Psalm 59

For, lo, they lie in wait for my soul: the mighty are gathered against me; not for my transgression, nor for my sin, O LORD. They run and prepare themselves without my fault... (v 3-4)

David's astute observation is worthy of note and study. The wicked have set a steadfast watch to trap him; not because of anything he's done, but in response to the errand of their master, King Saul. The fact that he is innocent, or hasn't offended them in any way makes no difference to their diligence in fulfilling their task.

In like manner, our Enemy, determined to ensure the downfall of believers in Jesus Christ, has assigned minions - human and spiritual - to trap or trip us up. They do not care whether you are at fault or not. They are not interested in your innocence. All they do is their master's bidding.

As we meditate on this psalm, are we as determined to heed our Master's call? When He commands, do we find reasons not to obey? When He calls us to pray, are we often too tired? The Lord told his disciples that the children of this world are wiser than the children of light (Luke 16:8). In the service of their lord, they will not turn back until their purpose is achieved. If the church today were as focused on serving our Lord and King, as David's enemies apparently were, how great a victory we would accomplish!

For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; (2 Cor 10:3-5)

We are under as much attack today as David was. Our greatest battle, however, takes place in our minds, as the enemy tries to make us stumble in our decisions and thinking. Pictures we see on television, billboards, in newspapers, many books and magazines are all geared towards shaping our thinking, and every follower of the Lord needs to be aware that the devil is not slacking off in his attempts to manipulate our thoughts.

We should therefore, take care, not only to walk in the spirit, in order to prevent us falling prey to the wiles of the devil, but also to watch that we steadfastly fulfil the bidding of our own Master.

Psalm 59 Full Reading

Psalm 58

The wicked are estranged from the womb: they go astray as soon as they be born, speaking lies... break their teeth, O God, in their mouth: break out the great teeth of the young lions, O LORD. Let them melt away as waters which run continually: when he bendeth his bow to shoot his arrows, let them be as cut in pieces. (vv 3, 6-7)

Fed up with unjust rulers and their oppressive and crooked dealings, David takes up this prayer against those responsible. It seems to him that more and more people are born wicked, and in righteous indignation, he prays that they be rendered powerless by God's mighty hand.

As believers in a largely corrupt world, we must offer frequent prayers against injustice, especially in light of the following scripture:

...The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available [dynamic in its working]. Elijah was a human being with a nature such as we have [with feelings, affections, and a constitution like ours]; and he prayed earnestly for it not to rain, and no rain fell on the earth for three years and six months. (James 5:16-17 Amp)

Prayer can accomplish what complaints and grumbling cannot. If you are willing, God can take you right in the midst of decision-makers to effect untold changes. As the above scripture tells us, Elijah was every bit as human as you and me, but through him, God accomplished tremendous victories against the corruption that ravaged Israel in his day. God's ultimate plan is that He be glorified in all the earth, and He uses the prayers of the saints to execute His will.

When you hear news of an impeding legislation that is clearly against the purpose and plan of God, pray for righteousness to flow through the courts of justice. If you see the weak and the poor oppressed by evil decrees, bring your petition to the Court of the Most High.

Sign up to God's prayer army today. Don't consider yourself too insignificant, too young or old to be used of God. The prerequisite for James 5:16 is righteousness, and that has been provided for you in Christ Jesus. As you set your self to pray, keep this other scripture in mind:

Now to Him Who, by (in consequence of) the [action of His] power that is at work within us, is able to [carry out His purpose and] do super abundantly, far over and above all that we [dare] ask or think [infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams] (Eph 5:20)

It's all by Him, in Him and for Him.

Be His willing vessel.

Psalm 57

My soul is among lions: and I lie even among them that are set on fire, even the sons of men, whose teeth are spears and arrows, and their tongue a sharp sword. (v 4)

As he writes this psalm, David's life is a complete mess. Like an Old Testament Robin Hood, he is surrounded by men who would kill for him at the drop of a hat. They have to live by their wits, not knowing what one day holds from the next. Far from becoming Israel's king and living in palatial splendour as prophesied by Samuel, he's taken up residence in a cave as leader of a pack of outlaws. And instead of being worship leader for the King and nation of Israel, he finds himself playing to an audience of One.

In a perfect world, life would run smoothly, with things happening how and when they're supposed to. But we all know that's not the case. Just when you've received a word telling you that God is about to take you to the next level of His blessing, things fall apart. You are convinced that the job you've applied for is God-sent, until the rejection letter drops through your letter box. And as soon as you set your heart on a closer walk with God, your fleshly desires flare up and you slip further away.

