Psalm 24

Cf: Psalm 15

The earth is the LORD's, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein. For he hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods.(vv 1-2)

Let there be no doubt in the reader's heart as to the origin and ownership of this earth. If you have not done so already, read Genesis 1 for an account of creation. God also backs up the psalmist's words in Isaiah 66:1:

Thus saith the LORD, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool...

Having acknowledged this fact, the psalmist doesn't stop with admiring God's handiwork, but chooses to draw closer to the Creator. It is not enough for us to focus on His feet, when we can look upon the Lord's face. In David's own words:

Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his face continually. (1 Chr 16:11)

However, we cannot just wander into His presence without preparation - the person who approaches the Lord must have clean hands, a pure heart and an undeceiving tongue . To enter God's presence, we must be sinless in thought, word and deed, for only the pure in heart will see God (Matt 5:8). Only that person will receive the Lord's blessing and remain in right standing with Him, according to the psalm under consideration. (vv 4-5)

This is the generation [description] of those who seek Him [who inquire of and for Him and of necessity require Him], who seek Your face, [O God of] Jacob. (v 6 Amplified)

These are the ones to whom God will reveal Himself, which He has promised to do, if we search for Him with all our hearts (Jeremiah 29:12-13).

God's righteousness is all we need to be born again, but the believer who wants to experience the fullness of God's riches and blessings must be holy. The Holy Spirit can, and will convict the true believer of sin, and forgiveness is available through the righteousness that comes from Jesus Christ (John 16:7-11). Finally, we are assured by the psalmist that the King of glory will enter into the heart whose gates are flung wide open; as the Lord Himself confirms:

As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. (Revelation 3:19-21)

If the Holy Spirit is speaking to you about unconfessed sin, be quick to repent and receive His cleansing so that the Lord of glory might reign supreme over your life. He brings an abundance of blessings with Him, and the certainty that you will sit with Him on his throne in eternity.

Pray with me today:

Lord, I repent of my sins, and ask for your forgiveness. Purify my heart, soul and mind, that my deeds, thoughts and words may be acceptable in your sight. I open up my heart and ask that the glorious King enter in today and always.

Psalm 24 Full Reading

Scripture quotations taken from the Amplified® Bible,Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman FoundationUsed by permission." (www.Lockman.org)

Psalm 22 (Part Two)

Read this first

But we rejoice in the knowledge that our Lord's suffering was not in vain, as David continues....

I will declare thy name unto my brethren: in the midst of the congregation will I praise thee. Ye that fear the LORD, praise him; all ye the seed of Jacob, glorify him; and fear him, all ye the seed of Israel. For he hath not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; neither hath he hid his face from him; but when he cried unto him, he heard. (vv 22-24)

Those dreadful hours in that resulted in Christ's death and subsequent resurrection were the mechanism by which God restored us to Himself. Those who are under the yoke of sin are now able to break free and turn to God. God did not despise His Son, or turn away from Him, but He used Christ's death to rescue you and I - according to His purpose!

...For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. (1 John 3:8)

Let's see what Isaiah 53: 4-5; 10-12 says as it gives us a better picture of what happened on the cross.

".... Surely He has borne our griefs (sicknesses, weaknesses, and distresses) and carried our sorrows and pains [of punishment], yet we [ignorantly] considered Him stricken, smitten, and afflicted by God [as if with leprosy]. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our guilt and iniquities; the chastisement [needful to obtain] peace and well-being for us was upon Him, and with the stripes [that wounded] Him we are healed and made whole. "

".... Yet it was the will of the Lord to bruise Him; He has put Him to grief and made Him sick. When You and He make His life an offering for sin [and He has risen from the dead, in time to come], He shall see His [spiritual] offspring, He shall prolong His days, and the will and pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in His hand. He shall see [the fruit] of the travail of His soul and be satisfied; by His knowledge of Himself [which He possesses and imparts to others] shall My [uncompromisingly] righteous One, My Servant, justify many and make many righteous (upright and in right standing with God), for He shall bear their iniquities and their guilt [with the consequences, says the Lord]. Therefore will I divide Him a portion with the great [kings and rulers], and He shall divide the spoil with the mighty, because He poured out His life unto death, and [He let Himself] be regarded as a criminal and be numbered with the transgressors; yet He bore [and took away] the sin of many and made intercession for the transgressors (the rebellious)."

