Please read: Psalm 46:1-11 (ESV)

BE STILL, AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD

Believers are not exempt from trials and difficulties, are we? Jesus has said, “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world, you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”[John 16:33] We don’t want troubles but they come. Troubles in various forms and sizes are inevitable. Either we are approaching it, experiencing it, or leaving it. But, our confidence as the psalmist is “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”[v.1] Is He to you? The concept of God being "very present" could also be phrased as "clearly proven" (Deut 4:7). Our past experiences, including history, do show that God is worthy of our trust, don’t they? (Heb 12:1). The word "trouble" literally means “confined space”, which closely resembles the expression "in a tight spot."

Because of their faith in God’s sheltering power and presence, their fears about frightening problems like natural disasters are overruled. As the psalmist resolved,

“ Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,

though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,

though its waters roar and foam,

though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah”[v.2-3]

God remains the same. Our economy and political climates do. But, the prophet Malachi declared about God’s claim, that is, "I the LORD do not change"[Mal 3:6] And Hebrews 13:8 describes Jesus Christ as "the same yesterday and today and forever."

On the other hand, there is security and abundance. As the psalmist affirms,

“There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,

the holy habitation of the Most High.”[v.4]

Streams and rivers are common symbols of abundance perpetually flowing. This imagery here resembles that of the river that Ezekiel 47 describes, gushing forth from the temple when Christ rules the earth during the millennium. Moreover, in Revelation 22:1–2 depicts a "river of the water of life" flowing in the New Jerusalem. Or, this refers to an abundant supply of water through Hezekiah’s underground water aqueduct despite the raging and foaming threat from the Assyrian army.

God’s presence in their midst is the key. As the psalmist says confidently’

“God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved;

God will help her when morning dawns.

6 The nations rage, the kingdoms totter;

he utters his voice, the earth melts.

7 The LORD of hosts is with us;

the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah [v.5-7]

Many believed this was inspired also by the miraculous deliverance of Jerusalem from the invasion of Assyria, wherein 185,000 Assyrians were killed by an angel (Isa 37:36, 2 Kings 19:35). Indeed, God is in the midst of Jerusalem.

In his unequivocal trust, he invites us to trust God saying,

“8 Come, behold the works of the LORD,

how he has brought desolations on the earth.

9 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;

he breaks the bow and shatters the spear;

he burns the chariots with fire.

10 “Be still, and know that I am God.

I will be exalted among the nations,

I will be exalted in the earth!”

11 The LORD of hosts is with us;

the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah[v.8-11]

What an amazing truth that we can be still in the midst of the storms! The phrase "be still" uses a Hebrew term which can be rendered as "relax," "let go," or "stop." It implies an act of surrender—a release of striving and hostility. That is, to "sit quietly and listen for God." This trust and submission is the key to what it means to "know that I am God." Think of a parent telling a child, "don't be afraid, keep in mind how I've kept you safe in the past always."

Please read: Psalm 45:1-17 (ESV)

YOUR THRONE, O GOD, IS FOREVER

The king is the most attractive. Was Jesus attractive? Isaiah 53:2 describes Him as having "no form or majesty that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him." However, the time of His glorification is soon to arrive. And Isaiah 33:17 says, "Your eyes will behold the king in his beauty." He girds with a sword, meaning military power. Jesus, once a meek lamb, would display His military might, majesty, and glory at His second coming (Rev 19:11) A champion of truth, meekness, and righteousness.[v.4], these virtues speak of Jesus, who John 1:17 says, "grace and truth" came.

Verses 5 and 6 connect to the role of Messiah. The writer of Hebrews notes the words of these verses to connect the throne of David's line to God's promise to send a Savior. Jesus is the “heir of all things and the Creator” (Heb 1:2), "the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature" (Heb 1:3), superior to the angels (Heb1:4), God's Son (Hebrews 1:5). He is worthy of worship (Hebrews 1:6), and He is God (Hebrews 1:8). His throne is "forever and ever" and His scepter is "the scepter of uprightness" (Heb 1:8). He would be anointed with the oil of gladness beyond His companions. This was part of Hebrew marriage proceedings and it represents joy (Isa 61:3).