My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise. Awake up, my glory; awake, psaltery and harp: I myself will awake early. (vv 7-8)

Thankfully, God's promises do not change in spite of our circumstances, for His ways are not ours. David is determined to turn the turmoil of adversity into a place of praise, since all he's going through is a prelude to glory. So, he sets his heart upon God, and calls on every thing within him to take note of his decision. It is not for David to sit around morose and depressed; instead, his voice of praise rouses everyone else in the morning. This King-in-the-making is triumphant in the face of difficulty.

I will praise and give thanks to You, O Lord, among the peoples; I will sing praises to You among the nations.

Caught up in the throes worship, David suddenly catches a glimpse of his future restoration.

God's plans never change.

Whatever you're struggling with today, fix your heart. Don't be moved and tossed around by your circumstances. Tarry (wait patiently) in God's presence until He becomes so real that you can feel Him, and receive a renewed awareness of His promises. And while you wait, keep your mind on this word from Him:

For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome.

Psalm 57 Full Reading

Psalm 56

David was a man whose life was fraught with troubles and danger, and in this psalm, he catalogues the ways his enemies plotted his downfall as follows:

I am constantly hounded by those who slander me, and many are boldly attacking me...They are always twisting what I say; they spend their days plotting to harm me. They come together to spy on me—watching my every step, eager to kill me (vv 2, 5-6 NLT)

But this song doesn't end with his fears, as we see in verse 3:

What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee. In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me.

David was right to be afraid of his enemies, for they were capable of taking his life. So he turned to God - his Unseen Champion. You see, David knew God was greater than all his enemies put together, and that their might held no power over him when he was under God's covering. The writer of Psalm 91 put it this way:

This I declare about the Lord: he alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him....The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name. When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. (Ps 91: 2,14-15)

Although David's enemies were mostly human, we all have one ultimate Enemy, who comes in guises human and otherwise. The thing to remember is that your Creator is greater than any enemy you may face. Encourage yourself in this: greater is he that is in you than he that is in the world. (1 John 4:4)

Run to that place of safety in Him today, and let His love and peace cast out your fears. Paraphrasing David's words in verse three: Whenever you are afraid, trust in God.

The key to doing this?

I praise God for what he has promised. I trust in God, so why should I be afraid? What can mere mortals do to me? (v 4 NLT)

As you praise God for His promises, you will become convinced that you are not without hope in this world. The Bible is stacked with His promises to protect, keep and guide you; to provide for, heal and deliver you. When you are able to focus on these facts and begin to praise Him for them, your heart will immediately be lifted up. And even when your situation appears insurmountable, keep one thing in mind: God never fails. He is faithful beyond what you can imagine. Faithfulness is His nature and He cannot deny Himself (see 2 Timothy 3:13).

Pore through and devour the scriptures for the promise concerning your situation. Meditate on both His faithfulness and that promise until it becomes a living, breathing word within you. Then look your enemy (in whatever guise) squarely in the face. You do not need to be afraid. Shout out your victory, like David did when he faced the terrifying hulk, Goliath. You have the Lord of Heaven's armies backing you up. Almighty God, the Possessor of all the earth, the great King above all gods is your father. He is the Lord that heals all your diseases, and forgives all your sins.

Any way you look at, you are covered, so why be afraid of what man (or anything else) can do to you?

Psalm 56 Full Reading

Psalm 55

And I said, Oh that I had wings like a dove! for then would I fly away, and be at rest. Lo, then would I wander far off, and remain in the wilderness. (vv 6-7) ...For it was not an enemy that reproached me; then I could have borne it: neither was it he that hated me that did magnify himself against me; then I would have hid myself from him: but it was thou, a man mine equal, my guide, and mine acquaintance. We took sweet counsel together, and walked unto the house of God in company. Let death seize upon them, and let them go down quick into hell: for wickedness is in their dwellings, and among them (12-15).

Betrayal. Distress. Heartbreak. We all experience these at some point in our lives, and Psalm 55 disabuses us of the notion that great biblical figures were exempt from similar emotional traumas. David is so upset, he prays for death to swallow up his enemy.

You may be experiencing similar feelings as you read this entry. Perhaps you have suffered great disappointment from someone close to you, or you're surrounded by people whose dearest wish is to see your downfall; and without realising it, you find yourself praying for misfortune to strike and get them out of your way, if only for a short while.

While these feelings may be understandable, what is the Christian response to betrayal? In the Sermon on the Mount, Christ prescribes a five letter reaction that goes against the grain:

Grace.

Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; that ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. (Matt 5:43-45)

The Lord Jesus experienced betrayal in its greatest form when His close friend gave him up to those who would eventually take His life. But in the face of such wickedness, Jesus did not pray that his enemies come to a bitter end. Instead, as He hung bruised and dying on the cross, He extended grace in those immortal words:

Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. (Luke 23:34)

Grace was God's answer to the great Let-Down in the garden of Eden; to Israel as they continually threw His loving actions back in His face; and Grace remains His continued response to you and me today, as we repeatedly falter in our walk with Him.

Betrayal is just another tool the enemy uses to separate us in our relationships with one another. And while it is not pleasant, the Lord can use the experience to extend His love and mercy through you. Our Lord forgave those who betrayed Him (remember Peter's denial and the other disciples' fleeing when He needed them most?); and restored them to Himself, resulting in the loving relationship you enjoy with Him today.

If you've been affected by the hurtful actions of a friend, lay your feelings at the Master's feet today, and allow the healing balm of His presence to soothe your pain. Then, sincerely ask Him to help you forgive those who have hurt you, and to pray for the Lord to bless them.

With the Holy Spirit's ever present help, you will find yourself able to let go and let God do what He does best: make beauty out of the ashes of your relationship.

Dear Lord, heal the hurting heart today, replacing the pain of betrayal with the joy of the Lord. Strengthen weakened relationships, and pour out abundant measures of your restoring grace.

Psalm 55 Full Reading

Psalm 54

Save me, O God, by thy name, and judge me by thy strength. Hear my prayer, O God; give ear to the words of my mouth. For strangers are risen up against me, and oppressors seek after my soul: they have not set God before them. Selah.

While in hiding from King Saul in Ziphite territory (1 Samuel 23:19-24) David discovers that they have betrayed him into the hands of the king. Rather than taking matters into his own hands and defending himself against Saul, David reports the situation to God. He was determined not to touch the Lord's anointed (1 Samuel 24: 5-11), and spent many years avoiding the conflict with King Saul by running from him.

Behold, God is mine helper: the Lord is with them that uphold my soul. He shall reward evil unto mine enemies: cut them off in thy truth. (v 4)

In making the above statement, David shows absolute confidence in the fact that his enemies would eventually reap the rewards of their wickedness. Do you feel like your life or livelihood is in danger from a physical or spiritual enemy? Instead of trying to fight back or defend yourself, take the case to the high court of heaven. Bring the matter before the most High Judge, for He is able to vindicate and set you free. Whether your good name or your life is under threat, remember that those who seek your downfall do not know what God is able to do on your behalf (v 3).

As Paul told the Corinthians, the enemies of Christ knew nothing of His status or power, or they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. Your enemy may be unaware that you have the might of the Lord of Hosts behind you, but you should not forget this fact. No matter the gravity of your situation, God will come to your aid. When David looked to men to protect him from Saul (even men on behalf of whom he defeated Philistines), God informed him that they would betray him at the first opportunity. You must place your whole-hearted trust in the Lord, because He alone will guarantee you help when you need it.

God is (y)our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. (Psalm 46:1)

He is right there in the thick of your troubles, ready and waiting to help you. In fact, according to v 4 (NLT) of this psalm, the Lord is the one who keeps you alive! Be like David and choose the sacrifice of praise instead of worry. Place your confidence in the Lord, instead of fearing the enemy, and be assured that He will deliver you from your troubles and help you triumph over your enemies! (v 7)

Psalm 54 Full Reading

Psalm 53

God looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, that did seek God. (v 2)

This psalm, a repetition of Psalm 14, shows the psalmist's concern for the condition of the wicked. Only a fool would say God does not exist. The psalmist, well aware of God's existence from his own relationship with His Creator, pities those who believe otherwise. He further states that God not only exists, but He searches throughout the earth for those who believe in, and seek after Him. According to 1 Chronicles 16:9:

...the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him.

God is scrutinising the earth, seeking to do mighty things for those who please Him, those who constantly seek His face. Would you classify yourself as such today? David says those who fix their minds on God have real understanding. In fact, unlike the fool who does not fear God, according to Proverbs 9:10, the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. The man who fears God grows in wisdom and knowledge.

...There were they in great fear, where no fear was (v 5)

This fear of the Lord is not the terror experienced by the wicked fool, but an awe and reverence of His glory, a recognition of His greatness and majesty, and a realisation that nothing compares with Him, for all things, including the fool, are created by Him. As you develop a healthy fear of the Lord, something wonderful happens. The heart of the foolish will fail when terror grips them, but those who seek the Lord will fear no evil, even when under the shadow of death.

