Psalms 24 – The Sovereign King is coming!

Second Samuel 6:12-23 provide the background to this Psalm. The passage gives us details of how the Ark of the Covenant was moved from the house of Obed-Edom to Mount Zion. This was the occasion that led David to write this Psalm. The mood of this Psalm was jubilant and a triumphant one.  Psalm 24 is considered a Messianic Psalm and it prophetically portrays the Second Coming of Christ. It speaks of Him coming into Jerusalem after destroying the whole hosts of hostile enemies that came against Him prior to His coming. The arrival of the Ark into the City of David was liken to the Glorified Christ entering Jerusalem. It was such a grand occasion that Josephus, the Jewish historian, said that seven choirs of musicians and singers were enlisted to sing and play this Psalm, as the Ark was being moved to the City of David. In Psalm 22 we see the Compassionate Saviour; Psalm 23, the Great Shepherd; and now Psalm 24, the Coming Sovereign King. Yes, this Psalm points us to the Sovereign Christ coming to Jerusalem to set up His rule.  

This Psalm begins by declaring that God is the true owner of the earth and everything that is found in it. This earth is described as founded on the sea. David described it as if he was viewing it from an island. From there he saw the earth suspended on the sea and established on the rivers. Quickly in verses 3-6, he then lay out the qualifications for those who are eligible to have access into God’s presence. They are described as the morally upright.  A morally upright person is obvious in three areas – deeds, thoughts, and words. He has a clean hand meaning his deeds; a pure heart meaning his thought life; and who does not speak deceitfully, one who shows integrity in the words he speaks. Such a person will be richly blessed and be declared righteous by God who saves. What’s important is that he is one who fervently seeks God! Are we such a person? We must be circumspect and take care to what we think, say and do.  

Verses 7-10 is the announcement of the triumphant entry of the King of glory. We are told in the New Testament, especially in Revelation, that the King will come to the city of Jerusalem. The gates of the city will be opened to Him, the Messiah. He is the Lord of Glory, and one strong and mighty in battle. More personally, are the gates of our hearts open to Him today? Is the King enthroned in our hearts? Don’t just open it partially. Let’s ensure that our hearts are opened wide for the entrance of the King of Glory.

We know that the second coming of Christ is imminent. When He comes He will take full possession of the earth as King and Judge. Only the righteous, those who are His and made righteous by His works at Calvary, would have the privilege of entering into His kingdom. Every door of the nations will be totally opened to Him. It would certainly be a great honour and blessing to open the door of our life and home to Him even now!

Psalms 23 – The Good Shepherd

Once again we learn from the title that this is a Psalm written by David. This Psalm is the most used and preached Psalm. It is found on book marks, on calendar, on paintings and all sorts of decoration pieces, etc. It is also often referred to as the Shepherd’s Psalm, taking its cue from the first line. David must have written this on one of those occasions when he was out in the fields tending his father’s flock. He wants us to know that we have a Shepherd in God, who not only will lead and guide us but also one who has ample provisions to meet every need of our life.

This Psalm is neatly divided into three broad sections, each beginning with a positive assertion. In verse 1, the assertion is “I shall not be in want”; in verse 4, “I fear no evil”; and in verse 11, “I will dwell in the house of the Lord.”  It gives us the picture of God as our Shepherd providing guidance. It also tells us that He is our Confidante as we journey in life, and most of all He is our Host in the ultimate banquet in eternity. So He is not just our Guide, but also Companion and Host.  

As a Shepherd, seen in verses 1-3, He will guide us into the richness of life experiences. Green pasture suggests serenity; still waters speak of peace; and restoration of soul tells us of renewal. Oh, how we need serenity and peace and renewal in our world full of disquiet and uneasiness. Aren’t we glad to have such a personal shepherd to lead and guide us? David tells us that the ways He will lead us through are always right ones. He calls it paths of righteousness, paths that are always right and just, paths that are in accordance with His name, His revealed and infallible character.

However, we surely know that life journey is not always a pleasant, straight and smooth path. Like Annie Johnson Flint said in her poem: “God hath not promised skies always blue, flower-strewn pathways all our lives through, God hath not promised sun without rain, joy without sorrow, peace without pain.” But in this treacherous journey, He will be our Confidante. And He will help us to navigate the terrain of this world, no matter how rough they may be. Shadow of death speaks of times of loneliness and darkness, including death. Notice from the third person singular pronoun “He” in verses 1-3, David changed it into the second person singular “You” in verse 4. This speaks of God being with us personally in those dark and lonely moments. He comes alongside us and be with us. It is true that when our night becomes darker, our Lord becomes nearer. His “rod” speaks of divine protection and his “staff” speaks of divine support. They are what He will be to us as our Companion in this journey of life.

Then David tells us that He will be our Glorious Host in verses 5-6. He prepares a banquet for us. He wants us to have a lasting fellowship with Him in eternity. There is no denial that, while on earth, we will face with hostile people. Here’s a wonderful thought that while we face them, our best weapon and defence is in our fellowship with the Lord. He will keep us from the ferocious attack of hostile enemies. We will always be welcomed, symbolized by His anointing our head with oil. Daily, this wonderful Host will provide for us lavishly till our cup overflows with joy. Besides, we will be showered with goodness, love and mercy all the days of our journey. And when we finally reach our home in eternity, we are assured of everlasting unbroken fellowship.   