As he is dressed lavishly and impressively in His ivory palace, He is anointed with pleasant perfumes. Myrrh is a pleasant-smelling resin from trees in Arabia. It was used as a perfume (Prov 7:17). Aloes were also used for their fragrance (Num 24:6; Proverbs 7:17). Cassia was another perfume derived from roots or bark which might have resembled cinnamon. Myrrh and aloe, however, were also used to prepare bodies for burial (Matthew 2:11; John 19:39). This is another point that connects this psalm to the then-future work of the Messiah, Jesus Christ.

He is surrounded by "ladies of honor" bridesmaids. [v.9] The queen is standing beside the bridegroom-king. She is arrayed in gold of Ophir. Ophir was probably located in western Arabia and its gold was highly valued (1 Chron 29:4; Job 28:16). She has to "forget" her people and her father's house.[v.10] This does not mean to erase them from her memory. Instead, it means to set them aside in favor of her marriage. She was about to begin a new relationship.

What was true for the king's bride is also true for the Church, Jesus' bride. Christians should renounce their former love of the world. The apostle John writes: "Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him" (1 John 2:15). As the king desires her beauty, so is the King of kings, the Lord Jesus, looks upon His bride, the Church, as beautiful. Ephesians 5:25–27 explains that Christ gave Himself for the Church to separate her from the world and bring her to Himself. In response, the bride is to honor Him with full devotion. [v.11]

The people of Tyre are bringing gifts [v.12] David received cedars and carpenters to build his place. [2 Sam 5:11] Someday, when Jesus, the Son of David and heir to his throne, resides in the New Jerusalem, the nations will bring their glory and honor into the city (Rev 21:24–26). As His redeemed, what do we present to God in return? [Rom 12:1,2]

In v.14-16, what a joy the king's bride and her bridesmaids will experience as they are escorted to the king's palace for the wedding. This anticipates the return of Jesus Christ to earth for the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. Revelation 19:7–8 says, "'Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready; it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure'—for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints."

God’s Word for Today

29 Aug 2023

23 Awake! Why are you sleeping, O Lord?

    Rouse yourself! Do not reject us forever!

24 Why do you hide your face?

    Why do you forget our affliction and oppression?

25 For our soul is bowed down to the dust;

    our belly clings to the ground.

26 Rise up; come to our help!

    Redeem us for the sake of your steadfast love!

-Psa 44:23-26 ESV

WHY ARE YOU SLEEPING, O LORD?

The psalmist acknowledges that he and his people were told stories of God's miraculous works for and on behalf of Israel (v.1-3). God was the sole reason that Israel survived and was able to flourish in the Promised Land.  These are reasons for their trust, as the psalmist declares in v.4-8,

Proverbs 3:5 exhorts us to trust in the Lord with all our hearts. Let’s remember that Christ is on the believer's side, the believer is more than a conqueror (Rom 8:37). We are fighting from victory, not for victory. 

Yet, the psalmist will go on to voice frustration that Israel has recently been humiliated in battle (v.9 -16).

“But you have rejected us and disgraced us

    and have not gone out with our armies.

10 You have made us turn back from the foe,

    and those who hate us have gotten spoil.

11 You have made us like sheep for slaughter

    and have scattered us among the nations.

12 You have sold your people for a trifle,

    demanding no high price for them.

13 You have made us the taunt of our neighbors,

    the derision and scorn of those around us.

14 You have made us a byword among the nations,

    a laughingstock among the peoples.

15 All day long my disgrace is before me,

    and shame has covered my face

16 at the sound of the taunter and reviler,

    at the sight of the enemy and the avenger.”

God does not always grant earthly victory or success. The reasons for this are not always clear—after expressing faith. [v.17-22]

17 All this has come upon us,

    though we have not forgotten you,

    and we have not been false to your covenant.

18 Our heart has not turned back,

    nor have our steps departed from your way;

19 yet you have broken us in the place of jackals

    and covered us with the shadow of death 

20 If we had forgotten the name of our God

    or spread out our hands to a foreign god,

21 would not God discover this?

    For he knows the secrets of the heart.

22 Yet for your sake we are killed all the day long;

    we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.