To be in this state of mind, though, you must dedicate yourself to knowing and fearing God. Make up your mind to meditate on God's word; to discover as much as you can about not only His exploits, but His ways. Spend time in His presence, basking in His glory and enjoying Him, and in due course, you will find your heart occupied with the things on His heart.

And, as your thoughts begin to line up with His thoughts, like the psalmist, you will begin to anticipate the return of the Lord Jesus and restoration of His people.

Psalm 53 Full Reading

Psalm 52

Why boastest thou thyself in mischief, O mighty man? The goodness of God endureth continually. (v 1)

In this response to betrayal by his enemy (1 Sam 21:1-9, 22:6-22), David contrasts the end of the wicked and the righteous. While his enemy may boast in his mischievous actions - his scheming lies resulted in the murder of godly priests - David's trust is in God.

First of all, it is worth noting that when Doeg betrayed David, his intention may have been to get into Saul's good books, but with a few words of betrayal, innocent lives were endangered and lost. The godly should guard the use of their tongues.

...A word out of your mouth may seem of no account, but it can accomplish nearly anything—or destroy it! It only takes a spark, remember, to set off a forest fire. A careless or wrongly placed word out of your mouth can do that. By our speech we can ruin the world, turn harmony to chaos, throw mud on a reputation, send the whole world up in smoke and go up in smoke with it, smoke right from the pit of hell. (James 3:5-6 TM)

The difference between the righteous and the wicked is where their confidence lies. The wicked trust completely in their wealth, which could only lead to more wickedness (v 7), whereas, David is certain he will prosper because his confidence is in the Lord. He looks forward to the demise of his enemy, and to experiencing God's unfailing love.

Children of God will experience betrayal and adversity because we have an Enemy who works through men to thwart our progress in life. If your plans have been derailed by someone used of the devil, encourage yourself with David's thoughts. The triumph of the wicked man is temporary. God will eventually strike down your Enemy once and for all (v 5 NLT).

But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God: I trust in the mercy of God for ever and ever. (v 8)

With your eyes fixed on the Lord, hold your head up high in the knowledge that His love for you never fails. Instead of being a victim, triumph in what the Lord has already done and will do for you (v 9). Wait for His mercies, for He will vindicate you in due course (click here for further notes on this).

Like David, make the choice to dwell in the secret presence of God, where you will be safe and secure from the enemy's plans. And even if he appears to succeed, do not despair, for his reward will come in due course. Instead, keep your eyes on the prize and high calling in Jesus Christ.

The [uncompromisingly] righteous shall flourish like the palm tree [be long-lived, stately, upright, useful, and fruitful]; they shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon [majestic, stable, durable, and incorruptible]. Planted in the house of the Lord, they shall flourish in the courts of our God. [Growing in grace] they shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be full of sap [of spiritual vitality] and [rich in the] verdure [of trust, love, and contentment]. (Psalm 92:12-14 Amp)


Scripture quotations marked TM are taken from The Message by Eugene H. Peterson, copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked AMP are taken from the Amplified® Bible, Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.

Psalm 52 Full Reading

Psalm 51

Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy loving kindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. (v 1)

David not only sinned in his adulterous relationship with Bathsheba, but his attempts to cover his tracks had dire repercussions for all involved (2 Samuel 11-12:23). Once his sin was exposed, however, David no longer tried to hide his atrocities. In Psalm 51, he lays everything bare before the Lord and throws himself on God's mercy. It turns out that, in spite of his actions to the contrary, David's sin has constantly been on his mind:

For I recognize my rebellion; it haunts me day and night. Against you, and you alone, have I sinned; I have done what is evil in your sight. (vv 3-4 NLT)

Anyone who has been touched by, and truly loves God will never thrive in sinfulness. The effects of sin, like a cancer, will gnaw at the conscience until we either run from God completely, or take the brave steps David did and cast ourselves on His mercy. David recognised that his adulterous and murderous actions, even though they were against Uriah, were first and foremost, rebellion against God. Through this act of penitence, David reveals faith that God will hear his prayer, cleanse and forgive him and lead him in the way of wisdom (v 6).

In today's world, the concept of sin has been replaced by political correctness at best, and total absolution of moral responsibility in the farthest extreme. People cannot help their sexual proclivities, we are told, because it is in the genes, an unbreakable habit, or they were born that way. The spouse-beater shirks responsibility for their behaviour, claiming that fits of rage run in the family, or that they were provoked. Indiscipline is virtually encouraged, as deprivation is blamed for children robbing one another. Society then scrambles to work out how to deal with the resulting violence, vandalism, lack of respect and breakdown of family values.

