PSALM 56 25 FEBRUARY 2008
By David

Do Not Be Afraid

“In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me?” Psalm 56:4

Psalm 56 is a prayer for help when being attached by the enemy and David’s life is threatened. Ps 56:1-2 was David’s appeal to God for help.
The background to this Psalm is the same as previous where Saul was trying to kill David.
David was afraid and we can see this in verse 3 and verse 4. Despite his fear, he chose to trust God. The more fearful David is, the more he confessed his trust in God.
Such is David’s confident in God that he offers thanksgiving and praise to God for delivering him even though he has yet to see deliverance.
David is able to do so because he knows who God is. God is a faithful, covenant keeping God. His love for his people will never fail. Can you trust God the way David trust?

Application:
Are there any fears in your heart? The things that cause you to panic are likely to be your fear. What are these fears?
Do what David did by putting your cares and burden in the Lord. Commit the outcome to God. You can trust Him.
Memorize Psalm 56:4a
“In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust, I will not be afraid.”






PSALM 55 24 FEBRUARY 2008
By David

You Can Cast Your Care Unto God

“Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.
Psalm 55:22

This is another prayer for God’s Help in time of troubles. David was in great distress when he wrote this Psalm.

We can look at Psalm 55 in 3 parts:
1. Verse 1-8, David speaks of his fear of his enemy and he prays to God for his manifested favour.
2. Verse 9-15, David complains of his en enemies’ wickedness.
3. Verse 16-23, David prays that his enemy would die that they would be taken away form him. He is assured in the Lord.

Such is the confident that David has in God. He has many life’s threatening moments, yet it does not shake his faith and confidence in the Lord.
He cast his cares on the Lord because he knows that God can be trusted.

In every trial let us call upon the Lord, and he will save us. The burden of afflictions is very heavy; there is also the burden of sin and corruption. The only relief under it is, to look to Christ, who bore it.

Application:
What are your cares and burden? There are heavy and you need not carry these weights. To cast your cast upon God is to rest upon His provision and promises.
He will carry you and will strengthen your spirit by His spirit. Go to Him with your cares now! Commit your cares to the Lord in prayers.





PSALM 54 23 FEBRUARY 2008
By David

The Lord Is Our Helper

“Surely God is my help; the Lord is the one
who sustains me.” Psalm 54:4

This is a prayer of David for deliverance from his enemies who want to have him killed. The occasion this Psalm was written was when the Ziphhites betrayed David by telling Saul his whereabouts. David

In the first part of this Psalm, verses 1-3, David complains to God about the enemy and pray to God for help.
In Ps 54:4-7, David receives assurance of God’s favour and protection. He is being comforted.

Although David is on the run for his life, and the enemy were determined to find him to destroy him, he turned to the Lord for help. He is sure that God would be on His side. He proclaims confidently that God is surely his help in verse 4. He speaks in faith that the enemy will be removed.

God is a God of covenant with His people and David knows that full well. It is with this faith in God that he promised before God that he will give thanks and praise His name after he is being delivered from his enemy’s pursuit.

Application:
Have you given thanks to God and praise Him after He has seen you through a trying or difficult time? It is the kind of thanksgivings that comes with a grateful heart that I am talking about.
Start praising Him now!





PSALM 53 22 FEBRUARY 2008
By David

Godlessness of Man

“God looks down from heaven on the sons of men to see if there are any who understand,
any who seek God.” Psalm 53:2

Psalm 53 is similar to Psalm 14.It’s purpose is to convince us of our sins. God show us through the psalmist how bad we are.

How can men be so bad? This is because there is no fear of God. The fool says to his heart that there is no God, verse 1. Men's bad practices flow from their bad values; if they profess to know God, yet in works & thoughts they deny him, it would mean his heart has no God. Such is a man of folly.

Psalm 53 ends with the Psalmist prayer to the Lord for the deliverance of Israel. And God shall restore their fortunes.

Is there the fear of God in your heart? Do you acknowledge the Holy God in your heart? We will sin not when we fear the Lord. Ask God to show you what is in your heart.

