Ps. 40: God is Personal

Psalm 40:6 "Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but my ears you have pierced,; burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not require."

If there was ever any question that God the Creator wanted to have a personal relationship with man, the answer is the 40th Psalm. Although famously put to song by U2, I wonder if they missed the point. Then I remember...it's pop music, of course it missed the point, especially focusing on just the first two verses.

This chapter is so full of amazing references to who God is to man. I wish there was a better song about it. Sure, God pulls us out of the mire and sets our feet on the rock. But have you considered how he plans out innumerable things for us? And not just the huge things like "Hey, I don't have cancer anymore," or "Hey, we're going to make this marriage work," but why wouldn't I believe he works out stuff like your pen not running out of ink during a big test, or having just enough cell phone battery life to call your mom, or someone coming into your office to tell you he appreciates you? Not only can we not count them all, I think too often we don't even notice them.

Back in the day, when Samuel was instructing Saul in 1 Samuel 15, he mentioned that "to obey is better than sacrifice." And it was always thus, with God. God is after the heart. Nadab and Abihu were going in to perform rituals, but they had the wrong heart, and God incinerated them. This explains God's seeming contradiction in verse 6. The sacrifice was never enough. When a heart is permanently given to God, that is far greater treasure to God. That's right, a treasure to God. A personal relationship is a treasure to God. The idea brings such joy to David, he can scarcely hold it in, compelled to share it with everyone.

I originally glossed over the bit about David being overtaken by sins, they being greater than the number of hairs on his head. But in a way, hair seems to be a pretty apt metaphor in a few ways for sin. Like hair, its always there. It's always growing. It can't be removed by just rearranging it. To remove it, it needs to be cut off. To completely stop it, it needs to be pulled out by the root. Now imagine that one-sin-per-hair ratio...its a lot. This causes a crisis of the heart, and can only be remedied by crying out to God for salvation.

In David's position, he had a lot of mockers. I'm sure to them, he was like that smart kid in Sunday School with all the answers. You know, usually a missionary kid. Their life was the Bible, not soccer or video games, and you just wanted to smack him everytime he spoke up. But deep down you wish you knew as much as he did. But he was a nerd because of it, and you resented that. You aren't a nerd. Are you? Anyway, David had those who scorned him because of his close walk with the LORD. And if you are a believer, chances are, your faith has taken some shots, whether through open hostility or ignorant patronization. David offers what he thinks should be done with these mockers...that they be shamed, confused, turned back in disgrace.

But he doesn't appear to count himself better than them, rather, poor and needy, he counts himself among those standing in the need of God's grace. He says, "May the Lord think of me." Have you ever imagined that? That Creator God would think of you? Think about you? Make an investment in your life? In your mutual relationship? It's pretty incredible to think about and ponder. This is a personal God.

Ps. 39: Life But a Breath

Psalm 39:13 "Look away from me, that I may rejoice again before I depart and am no more."

This Psalm is likely designated in your Bible as "For Jeduthun." You'll remember (or maybe you won't...its ok) Jeduthun was one of three Levites designated by David for musical duty back in 1 Chronicles 25. I wonder if David wrote this, and then Jeduthun led the singing of it. 

This Psalm isn't the most happy-go-lucky Psalm in the book, and when I think about it, very few are. David deals a lot with fear and guilt and the need for deliverance and restoration from suffering. The 39th Psalm, at least in my opinion, bemoans the temporary nature of life. A couple times it is said here that a man's life is "but a breath." Extremely short in comparison to the eternal God, and extremely inconsequential in the universal scheme of things. And the thought of this is troubling. It's a discomforting thought to consider one's own mortality as it is. So where would one seek comfort? The almighty God. It seems a lot like a child who would go to his father with painful questions in need of comforting answers.

So that question then, considering man's phantom life, is "What's the point?" To store up treasures is an exercise in futility. There is no certainty in wealth, because it will eventually be lost...useless. Verse 13 gives a bit of a clue. The writer wants to rejoice before he departs and is no more. That is what seems to be lasting. That is what goes beyond life, the rejoicing and the relationship with God. 

Another thrust of this Psalm is that because of the shortness of life, going through it at odds with the creator is no life at all. Discipline happens, faltering happens, but this Psalm encourages one to be like David...to restore that relationship with God, to be saved from sin, so that there is something more than a phantom life. 

Ps. 38: Confessional

Psalm 38:18 "I confess my iniquity; I am troubled by my sin."

What crushes a man like guilt? Fear troubles David greatly, but it looks like guilt has a more agonizing effect on him. His guilt has brought him to the point where it has effected him physiologically. Psychosomatically? Clearly he is in a lot of pain, and describes weakness and wounds. Are these diseases brought on by stress? Are these afflictions directly from God to get his attention? Is David simply describing his state of mind because of the overwhelming guilt he is feeling? 

Deaf and mute, David goes numb, crushed by his guilt. There is a wedge between him and the one person he loves and needs the most, God. He knows that confession will restore this relationship. He doesn't appear to be worried about reprisal or punishment, whats more important is that He and God get back on the same track again.

Ps. 37: Calm Down

Psalm 37:39 "The salvation of the righteous comes from the LORD; he is their stronghold in time of trouble."

The 37th Psalm reads a lot like an old man on his death bed admonishing and advising his loved ones...some last words maybe. And maybe that's where this comes from, as verse 25 talks about the author being old.