Thank God for His love towards us. We have Christ to thank for securing our eternal destination; and we must always thank God for Christ's death and resurrection; for now, Christ reigns supreme over all creation. He has received the Kingship and the Kingdom (Psalm 22:28).

Now Christ will be worshipped; He will be glorified and praised for what He has accomplished.

It is finished!

At some point today, take a moment to bow before the Lord in thanksgiving and worship. Be first in line to pledge your allegiance to the King of eternity; to serve Him and to tell of His wonders to the next generation!

Psalm 22 Full Reading

Scripture quotations taken from the Amplified® Bible,Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman FoundationUsed by permission." (www.Lockman.org)

Psalm 22 (Part One)

Psalm 22 vv 1-18

One of the most profound and prophetic psalms recorded in the Bible, Psalm 22 is an introduction to the events leading up to and arising out of Jesus's crucifixion. The words spoken by Christ on the cross have their parallel in this psalm as follows: Matt 27:46 (Ps 22:1); John 19:30 (Ps 22:31 Amplified) .

As we progress through the psalm, we see the Lord's transition from suffering messiah to King of kings. David obviously faced many enemies, and may have written this as a prayer to God, but posterity shows that it is a look into the heart, life and eventual rise of Christ's Kingdom.

My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring? My God, I cry in the day time, but thou hearest not; and in the night season, and am not silent. (vv 1-2)

In the above heart rending cry, we experience Christ's sorrow as he hangs on the cross, enveloped in mankind's sins, and unable to enter into the presence of the holy God. Jesus knows God answers prayers from personal knowledge (He was God after all, He knew God's character, and he'd also answered prayers Himself), and as demonstrated throughout history, but at this point on the cross, sin has separated Jesus from His God. He hangs on the cross, the object of mockery and scorn; enemies, both physical and spiritual, baying for His blood, which is then poured out like water, as He weakens and finally gives His life up for us. Oh how we praise Him, how worthy He is!

Let us, with gratitude in our hearts, spend time considering the cross of Jesus Christ and what it means to us. The suffering servant bled, and died that we might live. He laid His majesty down so that we might receive adoption into the family of God.

Take time today to re-commit to the Lord who has given His all that you might have eternal life!

Psalm 22 Full Reading

Psalm 21

Thou hast given him his heart's desire, and hast not withholden the request of his lips. ... He asked life of thee, and thou gavest it him, even length of days for ever and ever. (vv 2, 4)

He wanted a good life; you gave it to him, and then made it a long life as a bonus. (v 4 The Message)

David here rejoices in the saving strength of his God, and in the knowledge that God has not only answered his every prayer, but has given him even more than he desired. As we read the above verses, let us consider why this might be the case. The scriptures tell us that David was a man after God's own heart as recorded in Acts 13:22:

...he (God) raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave their testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will.

David could testify that God has given him every desire of his heart because he only wanted God's will. David loved God with all his might, and always sought to please Him. He may have fallen prey to his human frailties on occasion, but whenever God brought him up on his sins, David was quick to repent, and never went back.

Delight thyself also in the LORD: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. (Psalm 37:4)

The key to having all our prayers answered is to love God with every fibre of our being, seek after, and pray for His will to be done. In pursuing God's glory and desires, we will be able to say the same as David - that He has given us every desire of our heart. Even when we go through trying times (of which David had many), we will testify to the Lord's goodness, because we know we are right in the centre of His will. As v 6 says:

For You have made him most blessed forever; You have made him exceedingly glad with Your presence. (NKJV)

The joy of spending time in God's presence and delighting in His will is an eternal blessing only few enjoy, but also the key to consistent answered prayer.