Indeed, David admits that sin may be in his genetic make-up (v 5), but he realises that his relationship with God, can help him rise above the tendency to sin. We need to take responsibility for our actions. For as long as David tried to hide, his conscience ate away at him until he was no longer able to sleep at night, and he felt his intimacy with God slipping away.

Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.

Is sin disguised as a 'bad habit' in your life? Have you called adultery by any other name? Or are you running away from God because you think He has banished you from His presence? Repent before God so He can expose those hidden sins, and wash you with the cleansing blood of Jesus. There is no sin too great for Him to forgive, and no habit He cannot help you break. But you must sincerely ask, and be prepared to let God guide you in the path of righteousness.

Sin encroaches like a polluting darkness in the soul, and only true repentance can restore the light of God's favour and the joy of His presence.

Psalm 51 Full Reading

Psalm 50

Our God shall come, and shall not keep silence: a fire shall devour before him, and it shall be very tempestuous round about him. He shall call to the heavens from above, and to the earth, that he may judge his people. Gather my saints together unto me; those that have made a covenant with me by sacrifice. (vv 3-5)

According to 1 Peter 4:17, judgement begins in the house of the Lord, and in this psalm (addressed to those who call Him Lord and offer Him regular sacrifices), God sets the record straight: He is not looking for ritualistic worship, neither do insincere offerings bring Him pleasure.

I will not reprove thee for thy sacrifices or thy burnt offerings, to have been continually before me. I will take no bullock out of thy house, nor he goats out of thy folds. For every beast of the forest is mine, and the cattle upon a thousand hills. I know all the fowls of the mountains: and the wild beasts of the field are mine.

The Israelites regularly brought suitable sacrifices before God but, as far as He is concerned, their religion is false. God's charge against His elect falls into two categories:

1. Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the most High: and call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me. (vv 14-15)
   
   On the one hand, there are those who worship God as though they're doing Him a favour. They bring sacrifices, but exclude Him from every other area of their lives.
   
   How would you categorise your relationship with God? Do you pay a routine, token visit to a church building on a Sunday, sit at the back, drop your weekly offering into the basket, and then live as though God has no part in the rest of your business? God accuses the Israelites of thinking they can compartmentalise their lives. They bring Him offerings, but trust in themselves for their existence. They pay Him no homage, but He is not at the centre of their day to day activities.
   
   God wants to be first and last in your life. Anything short of this is unacceptable to Him. Instead He expects us to:
   
   ...be filled with the Spirit... making melody in your heart to the Lord; giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ... (Eph 5: 18-20)
   
   God expects you to commune with Him daily. As the source of all that is good in your life, you should give thanks to Him at all times, trust Him fully, and give glory to Him for all He does. It's worth noting that as you give God the honour He deserves, He promises you deliverance.
   
   
2. The second indictment is against those who believe that if they bribe God, He will overlook their wickedness (vv 16-21). He accuses them of regularly spouting His word from their lips , while turning their backs on His commandments. They consort with thieves and adulterers, are full of lies and deceit, gossip and slander. These are among the things the Lord hates (see Prov 6:16-19), and He informs them that His silence should not be take for approval of their lifestyle.

God desires that we worship Him in truth. If, by chance, or because of life's pressures, you've found yourself slipping into auto-pilot in your worship and service, rekindle the fires of your love for God and re-commit to serving Him in spirit and in truth. Be mindful of the company you keep. Instead of the unlawful deeds of darkness:

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. (Matt 5:16)

Psalm 50 Full Reading

Psalm 49

Wherefore should I fear in the days of evil, when the iniquity of my heels shall compass me about? They that trust in their wealth, and boast themselves in the multitude of their riches; none of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him, (vv 5-7)

The writer of this psalm puts out a call to everyone - rich, poor, young and old - and draws their attention to some universal factors. Having spent time considering the evilness of his day, and being surrounded by the wicked, he decides he has nothing to fear. No matter how much they try to harass or distress him with their might and power, he has no reason to be afraid or feel any other negative emotion towards them. In fact, we suspect that he actually pities them.

His reason: their wealth, which is the substance of their lives, is fleeting, and cannot buy their lives from God or prevent one certainty - they will eventually die. The psalmist is pointing out the folly of placing our trust in worldly wealth or achievements; or building monuments to our egos:

Their inward thought is that their houses will continue forever, and their dwelling places to all generations; they call their lands their own [apart from God] and after their own names. But man, with all his honor and pomp, does not remain; he is like the beasts that perish. (vv 11-12 Amplified)

The Lord Jesus solemnly warned us about the same thing:

Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. (Matthew 6: 19-21)

While God is not against us having riches or being wealthy, we are in great danger if we allow the pursuit of such things to rule our lives. For a start, we must remember that Christ has paid the ransom to rescue us from eternal death to life in God. By virtue of the price He's paid, all that we are and own now belong to Him.