Overall, a very encouraging, upbeat Psalm, instructing the reader not to dwell on the possessions and actions of the wicked. They may have it good for now, and temporarily. On the surface, it appears that what they have is very enticing. It could follow that living a comparable lifestyle would yield a similar result. Not so (v. 8). And this Psalm (as well as others) make it very clear that any success or comfort enjoyed by wicked men is fleeting. It will soon perish, while the inheritance of a righteous person endures forever. So perhaps this could be construed as a cautionary tale for those who are relying on their wealth and power for fulfillment.

Without any acknowledgement of eternity, there is only a sense of "This is all there is." Of course one would want to make as much of this, their only existance, as possible. But God says again, don't worry. He laughs at their plans. Their time is short. The wicked will be cut down by bow and sword and famine. But David, an old man, claims to have never seen the righteous forsaken, or their children begging bread. This promise of provision is one of extreme power. This is praiseworthy stuff!

I've heard it said that God would give one the desires of his heart. That's here in verse 4. But there's a beginning part of that verse that says "Delight yourself in the LORD..." I suppose when one delights himself in the LORD, that is the desire of our heart. Our desires will line up with what God desires for us, and that will be our want. And our satisfaction.

This Psalm makes a clear distinction for what's coming to pass for the wicked, and for those who hold to God's precepts.

Ps. 36: God vs. Evil

Psalm 36:9 "For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light."

It probably wouldn't cross my mind to contrast God with evil people, but this is what happens in Psalm 36. Its an exercise in compare and contrast.

So what's the deal with evil men? They have no fear of God before their eyes. This is not to say they don't believe in God, because to have no fear (or awe) of God still regards Him...still allows for God to be. So to believe God is, but then to disavow Him. Pay Him no mind. That is truly evil. To go to length to believe a god like God exists, but then not to want Him on your side, very strange. That is the pull of sin. So blinding that it would cause man to reject a God, an almighty power, that he believes exists. This happens when people choose not to get to know God, they choose to reject his precepts.

Conversely, God's attributes of love, faithfulness, righteousness and justice are incomprehensible...described as inconceivably massive. Deep as the ocean, big as the mountains. It makes no record of who is large as a man, and who is small. Position, status and bank accounts mean nothing to this God. His love and refuge is for all. God doesn't have to impress anyone or convince anyone of this fact. All are invited to taste and see, and to dine at his table.

Verse 9 is particularly poetic to me. God is the fountain of life...evil men, the fountain of death. The idea that by God's light, we see light. Of course light is illuminating, causes growth, gives birth to wisdom, and all things that are good. But without God's light, even the light by which we would pretend to perceive anything would likely be pitch black, still shrouded in the dark. It is only by the light God provides that we can see anything. And to have my light be God's light...that is the goal.

Ps. 35: God Will Vindicate

Psalm 35:12 "They repay me evil for good and leave my soul forlorn."

David's situation isn't just that he is being pursued. He is innocent of wrongdoing to other people, yet his character is on trial. In spite of the goodness and humility in which he treats people, when he in turn suffers, they mock and add insult upon insult. David, in verses 13 and 14 goes through the mourning process for people who in turn rejoice in his pain.

He appears also to be the victim of false accusation, being questioned by false witnesses about things he had no part of. What did he go on trial for? 

I can't imagine having to deal with this type of treatment. Here are more reasons why David really needed to reach out to God, to cry out to God in desperation, because only God could deliver him. Only God could preserve David's character and prove his innocence.

Ps. 34: How To Be Delivered

Psalm 34:6 "This poor man called, and the LORD heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles."

Why is it that David receives this kind of treatment and deliverance from God? From reading past stories about David, we know that he received amazing promises. And it wasn't necessarily because of anything he did. He happened to be a part of Abraham's lineage, which eventually turned into Israel's royal lineage. There he was promised that his lamp would never be extinguished. He had his failures, but like we discussed, his close walk with God resulted in what I suppose was an ongoing dialogue with the Creator. And God forgave him, presumably constantly.

And lets not forget that David didn't have it easy, in spite of this close relationship with God. Quite the opposite, it would seem. When I read scriptures that depict David pleading with God to save him because of God's reputation, it appears that he has been in his share of potentially lethal trouble. 

The truth is, David asked for deliverance, and God was inclined to deliver him. David had no magic words. He never had any footing to make a deal with God that bind God to deliver him. 

And this makes me wonder, can I claim any of this? What can I expect when I ask God to deliver me from trouble? I believe God listens. But is what I perceive to be God's silence in any way related to the depth of my relationship with Him? If I spend as much time in communication with God as David did (impossible...right?....Right?) I would have a better understanding of just what it is God is doing.

I don't mean to ignore the text. David is in full-on teaching mode here in the 34th Psalm. He teaches that to fear the LORD leads to his protection, guidance, sustanence and deliverance. There will be trouble, make no mistake (v. 19), but God is the deliverer. Try a Google image search for "Psalm 34" and see how many pictures there are of troubled people with their heads in their hands.

Ps. 33: The Ultimate Power

Psalm 33:22 "May your unfailing love rest upon us, O LORD, even as we put our hope in you."

In the 33rd Psalm, the author firmly establishes the idea that God is the de facto power in the universe. This power, this greatness, is worthy of praise. The upright nation, whose God is the LORD, is fit to praise God. And this praise is to be done skillfully. It is not enough to just kind of slouch through the act of worship. Worship is always purposeful, intentional. Play skillfully, the psalmist says.

The God who is to be praised is the Creator. The one who by His words spoke everything into being and holds power over it. By him everything that lives stays alive (v. 19). It is God who holds the power over life and death.