This is a call to wholly trust the Lord. He wants to guide us in this life journey. He wants to ensure our safety and security in hostile environment in this life. Best of all, He has already prepared a lavish welcome for us when our life on earth is done.  So let us hear again, the Great Shepherd’s comforting assurance, recorded in John 14:1-3: “Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also.”

Psalms 22:22-31 – The joy of God’s deliverance

In describing the pain and agony he suffered at the hand of Saul, David was unwittingly describing the pain and agony Christ went through at Calvary. Many things he said in this Psalm was quoted by the New Testament writers to ascribe to Christ. The Lord underwent great trials and tortures at the hands of the authority, and now has been empowered with great auth0rity to come to deliver His people.

Having described Christ’s pain, agony and abandonment, David now turned to speak of praise and hope He brought. David was speaking confidently that he would live to celebrate God’s deliverance and that he would share a meal of thanksgiving with the poor and needy. He was unknowingly and prophetically speaking of Christ’s resurrection. He was in fact talking about the joy, deliverance and celebration that Christ’s resurrection would bring. These are the themes in verses 22-31.

In verse 21 David speaks about how God would deliver and answer when called upon for help. Unlike when He was alone on the cross, Christ now in His resurrection would no longer be alone. He would be found praising God in the midst of a great assembly. At verse 22, the scene changed. He was found in the midst of His brethren and was making known the glory of God.  In verses 23-26 He would be in the midst of Israel. In verses 27-31, He was found in the midst of the Gentiles. His good news would travel far and wide so that all the families of the nations will come and hear of it. All, the wealthy, the self-sufficient, those who are dying and countless generations that are yet to come, will hear about this God who saves, and will put their trust in Him.

From these verses, we learn that no matter what we are going through we need to recognize that they are God’s dealing with us. We must learn to trust Him even if we don’t understand it all. He will never leave us unaided. God can be trusted to come to our rescue. Therefore we should faithfully serve Him and regardless of how trying our circumstances may be, we must learn to wait patiently on God to deliver us in His own good time. Learn to thank and praise Him in all circumstances! 

Psalms 22:1-21 - The suffering of Christ foretold

In the superscript of Psalm 22, we are introduced to two words: “Aijeleth Shahar.” The dictionary defines these two words as probably the name of some song or tune to the measure of which the psalm, in this case Psalm 22, was to be chanted. Some, however, understand it to be the name of some instrument of music, or an allegorical allusion to the subject of the Psalm. David once again wrote this Psalm for the choir master.

Like the previous two Psalms, this one is also Messianic in orientation and has been quoted by the New Testament writers. Here in this Psalm we see a portrait of the suffering of Christ and the glory that followed the suffering.

We cannot help but feel the intensity of the suffering of David. It was when he was experiencing great agony at the hand of Saul. But the Holy Spirit inspired him to write these words. He was talking about his suffering, but the Holy Spirit engineered it such that he was actually describing the suffering of Christ Jesus much more than his own. 

This Psalm can be seen in two parts with the first 21 verses forming the first and verses 22-31 forming the second. We shall deal with the first part in this discussion. We can see the first 21 verses as a moan, a prayer of the Psalmist. In these verses we see a portrait of the Crucified Christ and how he was humiliated. These verses echo what Genesis 3:15 had prophetically said about the heel of Christ being bruised. They also reverberate the prophecy in Isaiah 53:12 where Christ was described as pouring out His soul unto death.

A quick scan of these verses will bring us back to what Christ went through at the cross. Verses 1-2 were quoted in Matthew 27:46, when Christ in anguish cried out aloud these words: “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” that is, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” He was hanging on the cross between heaven and earth and felt the intensity of God’s absence. In the Psalm, David also felt as if God had forsaken him. He did not realize then that he was actually pointing to the agony of Christ who felt forsaken by God as He bored the weight of the sin of humanity on the cross. Yet Christ was fully aware of God’s holiness. And because of the sins of humanity that He was bearing, He knew that God had a just reason to withdraw from Him.  

Verses 4-11 is a description of Christ’s plea for deliverance. He had trusted in God from the day of His birth as a human. Verse 6-8 pointed to the scene where Christ was surrounded by evil men who jeered and scorned at Him. He was despised and intensely tortured by them. If there was a time that God’s deliverance was most needed, it was that moment. Yet it was not forthcoming. He was treated like a worm because at the cross Christ was a substitute for every sinner. The sarcasm thrown at Christ in Matthew 27:43 were the similar words taken from verse 8, “…Let Him (God) rescue him, because He delights in him.” Verse 11 reminds us of Gethsemane where Christ was in a sense pleading for help and relief. He asked God if the cup of suffering could be passed. However, He acknowledged that it’s the will of God that must be fulfilled.  

Psalm 22:12-18 clearly depict Christ’s suffering at the cross. David did not suffer the torture of the cross, yet via the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, he described almost all the tortures that Christ was afflicted with on the cross. He was surrounded by mean and nasty men ready to devour Him. In saying that “he was poured out as water”, David foresaw how excessively Christ perspired at the cross. The stretching and suspension of Christ’s body upon the cross caused all the joints of the limbs to be dislocated. David also foresaw the rupture of the blood vessels in Christ’s circulatory system. At the cross, all His strength left Him because He was deprived of food and sleep. And because of great thirst, His tongue cleaved to His jaws. In verse 16, David was again describing how greatly Christ was surrounded by vicious men. The reason Christ could count all His bones was because not a single bone of Christ was fractured. When the Roman guards came to the cross of Jesus seeking to break His legs to hasten His death, they found that He was already dead. Hence His bone was not broken and could be counted, because all His bones were intact. He was truly despised and forsaken as Isaiah 53:3 says, “He was despised and forsaken of men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; and like one from whom men hide their face He was despised, and we did not esteem Him.” Verse 18 was affirmed by Matthew 27:35 which says, “And when they had crucified Him, they divided up His garments among themselves by casting lots.”  

