I trust in the Lord for protection. So why do you say to me, Fly like a bird to the mountains for safety! The wicked are stringing their bows and fitting their arrows on the bowstrings. They shoot from the shadows at those whose hearts are right. The foundations of law and order have collapsed. What can the righteous do? But the Lord is in his holy Temple; the Lord still rules from heaven. He watches everyone closely, examining every person on earth. The Lord examines both the righteous and the wicked. He hates those who love violence. He will rain down blazing coals and burning sulfur on the wicked, punishing them with scorching winds. For the righteous Lord loves justice. The virtuous will see his face.‭‭Psalms‬ ‭11‬:‭1‬-‭7‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Sometimes well intentioned advice is not the right advice. When this psalm was written, David felt surrounded by enemies, and people were advising him to run away. But David knew the Lord was calling him to stay. His trust in the Lord guided him more than any other advice. Even when his life was on the line, David trusted in his King. It is wise to seek advice, but nothing matters more than our core convictions.

God examines the hearts of every person (v.4). Even when it seems like the foundations of life are being destroyed (v.3), the King still cares for and rules over all. The righteous Judge sees our actions and motives, and both are important. You cant control the world, but you are responsible for your heart and behavior. With the Spirits strength, do your part every day for Kingdom come.

How can you trust God more in hard situations? Read and pray Psalm 139:23. What is the Savior showing you about your heart?

O Lord, why do you stand so far away? Why do you hide when I am in trouble? The wicked arrogantly hunt down the poor. Let them be caught in the evil they plan for others. For they brag about their evil desires; they praise the greedy and curse the Lord. The wicked are too proud to seek God. They seem to think that God is dead. Yet they succeed in everything they do. They do not see your punishment awaiting them. They sneer at all their enemies. They think, Nothing bad will ever happen to us! We will be free of trouble forever! Their mouths are full of cursing, lies, and threats. Trouble and evil are on the tips of their tongues. They lurk in ambush in the villages, waiting to murder innocent people. They are always searching for helpless victims. Like lions crouched in hiding, they wait to pounce on the helpless. Like hunters they capture the helpless and drag them away in nets. Their helpless victims are crushed; they fall beneath the strength of the wicked. The wicked think, God isnt watching us! He has closed his eyes and wont even see what we do! Arise, O Lord! Punish the wicked, O God! Do not ignore the helpless! Why do the wicked get away with despising God? They think, God will never call us to account. But you see the trouble and grief they cause. You take note of it and punish them. The helpless put their trust in you. You defend the orphans. Break the arms of these wicked, evil people! Go after them until the last one is destroyed. The Lord is king forever and ever! The godless nations will vanish from the land. Lord, you know the hopes of the helpless. Surely you will hear their cries and comfort them. You will bring justice to the orphans and the oppressed, so mere people can no longer terrify them.‭‭Psalms‬ ‭10‬:‭1‬-‭18‬ ‭NLT‬‬

God knows the hopes of the helpless. David was writing as he saw wicked, powerful people oppressing the weak. The first half of the psalm describes the corrupt character of the oppressors. The second half of the psalm focuses on the character of the Lord who is good, powerful, and just. David had a level of responsibility for justice, but he knew true justice cannot come without the work of the Lord. Wiping out monsters wont work if you became a monster to do it.

Sometimes the Savior seems so far away. Although David completely trusted the character of the Lord, he struggled with Gods seeming distance. Yet David continued to pray, and so can you when the Lord seems far away. We may not always understand His timing, but we can trust in His love.

Have you ever felt as if God doesnt hear your prayers? How can you continue to have hope and trust in God, even when God seems far off?