Lord, may we learn to enjoy the blessings that come from remaining in Your presence, as our desires meld into Yours. May all our prayers, uttered from lips that honour You, find their answers in You.

Psalm 21 Full Reading (NKJV)

The Message by Eugene H. Peterson, copyright (c) 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group. All rights reserved.

New King James Version®, Copyright © 1982, Thomas Nelson, Inc. All rights reserved. Bible text from the New King James Version® is not to be reproduced in copies or otherwise by any means except as permitted in writing by Thomas Nelson, Inc., Attn: Bible Rights and Permissions, P.O. Box 141000, Nashville, TN 37214-1000.

Psalm 19

The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge.There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard. (vv 1-3)

Everywhere on God's earth, without a single voiced word from nature, His glory can be seen. As we examine this Psalm today, a snowy carpet has settled over the United Kingdom, yet another testimony to the glory of God. Psalm 19 attests to the fact that the Creator can be known by simply waking up and going to sleep. All around us is the beauty that God created, as without fail, day follows night, and night follows day. Creation's consistency should warm the heart of those who believe in God - we know He is because we see His handiwork.

However, as we progress through the psalm, we learn more. Believing in God is believing His word; and in that we have even more comfort and joy. For, as the psalm tells us:

The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. (vv 7-9)

God's word is infallible. He has placed it in such high esteem - we cannot but trust His word. Jesus told us that God's word is truth (John 17:17) and elsewhere, David says:

'...for You have exalted above all else Your name and Your word and You have magnified Your word above all Your name!' (Psalm 138:2 Amplified)

Rather than being wearisome, God’s commandments refresh the soul; in keeping them, we find rest. As we meditate on them, wisdom, guidance and enlightenment will be ours. Time spent in God’s word is time spent with God Himself; and in that we discover the fear of the Lord (the beginning of knowledge). No wonder the psalmist is so excited!

What can we learn from this psalm? The truth about God can be discovered when we seek Him in spirit and truth. God’s commandments, instead of being a yoke around our necks, are by far the most desirable; worth more than anything we could seek; and the key to knowing our heritage as children of God’s kingdom.

Psalm 19 Full Reading

Psalm 14

The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good. The LORD looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God. (vv 1-2)

Only a fool denies the existence of God. This Psalm is a necessary caution for the righteous in these dangerous times, and ample evidence of the Word's timelessness in its portrait of a society rife with evil, corruption, and moral bankruptcy. The heart that does not acknowledge God will gravitate towards abominable works, because there is no middle ground; every one takes sides - for or against God.

We are told that God looks down from heaven on the entire human race searching for one thing: The God-Seeker: one who scours His word for instruction and truth; the one who is earnest and desperate for His appearance. This person, the Psalmist says, has understanding. If God's children fail to seek Him, if we do not understand these perilous times, the boundaries can easily become blurred, as evil disguises itself as good. There is no measure by which to judge the truth outside God's word. God's children would be wise to follow after Him continually, for in so doing, we are guided down the path of righteousness and peace, and away from the path of evil. (Psalm 23:2-3)

There were they in great fear: (v 5)

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Prov 1:7; 9:10). Terrors will come, but whoever fears the Lord need fear no evil, because the Lord will protect His people. When we pursue God and fellowship with those who are like minded, we are truly blessed; and find ourselves in the best of company, for:

...God is in the generation of the righteous!

Psalm 14 Full Reading

Psalm 8

O LORD, our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! who hast set thy glory above the heavens. (v.1)

Let praise flow to God from your heart as you meditate on this Psalm. Consider His excellent name and the works of His fingers: the earth, the heavens, the moon and the stars; the sheep in the fields, the cattle, the birds in their variety, the fish and all that swarm the seas, mankind and every good thing that He has made. (see Gen 1:20-24 The Message)

Then stop to consider yourself in light of this God; who in His infinite wisdom considers you His most precious possession; the apple of his eye. (Zech 2:8)

What is man, that thou art mindful of him? And the son of man, that thou visitest him? (v.4)

The Psalmists asks this question, and so must you, as you meditate on the awesome splendour and majesty of the Creator, the God of glory, the Lord of Hosts, King of Kings and Lord of Lords; Almighty God, Everlasting Father; I AM THAT I AM, the Owner and Possessor of the Universe.