There's a part in there talking about "Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD (v. 12)." I've seen that often applied to the country in which I live, the United States. However, I wonder how often the second part of that couplet is missed or just glossed over. You know, the part that says "the people He chose for His inheritance." I believe this verse speaks more about Israel, the people God chose, than it does about any nation who happens to have a lot of God-followers in it. The emphasis I think is on the nation, not whose God is the LORD. And to apply it to the US is ridiculous, because as a nation (politically speaking) in general, I don't believe God is our LORD. Money is probably first, with government second. Israel is the nation whose God is the LORD. Their God is not Molech or Baal, so that comparison may come in to play as well.

That is why we praise. This Psalm is a list of reasons to praise God, and to reduce ourselves in the equation. Its all about what God does, not the size of a king's army.

Ps. 32: Blessing of Confessing

Psalm 32:5 "Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the LORD "—and you forgave the guilt of my sin."

Forgiveness is a state of the heart that I often overlook. It is bondage to go unforgiven. It's no better to be the one withholding forgiveness. Both parties are bound to the burden of guilt and pain. It is a blessing, a great happiness to be free of those burdens, and that is how David sets the groundwork for the 32nd Psalm.

Forgiveness and to forgive are blessings. It is the point where one man's sin counts against him no longer. It just makes a person happy to know the burden has been lifted. The silence, the not confronting, the not appealing for forgiveness makes one feel like he is rotting away. It is agony! Long after the pain of the original offense has subsided, what's the reason to lug it around any longer? It's time to go in peace and live a life in peace and vindication! 

This silence may be comforting. It's hard to admit a wrong, its hard to presume to forgive someone who doesn't ask for it, though they may desperately want it. A result of momentary discomfort, the anxiety leading up the moment, in the end is completely worth it. David wants to sing! Go, ask for forgiveness! Give it! Don't let the burden sap your strength any longer. 

This is the attitude David had. David, who need forgiveness for a lot of things. He experienced how wonderful forgiveness, and I believe he truly wanted others to experience this forgiveness. So he calls on others to cry out to the LORD, and accept his perfect and holy forgiveness, so the mighty waters won't reach them. While he may be found. This suggests there won't always be time. So stop waiting.

Confession restores relationships. The forgiveness at these confessions are what kept David blameless, despite not being sinless.

Pope John Paul forgives his would-be assasin, Mehmet Ali Agca.

Ps. 31: Praise the LORD

Psalm 31:14 "But I trust in you, O LORD; I say, 'You are my God.'"

There is a lot going on here in the 31st Psalm. Again David describes the troubled situation he was in while his city was beseiged. He hides in God. Wherever he is, he trusts God and God alone to be his protector. What is interesting here is that he makes no mention of his own abilities and guile to overcome these odds. He doesn't even appear to try. Even before there is no way out, God is the way out.

His cry for mercy and deliverance is heeded. God continues to protect him. This is God's righteousness, to fulfill His word in the promises he made. Specific to David, if David walked the straight path prescribed by God, he would not come to ruin. And having read the account of David's reign in the Kings and Chronicles, we see just how straight it was, and how successful it was.

What these Psalms teach me about God is that he is the ultimate protection. Is God a last resort? Is he our failsafe? When everything else crumbles, does David then go to God? It doesn't appear that way. Not because David didn't turn to God, but because David didn't wait to turn to God. He trusted and devoted himself to God when things were good.

God is the one who rescues us when we call. Even when we don't, it appears that God will turn his ear because his heart would be so moved. Always?

Ps. 30: Praise for Deliverance

Psalm 30:11 "You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy..."

Another Psalm of praise. And David has much to sing about. He has prayed for deliverance, and received it. What an amazing thing to happen! When you pray for something wonderful, and God is inclined to give that to you. Not only is there joy in God's gift, but also the idea that, even if just for a moment, your desires match up with God's will. Is that too much to think about myself? Does it lessen God's will? I don't believe so. But at any rate, it is quite amazing, and I wonder how often I forget to offer a special praise for it.

I learn a couple things about God in verse 5. "For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning."

To me this sounds like a God who in His very nature is favorable. Who would at all times rejoice. He becomes angry. He is not angry. He weeps, but it ceases, and joy is uncovered. Wailing is turned into joy. Sackcloth of mourning isn't meant to be worn at all times in the world of this God. Dancing is a celebration unto God. 

Early 11th Century depiction of Psalm 30.

Ps. 29: The Voice of the LORD

Psalm 29:5 "The voice of the LORD breaks the cedars; the LORD breaks in pieces the cedars of Lebanon."

What I get a lesson here in the 29th Psalm is how powerful the voice of God is. In gravity, in influence, in just raw power and might. "Ascribe glory and strength" David says in the opening verse.

God's voice is what spoke creation into being with precise power. God's voice spoke words of promise to Abraham and to Noah and to David. The voice lectured Job in all these things. The voice also spoke comfort and peace to those who needed it.

Cedar of Lebanon 

I loved reading the descriptions of what God's voice was like. Thundering over the mighty waters...as powerful and huge as the ocean is, God dwarfs it. When I read about his voice snapping the great cedars of Lebanon, and making Lebanon skip like a calf, and striking with lightning and shaking the desert, stripping the forests of oak bare, I could not help but remember this footage I saw in high school history. 

Look at the wind! The pressure, the power! And this isn't even the minutest fraction of the infinite power God is capable of. This strength is the strength God gives to his people! Not to snap cedars, but its the same strength that's there when we need it in our individual situations.