His claim suggests their defeat is not justified. Scripture presents human perspectives with brutal honesty. With experiences that seem to frustrate us (see Hab 1:2–4; Psalm 73:2–3). But we should not praise the Lord only when conditions are favorable, should we? Like Job who said should we receive only good from God and not evil?   1 Thess 5:18 instructs us to "give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." That does not mean we thank God "for" hardship per se, but that we can always find reasons to thank God, even "in" hardship (Rom 5:3–5; 1 Peter 1:3–9, Rom 8:28). Faith sees the goodness of God more through the veneer of human experiences.

But, the psalmist in confusion asked God out of desperation [v.23-26b]. What more could he wish for? Nothing else but God’s redemption because of the steadfast love of the Lord, saying, “Redeem us for the sake of your steadfast love!”[ v.23-24] His steadfast love should draw us to himself. Whenever we can’t understand, we should go back to the cross where we are reminded of the unconditional love of God. Why should I complain when Jesus, who did not sin, did not complain at the cross? This should quiet our hearts.

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#bookofPsalms

God’s Word for Today

28 Aug 2023

Vindicate me, O God, and defend my cause

    against an ungodly people,

from the deceitful and unjust man

    deliver me!

2 For you are the God in whom I take refuge;

    why have you rejected me?

Why do I go about mourning

    because of the oppression of the enemy?

3 Send out your light and your truth;

    let them lead me;

let them bring me to your holy hill

    and to your dwelling!

4 Then I will go to the altar of God,

    to God my exceeding joy,

and I will praise you with the lyre,

    O God, my God.

5 Why are you cast down, O my soul,

    and why are you in turmoil within me?

Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,

    my salvation and my God.

-Psa 43:1-5 ESV

GOD IS MY EXCEEDING JOY

Psalm 43 shares themes with Psalm 42 so that many believe they may have originally been a single work. It is an appeal for God to deliver righteous justice [vindication] in an experience of sinful oppression or persecution from "ungodly people"[perhaps, Gentiles?] probably he was exiled in Babylon or somewhere in the north[Psa 42:6]

Such hardship may have caused grief, even a suspicion that the Lord has abandoned him. The psalmist says,

“For you are the God in whom I take refuge;

    why have you rejected me?

Why do I go about mourning

    because of the oppression of the enemy?[v.2]

There is a danger to focusing on our circumstances than on God’s immutable character. Though our circumstances are going from bad to worse, God remains the same.

In a sudden twist, the psalmist pleaded for God’s ‘light’ and ‘truth’ to guide him back to the ‘holy hill’, referring to the temple of God at Jerusalem. [v.3] Habakkuk 2:20 affirms that "the LORD is in his holy temple." This implies that the psalmist was groping in darkness, farther from the truth. There was a holy dissatisfaction in his life.

Today, God's Spirit guides believers by granting them understanding through God's truth, His holy Word. Jesus promised His disciples that the Holy Spirit would teach them all things (John 14:26;1 Cor 2:6–16), and He identified God's Word as truth (John 17:17). 

The psalmist anticipates a hopeful moment, looking forward to approaching the altar and praising God with music once again. For, God is his exceeding joy. Is He to you and me? Even David has  expressed this joy, as he says, “

“One thing have I asked of the Lord,

    that will I seek after:

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 inquire in his temple.” [Psa 27:4]

There is no experience comparable to being in the presence of God. As Psa 84:10 says,

“For a day in your courts is better

    than a thousand elsewhere.

I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God

    than dwell in the tents of wickedness.”[Psa 84:10]

Nothing can quench this desire. Thus, the psalmist concluded,

“ Why are you cast down, O my soul,

    and why are you in turmoil within me?

Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,

    my salvation and my God.”[v.5]

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#bookofPsalms

Text: Psalm 42:1-11

1 As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God.

2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God?

3 My tears have been my food day and night, while they say to me all the day long, “Where is your God?”

4 These things I remember, as I pour out my soul: how I would go with the throng and lead them in procession to the house of God with glad shouts and songs of praise, a multitude keeping festival.

5 Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation 6 and my God. My soul is cast down within me; therefore I remember you from the land of Jordan and of Hermon, from Mount Mizar.

7 Deep calls to deep at the roar of your waterfalls; all your breakers and your waves have gone over me.

8 By day the LORD commands his steadfast love, and at night his song is with me, a prayer to the God of my life.

9 I say to God, my rock: “Why have you forgotten me? Why do I go mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?”