In verse 21 we see Christ’s final plead for help to be delivered from His enemies. God’s deliverance came through and although He was not delivered from death, He was delivered out of death. This verse signals His coming resurrection. Hallelujah, He is alive! From these 21 verses, we know that Christ’s suffering carried with it the eternal purpose of God. He was not spared because God has a purpose through His suffering, the deliverance of mankind. Like Christ, God too has a purpose for each of our experiences in life. He is working them out for our good. When we are lured to think that God doesn’t care what’s happening to us, we must come back to this: that He is working out His plan for our ultimate good. Bear in mind that godly living will invite the jeer of the ungodly. Yet we must remain faithful for the greater glory of God.     

Psalms 21 – Praise God in every circumstance

Psalm 21 is an utterance of praise to God for His deliverance. David wrote it to the choir director or better known as the chief musician to complement Psalm 20. His intention was to praise God for the victory, or for the anticipated victory in the battle against his enemies.

The first segment again began with the praise the people had for God. It implied that the victory had been won and now the people lauded their king. First they extolled God for saving their king who now rejoiced in His provision of strength and salvation. It is a recognition that without God the battle would not have been won. This is so true. Our victory in life is through our constant reliance on God for the strength, without which we will be destined to fail. The Lord is near to His people who call upon Him. So in David’s case, God granted his desire and request, blessed and crowned him. God also prolonged his life and had majestically honoured him, and gladdened his heart with joy in His presence. He let us know through this Psalm that the mercy God had showered upon him was the result of his trust in God.  

From praise of victory won, the people now look with great exhilaration in anticipation of future God-enabled victory over all their enemies. God would help them to search out all their enemies to devour them with fire. The Almighty would annihilate the fruit or descendants of the enemies from the earth. Their evil design against God and His people would be decisively terminated. They would fail and be made to turn back because God had aimed His arrow against them.

With great determination the people promised to praise and sing of God’s saving power. It is fitting to praise God not only for present victory but for all the victories He will bring in the future. With God there will always be progression. He wants to bring us from victory to victory. He wants us to advance over our circumstances one after another. He would not allow us to be bogged down and despair in the mire of defeat. Victory should always begin and end with praise.

In praising God we acknowledge that He is in control over each and every circumstance in our life. We may not know how the victory will come but we know He will fight with and for us. For the present and for the future, let us fully trust the Lord and praise Him even in the thick of our difficulties. He is faithful and will see us through. Like one stanza of a song that says:

“I believe I’ll testify
God’s been good to me
Through every test and trial
I’ve got victory
The enemy has tried his best to make me turn around
Bring me down
But my God has never failed me yet so I’m gonna stand my ground
No matter what comes my way
I’ll lift my voice and say
Hallelujah anyhow”   

Psalms 20 – Rely on God for victory in life

Psalms 20 and 21 complement each other. Psalm 20 is a song of prayer that was probably sung before Israel went into battle against their enemies. Psalm 21, on the other hand, is a song of praise sung after victory had been secured in the battle. The superscript tells us that David had written both the Psalms to the choir director. And both Psalms are Messianic in orientation. When exactly did David write Psalm 20 cannot be determined, but it could well be composed when the Israelites were engaged in warfare with their enemies. A quick scan of the structure will tell us that the people was expressing their desire for victory over their enemies. This psalm is an expression of the confidence David had in God.

Verses 1-5 contain the prayer of the people for David. Apparently, the king here was offering a sacrifice to God as he was preparing himself to lead the people into the battle against their enemies. These first five verses detail the entreaty the people had for him. Their desire was for God to bless their king and grant success to him. They asked God to hear their prayers, defend their king, and from His sanctuary would strengthen him for the battle. They asked that God remember the king’s sacrifice and accept his offering by granting him his desire for victory. Their wish was also for God to help the king to realize his plan and answer the king’s own request for help.  

Even as the people expressed their prayer to God, the king would make his response by expressing his confidence in God. He was sure that God would help him and from His holy heaven, would hear his prayer. Not only that, God would also accompany him into battle with the might of His right hand. He was assured that the enemy would fall while God would enable His own people to stand upright. That’s because they trusted in God while the enemies trusted in their weapons. The Psalmist concluded by expressing the call of the people to God to save them, and answer their call for help.

We must be assured that as God had helped His people, He will also help us in our daily conflict. As we offer ourselves as living sacrifices acceptable to Him, we can face our encounters confidently. By faith let us appropriate the victory He will grant to us. Take the counsel of Proverbs 3:5-6 to heart: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”

Psalms 19:7-14 – The power of the Scripture

In the first six verses of Psalm 19, David tells us that there is a glorious God when we consider the luminaries in heaven. The Sun, moon, stars and the planetary system of the universe operating in exact precision, point to the Creator God who designed them. In theological study, this is referred to as General Revelation. In the next eight verses, we will be looking at Specific Revelation. To us who believe in Jehovah, the Redeemer God, David tells us that He has revealed Himself to us specifically through His Word, referred to here as the Law. And if we go to them we will know more and more about God and His ways.   