Ps. 28: Prayer for Deliverance

Psalm 28:6 "Praise be to the LORD, for he has heard my cry for mercy."

Yet another prayer for deliverance from the evil people who surround him. I think a few things about this. First, David must have had a lot of time to write these things. Secondly, I wonder how often this happened? Last, maybe it didn't happen so many times, but it just inspired him to write about what happened to him. A lot of these prayers for deliverance contain similar elements, with many seeming to contain all of them. 

David is in trouble.

David calls on God to deliver him.

David recognizes that God is his deliverer and shield.

David reminds God how blameless he is.

David doesn't want to be counted among the evil, concerning himself with God's reputation.

David wants to be with God.

David praises God for deliverance and greatness.

David encourages others to do the same.

What is different here in the 28th Psalm is David's desire for God to repay those people who wronged him, and to remember them. David doesn't offer God any suggestions for ways to pour out His vengeance. Instead, David trusts God's justice. Whatever it is God decides to do will be far more effective than anything our minds can comprehend. And believe me, when I wanted retribution on the people who hid things from us when they sold me my house, I thought of a lot of things I wanted to do. As I took care of these repairs, it worsened. But I had to come to the point of realization that God is a just God, and he would be my vindication. But it also occured to me that perhaps what I'm dealing with is vindication for the sins of my youth...I don't know. Praise God anyway. 

But God will rebuild me.

Ps. 27: Whom Shall I Fear?

Psalm 27:13 "I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living."

David starts the 27th Psalm in much the same way Moses and Miriam started their song back in Exodus 15. What is most interesting is that these writings came under very different circumstances. Moses and Miriam had just been delivered by God from the Egyptians by crossing the Red Sea. David, conversely, was living in daily fear of his enemies. In both situations, they knew who to trust, and who would be their deliverer. Because of that, they had no one to fear.

David again commits to heart his belief that God alone will be his fortress and defense. It's through nothing David personally did, but because God chose to protect him. He trusted God's promise that he would be King.

Another thing that consistently blows my mind about David is his incredible longing to be with God. Not to die and go be with him, but to "dwell in his house" and "gaze upon his beauty." Who says that? About anything? With sincerity? I personally am not at that point. Once again, this would require a complete shuffling of priorities to feel this way. I like my TV and my car and my family and my job and my music. I don't find myself wishing that I was in God's presence. I do enjoy stopping to wonder about why God does certain things. I also obsess over why I think he would do certain things that he does that are confusing. David cuts through all that, and sort of makes it his own life's purpose to just be with God.

Ps. 26: I'm With You, LORD

Psalm 26:2 "Test me, O LORD, and try me, examine my heart and my mind..."

This 26th Psalm reads like a pledge of allegiance to God. David describes his upright walk before God, his avoision of the things the wicked people do, his proclamations of what God does, and then a request to God to redeem David.

For someone who makes the claim to have a blameless life, no redemption would be needed right? I tripped on that part. I don't want to make the mistake of equating blamelessness with sinlessness. In David's walk with God, I imagine such a close relationship would lead to David consistently giving himself over to God, begging forgiveness when needed, and God responding in kind by removing the blame.

"Try me," David asks. He wears no mask before God. He has nothing to hide and nowhere to hide it, knowing full well nothing can be hidden from the reaches of God's knowledge. But its not posturing. David walks in God's love continually. He doesn't want to forget about or denigrate his sins, and think there may be something too small for God to take note of. 

Does David avoid wicked people? Probably not. When I read that David does not "sit with deceitful men" or "consort with hypocrites," I get the feeling that he means he does not agree with them, or take on their stances or actions. He is in them, but not of them. As king, you have to meet with all kinds, even wicked people, I guess.

I'm not entirely certain what is meant when David asks God not to take away his soul along with sinners. If I am to believe that the soul is a part of a man (Watchman Nee, anyone?) than how could God take it away? What becomes of that man? Perhaps metaphorically, God is David's "soul," the center, the hearbeat of his life. There I suppose the meaning is real.

Ps. 25: Defense and Guidance

Psalm 25:7 "Remember not the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways; according to your love remember me, for you are good, O LORD."

David still needs a whole lot of guidance. Even in this closeness with God, he still apparently is prone to deviation, or forgetting that he needs to stay on the path and follow God's way. This 25th Psalm is a prayer to God to help to guide him and keep him straight, as well as to continue to protect and encourage him through tough times.

Well aware of his own reputation and allegiance with God, David surmises what would happen were he to fail. If David were to fall victim to his own enemies, it would appear that God, too, would be triumphed over. David didn't want his enemies to have any notion that they were greater than God. Obviously they wouldn't be, but if you take down God's right hand man in a moment of weakness, it would definitely appear as though God could not protect that person. 

There is no hope in treachery. (v. 3)

David asks God to show him God's ways, teach him His paths, guide in His truth and teach him. That sounds like a lot to ask from anyone. But it must have delighted God in an amazing way to hear someone request that of Him. How often is God asked that by anyone? Let alone from me? Is this a question anyone dares ask? Who is ready for such teaching and guidance? Too impractical, I say. Were I to really, genuinely, sincerely ask this from God. How much would my life be overturned? It's discomforting, I think. Why does David ask this? He knows his history. He has seen lives changed and blessed by this very thing.