Consider Him who .... has His way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of His feet. He rebukes the sea and makes it dry, and dries up all the rivers. Bashan and Carmel wither, and the flower of Lebanon wilts. The mountains quake before Him, the hills melt, and the earth heaves at His presence, yes, the world and all who dwell in it. (Nahum 1:3-5 NKJV)

He is ... the LORD, who gives the sun for a light by day, the ordinances of the moon and the stars for a light by night, who disturbs the sea, and its waves roar (The LORD of hosts is His name) (Jeremiah 31:35 NKJV)

By the breath of God ice is given, and the broad waters are frozen. Also with moisture He saturates the thick clouds; He scatters His bright clouds. And they swirl about, being turned by His guidance, that they may do whatever He commands them on the face of the whole earth. He causes it to come, whether for correction, or for His land, or for mercy. (Job 37:10-13 NKJV)

Meditate on His wonders, and the grace by which you stand blameless in the sight of a Holy God; the love that led Him to sacrifice His only Son, thereby accepting you in the beloved. Then lift up your voice and join in the chorus:

O Lord, our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! (v.9)

Psalm 8 (Full Reading)

New King James Version®, Copyright © 1982, Thomas Nelson, Inc. All rights reserved. Bible text from the New King James Version® is not to be reproduced in copies or otherwise by any means except as permitted in writing by Thomas Nelson, Inc., Attn: Bible Rights and Permissions, P.O. Box 141000, Nashville, TN 37214-1000."

Psalm 7

O LORD my God, in thee do I put my trust: save me from all them that persecute me, and deliver me : Lest he tear my soul like a lion, rending it in pieces, while there is none to deliver. (vv 1-2)

Yet another Psalm in which David calls upon the Lord for help. Do you sense a pattern here? God is real to this man. Whether his throne is being usurped, or he's being hunted, betrayed or slandered by his enemies, David turns to the Lord.

O LORD my God, If I have done this; if there be iniquity in my hands;If I have rewarded evil unto him that was at peace with me; (yea, I have delivered him that without cause is mine enemy:) Let the enemy persecute my soul, and take it; yea, let him tread down my life upon the earth, and lay mine honour in the dust. (vv 3-5)

In this instance, David seeks the Lord's exoneration based on his own innocence. His conscience is clear; he is not guilty of the crimes of which he's been accused. Can you say the same today, Child of God? Are you being falsely accused? Turn to God for vindication. Note, David does not attempt to justify himself to his accusers. Instead, he files his report at the judgement seat of God. You see, David is aware of the Lord's pronouncement to the Israelites:

To me belongeth vengeance and recompence; their foot shall slide in due time: for the day of their calamity is at hand, and the things that shall come upon them make haste (Deut: 32:35)

We are reminded of this promise in Romans 12:19:

Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

Borrow a leaf out of David's book today. Bring your enemies before the Lord in prayer. If you've been wrongly accused, don't seek to justify yourself without receiving God's counsel on the matter. Let God be your Judge and Defence (v10) for, when He arises on your behalf, you can be sure of swift victory. Listen to what David says:

The LORD shall judge the people... (v8): judgement is certain;

....the righteous God trieth the hearts and reins. (v9): He knows the motivations of man. Nothing is hidden from His sight;

....God is angry with the wicked everyday. If he (the wicked) turn not, he will whet his sword; he hath bent his bow, and made it ready. (11-12): The wicked person's actions do not go unnoticed by God, and if he doesn't change his ways, he will be swiftly punished by God.