Six titles are given to the Scriptures. It is called the law, testimony, precepts, commandment, fear and judgement of the Lord. Each of these titles points us to a different facet of the roles of the Scripture. The Word of God instructs us concerning what’s right and what’s wrong. Besides proving the reality of God, the Scripture also lays down principles on how to live a God pleasing life. It also provides direction so that we can walk the right path in this journey with God. It also helps us to live in awe and correctly appraise life so as to honor our God.

These six titles of the Word of God also point us to six different qualities or characteristics it possesses. It is perfect, sure, right, pure, clean and true. Each of these terms explains itself. There is absolutely no flaw in the Word of God. It is given by God as Paul tells us in 2 Timothy 3:16-17 that, “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.”    

In paying attention to them, the Psalmist tells us that there will be definite impact upon our life. Firstly, our soul will be restored to God. Secondly, the simple will be made wise. Thirdly, our hearts will be made glad with rejoicing. Fourthly, our eyes will be enlightened to have clear perception. Fifthly, our hearts will be made firm and enduring. And sixthly, we will realize that the Word of God vindicates its own righteousness.

Verses 10 -14 tell us how valuable the Word of God really is, that even pure fine gold cannot be compared to it. And although honey is sweet, and the sweetness of the honeycomb may be sweeter, yet both their sweetness cannot outdo the sweetness of the Word. One of the wonderful works of the Scripture is that it warns the people who serves the Word. When one chooses to keep the Word, he will experience richness of life, a reward for obedience. Most wonderful is that a delight in the Word generates a deep desire in us to live life acceptable to God, whether in thoughts, words or deeds. We will desire to be kept from errors, and from secret as well as presumptuous sins. David certainly knew the effect of unconfessed sin. He knew how binding and debilitating they are. Like David said, if we choose to go to God’s liberating Word, we will be set free. Jesus Himself puts it this way, “…You (we) shall know the Truth and the Truth shall set you (us) free.”  David then close with a prayerful wish that before Jehovah God, his Rock and Redeemer, that his words and the unseen thoughts of his heart might be found acceptable in His sight.

How about us? How much do we desire to interact with the Word of God? We need to know that God’s perspective of everything is whole and perfect. Our perspective of things is at best only progressive. Unlike God we will never know the end from the beginning. Whereas God already knows the end from the very onset. It behooves us therefore to get to the Word of God daily and regularly. Through them we shall incrementally become clearer concerning God’s prescription for life. And in living them we will surely please Him. Let’s choose to be instructed and so be empowered by His Word to live for Him!              

Psalms 19:1-6 – The creation declares the glory of God

This Psalm 19 written by David to the choir director is neatly divided into two great sections. Verses 1-6 speak of the glory of God being declared in creation. Verses 7-14 speak of the glory of God being declared in the Scripture, the Word of God. Today we want to dwell on what David is saying in verses 1-6.

David wants us to know that behind the orderliness and precision of the universe, there is a great God. It is very much like looking at a piece of gorgeous painting and be brought to the conclusion that a greater artiste had painted it. So in the same way when we look at the universe - the planetary system, the moon, the stars and especially the sun, all orbiting in precision, we see the hand of God, the Great Creator behind it.

Each day without fail, the sun would rise with its brilliant penetrating light, piercing into every part of earth. In that great brilliance, no part of our wonderful earth is left unexposed to its warmth. David personified the sun as a bridegroom cheerfully coming out of his chamber, full of strength and vitality to gloriously live out his day. Paradoxically, while this universe does not speak a word, yet eloquently it speaks volumes. It tells of the greatness of a glorious God. We can’t help but see the handprint of our God who is wise, powerful, majestic, orderly, and authoritative in action. What’s beautiful about this is that it does not just happen occasionally or every now and then, it speaks continually. Every new day without fail, we see its glory perpetually declared. This has been happening since the dawn of creation. How marvellous!

Who dare to say that there is no God! No wonder God calls that person who denies Him a fool. We don’t need much wisdom to tell that without God, all this universe would not be spinning in so great a precision and exactitude. The God we honour is great! And it’s humbling to know that He cares for us enough to make known His presence to us personally. Remember, like the universe, we too exist to declare His praise!   

Psalms 18:20-50 – Learning from God’s past dealings

In the first 19 verses of Psalm 18, David first praised the Lord and saw Him as his mighty defender and shield. God’s protection was upon him as he encountered his enemies. David narrated how he came face to face with death and yet came out unscathed. Because his voice came up to the Lord who then delivered him from what seemed like certain death. In verses 1-19, we saw how God in all His sovereign power waiting to come to the rescue of His own. He is just one prayer away. Remember, a simple call for help from the Almighty will trigger His assistance. Our prolonged distress is often due to our failure to call upon Him.

In verses 20–45 David then shows us plainly the lessons gleaned from his past experiences, empowering him for the future victory. Like him, we too will often realize God’s dealings with us as we reminisce His past dealings with us. As we recall His goodness, they provide us with the confidence to trust Him for our forward encounters. In verses 20-24, David tells us that our God rewards righteousness. His victory was secured because he knew he was in right standing with God. He did not do anything that would prevent God from intervening on his behalf. As he remained in right standing with God, he found out that God turned what seemed like darkness into light. This set for us an example that we should actively pursue the path of righteousness too, so that we will inherit his blessings. Isn’t this what Jesus our Lord also calls us to do? He said, “Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added to you.” It behooves us therefore to seek His reign over our life, and also to go after His righteous standard in our living.  