The young and stupid act impetuously and without regard to the future. David was apparently among them. And I absolutely love the request in verse 7. He doesn't excuse the sins of his youth for being perpetrated as a youth. He asks God not to remember them. He doesn't deny they occured, but asks God not to remember them, though the iniquity is great (v. 11). Would that fly in any court today? And probably the most amazing part of the verse is where David asks God to remember him "according to your love...for you are good, O LORD." That's great! I underlined it. He asks that God see him not through the lens of David's works and behavior, but through the eyes of love. Wondrous! That is my hope! That is how I want to be seen!

David wants to be among those he describes as people who God instructs: humble, one who keeps the demands of the covenant (Demands, not suggestions...), repentant, one who fears the LORD.  This leads to prosperity, and "inheriting the land," whatever that may mean to you.

I would describe friendship as have a certain level of confidance. Verse 14 says "The LORD confides in those who fear him..." That sounds like friendship to me.

The last 7 verses or so are terrific salve to a person burned by pain. This person can count on God for deliverance from or coping with loneliness, affliction, trouble, anguish, distress, the weight of sin, enemies, being hated, and shame. God is ever present, a comfort, a savior, a liberator. And the object of our hope.

Ps. 24: The King of Glory

Psalm 24:7 "Lift up your heads, O you gates; be lifted up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in."

Here's another descriptive Psalm of what God does, describing his power in creation and his holiness. It's really indescribable, the power it takes to create the world, the universe, the land and the sea. Because of this power, how could anyone stand in his presence? He refers again to the holy hill (Ps. 15), and the temple. The place to meet God.

It takes purity, cleanliness of heart, devotion to God and his ways. There is no other way to stand before God.

So after describing this King of Glory, the question is raised, "Who is he? Who is this King of Glory?" Well, its the LORD God almighty, mighty and victorious in battle. The "Be lifted up" refers to the gates of cities, designed to protect the city and keep stuff out. So not only would David like to see his city be receptive to God, the king of glory, I think he refers to the gates on people's hearts, that they would open up and allow God inside to change them for the better.

Psalm 24 reminds me of:

King of Glory by Third Day

Who Is This King of Glory? by Petra

Ps. 23: The LORD is My Shepherd

Psalm 23:4 "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me."

This Psalm is probably the most iconic, or the most famous at least. I remember as lad having to memorize the entire chapter as part of Awana curriculum. Through no fault of Awana's I never really gave much thought to what the words meant. Or the context. Or what the author went through that led to this writing. It was a bunch of nice sounding words that you could sing.

So what makes this one so great? On the surface, it is very encouraging and empowering. It is the answer to the question, "So what happens when I choose to follow God? What are the things God will do in my life?"

The answers are very simple, and short, making them conducive to teaching the very young about God. 

When I think about a shepherd, I think about how closely he guards his sheep. A shepherd's sheep are his life. His business. What keeps him going. Can we think of ourselves as that critically important to God? Of course God wouldn't die without us, but the 23rd Psalm makes me think we are very important to Him. He is who provides for us.

Green pastures, still waters...pretty idyllic. Away from the distractions, the danger, the sparseness, the desert. I can't think of a better place for a person to restore his soul. Maybe a cobbler.

Verse 3 says "he guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake." I never really grasped what that meant. The words were a jumble. But I think the concept is that we reflect him in our deeds. In our righteousness, we show God to others. But God is righteous, and what other path would he guide us on? That's who he is. 

God is protective of us, his children. We can take comfort that he will be our protector. And sometimes he has to use weapons. I don't think the rod and the staff were exclusively to keep us on a certain path. Likely he swung them at predators, bringing the pain train.

I love verse 6. Goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life! Who doesn't want that? It doesn't say "happiness and ease," so I don't want to get that impression. Life is hard, and even David had that revealed to him in sometimes heartbreaking ways. But we can count on God's goodness and His love to bring us through the tough times that set upon us.

Psalm 23 reminds me of:

23 by Deliverance

You Never Let Go by Matt Redman

The Lord is My Shepherd by Keith Green

Ps. 22: Distance

Psalm 22:29 "All the rich of the earth will feast and worship; all who go down to the dust will kneel before him— those who cannot keep themselves alive."

This chapter has a completely different mood or well of inspiration than the previous couple, where victories are celebrated. What is described here is that the narrator appears to be back in the clutches of duress. Things are bad again. "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" A question that could only be asked with a heart of deep sorrow and fear and abandonment. Here even David's crying out goes unanswered. Where earlier, David speaks about how God hears his cries, here apparently they go unreplied. But David, like Job, continues to view God as savior and vindicator...the ultimate power.

David, after having been close to God his entire life feels somehow distant. Knowing the closeness David had with God, this must have been agony for David. All of David's strength comes from God. All of David's chips are in God. 

He describes pretty horrifically this separation from God. Torn flesh, pierced hands and pierced feet, heart that has turned to wax and melted within, disjointed and visible bones, and folks casting lots for his clothing. He must be an important person for people to want his clothing. Yet still David praises God and encourages others to do the same.

Ps. 21: Victory Forever

Psalm 21:7 "For the king trusts in the LORD; through the unfailing love of the Most High he will not be shaken."

David continues his theme of crediting God for the victories won, as well as for the glorious things David has been given. It's really odd behavior for a king. I would imagine kings would spend more time praising themselves, heralding their accomplishments, and thumping their chests as if to say, "Look at this, look at me." Not David. He seems to think that he is nothing...has nothing without what was given to him by God.