Like the psalmist, you may be aware of some person/s whose entire lives revolve around their possessions or accomplishments. Spare a thought for them today. God provided Christ for their ransom as much as yours, and He desires their salvation just as much, for:

...even the Son of man came...to give his life a ransom for many. Mark 10:45

Send a prayer their way, asking that Christ's sacrifice have as much effect on their lives as it has for you.

And while you are at it, take stock of where your treasures lie and ask yourself what kind of legacy you are building for eternity. If you have invested more in earthly riches than your heavenly heritage, stop and ask the Holy Spirit to help you fix your mind on the Author and Finisher of your faith, on the reason He created and saved you, and on things eternal.

Psalm 49 Full Reading

Psalm 48

Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, in the mountain of his holiness. Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth, is mount Zion, on the sides of the north, the city of the great King. (vv 1-2)

God is continually praised in His dwelling place. In Revelation 4, we read of an everlasting worship service going on in heaven:

And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, "Holy, holy, holy, LORD God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come." And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever, the four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, "Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created."

While God resided in the temple during the psalmist's days, we know He now lives in His born again children through His Holy Spirit:

And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.

The day you submitted to His Lordship, God's Spirit established His throne in your heart and life.

In today's psalm, we learn that the God's dwelling is a magnificent place of beauty. In the first instance, the psalmist is referring to Mount Zion; and perhaps, a prophetic picture of the New Jerusalem (Rev 21:1-3); but we can also apply these words to our lives. Psalm 149:4 tells us that the Lord beautifies the humble with His salvation. When you turn the reins of your life over to the Holy Spirit, you become a carrier of God's presence. There is something striking about God's glory as it radiates in people who have been with Him. When Moses spent 40 days and nights with God on the mountain, the Lord rubbed off on him so much that Moses had to to wear a veil to shield the Israelites from the radiance.

The psalmist then goes on to talk about God's role as defender of His residence (vv 3-5). His glory terrifies the enemy, and they flee. Christ told His disciples:

...these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils.

The enemy flees from the power of God's presence in our lives. Of course, this power does not have the desired effect unless we spend ample time meditating on God's faithfulness (v 9); and giving Him the praise He deserves. We must attend to God for His power to fill and work through us. Paul told the Ephesians to be continually filled with the spirit:

And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery; but ever be filled and stimulated with the [Holy] Spirit. (Eph 5:18 Amp)

To be filled with the Holy Spirit is to be filled with God's power. The demons flee at His power. Sickness bows to the word spoken in His power. All creation is awaiting the manifestation of this power in His children.

God is calling you to His presence today, so that the whole world will see His beauty and glory through your life. Spend some time worshipping Him, as you consider this psalm; meditate on Him for a fresh infilling of the Holy Spirit. As you do so, and watch His might explode through your life!

Psalm 48 Full Reading

Psalm 47

O clap your hands, all ye people; shout unto God with the voice of triumph. (v 1)

We are invited to join the audience of the triumphant King as they joyously celebrate His awesome power. In reading this psalm, we sense that these people have just returned victorious in battle, but are well aware that they have accomplished this victory, not by their own hands, but the hand of God. We see in this a picture of a King who has led his people in battle and won. He has seized enemy territory and given it to them as their possession.

Several times in the Bible, we see God taking enemy nations to task on behalf of the Israelites, while the latter stood by, and then picked up the spoils. He led them by His mighty power out of Egyptian captivity into Canaan, which He had promised them (v 4), and delivered it into their hands.

We serve the same God today. He still appoints victory for His children. He still fights our battles when we align ourselves with Him. David puts it this way in Psalm 108:13:

Through God we shall do valiantly: for he it is that shall tread down our enemies.

You do not need to fear, because God will fight your enemy on your behalf. All you need do, like a trusty soldier in battle, is ensure you have on your armour. Not only has God promised us the victory, He has supplied the armour so we are not harmed when we face the enemy's attacks. Since we face a battle of a spiritual nature, we clearly will not need to be kitted out in earthly armour. We are given further details in Ephesians 6:

Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armour of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. (14-18 NLT)

Our weapons against the enemy of our souls are truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, God's word and prayer. When we clothe ourselves in these and go about our daily business, we give room for our King to fight deadly enemies for us, and we are assured of the victory.

