PSALM 38 7 FEBRUARY 2008
By David

Pain, Loneliness & Cry to the Lord

David was very ill & in great pain as a result of his sin of adultery and murder. “My wounds fester and are loathsome because of my sinful folly. I am bowed down and brought very low; all day long I go about mourning. My back is filled with searing pain; there is no health in my body. I am feeble and utterly crushed; I groan in anguish of heart... My heart pounds, my strength fails me; even the light has gone from my eyes.” Psalm 38:5-8.

Besides physical pain, in a time where he was most vulnerable, his friends and companions avoided him v11 while his enemies actively planned his ruin v12.

At his low point, David prayed, “I wait for you, O LORD; you will answer, O Lord my God.” Psalm 38:15

David also confessed his struggles (people gloating v16, worsening physical condition v17, numerous enemies who hate him, men who repaid his good with evil v19-20) and his own sin & how it troubled him v18.

David was in a crisis, many areas in his life was falling apart. Are you struggling like David where you felt that something is breaking up, your relationship, family or perhaps it’s a friend that you know that feels this way. Follow David & pray, “O LORD, do not forsake me; be not far from me, O my God. Come quickly to help me, O Lord my Savior.” Psalm 38:21-22

PSALM 37 6 FEBRUARY 2008
By David

Does the Wicked Really Prosper?

The wicked do prosper for a short while but their prosperity is short lived: die away v2, will be no more v10, perish... vanish like smoke v20, passed away and was no more.. couldn’t be found v36.

During the time we see the wicked prosper or getting away with injustice, God guides us to guard our hearts from sin. We are to:

- Refrain from fretting, v1, 7, 8
- Not to envy, v1
- Delight in God, v4
- Commit your way to God, v5
- Be still before God, v7
- Wait patiently for God, v7
- Refrain from anger & turn away from wrath, v8
God’s promise of blessing is tremendous for those who decide to guard our hearts from sin. You stand to receive a rich inheritance from the Lord! Decide to walk right before God today, don’t get uptight if some really nasty classmate or colleague get better grades or promotions and you did not. Trust that God will bless you too as you walk right with Him.

PSALM 36 5 FEBRUARY 2008
By David

A Reflection

David had encountered much sin and evil in his life – as a victim & also when he fell into sin. He also encountered much of God’s love and righteousness in all his trials as well. This psalm is a reflection of both areas.

In the first part, “Transgressions speak to the ungodly within his heart” Psalm 36:1 (NASB). It was as if sin (evil) were talking to the sinner – deceiving and flattering the sinner, v2-3. The sinner is drawn into wicked deeds and active sinning. Even on his bed he plots evil; he commits himself to a sinful course and does not reject what is wrong. Psalm 36:4

In the second part, David describes God’s love & righteousness. “Your love, O LORD, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies. Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, your justice like the great deep. O LORD, you preserve both man and beast. How priceless is your unfailing love! Both high and low among men find refuge in the shadow of your wings.“ Psalm 36:5-7

David concluded this psalm with a prayer, v10-12, asking God to continue His love to the Godly & protection from the ungodly.

Let’s do our own reflection on these 2 areas as well. What do you feed your mind with: Negative thoughts (are deceptions or pride) or God’s love & righteousness? Ask God to continue His love & righteousness in your life!

PSALM 35 4 FEBRUARY 2008
By David

The Lord Fights for You

David is in the heat of things again. Saul and his men, some previously David’s friends, v14 were trying to kill David. The onslaught seemed intense: people after his life v3-4, traps set for him v7, hostile accusers v11 and so on. None of us would want to be in those shoes. But if it does happens, take heart, God fights for His people Exodus 14:14.

Perhaps it’s in knowing this that David prayed this prayer: “Contend, O LORD, with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me. Take up shield and buckler; arise and come to my aid. Brandish spear and javelin against those who pursue me. Say to my soul, "I am your salvation." Psalm 35:1-3

Whatever your battles may be, God will step in to help you!