David asked for certain things, and God saw fit to grant David the desires of his heart. I don't know why. I ask for stuff, and sometimes, often times, I don't receive it. But as we read in Job, God doesn't do that for everyone. He is capable, sure. But this inconsistency with which God rewards people and to what degree is God's consistency. He will do what he means, precisely how and when he means to. Nuts to little me and my mundane demands.

David attaches a real sense of permanence to these victories. Length of days, forever and ever. David obviously doesn't live forever (1 Ch. 29:28), but his throne was promised to continue (2 Sa. 7:16). Eternal blessings have been granted. He appears to know that something is coming after death. God's return is referenced, in which he will smite all his enemies in a fiery smiting.

The enemies of David are the enemies of God, and they are powerless to stand against God. This makes me want my enemies to be the enemies of God. If God and my enemies form an alliance of some kind, it's all over.

Ps. 20: Psalm of Blessing

Psalm 20:7 "Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God." 

This may come as an obvious acknowledgement to some, but Psalm 20 reads like a blessing someone would read or confer upon someone before he went to war. It makes sense. David's life and reign were very militaristic, so he would draw upon that experience, naturally.

I picture this being spoken to a troop, preparing for battle. Many of Israel's incursions were divinely ordered, and though war may be an apparent reason for fear, God always came through when His orders were followed exactly. 

War is a troubling thing. Conflict and strife are a troubling thing. But God maintains a sturdy stronghold of peace and uplift in His sanctuary. What an encouragement this is! May he give you the desires of your heart and may all your plans succeed? Incredible! How often do we wish that for people? Even less than we tell people, thats for sure. How concerned can I be with my own success and failure that I would ignore wanting someone else to succeed? 

God has all the power to save and to protect, regardless of the number of chariots and horses a person may be facing.

Psalm 20 reminds me of:
Psalm 20 by Plankeye

Wear Your Colors by Rick Cua

Ps. 19: Thoughts on God

Psalm 19:1 "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands."

David gets all deep and cerebral here in the 19th Psalm. But still it is a very beautiful passage. When David talks about declaring the glory of God, no words are needed. The heavens, the skies...they are the messengers. They tell everyone, regardless of language, that God is glorious. In some mystical way, that cosmic message gets out there to the world, to everyone. It's an amazing thought, really. So what about followers of other gods? Are they blinded? Do they refuse it? The writer has no thought that creation may be an accident. Its simply impossible, doesn't come up.

This display of the knowledge of God is nonstop, day and night. The sun speaks to the daytime, while the stars talk to the night. Permeating, going into all the earth...the message is a constant, as water flowing into everything. There is nothing, nobody that doesn't experience night or day, and hence nothing, nobody that doesn't experience God's glory.

God's law is perfect and it revives the soul. If you follow it, I suppose.

God's statutes are trustworthy. He doesn't go back on his word, and means what He says with integrity. "Making wise the simple..." I ponder that. Those who don't have wisdom simply need to hold to God's statutes. That in itself is wise, but gives birth then to wisdom, recursively, I spose.

Why would fear be pure? Two things I don't often see in one sentence, or describing each other. But this fear...this awe of God is pure. It cannot be contaminated because of the ineffability of God. The fear is too deep and immense to be anything but pure. It is beyond a fleshly fear, which can be unhealthy or misplaced or screwed up or pointless.

Gold is just about the most valuable thing on earth (ask those who assembled the tabernacle). Yet here David elevates the ordinances of God above that. More precious than gold, sweeter than honey. Now, I've tasted honey. And what I remember most about honey besides me not wanting to stop eating it is that it is sticky. Honey is something you experience with all 5 senses (What, you haven't heard anyone crunching on Honey Nut Cheerios?). The ordinances of God are above this.

Interesting that David calls these things a warning as well as a reward. A warning not to avoid these precepts, this fear of God. A reward in that they are highly prized (again...gold).

And I don't know how many people are up on their own hidden sins. The stuff a person does without realizing it. Will these pillars that David describes here in chapter 19 prevent these sins? Maybe not, but here is David asking for forgiveness. He is conscious of the presence of unconscious sin. Wild. I would have never thought about that. David asks God to keep him also from willful sins. When you know you are about to sin but you just don't care. Or you don't consider pleasing God, the rock and redeemer.

Overall, I feel like this Psalm is a pause...a refresher, a breather...from the frenetic pace of Psalm 18. With the conflict and fear behind him, David can meditate on God, without being distracted by the danger from his enemies.

Psalm 19 reminds me of:

Famous One by Chris Tomlin

Ps. 18: Victory!

Psalm 18:46 "The LORD lives! Praise be to my Rock! Exalted be God my Savior!" 

This 18th Psalm is just brimming with energy, dotted by exclamation points throughout. Just when you thought David was at his desperate end, along comes Psalm 18, like some heroic victor out of no where. Out of the clouds, as God is described, thundering with storms and lightning and enough power to lay bare the valleys of the sea. It's pretty incredible. I imagine David breathless as he writes this, as a friend of mine would recount an awesome play that led to a Detroit Tigers victory. He wouldn't want to leave out any detail. Here David gives so much glory to God. He doesn't for a second credit himself for having any part in this victory. 

Sure, he describes his own righteousness and clinging to God's commands, and wholeheartedly following God's decrees (v. 19-24). This leads to promised deliverance for not wavering to the right or to the left (the "main road" as described in Deuteronomy 2). God gave him this victory, but not because God was bound by whatever David did, necessarily, but because God "delighted" in David (v. 19). It was ultimately up to God.