I will praise you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all the marvelous things you have done. I will be filled with joy because of you. I will sing praises to your name, O Most High. My enemies retreated; they staggered and died when you appeared. For you have judged in my favor; from your throne you have judged with fairness. You have rebuked the nations and destroyed the wicked; you have erased their names forever. The enemy is finished, in endless ruins; the cities you uprooted are now forgotten. But the Lord reigns forever, executing judgment from his throne. He will judge the world with justice and rule the nations with fairness. The Lord is a shelter for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. Those who know your name trust in you, for you, O Lord, do not abandon those who search for you. Sing praises to the Lord who reigns in Jerusalem. Tell the world about his unforgettable deeds. For he who avenges murder cares for the helpless. He does not ignore the cries of those who suffer. Lord, have mercy on me. See how my enemies torment me. Snatch me back from the jaws of death. Save me so I can praise you publicly at Jerusalems gates, so I can rejoice that you have rescued me. The nations have fallen into the pit they dug for others. Their own feet have been caught in the trap they set. The Lord is known for his justice. The wicked are trapped by their own deeds. Quiet Interlude The wicked will go down to the grave. This is the fate of all the nations who ignore God. But the needy will not be ignored forever; the hopes of the poor will not always be crushed. Arise, O Lord! Do not let mere mortals defy you! Judge the nations! Make them tremble in fear, O Lord. Let the nations know they are merely human. Interlude‭‭Psalms‬ ‭9‬:‭1‬-‭20‬ ‭NLT‬‬

God fights for justice! There is so much about justice in this psalm. God judges the world with justice. (v.8) God is a refuge to the oppressed, a shelter in time of need. (v.9) The needy will not always be forgotten. (v.18) Many in our culture have downplayed the importance of Gods justice, but for those who are suffering, justice is very good news. Because God is just, He wants there to be justice for everyone. He wants nations to live out justice. He wants you to grow justice in the world and to fight against injustice.

The Bible doesnt pretend that the world is always good or that evil will not have moments of triumph. Some people blame or abandon the Lord because of the mess humans have made. The Savior is fixing our mess, yet like a good Father He requires that we are part of the cleanup. He forgives our sins, gives us a community of faith, and fills us with His hope and strength. Yet we must choose daily to follow Jesus and work for what is right.

How do you deal with the mess and injustice of the world? How can you fight for justice and be a refuge for the oppressed?

O Lord, our Lord, your majestic name fills the earth! Your glory is higher than the heavens. You have taught children and infants to tell of your strength, silencing your enemies and all who oppose you. When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers the moon and the stars you set in place what are mere mortals that you should think about them, human beings that you should care for them? Yet you made them only a little lower than God and crowned them with glory and honor. You gave them charge of everything you made, putting all things under their authority the flocks and the herds and all the wild animals, the birds in the sky, the fish in the sea, and everything that swims the ocean currents. O Lord, our Lord, your majestic name fills the earth!‭‭Psalms‬ ‭8‬:‭1‬-‭9‬ ‭NLT‬‬

God is majestic! The word majestic means filled with beauty, awe, and wonder. The Lords majestic name fills the earth. We are invited to see the glory and beauty of God and praise His name. The Creators artistry can be observed everywhere if we slow down enough to take it in. Those who do are changed.

God is love, and He loves you. Humans are not forgotten or ignored by the Lord in His majesty. God has crowned them to rule in His image, taking care of ourselves, each other, and the planet as we walk with Him. As we live out His rule and walk in His love, Gods majesty increases on the planet. You are meant to be a conduit of Gods glory. You are made to magnify His majesty!

What are some ways you can magnify Gods majesty today? How can you soak in the beauty and wonder of creation?

I come to you for protection, O Lord my God. Save me from my persecutorsrescue me! If you dont, they will maul me like a lion, tearing me to pieces with no one to rescue me. O Lord my God, if I have done wrong or am guilty of injustice, if I have betrayed a friend or plundered my enemy without cause, then let my enemies capture me. Let them trample me into the ground and drag my honor in the dust. Interlude Arise, O Lord, in anger! Stand up against the fury of my enemies! Wake up, my God, and bring justice! Gather the nations before you. Rule over them from on high. The Lord judges the nations. Declare me righteous, O Lord, for I am innocent, O Most High! End the evil of those who are wicked, and defend the righteous. For you look deep within the mind and heart, O righteous God. God is my shield, saving those whose hearts are true and right. God is an honest judge. He is angry with the wicked every day. If a person does not repent, God will sharpen his sword; he will bend and string his bow. He will prepare his deadly weapons and shoot his flaming arrows. The wicked conceive evil; they are pregnant with trouble and give birth to lies. They dig a deep pit to trap others, then fall into it themselves. The trouble they make for others backfires on them. The violence they plan falls on their own heads. I will thank the Lord because he is just; I will sing praise to the name of the Lord Most High.‭‭Psalms‬ ‭7‬:‭1‬-‭17‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Even though the world is filled with injustice, God is just and will put things right someday. He has not quit on this world, and He has not stopped being filled with goodness and justice. The Lord is on the side of those who do good, and God expects people to do what is right. Our Lord is a God of grace, but that doesnt take away His justice. He sees your life, He sees your pain, and He cares.

