PSALM 30 30 JANUARY 2008
By David

Mourning into Dancing

This psalm was likely written in the time where David acted presumptuously. A plague struck and claimed 70,000 lives (see 1 Chronicles21:16 & 2 Samuel 24). These events led to David falling ill, till the point of death, v3, 9, weeping, v5, God’s withdrawal of His Presence, v7. The turning point came when David cried out to God for help, v2 and from that point on, he was healed, raised up from near death, his mourning was turned into dancing and his favour with God was restored.

How gracious and generous is the forgiveness of our heavenly Father. The moment we repent, He transforms all that brought pain and shame into our lives.

Some of us may have sinned presumptuously too. For those of us who are serving, we can end up running on our experience rather than inquiring of the Lord. For the rest of us, if we do not have the habit of asking God for guidance in making decisions, let’s learn to do that. Sometimes the lack of consulting Him leads us up paths of frustration. God desires that you have more joy, v11-12, so seek Him about what you intend to do & even whether some thoughts you think, pleases Him or not. May He transform us all as we learn to seek Him.

PSALM 29 29 JANUARY 2008
By David

A Display of God’s Glory

Psalm 19:1 “The heavens are telling of the glory of God” and indeed so, Psalm 29 fully shows us God’s glory and awesomeness in the description of a storm that David observed. This observation draws us to appreciate the power & strength of God & worship Him, v1-2.

The path of the storm is described from v3-8, starting somewhere over the Mediterranean Sea. Then it moved Eastward towards the mountains of Lebanon; great Cedars fall & the mountains looked as though it was skipping like calves. Then the storm moved towards Sirion and Southward towards the wilderness of Kadesh where it tapered off.

The might of the storm is shown in the way everything got rattled in its path, deserts were shaken, the oak trees were twisted and forests were laid bare.

This psalm ends off with the promise, “The LORD is enthroned as King forever. The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace.” Psalm 29:10b-11.

Whatever situations that you feel inadequate in, be assured that God is King & grants you His strength & His blessing of peace.

PSALM 28 28 JANUARY 2008
By David

Knocking on the Doors of Heaven

David knew Who to turn to, Whose ears he wanted. “To you I call, O LORD my Rock; do not turn a deaf ear to me. For if you remain silent, I will be like those who have gone down to the pit. Hear my cry for mercy as I call to you for help, as I lift up my hands toward your Most Holy Place.” Psalm 28:1-2

The reason for the persistent banging on heaven’s doors was that David was being grouped together with the wicked. “Do not drag me away with the wicked, with those who do evil, who speak cordially with their neighbors but harbor malice in their hearts. Repay them for their deeds and for their evil work; repay them for what their hands have done and bring back upon them what they deserve.” Psalm 28:3-4

The door opens, David senses God’s Presence and is assured of forgiveness. “Praise be to the LORD, for he has heard my cry for mercy. The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song.” Psalm 28:6-7

Just as in our friendships, if there was any misunderstanding with someone close, would you be eager to set it straight? God is holy. If there was a hint of barrier in your walk with Him, would you go knocking on His doors to confess & seek forgiveness?

PSALM 27 27 JANUARY 2008
By David

Strengthened by Hunger

Unpleasant things are happening in David’s life. Yet, what was amazing was David stood confident in God. “The LORD is my light and my salvation-- whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life-- of whom shall I be afraid? When evil men advance against me to devour my flesh, when my enemies and my foes attack me, they will stumble and fall. Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then will I be confident.” Psalm 27:1-3

David’s strength came from his hunger for God’s Presence. “One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple... Hear my voice when I call, O LORD; be merciful to me and answer me. My heart says of you, "Seek his face!" Your face, LORD, I will seek. Do not hide your face from me, do not turn your servant away in anger; you have been my helper. Do not reject me or forsake me, O God my Savior.” Psalm 27:4, 7-9

David closes the psalm with “I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.” Psalm 27:13-14

Hunger for the LORD today and He will strengthen you with a new confidence in Him in your circumstances.



PSALM 26 26 JANUARY 2008
By David – Psalms 26, 27 & 28 speaks of the longing David had for God’s dwelling place. In Psalm 26, he feared that God would reject him as he too, was a sinner. In Psalm 27, he hungered for God, the source of His strength. In Psalm 28, David knocks on the door of heaven with his supplication.

Longing to be in God’s House

David seemed to be facing some major indictment – his integrity was being questioned & there was public opinion that he was like the rest of the sinners, men of bloodshed, wicked schemes & bribes. Hence the appeal, “Vindicate me, O LORD, for I have led a blameless life; I have trusted in the LORD without wavering. Test me, O LORD, and try me, examine my heart and my mind; for your love is ever before me, and I walk continually in your truth.” Psalm 26:1-3

God’s examination of his heart was important for David wanted very much to be in the house of the Lord. “I love the house where you live, O LORD, the place where your glory dwells.” Psalm 26:8

Perhaps there was some truth in it, for he had committed adultery & scheme Uriah’s murder. Hence, he prayed, “Do not take away my soul along with sinners, my life with bloodthirsty men, in whose hands are wicked schemes, whose right hands are full of bribes.” Psalm 26:9-10

Would being excluded from God’s Presence cause you to anxious? For some of us, we need to examine if we have taken God’s house for granted. Look forward to our Sunday time of worship with a longing like David has for God’s house.

PSALM 25 25 JANUARY 2008
By David

Friend in High Places

King David knew that he has a VVIP for a Friend. With God on his side, David outplay, outwit & outlast Saul, Absalom & the kings who came to attack Israel. Truly, nothing is impossible with God.

Then why the concern? - “Do not let me be ashamed” (v2& 20); what’s more, he added on the reminders to God, “O my God, in You I trust” (v2) & “for I take refuge in You” (v20). Was it because of the fact that his enemies were treacherous (v3), or many & hate him (v19) or that they laid traps (v15)?

David knew that God is Holy and if there were any reason that God handed him over, it would be because of sin. David did not presume that he is right before God. Once again, he prayed and confessed his sins:

- Remember not the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways v7a

- For the sake of your name, O LORD, forgive my iniquity, though it is great v11

- Look upon my affliction and my distress and take away all my sins. v18

David has learnt to relate reverently with his VVIP Friend. And in return, he receives his Friend’s guidance (v12), prosperity (v13) and shares his Friend’s secret (v14). For those of us who long for a closer & more intimate walk with God, step one is to approach Him reverently. Yes, be confident that He loves you but also humble yourself & confess your sins.

PSALM 24 24 JANUARY 2008
By David

Jesus – The Returning King

This psalm was likely sung at the return of the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem (2 Samuel 6:11-19). Just as the people rejoice & welcome the return of the Ark to the Tabernacle, on the day where Jesus returns, we would also sound our cheers for His coming.

This psalm would have been read in a participatory manner: a leader would ask the questions in v 3, 8a & 10a and the people or Levites would reply with 4-7, 8b-9 and 10b respectively. The people seem to know full well their part in being ready for His return – “He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear by what is false.” Ps 24:4

Indeed, everything on this planet including our very life, belongs to God. Our role then, is to be a good steward of all that belongs to Him including the very lives that we live. While Jesus is our Shepherd & cares for us, do we take care too, the way we order our lives?

Some of us, when we open ourselves to negative & dark thoughts, we agree with the evil one on all the things that cannot be done. In that manner, we lift our soul to what is false when we buy into lies & deception easily. Is there any negative thought about yourself that you need to get rid of & let the King of Glory come into to shine in your hearts? Let the Holy Spirit renew us today.