There's a lot of descriptive language that indicates that this rescure felt like a sudden, powerful storm. I wonder what that must have felt like. I wonder about the head rush, the heart pounding, the speed, the emotions, the pulse. I am certain that it was amazing and unforgettable. The turnaround was so quick, the strength a then-weak-kneed David must have received went to work instantly dismantling and annihilating his enemies. David says he could have bent a bow of bronze. Wow!

Not only did this awesome rescue give David unbelievable victory over those were set upon him to kill him, it gave him great hope! He describes a feeling of having a broad path set before him. His trust in God was lifted exponentially. And when David has this power behind him, he's really invincible. Imagine the despair his enemies must have felt. Foreigners are described as surrendering from their strongholds. The chapter is really quite invigorating.

Psalm 18 reminds me of:

Psalm 18 by Waterdeep

Since I Met You by dc Talk

You Are My Rock by Petra

Praise the Name of Jesus by Roy Hicks Jr

Ps. 17: The Enemy Closes In...

Psalm 17:15 "And I—in righteousness I will see your face; when I awake, I will be satisfied with seeing your likeness."

This is getting critical. I wonder if David was really hiding in secret from Saul's men. He writes this desperately. The language is quite intense. "They have tracked me down...they now surround me." It sounds as though he is writing his final entry in his diary. I imagine this was probably quite literal. 

Here David is pleading with God with all his might to protect him. David continues to affirm that he will hide in God...as verse 8 puts it, in the shadow of God's wings. I love that metaphor, because it says more about the hen protecting than it does the chick hiding.

David is thoroughly convinced he is in the right. But here comes the army of men after him to kill him. It doesn't matter to them who is in the right, they're under Saul's orders. David goes through the various ways he has been righteous. In a way, he appears to be "reminding" God about how he has continually walked in God's ways, never leaving his path. 

Probably what I enjoy the most about this passage is that David realizes what happens with the wicked men. Sure they will prosper materially, and maybe enjoy a life of spoils and luxury, but I cannot get over how simple and beautiful verse 15 is. What peace must have inspired David to say "in righteousness, I will see your face; when I awake, I will be satisfied with seeing your likeness." Amazing! I hope you ponder on that verse for a few moments. There is nothing on earth that interests David as much as seeing God's face after all is said and done. The idea that you are completely clean and can come before God hiding nothing, wearing no mask. Having nothing get in the way of you and God. O, that I would gain that attitude. 

Ps. 16: Toward Pleasant Places

Psalm 16:6 "The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance."

"Keep me safe," the 16th Psalm begins, a la David, the sentient robot in Kubrick's sci-fi epic A.I. Artificial Intelligence. And I think it is an apt illustration of how I imagine King David saying it. In the film, mecha David desperately clings to his flesh and blood brother hoping for protection from those who would bully him. I assume this behavior was programmed into him to preserve him. How that fits into Asimov's Three Laws of Robotics remains to be debated. King David knows that preservation comes truly only in the arms of God.

No good thing? In verse two, David claims that apart from God, he has no good thing. That is pretty astounding to think about. Consider these things that we have and own and enjoy like video games and coffee and V8 Engines and HDTV. These are neat, but not "good." They may in fact pull us apart from God. That's not a good thing. These things we love...can they be distractions? Are they only if we let them? I guess that's personal...subjective. David wouldn't consider them good though. To follow another God...another distraction...would only lead to sorrow. I suspect the "good things" David refers to are less...tangible?

Re: v. 5. What is assigned by God is secure. No more, no less.

The LORD counsels David. Teaches and instructs David. Can you imagine having that? I just wonder how my life would change, how different my life and my worldview and my time management would change if I received direct verbal counsel from God himself. Chilling. I realize I have the Bible. But to be in a position like King David...

Gladness, rejoicing and security are the things David celebrates having because of this close relationship with God. And those three things lead to one over-arching sort of gift, and that is peace. Even in David's unsettled situations with surrounding nations, Saul, Jonathan, Absalom, Bathsheba...all these things...he was still able to make it through because of gladness, joy and security that came from God.

Verse ten mentions that David will not be abandoned to the grave. Of course we know David died, but it wasn't because God left him. And even in death, does God abandon him? David didn't come back to life...

Ps. 15: How to Be With God

Psalm 15:1 "LORD, who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy hill?"

This is a profound question, that reveals some amazing things about the asker. First of all, that it is important to him to be with God. To dwell in God's sanctuary, to live on God's holy hill...that essentially means to be with God, wherever He may be. There aren't many people that I know that I would love to live with them. My wife for one. That's about it. This requires devotion and an unbelievable closeness to desire that about anyone. Is it about heaven? Yeah, maybe. 

Secondly, it suggests that not everyone will dwell in God's sanctuary. It's not easy. It's not a given. And most likely, not everyone would want to. Not because God's sanctuary wouldn't be perfect, but because they don't understand who God is and have not met Him. 

What happens when you get to know who God is? The things that bring you into his sanctuary, and David lists several in the 15th Psalm. A blameless walk, doing what is righteous, not speaking ill of people, honoring those who fear God and keep their word, and then those who don't screw people over with lending.

Those seem like simple concepts, but I remember making fun of the teacher's pet in Sunday School. The nerd who had all the answers. I wasn't ready to dig my nose into scriptures and keep it there like that kid. It wasn't because I didn't care, or didn't believe it. I just figured I had lots of years ahead of me to get to know God. And I would do that in the boring...you know...adult Sunday school classes. And here I am now, way behind. How many times have I not done these things here? I still find myself caught up in these things. But I have never had a problem lending money. I don't have money to lend, and nor would I get all usurous. Its amazing what I care about when it comes to people. I occasionally don't have a problem badmouthing them, but I sure wouldn't want to cost them any money.