In his experience, David also realized that God’s way is perfect and blameless, and that it was His purpose to make David’s way perfect as well. So in verses 35-45 he narrated how this worked out for him. He was empowered to gain victory in the midst of all his struggles. As we think about this, we will realize that this is so true for us too. God wants us to be perfect and blameless as He is. As we arm with this thought, we are somehow enabled to walk victoriously. Jesus once reminds His followers to be perfect even as our Heavenly Father is perfect. The question is how can we ever be perfect as the heavenly Father? Put it this way, we may not be perfect in the way in conducting our life, but we can be perfect in the attitude as we go about conducting it. The issue is not so much in what we do to obey Him, but in how we go about doing what we do to please Him. Remember, it’s not our aptitude that will determine our altitude. It’s our attitude that will define our altitude. When we are perfect in attitude we can attain much in life. So we see how this worked out for David. It empowered him for victory in the midst of all his struggles, which he narrated for us in verses 35-45. The last five verses of the Psalm end the way it began. David raised his praise to the Rock of his salvation. What an apt ending!

Psalm 18:1-19 – God’s deliverance is just one prayer away

Psalm 18 written by David is a revision of 2 Samuel 22. He wrote this Psalm to the chief musicians. The occasion for this deliverance song was when God delivered him from all his enemies, especially from the hand of Saul. Second Samuel chapter 8 detailed David’s victories over so many enemies. It provides for us the background of this song. Now in this Psalm, David had only one intention. It was a song written to praise God who had blessed him so bountifully in so many ways.

As one who had experienced God’s bountiful deliverance, praise would be the obvious response. So David began his praise of God by ascribing to Him different terms to emphasize His reliability. He was David’s strength, Rock, Fortress, Deliverer, Buckler, Horn and High Tower. Like David, we know how reliable God is. We can trust Him to shield us in times of trouble. He is the Rock, the foundation of our life. Our life will be solidly indestructible when we allow Him to be our defender. David and the Lord had a very personal relationship. How do we know? Just count the number of times the word ‘my’ had been used. The nine times became his emphasis to describe how dear God was to David. So with such a wonderful relationship, it was no wonder that he would love and trust Him. He found it natural to rely on Him, and call spontaneously on Him for deliverance and help. Without a doubt God deserves to be praised!   

In verses 4-5 David described the extent of his trouble. He was surrounded by the ungodly, and was face to face with death. The grave seemed imminent. Emotionally he was at his lowest ebb. He felt drained and was filled with sorrow and fear. Many of us probably had all been to that place before. Some of us may be at this place now. Here we can learn from David what to do. In his distress, he lifted his prayer to God and was heard by the Almighty. So we too can lift our cry to the Almighty and know that He will come to our rescue.   

So verses 7-19, in a highly dramatic language, David narrates how God had delivered him. God’s fierce anger was seen in the earthquake and the storm. And in a very graphic way, David used the forces of nature to describe the wrath of God shown against his enemies. In narrating how God came to his rescue, David had become God’s instrument to tell us that God will also move heaven and earth to answer the cry of help we will make to Him. Like David, we must love God, and totally trust and rely on Him, then we can expect His deliverance. Like David, God must be our constant stay. So what is the current trial we are battling? Remember God is just one prayer away!  

Psalm 17 – The prayer of a person in right standing with God

David was a prayerful person. This is one of his prayers in a psalm. This was certainly one of those moments when he was persecuted and pursued by Saul. In this Psalm, it seems quite obvious that David believed that the Lord would deliver him as he considered himself righteous. So he made a series of four petitions. The first of which is recorded in verses 1-4. He was confident that God would hear the prayer of the innocent. He maintained that he had not been found guilty of wrongdoing, therefore God would hear him. He was not deceitful and was certain that he could stand the Lord’s scrutiny and find no flaws in his actions. He knew because he had made up his mind and even swore not to transgress in his life. When we have lived our best for the Lord, we can confidently come before Him, assured that He has perfect knowledge of everything and will count us blameless. 

The second petition that David made is found in verses 5-6. Here he asked God to keep him on track. Despite his earlier claims that he had done nothing that would make him guilty before God, yet he knew that to remain in a faithful track with God, he needed His help. Like David we need to know and be fully confident that God alone can keep our feet from slipping from the path He had ordained for us. David was sure God would answer his prayer. Verses 7-12 formed his third petition where he asked to be shown the loving-kindness of God and be protected from the traps of the enemies. David felt the favor of God upon him and was sure that He would keep him and protect him as one would protect the pupil of his eye. He was assured that God would keep him from being destroyed by the enemies that surrounded him.

Then with the deep assurance that God would view him with favor, he boldly made his fourth request recorded in verses 13-15. He asked God to arise and personally deliver him and to destroy his enemies. Unlike the children of this world that enjoy earthly blessings, and he knew that God was the source of these earthly blessings. They could be so filled with God’s good things and would even afford to leave some for their posterity. But as far as David was concerned, these blessings would only be earthly blessings. Whereas David could only be satisfied with things of the world to come. His deep yearning was to be able to behold the face of God in righteousness and when he arose in that world, he would adorn honorable image of the Most High.