Application:
Pray to the Lord:
“Dear God, show me how bad I can be. All my sinfulness and wickedness is naked before you. Reveal to me my corrupt thoughts, that I may know them. ”
As you pray the above prayer, wait patiently before God. He will speak.
Allow Him to review your priorities and it’s motives.
Are these priorities of God or of the world?
Take time to re-set your life’s priorities.





PSALM 52 21 FEBRUARY 2008
By David

Your Confidence & Security is God

“But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God; I trust in God’s unfailing love
for ever and ever,” Psalm 52:8

Psalm 52 was written when David was fleeing from King Saul. David, knew that Saul was determined to destroy him, went to take refuge. On his way, he stopped at the Tabernacle and sought help from Aimelech. The news of David reaches Saul and he ordered the death of 85 priests & all the inhabitants of Nob. The account can be found in 1 Samuel 21:1-7, 22:9-23.

Psalm 52
Verse 1-5
Wickedness of a powerful enemy and it’s destruction
Verse 6 -7
The righteous would rejoice
Verse 8 -9
Confidence & Security is in God

God will destroy the wicked. Those that glory in sin, shall glory in their shame. But those whom place their trust in God will rejoice & praise Him. They will rejoice in God’s unfailing love.
If you choose to dwell in the house of God by faith and love, you shall be like green olive-trees. You will live a life of faith and holy confidence in God and his grace.

Application:
Are you hard-pressed like David? Are there any difficult people you are facing now? Vengeance is the Lord’s, the Lord is the judge. Do not repay evil for evil by going against them. Instead, turn to the Lord to bless them. You can have confidence & security in God as you remain in His presence.




PSALM 51 20 FEBRUARY 2008
By David

Create In Me A Clean Heart

“The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;
a broken and contrite heart,
O God, you will not despise.” Psalm 51: 17

This is a humble prayer for forgiveness and cleansing. David, being convinced of his sin, poured out his soul to God in prayer for mercy and grace.
This is a famous psalm. David wrote it after he had done something very wrong. He saw a woman, Bathsheba, bathing and wanted to have her. But she was the wife of Uriah. David sent Uriah to war to be killed by the Philistines so that he can have Bathsheba. He committed adultery and was responsible for Uriah’s death.

David was convicted of his sin against God as recorded in Psalm 51. He pleas for God’s mercy not to take over his spirit, Ps 51:11.
This pleases the Lord. What pleases God more than sacrifices is a humble heart that looks to him.

God rebuked Israel for its sin in Psalm 50. It was made clear to us the consequences of sin. Here in Psalm 51, we learn the importance of repentance and asking God for Pardon. David demonstrated to us how to pray to God for forgiveness and cleansing.

Application:
As much as God has convicted David of his sin, be silent before God to allow the Holy Spirit to convict you of your sin. Do not be blinded to your own sin and remain living in the same sinful ways. Confess your sins and ask God for forgiveness now.

PSALM 50 19 FEBRUARY 2008
By Asaph-the Levite

True worship brings obedience

“He who sacrifices thank offerings honors me, and he prepares the way so that I may show him the salvation of God.” Psalm 50:23

Psalm 50 is the first 12 Psalms (Psalms 73-83) by Asaph. Asaph’s family became one of the 3 families given responsibilities for music and song in the temple - 1 Chr.25:1-9

This Psalm is also a Psalm of instruction, not of prayer and praise. It tells of the coming of Christ and the day of judgement, in which God will call men to account for their lives. In Ps 50, God deals with those who were religious in practice and yet neglected godliness. Their heart is not set on worship and godliness. It was the duty of the people to bring the sacrifice; but God is not pleased with the outward sacrifice they bring. Nothing pleases him where it is done religiously as an act. True worship comes from the heart. The judgment of God is being mentioned in this chapter, where he will judge according to our heart more than the act. His rebuke and correction to the wicked is in verse 16-23.

Obedience is better than sacrifice. God desires obedience from your heart more than what you can offer to Him.

Application:
Ask the Holy Spirit to help you examine your heart now. Are you in religious worship or in true worship with obedience? Ask God to forgive you for your sins and ask Him to help you stop sinning.


PSALM 49 18 FEBRUARY 2008
By The Sons of Korah

Temporal Riches Vs Eternal Riches

“A man who has riches without understanding is like the beasts that perish” Psalm 49:20

Psalm 49 carries a word of instruction concerning the vanity of the world.