10 As with a deadly wound in my bones, my adversaries taunt me, while they say to me all the day long, “Where is your God?”

11 Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.

-Psa 42:1-11 ESV

HOPE IN GOD

This is the first of the second "book" of Psalms, continuing through Psalm 72. The authorship is unclear, although the author may have been a worship leader in the sanctuary (v.4). The text refers to "the Sons of Korah," likely to mean the descendants of a group spared from their family's destruction after the exodus (Num 26:9–11).

No doubt, this psalm expresses an intense desire to know God intimately. The psalmist compares his thirst for God to a deer's thirst for flowing water. [v.1,2] The Hebrew term translated as "pant" or "panting" implies an intense experience. This is not a simple thirst, but rather a desperate need for something vital, associated with pain and anguish.[v.3] To add insult to injury, his enemies are mocking him, taunting him, saying, "Where is your God?"[see v.3,10]

The Bible commends those who hunger and thirst for righteousness. In fact, Jesus said , "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied" (Mat 5:6). Jesus is the only quencher of soul’s thirst (John 4:13–14).

He was situated in a remote place, at Mt. Mizar, the peak of Mt. Hermon. And, in his musings, he recalled his past. He was leading a procession of worshipers to the sanctuary in Jerusalem. This strongly suggests the writer was a worship leader. Perhaps the festival alluded to in this verse was the Feast of Tabernacles (Lev 23:39–43). As the multitude moved along, they shouted with joy and sang praises. Such a joyous experience is gone, haunting him. Are you in a place where there is no Christian fellowship? Do you miss the gathering of God’s people? [Heb 10:24-25]

However, the psalmist refused to let depression to win. He told his soul to hope in God. He resolved,

“ Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation 6 and my God. My soul is cast down within me; therefore I remember you from the land of Jordan and of Hermon, from Mount Mizar.”[ v.5-6 & 11]

His grief is like floods cascading over his head. Nevertheless, he refers to those floods as the Lord's "breakers and waves." As he describes,

“Deep calls to deep at the roar of your waterfalls; all your breakers and your waves have gone over me.”[v.7]

This would imply a constant barrage: an unending chain of these overwhelming feelings and experiences. The depths of the psalmist's desire for God call out for an intense response from the Lord as Jonah was in the belly of the fish.[Jonah 2:3] When trials sweep over a believer, he can take courage, knowing that the Lord has a purpose in allowing those trials.

Text: Psalm 41:1-13

1 Blessed is the one who considers the poor! In the day of trouble the LORD delivers him;

2 the LORD protects him and keeps him alive; he is called blessed in the land; you do not give him up to the will of his enemies.

3 The LORD sustains him on his sickbed; in his illness you restore him to full health.

4 As for me, I said, “O LORD, be gracious to me; heal me, for I have sinned against you!”

5 My enemies say of me in malice, “When will he die, and his name perish?”

6 And when one comes to see me, he utters empty words, while his heart gathers iniquity; when he goes out, he tells it abroad.

7 All who hate me whisper together about me; they imagine the worst for me.

8 They say, “A deadly thing is poured out on him; he will not rise again from where he lies.”

9 Even my close friend in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted his heel against me.

10 But you, O LORD, be gracious to me, and raise me up, that I may repay them!

11 By this I know that you delight in me: my enemy will not shout in triumph over me.

12 But you have upheld me because of my integrity, and set me in your presence forever.

13 Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting!

Amen and Amen.

-Psa 41:1-13 ESV

O LORD, BE GRACIOUS TO ME

The compassionate in heart towards the underprivileged may lead to God’s protection. As David says,

“Blessed is the one who considers the poor! In the day of trouble the LORD delivers him; 2 the LORD protects him and keeps him alive; he is called blessed in the land; you do not give him up to the will of his enemies. 3 The LORD sustains him on his sickbed; in his illness you restore him to full health.”

As a note, this doesn’t mean the godly and generous are immune to troubles.[Psa 73:2, Hab 1:2-4] However, those who honor God may invite fewer risks than the wicked in their lives.