Like David, it is good for us to seek to live righteously for God, and should ask God to keep us in the path of righteousness. We can rely on Him to help us overcome our enemies. Our pursuit should be to become more and more conformed to His image and not be caught up with the pursuit of things of this world. Truly when we keep our focus on Jesus, the things of this earth will be strangely deemed, in the light of His glory and love.   

Psalm 16 – Being satisfied in God

The word “Mikhtam’ in the superscript of Psalm 16 is believed to mean “golden.” Hence this is considered a “golden poem.” Many think that this Psalm is actually a private and personal prayer of David. He is supposed to have penned this song. From the expression of verses 10-11 and the fact that part of it was quoted in Acts 2:25-28, many conclude that this is also a messianic psalm. The content of this Psalm shows David expressing his satisfaction with God. There seems to be a dual-reference here:  on one end it refers to David, on the other it is making reference to Christ.  

In verses 1 and 2, we see David’s trust in the Lord. He acknowledged Jehovah God, his Lord, and he had placed his trust in Him. He was also well aware that apart from Jehovah God, there is absolutely nothing good in him. Based on these beliefs, David then prayed, asking God whom he had trusted, to preserve him from both evil man and evil things. Unlike those evil men, David had great love for the righteous and detested the wicked. He loathed those who worship false gods. He also refused to have anything to do with them, much less offer sacrifices of worship to them or call on their names. To David their sorrow would be multiplied to them by God, for their indulgence in their false worship.

As far as he was concerned, God would be his portion because he found great delight in Him. So in verses 5-8. He made his satisfaction in God known. So assured of the Lord as his inheritance, he expressed his trust that God would maintain and advance his cause. He was also confident that he would have a noble and pleasing heritage. In verse 7, David then blessed the Lord who had provided him with right counsel and led him to choose the right course of action, to make his lot with God. And as he aligned with God, even in his sleep God would instruct him. Hence he would take God into consideration in all his activities. In very step he took he would put God in the equation. As he factored God into his life, he was assured that God was always at his right hand. Hence he found deep assurance of safety as he gladly rejoiced in the Lord.  

He was also confident that God will never leave him and abandon him in “Sheol”, the place of the dead.  So with his tongue he rejoiced as his soul continued to rest in the hope he found in God. Essentially David was pointing to the resurrection of Christ.  This Psalm teaches us to fully trust the Lord. It teaches us to align with the righteous and detest evil. And like the Psalmist, let’s acknowledge that our greatest inheritance is God, and learn to always see Him before us.  More wonderfully, it points to the great hope we have in the resurrection of Christ. Praise the Lord!

Psalm 15 – Portrait of a godly person

This is yet another Psalm written by David. It outlines for us the kind of person we should strive to be so that we can enter and enjoy the presence of God. A quick scan of this song will show us what a godly life looks like. This is the kind of life that we should seek to build. The background to this Psalm is not certain. Though uncertain, this Psalm is commonly acknowledged as a poem David had written when the Ark of the Covenant was transported to Mount Zion recorded in 2 Samuel 6:12-19.  

The two rhetorical questions speak a lot. They tell us of David’s inner desire. His wish was to be able to dwell in the presence of God. They imply that there are some pre-requisites we must meet, if we, like him, are to relish a sweet and abiding fellowship with God. The questions should cause us to think of what we need to be if we desire to have a vibrant and living fellowship with God.

In verses 2-5, David then answers the questions that he raised. Here’s a description of a person who has taken care to be right in every department of his life – his conduct, his deed, his speech, his dealings with others, his perception and generosity.  Regarding conduct, he walks uprightly. As to his deed, he only does what is righteous. In his speech, he is truthful. He would say what he means and means what he says. He does not slander another nor backbite and speak evil of others. Such a person not only refuses to malign his neighbor, he also would not do anything to hurt him. By not taking up a reproach against a neighbor, David meant that he does not listen to the ill of someone and then repeat to others. In his eyes, anyone who practices vileness is repulsive to him, but he will go all out to honor anyone who fears God. What’s also telling about such a person is that he keeps his words, even if it takes a lot out of him. He would rather inconvenience himself than not keep his word. In other words, he fulfills his promises. He will not practice usury against his neighbor and friend by demanding an interest for money he loans to a friend. What he definitely will not do is to take a bribe so as to testify falsely against an innocent person. 

David was very sure that such a solid character will not be swayed or shaken easily. He is such a person God would be pleased to fellowship with. In order to be in that position, the first requirement is to have Christ in our life. The portrait painted for us in this Psalm can never be attained without first knowing Christ Jesus as our Lord. That’s just the start of this blessed journey to enjoy God’s presence. However, we must also know that what David described in this Psalm, will only be experienced progressively. As our relationship with the Lord is built, we will find entering into His presence becoming easier. We must deliberately make time to live continuously in an interactive relationship with the Trinity – Father, Son and Holy Spirit. As we do so, we will learn to distinguish His still and gentle voice. Then we must adjust our life to align with His instruction and change where we need to change. The aim is to cultivate an upright life so that we can continually enter into God’s sweet presence. What a privilege!      

Psalm 14:1-7 and Psalm 53 – What is a fool?

Both Psalms 14 and 53 are identical - word-for-word. David had written these Psalms and again addressed them to the chief musician. He was contrasting the people of God with the people who refused to acknowledge God. His definition of a fool is anyone who denies that God exists. They have thrust God out of their heart. Because of the disbelief in the existence of God, they become corrupt and would act wickedly. Every deed of theirs is characterized by evil. And the world is filled with them. 