Wealth cannot buy security and happiness. Nor can wealth save yourself and others from death. Nothing perishable, such as silver or gold can ever redeem you. But with the precious blood of Christ without blemish that you are redeemed, 1 Pet 1:18-19. No amount of wealth can buy life.

Therefore the rich should not take their delight in their wealth. And the poor should not be oppressed by the rich and become fearful of life. Do not trust your life to your wealth, verse 6.

Matthew 6:19-21
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.
But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Do not place your security in wealth, and let this be a motive for living. Instead, put your faith and trust in the Lord.

Application:
Take some time to meditate on Ps 49. Ask God to reveal to you if your love for money has become your zeal in life?
If its’ yes, repent today and ask God to re-direct your course.
If you have not been tithing regularly, do it now.

PSALM 48 17 FEBRUARY 2008
By The Sons of Korah

God Is Our God Forever

“For this God is our God for ever and ever; he will be our guide even to the end. Psalm 48:14

Psalm 48 tells us that God can protect Zion, a city in Jerusalem. Verse 1-3 of Psalm 48 talks about the beauty of Mount Zion. God is the fortress for Zion. He is the defence for Zion. God protects Zion.

Verse 4-7 records for us the futile attacks of the nations. The enemy fled in terror (vs5) when they saw that the great King was in Zion. God is Zion and the people’s security – verse 8. From verse 9-11, the people were able to worship and praise God with gladness because of God’s mighty saving acts.

Because of God’s unfailing love, he will protect His city and His people. He will be our defence when there are attackers. He is our refuge and fortress. He is our strength. God is the everlasting God and His promises to His people will stay.

Application:
God comes to our defence because He loves us. Recall a time where God delivered you from an impossible situation. Praise God for His deliverance. May gratitude fill your heart with thanksgiving.
Take a few minutes to praise God for His unfailing love. Give thanks to Him for great is the Lord and He is most worthy of your praise. God Loves you and His love is unchanging. Receive His great love for you now. Ask God to touch you and fill you with His love today!

PSALM 47 16 FEBRUARY 2008
By The Sons of Korah

The Lord Reigns

God reigns over the nations; God is seated on
his holy throne. Psalm 47:8

The Lord reigns over all the earth. Nations are called to rejoice in God. We are called to praise the Lord. Let’s celebrate the King.

God is worthy of all praises. He is an awesome and a great King. Victory has been won on Calvary. Jesus has triumph over death.
At the name of Jesus, every knee must bow and every tongue confesses that Christ is Lord. Phil 2:10-11

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again rejoice - Phil 4:4

Application:
Take a moment now to rejoice in the Lord.
Sing praise unto Him for He is worthy.
He has triumph over death and victory had been won. Declare God’s victory through His son Jesus now.
Throw away all the feelings of defeat. You can have victory in the Lord.
Allow God to take charge of everything. Come before Him and invite Him to take control for He is the God of power and authority.

PSALM 46 15 FEBRUARY 2008
By The Sons of Korah

God Is Our Refuge And Strength

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1

Psalm 46 is a song of hope. Psalm 46:1-5 encourages us to take comfort in God when things seem gloomy. Glory is given to God both as king of the nations as well as king of His people in Psalm 46:6-11.

When in distress, God is our help. We can triumph through distressing and fearful moments when He is with us. God is our present help in times of trouble – Ps 46:1.
His presence with us brings us to triumph over darkness moment of life.
To triumph over the greatest dangers faced, God is our strength and our help. His strength is sufficient for us. Therefore do not be afraid. God will help you out of your troubles.

The sovereign Lord is with us. He will never leave us. His is a God of power against all enemies. He protects the nations and His people.

Application:
Have you ever become fearful because everything seem to be falling apart?
Take heart that God is your refuge and strength, your ever-present help when in trouble.
Release all your fears and anxiety to God. Take time to be still before God and acknowledge Him as the God of power and authority over these circumstances.
No problems and difficulties are too big for God.

PSALM 45 14 FEBRUARY 2008
By The Sons of Korah

The Marriage of The Lamb - Rev 19:7

“They are led in with joy and gladness; they enter the palace of the king.” Psalm 40:15

This is a celebration of a wedding. It is a joyful occasion. A wedding with great splendour and glory.
The kingdom of heaven is being compared to a royal nuptial.