Though David was good to the needy, he did not make it a leverage to earn God’s favor. Good deeds couldn’t compensate for our sins. He acknowledged his sins and failings. For it could be dealt with only by humble confession and repentance, saying,

“As for me, I said, “O LORD, be gracious to me; heal me, for I have sinned against you!”[v.4]

Healing comes not from concealing our sins before God [Prov 28:13] Cherishing sin in our hearts builds a wall between us and God.[Psa 66:18, Isa 59:2] The one and only key to dealing with our sin is God’s forgiveness through humble confession.[1 John 1:9]

Sadly, as most often the case be, David’s enemies have been gloating over his sins. He describes,

“5 My enemies say of me in malice, “When will he die, and his name perish?” 6 And when one comes to see me, he utters empty words, while his heart gathers iniquity; when he goes out, he tells it abroad. 7 All who hate me whisper together about me; they imagine the worst for me. 8 They say, “A deadly thing is poured out on him; he will not rise again from where he lies.”[v.5-8]

Their wishes for his downfall and death reveal the evil in their hearts . Jesus said, “For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander.”[Matt 15:19]

Adding more insult to his injury is his close friends betraying him. He said,

“9 Even my close friend in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted his heel against me.”[v.9]

Eating together is a sign of close friendship. Perhaps, this referred to Ahithopel’s betrayal of David who sided with his rebellious son Absalom. This statement Jesus quoted when Judas betrayed him, whom he considered a friend.

Despite all of these, David hopes for the graciousness of God. As Psa 103:8-12 says,

“The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. 9 He will not always chide, nor will he keep his anger forever. 10 He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities. 11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him;

Let us please read the text taken from

Psalm 40:1-17 (ESV)

YOU ARE MY HELP AND MY DELIVERER

David has waited patiently for the Lord to answer his urgent prayer. And as God’s response in a poetic image, God is "leaning forward" to hear David, the way a person might do for a child who speaks quietly. The Lord heard David's urgent prayer.[v.1] David was like one having been abandoned in a dark pit in the ground filled with water, mud, and slime.[v.2] That is why he sings a new song before God for having been rescued by God.[v.3]

His trust in God has brought him great happiness. God has multiplied His deeds toward him[done so much] that they are more than can be told. Most likely, David had learned this in the wilderness to rely on the Lord for safety, and he was not disappointed.

How he might show his gratitude for all the wondrous things God had done for him? (v.1–5). He knew that God accepted and even commanded certain physical sacrifices. However, David knew for certain that God looks at the worshiper's heart and not simply at his sacrifices and offerings. David’s delight is obedience of His will. He said, “I delight to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart.”[v.8] The scrolls often refer to God's written Word as the source of wisdom and truth (Psa 12:6; 40:8). The book of Hebrews cites this verse as part of an explanation of Jesus' role as Savior (Heb 10:5–7). In his joy, he testified and proclaimed God’s goodness in the great congregation with much fervor.[v.9-10]

Furthermore, David believes the Lord's unfailing love and faithfulness will not wane but would keep him safe always. His mercy is what we need every day. Otherwise, we would be consumed! [Lam 3;22-23] Humbly, David claims he is so distressed by his own mistakes that he cannot see clearly. They are too many to count. They are more than the hairs on his head.

His life is at the mercy of God so he pleaded for God to deliver him quickly. Even from his enemies who seek his downfall. Those who are against David celebrate his troubles and failures as emphasized by their ‘Aha’. But, David committed his desperate situation to the Lord. Like David, instead of taking matters into our own hands, we are instructed to leave them in God's hands. More than desiring the defeat and disgrace of his enemies, David wanted the Lord's people to declare ‘Great is the Lord.” He wanted to maintain that he is poor and needy. That he is desperate to need God urgently as His help and deliverer, moment by moment.

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Text: Psalm 39:1-13

O LORD, MAKE ME KNOW MY END

We wonder why David had determined to refrain from speaking here. No details are given about the situation which inspired it. Was he being confronted by wicked people about some sin or failure on his part? (v.8–11). Or, was he worried that his words would be overly harsh, or that he would return slander with slander? It's also possible David didn't want to speak wrongly about God.

He found out that this choice was very difficult and frustrating. Whatever David hoped to accomplish in his own heart by saying nothing, he instead became more agitated.[ v.1,2) The Hebrew phrasing rendered "to no avail" can also be translated, "without success."