PSALM 34 3 FEBRUARY 2008
By David

Supernatural Escape

David was caught by Achish, a Philistine King (also known as Abimelech, the official title of Philistine kings, just as Egyptian kings were known as Pharaoh). In a clever stroke of disguise, David pretended to be a mad man and Achish set the mad man free. David escaped from the very clutches of the enemy and this psalm was penned, (see 1 Samuel 21:10-15)

The first thought of David when God got him out of danger was praise and thanksgiving, v1-3. Then David wrote down the secret for his escape (by Warren Wiersbe ‘Be Worshipful’:

(i) Seek God, He rescues you v4-8
(ii) Fear God, he blesses you, v9-10,12-14
(iii) Trust God, He delivers you, v19-22

These 3 aspects perhaps summed up well the description of David as ‘a man after God’s own heart’. There are many things that we can be going after – grades, friends, wealth, position, approval and so on. But if choose and decide to put God first, we will find ourselves living a supernatural life. If you are for the Lord, He will be for you too!

PSALM 33 2 FEBRUARY 2008
Author unknown

Praise & Worship God

This psalm was likely written after Israel was victorious over their enemies or a trial, v10-11, 16-17. Obviously, God was the reason for their victory and hence the leader taught the people (i) how to worship, v1-3 (ii) why worship, v4-19 and (iii) the effect of worship, v20-22

(i) How to worship: “Sing joyfully to the LORD... Praise the LORD with the harp; make music to him on the ten-stringed lyre. Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy.” Psalm 33:1-3

(ii) Why worship: He is true to His word, faithful v4, His love is unfailing v5, He is the Maker of the Universe v6, He holds up the world v7, He establishes His plans forever v9-11, He is your God v12, He delivers you v13-19

(iii) Effect of worship: Renewed hope in God. “We wait in hope for the LORD; he is our help and our shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. May your unfailing love rest upon us, O LORD, even as we put our hope in you.” Psalm 33:20-22

What is your struggle each time we come together to praise & worship God? Do you find yourself singing joyfully? Look through all the reasons we worship God for. Tomorrow, as you step into Expo service, consider is there something you can relate with God whether in your life or a character of God in (ii) that you can meditate & prepare yourself to worship Him?

PSALM 32 1 FEBRUARY 2008
By David

Clean Up God’s Way

The easy way of clearing up a messy room is to quickly open up a cabinet and stuff everything into it. The room looked clean up since everything was hidden. Some of us treat sin, this way too. We put it behind us, deny its existence and give the whole world the ‘i’m fine, thank you’ face.

King David used this housekeeping strategy when he sinned. Because sin is an active poison, his life started ebbing away during the period he had hidden away his sin. “When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer. Selah” Psalm 32:3-4. Then David confessed his sin and he was restored.

When we confess our sins, God cleans it all off with the blood of Jesus, no record of the sin could ever be found again. “Count yourself lucky, how happy you must be – you get a fresh start, your slate’s wiped clean.” Psalm 32:1 (Msg)

Come clean before God today. He promised to do the thorough job of cleaning up the mess, with forgiveness, v5, protection & help, v7, guidance & counsel with a loving eye on you, v8.

PSALM 31 31 JANUARY 2008
By David

Men’s Plots & God’s Secret Hidout

The bad guys had secret plots & conspiracies against David, v4 & it really hurt him. Emotionally, he was anguished, v7, sorrow, grief v9. Physically, his body weakened, v10. Spiritually, he was rejected, v11b (people avoided him), forgotten, treated as if dead, v12a and murder plots, v13b.

The descriptions given in this psalm best fit the period of subversive campaign by Absalom to usurp the throne. Absalom, known for his persuasive words, was able to win even Ahithophel, David’s key man, v13 (2 Samuel 15-18)

When David called on God, He encountered God’s abundant goodness. “How great is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you, which you bestow in the sight of men on those who take refuge in you.” Psalm 31:19 Besides that, God also has a secret place where He hid David away from his enemies. “In the shelter of your presence you hide them from the intrigues of men; in your dwelling you keep them safe from accusing tongues.” Psalm 31:20

Are there any odds stacked against you or matters that wound you emotionally, physically or spiritually? Ask the Lord to help you out of your troubles. You will find His blessings & protection away from harm.