On the other hand, the Enemy may seek to accuse you of present sin in your life, for which you deserve judgement. In such cases, you have an advocate in our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Cor 1:30 NLT). Through Him, you are made right with God. Repent and turn from that sin, let your conscience be cleansed, then stand firm. There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus! (Romans 8:1)

While you wait for the certain outcome of your petition before God, be like David and ...sing praise to the name of the Lord most high! (v 17)

Psalm 7 (Full Reading)

Psalm 6

O LORD, rebuke me not in thine anger, neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure. Have mercy upon me, O LORD; for I am weak: O LORD, heal me; for my bones are vexed. My soul is also sore vexed: but thou, O LORD, how long? Return, O LORD, deliver my soul: oh save me for thy mercies' sake. (vv1-4)


In our second meditation on Psalm 5, we explored a fearful side to God's nature - He actively detests sin. In this Psalm, David refers to God's anger, and hot displeasure (wrath) as the outworking of that detestation.

On his sick bed, he will only cry out to God (see first meditation on Psalm 5), and he does not allow wrongdoing to drive a wedge between him and God.

David appeals to God's mercy. Acknowledging his frailty and need for healing, he pleads with the Lord to save him; not because he deserves mercy, for he does not, but because he knows God's love is unfailing.

Like a father who draws a child near after discipline, David trusts God to be merciful. Many run from God for fear that their sin would lead to death in the hands of a vengeful God. They rightly fear that, were they to approach His presence, His holy fire would consume the sin in their lives. The voice of God and man's enemy, Satan, also stands ready to accuse and convince them that God would have nothing to do with sinners.

But the Psalmist knows a secret - God declared the following about Himself to Moses:

And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, "The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness (Exodus 34:6 see also, Joel 2:13; Psalm 145: 7-9)

The Psalmist recognises the following:

1. He deserves God's punishment.
2. His sin is before God alone.
3. God is compassionate.
4. When he asks God for mercy, forgiveness, healing, deliverance, rescue; God hears him.

Do you need one, or all of the above today? Has the Enemy taunted you in your sinful state? Does he call you evil, forgotten, hopeless and unlovable? You are not without hope; Christ died to make sure of that.

In the words of the Prophet Jeremiah:

It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. (Lamentations 3:22-23)

God wants to forgive our sins in ways we'll never understand, so do not let sin hold you back from seeking His mercy. Don't let anything keep you from running to God. He waits for you to return to Him. Christ's blood was shed that we might receive not only forgiveness of sins, but the inheritance of sons and daughters of God. Run to God. Repent, and then depend on His steadfast love to forgive, heal and restore you.

Then, like David, you can say to the Accuser:

Depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity; for the LORD hath heard the voice of my weeping. The LORD hath heard my supplication; the LORD will receive my prayer. (vv 8-9)

Psalm 6 (Full Reading)

Psalm 2

Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying, let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us. (1-3)


There is never a doubt about the Truth of God's word. In Psalm 2, we see prophesied the coming of our Messiah and the promise of His persecution, and ultimate execution for our salvation. The gospels testify to the fulfilment of David's prophetic insight.

But how does this Psalm apply to today's Christian? Turn on the news and you find episode after episode of the authorities (religious and otherwise) attempting to break the bands of the Creator. 'He is too restrictive', 'He doesn't understand us', 'He knows nothing about humanity', they cry, and regulate away the Truth of His Word.

Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion. I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee. Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession. (6-8)


In this fallen world, the Christian should be aware that there is one King, and Lord of all. His precepts are just, His ways are true, and we would be wise to take heed and follow Him. We can take comfort in the knowledge that while the world hurtles towards an expected end , we have been inherited by His Son. He has asked the Father and received us as His possession. What joy to know that we are His; that we have been separated to receive, not His wrath, but His love and protection.

Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him. (11-12)

And what does He require of us? To serve Him reverently. To rejoice in our salvation and pledge our allegiance to the Ruler of the kingdom that cannot be destroyed. He calls for our loving affection. Our adoration. Our delight in His being.

Kiss the Son, the Psalmist would say to the Christian. Love and adore Him; not for fear of His wrath, but for joy in the refuge and blessings that come from trusting in Him.

Psalm 2 (Full Reading)