Before you set off on your day, be sure to put on your spiritual armour, praying in the power of the Holy Spirit at all times, and rest in His victory.

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Psalm 46

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. (vv 1-3)

This psalm makes one thing clear: it is vital to know God and familiarise ourselves with His character. Day after day, we hear news of plagues and earthquakes in far and near lands. There are wars and rumours of wars. Terrorism looms on the horizons of our lives as the media spews out tidings of random violence all over the world. Our only certainty in life is that, plan as we might, we have no idea what tomorrow will bring our way.

But the psalmist reminds us that we can absolutely depend on God, because in the midst of all the turmoil, He remains the same: loving, shielding, protecting, reassuring. The psalmist goes on to point out that in the city where God's glory dwells, He:

...is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early (v 5).

We are His dwelling place, and for as long as we remain on this earth, we can expect Him to come to our aid. However, unless we are truly familiar with this fact, we can struggle under the weight of the troubles we face daily.

What is your first reaction when you receive bad news? The psalmist encourages you to look to God when everything is shaken around you. When you need somewhere to hide, run to God - He is a great hiding place. This is how David says it elsewhere:

Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance. (Ps 32:7)

How well do you know Him? How many of God's exploits are you personally familiar with? If you cannot honestly say you've seen Him at work, then dive into your nearest bible. Spend enough time in there, and you will be amazed at the wonders he has performed in both the Old and New Testaments.

Study even more and you will begin to sense that these wonders were not reserved for biblical times. God's plan is to preserve your life when you place your trust in Him. Not only do you have the Holy Spirit to strengthen and help bear your burdens, God has awesome plans for your life that will bring glory to His name. Stay in His presence until you discover what they are.

Jesus told us that we would have tribulations in this life - our world is a fallen one, and will not be made perfect until His return - but He also encouraged us:

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. (John 16:33)

He has given you the key to finding peace - peace is found in Him. While the present world system has nothing of eternal benefit to offer us, in Christ we find strength, peace, help, solace, and refuge. Make the following scripture your declaration today:

This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him. For he will rescue (me) from every trap and protect (me) from deadly disease. He will cover (me) with his feathers. He will shelter (me) with his wings. (adapted from Psalm 91: 2-4 NLT)

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Psalm 45

My heart is inditing a good matter: I speak of the things which I have made touching the king: my tongue is the pen of a ready writer. (v 1)

This beautiful song, rendered possibly to an Israelite king, is a picture of the relationship between the Messiah and His church; the ultimate glorious marriage that should be the anticipation of every believer. This song of adoration gives a glimpse, among other things, of:

1. The beauty of our Lord (v2)
   
2. His power and majesty (vv 3-5)
3. His righteous nature (7)
   
4. His love for His church (11)

You, the bride of Christ, should become engrossed in the Bridegroom King's awesome glory, the psalmist says, and worship Him. Often, when we come to worship and praise the Lord, it is for what He has done for us, but this psalm gives us other wonderful reasons to do so - His beauty is beyond compare; His glory and power cannot be denied; He is anointed with the oil of joy; He is the King who rules with justice and wisdom.

And He has chosen us to be His bride. In fact, the NIV translation tells us He is enthralled by our beauty (v 11).

When you consider the state of the church today, or even take a good look at yourself, you may see nothing that could, by any stretch of the imagination, make you desirable to God. But, God perceives your beauty and righteousness through the Lord Jesus Christ, who, when He returns to the earth, will bestow His own glory upon you:

[But] in that [future Messianic] day the Lord of hosts shall become a crown of glory and a diadem of beauty to the [converted] remnant of His people (Isaiah 28:5 amp)

The Lord is preparing a spotless and glorious church for Himself. He gave His life for just this purpose, as we see in Ephesians 5:25-27:

...Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her, so that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the Word, that He might present the church to Himself in glorious splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such things [that she might be holy and faultless].

You have a wedding to look forward to which, in its glory, surpasses any celebration imaginable - your marriage to the Lamb of God. When you truly meditate on the glory waiting for you on His return, every earthly experience and consideration will pale into insignificance. The troubles you presently face are temporary, the best you currently have is infinitesimal compared to the glory that you can expect when you step into eternity.

As you go about your business today, think on the beauty and fairness of your Lord Jesus. He is perfection personified, and He wants to lavish love upon you. Enjoy Him, as you consider the prospect of being dressed up in the best finery eternity has to offer, so you can be presented to Him.