In verse 2, we are told that God has a desire. He longs for people to know and acknowledge Him. So He searches the world wishing to find people who have a heart for Him. However, people who will seek to know and understand Him are few and far in between. Generally speaking, there is no natural seeker of God. Mankind has a heart that is inclined toward evil. Since the disobedience of Adam, man has inherited a natural propensity that gravitates towards evil. Paul in Romans 3:10-12 quoted these words, for he also saw as David saw. Everyone outside of a relationship with God is wicked and evil. “There is no righteous, no not one.” Only the wise would factor God into their life and call upon Him.

Thankfully, in the world, God does have people who trust Him. Since the coming of Jesus, many through Him had returned to the Father. And there are more and more people being drawn to the Father. But still, there are many wicked people who still refuse to acknowledge God and would tyrannize the people who trust and believe in God. David describes the bullying of God’s people as a man-eating bread. It is very heartening to know that God is on the side of the oppressed. They are those who belong to God and would come to Him for refuge. The wicked fail to realize that they are actually touching God when they oppress the poor who belong to God. Hence they are doomed to fail. David recognized that God is the deliverer of Israel. By extension, He is also the deliverer of the people who have a relationship with Him through Christ. From Zion, the holy presence of God would come the deliverer. And Israel, the children of Jacob, and everyone who acknowledges God will eventually be restored and rejoice in their salvation.

From these Psalms, we know that a fool is not one who is lacking in mental capacity but one who is spiritually rebellious. Hence they act as if there is no God. Persisting in their stubbornness of disregarding God, they will eventually deny the existence of God. They will build a mindset that God does not exist. While we have a majority of this type of people in the world, we thank God for the community of God’s people that is increasing incrementally. We know that there’s a final accounting coming. Let’s be found worthy to be numbered among God’s righteous people. Let not give up but instead, join God in His search to recruit more to join the community of the righteous!   

Psalm 13:1-6 – Growing through trials

David wrote this Psalm and addressed it to the choirmaster or otherwise known as the chief musician. From the way this Psalm is structured, we can feel the anguish and despair of David. This probably occurred when he was fleeing from King Saul who pursued David for a while. It was truly a hazardous adventure for him. At one time he had to pretend to be mad. Then he also had to act as if he was colluding with Israel’s enemies. These and many other accounts of his life as a refugee, could be seen in 1 Samuel 19 right through to 31. 

It is no surprise then for him to feel anguish and in utter despair. The length of his persecution had reduced him to such distress. In his long and arduous desolation, he felt as if God had turned His face away from him. He had this feeling as if God had forgotten him and so was in total perplexity. In verses 1 and 2, his cries of “How long?” is therefore understandable. He was wondering how long before these trails would be over. We know that this kind of response is not specific to David, but also everyone, who at times has to endure long and trying moments. Tiredness and weariness always lead to impatience. And prolonged impatience would make one discontent and complain.

David, however, did not spend his whole time lamenting or engaged in self-pity. He chose to disengage and turn his despairing moments into an occasion for prayer. He specifically asked for three things: (1) that God would consider him; (2) that God would hear him; and (3) that God would strengthen and preserve him. The obvious would happen if God would not intervene. The enemy would overcome him and boast in their jubilation. And David definitely did not want that to happen. Thus God was his only recourse, so he prayed.

In prayer, David felt a deep assurance of God’s help. And from prayer, David progressed to praise. He began trusting and rejoicing. He recalled the lovingkindness of God and so rejoiced in God’s deliverance. From the joy, he burst out into singing of God’s wonderful dealing in his life, and the blessing God had poured upon him.    

We must know that the trials we encounter in life may be long at times. Through trials, we learn to trust in the Lord and grow in Him. Instead of murmuring and complaining, we should turn them into moments of encountering God in prayer. He promises to be with us, even in our trials. And when we have done praying, start praising. We will find the strength to overcome, for that is God’s assurance to us. Praise His Name! 

Psalm 12:1-8 – A cry for preservation

David wrote this Psalm. He wrote it for the choir director. It was specially written for the eight-stringed lyre. David’s desire was for God to preserve and keep the righteous for they were surrounded by wicked people. He started with a cry for help in verses 1-2. In his estimate, he saw a decrease in godliness. We can roughly guess how this can happen. When people become distracted and their concern gravitates toward the mundane. They have no thought for God nor the things of God. Hence they would not seek a relationship with Him. This is a reminder to us not to lose sight of God. 

David saw that as people become unconcerned about God and godly things, the result obviously would be a decrease in faithful people. It would be evident in the increase of deceitful speeches people would make. Many would flatter and speak one thing when they mean another. And there is no consistency in their speech. They hypocritically lie and flatter without any truth. Such people would be caught in their evil and become deluded, and oblivious of their flaws. They would have no regard for God or others, asserting that they were masters of their own fate. They boasted, thinking that they could overcome others with their clever speeches. They failed to realize the sovereign control of God.  

In verse 5 David reminded himself of what God had said, “Because of the devastation of the afflicted, because of the groaning of the needy, now I will arise,” says the Lord; “I will set him in the safety for which he longs.” David was confident that God would never leave the righteous in their plight. He was very sure that God would arise and preserve the righteous. He was confident because he knew the integrity and faithfulness of God, who had never failed in fulfilling what He had said. In contrast to man’s words, God’s words are dependable and trustworthy. God’s words had been proven to be true over and over in life. Hence David was confident that God would keep what He had promised, and hence He completely trusted God for himself and those in right relationship with Him, to be preserved.