These are things that, if they get out of control, will barricade me from really getting to know God, to grow close to Him...and maybe to meet Him on His holy hill.

Ps. 14: Foolish Evildoers

Psalm 14:7 "Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion! When the LORD restores the fortunes of his people, let Jacob rejoice and Israel be glad!"

So you say there is no God. Someone like that is known as an atheist. A fool, as declared by the first verse in the 14th Psalm. 

But I wonder how often I, as a believer, am an atheist in my heart. A fool. When I deliberately pursue evil. When I think, Meh, God won't notice this one or care. How foolish! That makes me an atheist in my heart! Corruption, vile deeds, not doing good...its all here! It says right there in verse 2 that God looks down from heaven for those who understand and seek Him. 

If David is to be given credence, the pickings are pretty slim for those who do good. Evildoers have devoured the good as bread. I get the sense that they didn't kill off the good people, most likely exerted their influence on them and turned them to evil. Like a giant amoeba, engulfing those who don't have the heart or sense to call on the LORD.

But God remains there, to be a refuge for those who are under the pursuit of the evil people.  David is very interested in seeing salvation for Israel come out of Zion. God dwells in Zion. God could be that salvation. He has a lot of hope for the restoration of the fortunes of his people. He sees these wonderful amazing times ahead, and I hope he's right. But it will have to much later. When we last left Israel in Nehemiah, it was shattered and beginning to rebuild.

Ps. 13: Trouble and Deliverance

Psalm 13:3-4 "Look on me and answer, O LORD my God. Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death; my enemy will say, "I have overcome him," and my foes will rejoice when I fall."

David has had to endure a lot, and, like Job, he wonders when he will get some revelation, some sense of just what is going on. He may have railed against God, laboring under the weight of his agony in not knowing. 

Just like Job, David is conscious of how other people perceive him. His enemies, the unbelievers, etc. He doesn't want to be proof that God can be overcome. He still says that he trusts God in spite of this not knowing. Not seeing God's picture. Its just normal, natural to want to see it. While he reacts thinking that God is holding out on him, he still trusts that God will not fail him, will never cease to love him. And that is what I find amazing.

Shane Barnard recorded Psalm 13 on the aptly titled album Psalms (watch). Its a well done song, and I like the treatment the 13th Psalm receives. A lot of lyricists who troll through the Psalms stick to the shiny happy ones, but the 13th isn't exactly the smiliest Psalm I've read.

Ps. 12: Pervasive Evil

Psalm 12:8 "The wicked freely strut about when what is vile is honored among men."

David laments in the twelfth Psalm what appears to be a disappearance of good. He takes a look around, and perceives only evil. It is so bad that he says that the faithful have disappeared from among men. That's pretty bad. Those are rough times. It kind of sounds self-righteous, but David wasn't proclaiming that he was the last righteous man standing. He was the only one doing any good. But doesn't it sometimes feel like it? Look around you.

All David really wanted to hear was something good from the LORD. God's words are like a refreshing drink of water in the desert of flattering lips and boastful tongues.

If what is vile is honored among men, think about what is reviled among men.

Ps. 11: Foundation for the Upright

Psalm 11:7 "For the LORD is righteous, he loves justice; upright men will see his face."

Verse one was a little obtuse for me until I read it a bunch of times. The meaning here is that once we have run to God as our refuge, we need no further retreat or cover. A bird, already gifted with escape via her wings, ofter has no reason to fly away to a mountain. That would be extranneous. But here, those on a not so solid footing take aim at those whose foundation is God. The upright. 

The upright are the people God will protect in time of trouble, as God is constantly watching (examining is the word used in the NIV) people, and he knows who the just are, and he knows who the wicked are. It says his soul hates those who love violence. And the question comes up, does/can God hate? What does this mean? God has commanded against hatred. Its likely a translation issue. Those who God is said to hate are those who most likely hate God and have barricaded themselves against Him, rejecting Him. As punishment for this wickedness and fleeing from God, David says that God will rain fiery coals and brimstone on them.

Better be good. Better be upright, and that comes from being rooted in God.

Ps. 10: Break the Wicked

Psalm 10:14 "But you, O God, do see trouble and grief; you consider it to take it in hand. The victim commits himself to you; you are the helper of the fatherless."

The tenth Psalm begins with a description of the wicked man. Seemingly very successful, seemingly invincible and prospering with a Midas Touch. This person aggravates David greatly, and probably should. Why does God continually allow this person to succeed? Why is an evil person's wickedness rewarded with riches and success? It really sounds a lot like what Job was saying in chapter 21 of his story.

Why does this happen? David asks why this wicked man is so secure? A wicked man does not realize God, because he does not need God. Sure in himself, in his own power and wealth, why supplement his material means with spiritual? Pride and curses are his theism. But this man does not disregard God completely. He sees God as forgetful, or one who will turn aside from this man's evil deeds.

David calls on God for protection for the week, the helpless, the fatherless. God sees this oppression, the trouble and the grief. God not only sees the horrible things man does, but God's hand of comfort reaches out to those who need it. If a stricken person takes God as his refuge, there is no need to fear man, who is of earth (v. 18). 

Overall a pretty encouraging Psalm, urging one to call on and depend upon God alone for deliverance and for strength.