This psalm is a prayer for justice. David was being attacked and persecuted. Rather than retaliating, he went to the Lord in prayer. David called on his Savior to act, trusting the Almighty to be his shield and righteous Judge. Even when the world was against him, David did not give up hope. His hope wasnt based on the actions of others but the character of God.

How can you anchor your hope in Gods character more than human action? The Lord expects you to work for justice to open your eyes and do something. Where in your life do you need to stand up and speak out?

O Lord, dont rebuke me in your anger or discipline me in your rage. Have compassion on me, Lord, for I am weak. Heal me, Lord, for my bones are in agony. I am sick at heart. How long, O Lord, until you restore me? Return, O Lord, and rescue me. Save me because of your unfailing love. For the dead do not remember you. Who can praise you from the grave? I am worn out from sobbing. All night I flood my bed with weeping, drenching it with my tears. My vision is blurred by grief; my eyes are worn out because of all my enemies. Go away, all you who do evil, for the Lord has heard my weeping. The Lord has heard my plea; the Lord will answer my prayer. May all my enemies be disgraced and terrified. May they suddenly turn back in shame.‭‭Psalms‬ ‭6‬:‭1‬-‭10‬ ‭NLT‬‬

The Psalms honestly deal with the highs and lows of human experience. David was exhausted from weeping all night (v.6). Have you ever experienced that level of sorrow? It is comforting to know that God understands. You are not expected to have a perfect life or perfect reactions to the problems in life. Just because you love Jesus doesnt mean you wont have incredibly bad days.

But and here is a major point in the psalms in the midst of all your emotions you are called to cry out to God. He walks with you every step of the way. You are never alone, never forsaken. For the highs and lows of life, that is a wonderful reassurance.

Does it give you comfort to know that people in the Bible went through hard times? How can you cry out to Jesus when life is hard?

O Lord, hear me as I pray; pay attention to my groaning. Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God, for I pray to no one but you. Listen to my voice in the morning, Lord. Each morning I bring my requests to you and wait expectantly. O God, you take no pleasure in wickedness; you cannot tolerate the sins of the wicked. Therefore, the proud may not stand in your presence, for you hate all who do evil. You will destroy those who tell lies. The Lord detests murderers and deceivers. Because of your unfailing love, I can enter your house; I will worship at your Temple with deepest awe. Lead me in the right path, O Lord, or my enemies will conquer me. Make your way plain for me to follow. My enemies cannot speak a truthful word. Their deepest desire is to destroy others. Their talk is foul, like the stench from an open grave. Their tongues are filled with flattery. O God, declare them guilty. Let them be caught in their own traps. Drive them away because of their many sins, for they have rebelled against you. But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them sing joyful praises forever. Spread your protection over them, that all who love your name may be filled with joy. For you bless the godly, O Lord; you surround them with your shield of love.‭‭Psalms‬ ‭5‬:‭1‬-‭12‬ ‭NLT‬‬

This is a morning prayer. David asked the Lord to hear his words while making a commitment to live that day for God. This is the best way to start the day! The best time to read the Bible is when you can focus most, whether that is morning, afternoon, or evening. But it makes a big difference to start the day in prayer, focused on God before food, phone, or anything else.

David said that he could enter the house of God because of Gods unfailing love. It is the Lords love that gives us the power to draw near and worship because that is exactly what we need. It is Gods love, and Christs sacrifice, that allow you to enter in. You are invited not only into Gods house but into the very presence of the Lord who loves you, walks with you, cares for you, protects you, and guides you.

God is inviting you, as His loved child, to come into His presence. How will you do that today? Read the psalm again. What benefits of starting the day with prayer do you notice? What difference would those benefits make in your life?