The psalmist in verses 3-9, was admiring & praising the Bridegroom, who is Christ the King. Message to the bride, that is the church, is found in verse 10 – 15. In particular, the glory of the bride was being mentioned in verse 13-15.

It is a wedding between Christ and His Bride – the Church. A wedding is not without a close intimate relationship between the groom and the bride.
The bride would want to present herself pure and beautiful to her bridegroom.

The wedding of the lamb expresses the intimate relationship between God and His people. You are God’s people. You are the bride of Christ! Do you have a close intimate relationship with Christ the bridegroom? Are you ready to receive the bridegroom?

Application:
Today, decide in your heart that you want to enter into intimacy with Christ the groom. It’s going to be a relationship that will bring joy and honour.
Is there any sin that prevents you from drawing near to the Christ the King? Repent and receive God’s cleansing. Welcome the King of Glory!

PSALM 44 13 FEBRUARY 2008
By The Sons of Korah

A Cry for National Deliverance

“Rise up and help us; redeem us because of
your unfailing love.” Psalm 44:26

This Psalm is about Israel’s cries for help after suffering a devastating defeat.

Ps 44:1-8 Tell us the great things God has done for them, praising God for past victories.
Ps 44:9-16 Complained of the present state of defeat and its consequences – being put to shame before their enemies.
Ps 44:17-22 They plead of their innocence to God that they have not sin and yet calamity had befall upon them.
Ps 44:23-26 Finally, the psalmist appeals to God for deliverance in prayers.

Past experiences of God's power and goodness will add strength to our faith. The many victories Israel had obtained, were not by their own strength or merit, but by God's favour and grace. We can trust in Him

Application:
In times of hardship, difficulties and even sufferings, we should not blame God. Nor should we turn to worldly and sinful ways of dealing with matters. Instead, we should turn to God and cry out to Him for mercy. We can pray in faith to God to redeem us because His love is unfailing.
Now, boldly declare that in God you will Trust.
Boldly declare that it is in God that you trust. Give thanks for his unfailing love.

PSALM 43 12 FEBRUARY 2008
By The Sons of Korah

Prayer of Deliverance & Restoration

“Then I will go to the altar of God, to God, my joy and my delight. I will praise you with the harp,
O God, my God. Psalm 43:4

Psalm 42 & 43 form a single prayer. Thus, we should look at Psalm 43 as a continuation of Psalm 42.
The Psalmist in chapter 42 was not able to go to the temple to worship God. He was depressed and outcast.

In Psalm 43, the psalmist decided that it did not matter if he could go to the temple as God was with him everywhere he went. He turns to God for strength as he acknowledges God is his stronghold in
Ps 43:2.

In this chapter, the psalmist prays to God to delivery him from his captivity. And he will go to the altar to get as near to God as he could and be in His presence. His confidence and joy is in the Lord.

There might be circumstances where you have yet to see victory, do not give up. Let God be your stronghold and He is your sufficient strength. God will restore you to strength and intimacy in Him.
Our hope is in the Lord and we can praise him, our saviour and our God. Ps 43:5

Application:
Heavenly Father, forgive me when I fail. Keep me and guide me when I go through difficulties. Help me to focus my heart on You. Teach me to praise You and exalt Your Holy Name like the psalmist does. I can place my hope in you for You are my Savior and my God. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

BOOK TWO

PSALMS 42 – 72

Deliverance &
Redemption of God

(Exodus)

PSALM 42 11 FEBRUARY 2008
By The Sons of Korah

Prayer of Deliverance & Restoration

“Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.” Psalm 42: 5, 11

There are 11 Psalms that are by “The Sons of Korah” (Ps 42; 44-49; 84-85).
“Sons of Korah” refers to the Levitical choir/musicians, serving in the Tabernacle Worship, made up of the descendants of Korah. (1 chr.6:31-37)

The psalmist is depressed because he is unable to go to the temple to worship God. He could have been driven out of the land of Israel, maybe even taken captive by the enemy. He weeps as he longs for the presence of God Ps 40:3.
He remembered the days of joy when in intimacy with God. He was able to "go with the multitude, leading the procession to the house of God." Ps 42:4.