We are reminded to stay focused, so that we will not add to the number of ungodly people. We must stay intact with God, and daily build on the relationship we have with Him. When we do that, there will be more people who are true to God. We should not be taken in by flattering words of deception.  We should instead be discerning and seek to be guided by God’s Word. The best thing to do as we progress in our journey with God is to fully trust Him and His Word. Don’t be distracted but know that God is trustworthy and we can rest in His promises. So we must learn to take comfort in Him in the midst of any suffering. We must seek to live our life in accordance to what He had prescribed in the Word. 

Psalm 11:1-7 – Trusting God absolutely

Psalm 11 is yet another of David’s songs composed for the choir master or the chief musician. The content expresses his resolute trust in God, despite being counselled to act contrary to it. The backdrop to this Psalm could well be found in 1 Kings 18-19. It all started with the praise the people of Israel ascribed to him after he returned from battle in victory. When Saul heard the praise given to David, concluded that the people esteemed him more than the king himself, he became jealous. So he sought to kill David on several occasions. Fortunately David had a good friend in Jonathan, Saul’s son. Besides, he also had his wife Michal, Saul’s daughter, on his side. So when Saul, his father-in-law sought to kill him, his trusted friends were there to provide the advice. And he was counselled to flee for his life like a bird fleeing its predator. 

But David’s whole trust was in the Lord. So he began by expressing his complete trust in God. Unlike many, he would not trust in himself, not in his wisdom, nor his wit, nor his weapon. His trust in God was explicit and unqualified. For He is his refuge. Although counselled to run for his life, he refused. He chose to stay put. His counselor had revealed the wicked enemies’ plot to destroy him, though he had been upright. Here we are told that the wicked enemies had stationed themselves, their bow already bent and ready to shoot at his heart in the cover of the darkness.

Without factoring God into the equation, many had resigned to the fact that there was absolutely nothing the righteous could do. Especially so when the foundations of the society had been destroyed and law, order and justice are absent. In those situations, the lives of the righteous will be exposed and threatened. The only recourse it seems then is to flee. But for David, He factored God into his life. He was sure that God was in total control. Hence his decision on what to do in time of trouble was entirely different. He refused to run. He chose to stay put and trust God. And that was what he determined to do, unless God indicates to him otherwise.    

In verses 4-7. David provides us the reasons for his confidence in God. Like David, we too must firmly believe that God is still in control. He is still on the throne. His eyes are still on the people, and He sees and evaluates everyone’s life and deeds. He distinguishes between the wicked and the upright. Those with evil design and practice evil will meet with violent end. Whereas the upright will be rewarded. The best reward in life, of course, is to have an intimate relationship with God, and have access into His presence to behold His face. 

What do we take away from psalm 11? Life is not a rose garden. We have sunshine and we also have rain. We have joy and we also have pain. But it’s undeniable that God’s eyes are upon us all the time. He knows exactly what we are going through. We need not fear our circumstances. They are God’s instrument to mold us. Using those circumstances, God wants to help us to measure the level of our strength, faith and trust in Him. And many a time He does it through well-meaning-but-foolish advice of people who are close to us. The test of our faith life is: will we abandon ourselves to Him in absolute and total surrender? Yes, even when we have no inkling about the outcome. Remember Hebrews 11:6, “And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.”       

Psalm 10:12-18 – A plea for help for the needy

Psalm 10:1-11 provide an assessment of the wicked. Everything about the wicked somehow just oozes evil. There is nothing pure from their attitude, to their thoughts and their deeds. They think, say and act that way because at the heart of the matter is that they do not believe in the existence of God. In contrast to them, David the author of this Psalm indicates here that he fully subscribes to the truth that there’s a God. He is no ordinary God but one who is just and righteous. He is the protector of the poor and needy, the exploited and the less fortunate. He will look after them and will vindicate them. Armed with that mind-set, David then made a passionate plea for God to intervene on the behalf the affected. 

In verse 12, David boldly asked God to rise up and act against the folly of the wicked who had ignored God, and not considered Him before they act. Hence, they assumed that they would never be called to give an account of their wicked deeds. This is sheer foolishness. But God does see every act of their wickedness. He could see their mischief and will take note of the plight of the oppressed. He hears the cries and sees what takes place in the people who are oppressed. David wants us to know that the God we worship and trust is a compassionate God. He takes note of the plight of the unfortunate. Here he uses different words to describe the plight of such people.  Words such as helpless, unfortunate, poor, oppressed, orphan, innocent and meek. The plea of David climaxes in his call for the annihilation of the wicked.   

In the last three verses, David praised God and acknowledged His reign. His kingdom is so powerful that it can never be overthrown. Here David urges the Sovereign God to do justice by eradicating the wicked from the land. For he was confident that God would not deny what’s due to those most at risk. More than just wanting us to sympathize with the plight of the unfortunate, David wants us to be fully acquainted with a compassionate God. He wants us to know what kind of God He really is. He is righteous and pure. Not only is He all-powerful, He is also full of wisdom. And He controls the affairs of men sovereignly and will deal with the wicked to avenge those who are exploited. Knowing such a God should help us make it our business to keep the plight of the less fortunate in prayer, and for God to intervene on their behalf.