Inevitably, David could not stay silent any longer, so he spoke. Wisely, however, he chose to express himself to God in prayer. It is unwise and unhealthy to refrain from speaking to God. Our silence only leads to a troubled heart, doesn’t it? Remember, Hebrews 4:15 assures us that the Lord sympathizes with our weaknesses. Let’s bring everything unto Him who could give us peace. [Phil 4:6,7]

David did not want to sin with his lips. So, he asks God to work on his own heart. In praying, “O LORD, make me know my end and what is the measure of my days; let me know how fleeting I am!” He was not asking the exact time and nature of his death. Having been reminded of the short, fragile, imperfect nature of all humanity, he would be less concerned over his current issues. Rather than being aggravated by his situation, David asked God to alter his perspective, so he could see things in a more godly way.

Seeing through God's eternal perspective, our concerns here are tiny, so we can trust His goodness when frustration sets in (v.5). Investing one's life in spiritual pursuits must be our focus not on material wealth. Jesus taught His followers to lay up treasures in heaven. He pointed out that treasures on earth are subject to ruin or theft, whereas treasures in heaven never wear out and are not subject to theft (Mat 6:19–20). However, the wicked persons David noted might have been scrabbling for power and wealth. Chasing money is a foolish plan (Psa 37:16–17; Prov 23:4–5; Ecc 5:10–12; Mat 6:19–24; Luke 12:13–21; 1 Tim 6:10; Heb 13:5). A common cliche is "you can't take it with you." Matter of factly, it’s left behind for someone left behind to enjoy. "The world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever" (1 John 2:17). Proverbs 23:4–5 depicts wealth as flying away as soon as a person tries to look at it. He understood that quantity of years is not as important as the quality of one's life. How many moments a person has is not as important as what one does with those moments.

Thus, he wasted no longer but wait and hope unto the Lord alone.[v,7] He asked for the blessing of having been forgiven[v.8] Is there a greater blessing other than being forgiven and right before God? He knows it's better to be humble and silent before God.[v.9] Having repented and admitted his sin, David asks for God to give him a renewed sense of peace and confidence. He knew he would smile again with joy in his heart if the Lord would remove His discipline.[v10,11] He understood that life is fleeting and before long he would depart this life and "be no more." In v 12, David correctly saw himself as a temporary resident of earthly life. This perspective was echoed by those praised in Scripture for their great faith in God (Heb 11:13–16). And as a sojourner with the Lord, he was not traveling alone. (Deut 31:8; Mat 28:20) Likewise, we as believers bound to heaven, the Lord is with us always (Heb 13:5).

 -------------------------

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God’s Word for Today

22 Aug 2023

-Psa 38:1-22 ESV

O LORD, ALL MY LONGING IS BEFORE YOU

There is no doubt that David loves the Lord. But, he was not morally perfect. He openly recognized his sinfulness, saying,

“ I confess my iniquity;

    I am sorry for my sin.”[v.18]

Was he referring to his sins against Uriah and Bathsheba here? 

He praised for God’s mercy often(Psa 28:6; 86:15). But, he also knew God is just and righteous to chastise him. Thus, he asks God to lift His hand of discipline toward him. Notedly, to be "disciplined" by the Lord for sin is a mark of belonging to God. [Heb 12:7–8]

He compares the pain of God's correction to arrows penetrating deeply into his body.[v.2] Clearly, David cites God's indignation as the reason for his illness [v.3]. Of course, not every physical illness and disease should be attributed to sin but as a platform for glorifying God (John 9:1–3). In other cases, it's simply part of living in a broken world. Hence, a believer who endures illness with trust and praise serves as a testimony to God's sufficiency.

How painful was God’s discipline?

David lamented that it is so overwhelming; a burden too heavy to carry[v.4], stinking and festering wounds[v.5], he was bent over, flattened to the ground mourning all day long [v.6], filled with burning, imagery of extreme inflammation [v.7], crushed and worn out as one whose energy was spent, [v.8],  and once a robust warrior-king but now groaning and shouting in pain. 

The price of sin is extremely costly  (Rom 6:23). However, the Lord Jesus "is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them" (Heb 7:25). Yes, David mourns over his sin. But, he doesn't abandon hope. Instead, he looks to the Lord who sees his condition (v. 9) and asks for salvation (v.22).