Now, his soul is "downcast" and "disturbed" (Ps 42:5). He is in a state of "mourning" and "oppression" (Ps 42:9) and "suffering" (Ps 42:10). Yet in his downcast state, he places his hope and trust in God the Rock. He holds his faith in the living God and places confidence in God’s promises. (Ps 42:5,8 ,11).

Application:
Are there moments where you feel “blues” and are depressed? Turn to God and place your hope in Him. Trust him the way the Psalmist did by declaring your hope in God. Praise Him at all circumstances. Take a moment to praise God for who He is now!

PSALM 41 10 FEBRUARY 2008
By David

God’s Forgiveness Brings Deliverance

“In my integrity you uphold me and set me in your presence forever.” Psalm 41:12

This psalm concludes a collection of 4 psalms, Psalms 38-41. It also brings an end to Book 1 with a doxology - a declaration of praise to God, verse 13.
David is seriously ill and he acknowledges that his illness is a result of sin, Psalm 41:4. He had committed adultery and had plotted against Uriah’s death, (2 Samuel 11:6-17). In addition to his illness, David had also experienced betrayal by his close friend. Ps 41:9.
David prays with confidence that the Lord will restore him in Ps 41:1-3, 11-12. David is certain of God’s restoration and blessings because he recognised his sin before God. In 2 Samuel 12:13, David confesses and repentance of his sin. It is because of his confession and repentance before God that David receives God’s forgiveness of Sin and his Joy in the Lord is being restored.
Application:
Pray and ask God to reveal your sins to you now. True deliverance comes with the forgiveness of God. Recognise and acknowledge your sins the way David does.
When you confess and repent before God, He is sure to forgive you and to grant to you deliverance. You will be healed and your soul will be restored. Give thanks to the Lord for He is good.

PSALM 40 9 FEBRUARY 2008
By David

The God of Deliverance

“Many, O Lord my God, are the wonders you have done. The things you planned for us no one can recount to you; were I to speak and tell of them, they would be too many to declare.” Psalm 40:5

Psalm 40 is a prayer for help in troubled times. David is overwhelmed by his distress which could be caused by sin. Psalm 40:4, “O Lord, have mercy on me; heal me, for I have sinned against you.”
It is sin that brought David to slimy pit, mud and mire. But God is able to deliver. David’s prayer in this chapter begins with him praising God for his mercies in the past. Psalm 40:1-5. David is confident of God’s deliverance.
As David recounted God’s favour to him, in delivering him out of deep distress & trouble, he committed himself to do the father’s will. True worship is found in our obedience to God.
Thus, when David faces present troubles and is overwhelmed by it (Psalm 40:11-17), he is able to turn to God for help & deliverance because his confidence is in the certainty of God’s deliverance.
Application:
Ask God to remind you of a time where He brought you out of your pit of despair. Pray to the Holy Spirit to speak to you now. Give thanks to God & declare His goodness, He will deliver you. If you have drifted from God because of Sin or difficulties you face, God is able to draw you back to Himself.

PSALM 39 8 FEBRUARY 2008
By David

In The Frailty and Vanity of Life, We Place Our Hope in The Lord.

“But now, Lord, what do I look for?
My hope is in you.” Psalm 39:7

Psalm 39 is a prayer of a soul that is deeply troubled. David, facing sickness and sorrow is burdened with negative thoughts.
David had to remind himself of his covenants with God to watch his ways and keep his tongue from sin. Although David kept his tongue, he could not suppress the anguish within. Psalm 39:1-3.
Eventually, he spoke in prayers to God to help him understand the shortness and uncertainty of life in Psalm 39:4-6.
After lamenting on the shortness and uncertainty of life, and the frailty and vanity of life, in Verses 7-13, David turned his eyes and heart towards Heaven where hope can only be found in God.

Application:
Are you burdened with unbelieving thoughts? Unbelieving thoughts bring disappointment and despair.
When situations are bad or trying, do not make it worse by speak negatively. Keep your mouth silent from negative words. Turn to God to confess your hope and your trust in Him.
What are the difficult and trying situations you could be facing now? Speak God’s hope and goodness into these situations now.