Q:What is the chief end of man?
A. Man's chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy Him forever - Westminster Shorter Catechism

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Psalm 44

We have heard with our ears, O God, our fathers have told us, what work thou didst in their days, in the times of old. (v1)

The Israelite nation was taking a battering from enemy forces, and the psalmist decides to take their plight to the Lord. To get into the right frame of mind, he begins with a recap of their past God-given victories as recorded by his forebears, thereby assuring himself that he's going to the right place for help (vv 1-8 NLT).

In these words, we find a remedy for hopelessness: remembrance. When you can recall past blessings and victories, you can trust God for a better future. When you remember His past faithfulness, you know He will both come through for you, and bring you through.

But, in circumstances akin to verses 9-16, you may be facing the toughest times of your life, where even the little hope you cling to withers away, and you begin to suspect God has decided you are His enemy. Ideally, Christians should have no trials, and everything about our lives would be wonderfully rosy. Unfortunately, as we see here, that is not the case.

The psalmist has raised a legitimate complaint to God. After all, He gave some wonderful promises to the Israelites through Moses:

“If you fully obey the Lord your God and carefully keep all his commands that I am giving you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations of the world. 2 You will experience all these blessings if you obey the Lord your God:... “The Lord will conquer your enemies when they attack you. They will attack you from one direction, but they will scatter from you in seven!. (Deut 28: 1-2, 7 - see verses 3-13 for the full list of blessings)

Yet, at the time the psalm was written, it felt like God's people were under a curse, even though they'd given themselves totally to obedience. It is right for the psalmist to wonder where everything went wrong, since, in his own words:

All this is come upon us; yet have we not forgotten thee, neither have we dealt falsely in thy covenant. Our heart is not turned back, neither have our steps declined from thy way; (vv 17-18)

Even when you've obeyed the Lord to the best of your ability, been truthful to Him and served Him faithfully, you may still find yourself under unwarranted, severe attack. The psalmist gives a reason for this:

Yea, for thy sake are we killed all the day long; we are counted as sheep for the slaughter. (v 22)

We have an enemy who hates us simply because we are God's children. According to the apostle Peter:

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour. (1 Peter 5:8)

We are sometimes attacked because we are followers of Christ. But as we recollect His past intervention on our behalf, and as we meditate on His word, we can conclude that:

1. He is watching over us;
   
2. He is very much in control:
3. He will not let us the enemy triumph over us,
4. We have the victory, and most important of all,
   
5. Nothing can separate us from His love.
   

This is the way Paul puts it:

Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death?...No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. (Romans 8: 35,37 NLT)

No matter how aggressive the enemy's attack against your life is today, rest in the knowledge that absolutely nothing can come between you and God's love in Christ Jesus. Draw from His strength within and look the enemy in the face; declaring that no weapon formed against you will prosper, greater is He in you than he that is in the world, and that you have overcome through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Then wait patiently for the Lord to bring you through to your manifest victory. Your joy awaits!

Psalm 44 Full Reading

Psalm 43

Judge me, O God, and plead my cause against an ungodly nation: O deliver me from the deceitful and unjust man. For thou art the God of my strength: why dost thou cast me off? why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy? (v 2)

Circumstances and the actions of men have conspired to prevent this psalmist from enjoying his relationship with the Lord. He is being oppressed by his enemies, there seems to be no justice for him, but most painful of all, it feels like God has deserted him. But his feelings do not lead to him turn his back on God. As much as he wants justice and vindication, the psalmist's desire is that he might find his way back into God's presence - for God is his joy.

O send out thy light and thy truth: let them lead me; let them bring me unto thy holy hill, and to thy tabernacles. Then will I go unto the altar of God, unto God my exceeding joy: yea, upon the harp will I praise thee, O God my God. (v 3)

Your current experience may lend itself to the belief that God has abandoned you. Let the writer's words speak to you here. When darkness surrounds, let the light of his word lead you right back to His presence. Unlike the Old Testament times, you don't have to wait until you attend a church service to experience the loving touch of God. You don't have to offer sacrifices of bulls and goats, for God to accept you into His presence. Christ has given us access to boldly come before God's throne to obtain the help we need (Hebrews 4:16).

Delve into His word, and commune with the Holy Spirit who resides in you. Encourage yourself with songs of worship. Keep company with other believers who can testify of God's goodness, and remember that He is no respecter of persons. He will keep His promises to you. Remember,

...the joy of the Lord is your strength! (Nehemiah 8:10)

"The better we understand God's word, the more comfort we find in it; the darkness of trouble arises from the darkness of ignorance."- Matthew Henry

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