He cried, “O Lord, all my longing is before you” It's fitting for him to call God using the Hebrew term Adonai, which literally means "Master." As a servant, he acknowledges that the Lord is omniscient, that is, nothing is hidden from Him. Our Father knows our frame that comforts us. Similarly today, Jesus, our great high priest, is available. He assures us to sympathize with our struggle since He experienced temptation but didn't sin (Heb 4:15). Hence,  we can confidently approach God in prayer, as we seek to "receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need" (Heb 4:16).

Moreover, David felt as if his friends and relatives were abandoning him.[v.11]  It’s either because of his drastic change in mood, or specifically because they despised his sin. Whatever the cause, David's sin seems to have given his enemies renewed motivation and intensity in their plotting.[v.12] David's enemies were eager to celebrate his defeat. [v.16-19] His response was silence.[v.13] Was this merely an expression of deep shame (v.8). Or, he runs out of wisdom to speak against his attackers. Most probably, it is his humble response to his sin (v.18). A ‘no defense, no attack’ response[v.14]. Peter comments, "If when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God" (1 Pet 2:20)

David realized that only God could resolve his desperate circumstances.[v.15]His prayer reveals two key facts about himself. First, he patiently looked to the Lord for relief from his suffering (v.8, 22). Second, although he had committed serious sins (v.1–4), he realized God was still his God.

Thus, David pleads with God to stay with him and guide him through all these ordeals. He trusted in the Lord as his personal God. Although there is a sense of urgency [v.22], his prayer is not a cry of despair, but of faithful confidence (v.21). Likewise, God has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you.' So we can confidently say, 'The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?'"[Heb 13:5-6]

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God’s Word for Today

21 Aug 2023

-Psa 37:1-11 ESV

DELIGHT YOURSELF IN THE LORD

David’s admonition not to fret over evildoers is repeated three times [v.1,7,8]. This suggests the problem of injustice he undergoes. The word translated "fret" means "to get heated up or to burn." How can a good God allow good things to happen to bad people? Why should we not be distressed?

Firstly, their enjoyment is just temporary. They will wither like grass.[v.2] 

Instead, we are to delight in the Lord. To "delight in the Lord" is to enjoy and be contented with all the blessings found in Him, because they are from Him, not merely because they are to our benefit. The person who delights in the Lord values Him, the Giver more highly than His gifts. The word comes from a root word that implies pleasure and enjoyment.

Obviously, the one who "delights in the Lord" has righteous desires and deeds. He commits, trusts, waits and does the will of God. He is generous and gives. He does not do evil. He would not desire anything that springs from selfish desires and displeasing to God, would he? As David expressed,

“The mouth of the righteous utters wisdom,

    and his tongue speaks justice.

The law of his God is in his heart;”

    his steps do not slip. [v.30-31]

Nobody should expect God to give something contrary to His will, or the Lord's glory. Hence, if our wills are attuned to the will of God (John 14:15), our requests will be granted (John 14:14; Mat 6:33). This idea is expressed often in the Psalms (Psalm 21:2; 145:19).

Moreover, to delight in the Lord could mean also that the Lord will place into our hearts those desires which are godly. In other words, when we delight in God, He makes us want what He wants (Rom 12:2; Gal 5:16–24).

The promise of God is preservation, protection, and provisions. However, the wicked in a moment will be gone.[v.10], victims to their own plots[v.12-15], broken and perish like smoke[v.20] The Lord laughs at the wicked,  for he sees that his day is coming.[v.13]

God, on the other hand, has promised the meek to inherit the earth and have peace[shalom]. Jesus calls him the blessed man in His teachings about the beatitudes in Matt 5. He is not living a perfect life but a spiritually healthy life. As David recognized,

“The steps of a man are established by the Lord,

    when he delights in his way;

though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong,

    for the Lord upholds his hand.

I have been young, and now am old,

    yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken

    or his children begging for bread.

He is ever lending generously,

    and his children become a blessing.”[v.23-26]

The blessed man is a secure man, as David concluded,

“The salvation of the righteous is from the Lord;

    he is their stronghold in the time of trouble.

The Lord helps them and delivers them;

    he delivers them from the wicked and saves them,

    because they take refuge in him.”[v.39,40]

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