in the great congregation…I have not concealed your steadfast love and your faithfulness“.

David is a great example for us; someone who realises their error, seeks help from God, and rejoices at the support and comfort he finds during his trials.

Psalm 37

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Psalm 37 contrasts the wicked and the righteous, their way of life and destiny. Both receive a reward appropriate to their way of life. David writes this Psalm as encouragement, “fret not yourself because of evildoers…they will soon fade like the grass“.  Instead, “Trust in the Lord, and do good… commit your way to the Lord…refrain from anger.“

The righteous have an inheritance to look forward to, “those who wait for the Lord shall inherit the land“, but have little now “better is the little that the righteous has than the abundance of many wicked“.

We have a refuge from the cares of this life, a God who can deliver us from anything the world does to us. “The salvation of the righteous is from the Lord; he is their stronghold in the time of trouble… he delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they take refuge in him“.