Answer me when I call to you, O God who declares me innocent. Free me from my troubles. Have mercy on me and hear my prayer. How long will you people ruin my reputation? How long will you make groundless accusations? How long will you continue your lies? Interlude You can be sure of this: The Lord set apart the godly for himself. The Lord will answer when I call to him. Dont sin by letting anger control you. Think about it overnight and remain silent. Interlude Offer sacrifices in the right spirit, and trust the Lord. Many people say, Who will show us better times? Let your face smile on us, Lord. You have given me greater joy than those who have abundant harvests of grain and new wine. In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe.‭‭Psalms‬ ‭4‬:‭1‬-‭8‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Many people ask, When will there be better times? (v.6) No matter how life is, people always want it to be better. We are often ungrateful for what we have been given. In this psalm, David was going through some pretty tough times his reputation had been tarnished, and he was being falsely accused. Yet his confidence came from knowing that God had judged him justly and set him apart.

Two pieces of advice are given dont let anger control you (so that you sin), and offer sacrifices to God with a pure heart. Faith can be stronger than anger, and you can trust God to bring justice. Fighting with uncontrolled anger only makes things worse. When you follow Jesus and fight with prayer and with love, it changes things for the better. This psalm ends by mentioning abundant joy, peaceful sleep, and safety from the Lord.

How can you grow in gratitude? How do you tend to act when you are attacked?

O Lord, I have so many enemies; so many are against me. So many are saying, God will never rescue him! Interlude But you, O Lord, are a shield around me; you are my glory, the one who holds my head high. I cried out to the Lord, and he answered me from his holy mountain. Interlude I lay down and slept, yet I woke up in safety, for the Lord was watching over me. I am not afraid of ten thousand enemies who surround me on every side. Arise, O Lord! Rescue me, my God! Slap all my enemies in the face! Shatter the teeth of the wicked! Victory comes from you, O Lord. May you bless your people. Interlude‭‭Psalms‬ ‭3‬:‭1‬-‭8‬ ‭NLT‬‬

David wrote this psalm when he was fleeing from his son Absalom. Davids own child led a rebellion against him, and David had to run for his life. Yet he found strength and confidence from the Lord, even as he faced a dangerous and heartbreaking experience in his life. David poured his heart out to the Lord. God is the One who listens best and helps most.

God is your shield. He uses His power to protect His people. When you are being attacked the best and safest place to be is in the shadow of His wings. The Lord lifts your head high. This is a vivid image of confidence. When the Lord is your fortress, you will have His power. When your mind is filled with the unbreakable promises of God (found in His Word), you can live with His strength. You can have hope and joy in the hardest of times.

When you are hurt or angry, how can you pour out your heart to God first before going to others? How can you find comfort and confidence in the Lord

Why are the nations so angry? Why do they waste their time with futile plans? The kings of the earth prepare for battle; the rulers plot together against the Lord and against his anointed one. Let us break their chains, they cry, and free ourselves from slavery to God. But the one who rules in heaven laughs. The Lord scoffs at them. Then in anger he rebukes them, terrifying them with his fierce fury. For the Lord declares, I have placed my chosen king on the throne in Jerusalem, on my holy mountain. The king proclaims the Lords decree: The Lord said to me, You are my son. Today I have become your Father. Only ask, and I will give you the nations as your inheritance, the whole earth as your possession. You will break them with an iron rod and smash them like clay pots. Now then, you kings, act wisely! Be warned, you rulers of the earth! Serve the Lord with reverent fear, and rejoice with trembling. Submit to Gods royal son, or he will become angry, and you will be destroyed in the midst of all your activities for his anger flares up in an instant. But what joy for all who take refuge in him!‭‭Psalms‬ ‭2‬:‭1‬-‭12‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Many nations and people rage against the reign of God, seeing the Lord only as a killjoy. They long to be free from His rule and His rules. When your highest good is yourself, God will always be a hindrance. This psalm is a great reminder of how powerful God is. He is the King. No matter how much the nations or people rage against the Lord, His plan for goodness and justice will move forward. The Father anointed His Son to come to earth and reign. Jesus brings the Kingdom of God.

Sometimes people remember how loving God is but forget how powerful He is. Disobeying God carries consequences it will hurt you and others. Be comforted that if you are walking with Godeven through the hardest of timesyou are walking with the King. He will reign forever. This is what gave comfort and confidence to the early Christians when they were being persecuted by government and religious leaders (Acts 4:23-31).

How does serving the Lord bring freedom? How can you focus more on following God than the world or your own desires?