55. Cast your Cares on the Lord. David prayed when he was afraid and feeling sad. Those who sought his destruction vexed him. David feared death and he wanted to fly far away, like a dove, to the desert and find rest. David asked God to confuse the wicked. It doesn't say, but I suspect that the close friend David speaks of is probably Saul. Death could take his enemies, but he himself prayed to God for deliverance. He had seen God at work against enemies on the battlefield and knew that God was there for him. David knew that God would help him. God sustains those who love him.
56. A Prayer of Trust in God. In the note before this Psalm begins, it says that this Psalm was written when the Philistines had seized David in Gath. You can review this in 1Samuel 21:10-15. David had acted like a crazy man drooling and scribbling on the walls, so they let him go. He went to hide in a cave. David asked God for mercy because men were hot on his trail all day. He decided to trust in God whenever he was afraid. (Good advice!) He knew he had been saved by God and that God was the light of his life.
57. The Mercy and Truth of God. The note above the Psalm says that David had fled from Saul into the cave. (1Samuel 22:1-5) David must have spent some time in this cave because he was joined by other men seeking refuge, which they eventually found in the land of the Philistines in Ziklag. Again David asked God for mercy. His soul found peace in God, and he would remain under God's protection until the danger had passed. David knew that God had a purpose for him and that he was working to fulfill it. God saved David and rebuked his enemies. God sent David His love and faithfulness.
Tomorrow read Psalms 57-60:12
20100621
20100620
June 20, 2010 Psalms 51:10-54:7
51. Continued. If you need advice on what to ask God for, this next passage is just what you want. Sometimes we sing a song in church with these words, which are simple and good to live by. Just as David asked God to help him want to live according to God's commandments, we can too. We aren't alone, we have help!
52. The Fate of the Wicked. They boast about all the evil things they do and say to each other. They love evil more than good. They would rather lie than tell the truth. God will bring them down and remove them from their comfortable lives. David compared himself to a fruitful olive tree, flourishing in God's house. He knew he could count on God's love forever. He would praise God where His people gathered.
53. The Fate of the Fool. This Psalm is very similar to the 14th Psalm. The fool doesn't believe that God exists. Because of that they have no way of knowing right from wrong. They think anything they can get away with is ok. God looks down from heaven to find His people, but finds only fools. The wicked continue in their wicked ways, greedily gobbling up the people of God. The Godless will be terrified and overwhelmed even though there is nothing to be scared of. They will be ashamed when God rejects them. David yearned for someone to come from Zion to save Israel so the people would be glad.
54. Trusting God in Times of Trouble. Way back in March we read in 1Samuel 26, about Saul searching for David because the Ziphites came and told him where to find him. This is a song David wrote and sang during that ordeal. David asked God for protection and help against his enemies. He knew God would help him and that no one could stand against God and survive. David promised to make a sacrifice and praise God because He saved him from his troubles.
Tomorrow read Psalms 55-57:3
52. The Fate of the Wicked. They boast about all the evil things they do and say to each other. They love evil more than good. They would rather lie than tell the truth. God will bring them down and remove them from their comfortable lives. David compared himself to a fruitful olive tree, flourishing in God's house. He knew he could count on God's love forever. He would praise God where His people gathered.
53. The Fate of the Fool. This Psalm is very similar to the 14th Psalm. The fool doesn't believe that God exists. Because of that they have no way of knowing right from wrong. They think anything they can get away with is ok. God looks down from heaven to find His people, but finds only fools. The wicked continue in their wicked ways, greedily gobbling up the people of God. The Godless will be terrified and overwhelmed even though there is nothing to be scared of. They will be ashamed when God rejects them. David yearned for someone to come from Zion to save Israel so the people would be glad.
54. Trusting God in Times of Trouble. Way back in March we read in 1Samuel 26, about Saul searching for David because the Ziphites came and told him where to find him. This is a song David wrote and sang during that ordeal. David asked God for protection and help against his enemies. He knew God would help him and that no one could stand against God and survive. David promised to make a sacrifice and praise God because He saved him from his troubles.
Tomorrow read Psalms 55-57:3
20100619
June 19, 2010 Psalms 49-51:9
49. The Folly of Trusting in Riches. Everybody listen up! You can't buy life. Money won't save you. Believing that you are special because you have a lot of money is believing a lie. Go ahead if you really want to, but you won't be happy. The Beatles said it too, "Can't buy me love." Everybody dies, both rich and poor, smart and foolish, the righteous and the wicked, you can't buy your way out of it. Money can't buy happiness. I saw a t-shirt once that said, "Money may not buy happiness, but it makes the misery more tolerable!" That may be true. Anyway, David believed that God would redeem his life from the grave. He was right, that's what Jesus did! Don't be jealous of rich people - they won't be taking it with them. David said, "A man who has riches without understanding is like the beasts that perish."
50. True and False Religion. This psalm was written by Asaph who was a music director. He is listed in 1Chronicles 25:1-2 as having children who participate in the music of the temple. In a fiery storm God approaches, when He comes to judge His people. God will tell us that He doesn't want offerings of animals, He wants us to be thankful and keep our word. In troubled times we pray to Him and He rescues us. So to thank Him we honor Him. When people reject God's commandments and make evil choices, He doesn't say anything, but He will tear them apart if they don't start to obey Him. Obey God and He will show His power to save.
51. A Prayer for Forgiveness. David asked God to have mercy on him. He asked God to wash away his sins and blot them out forever. David knew what he'd done, and he was sorry, but he couldn't forget his guilt. David asked God to teach him true wisdom, wash him clean and let him be happy.
Tomorrow read Psalms 51:10-54:7
50. True and False Religion. This psalm was written by Asaph who was a music director. He is listed in 1Chronicles 25:1-2 as having children who participate in the music of the temple. In a fiery storm God approaches, when He comes to judge His people. God will tell us that He doesn't want offerings of animals, He wants us to be thankful and keep our word. In troubled times we pray to Him and He rescues us. So to thank Him we honor Him. When people reject God's commandments and make evil choices, He doesn't say anything, but He will tear them apart if they don't start to obey Him. Obey God and He will show His power to save.
51. A Prayer for Forgiveness. David asked God to have mercy on him. He asked God to wash away his sins and blot them out forever. David knew what he'd done, and he was sorry, but he couldn't forget his guilt. David asked God to teach him true wisdom, wash him clean and let him be happy.
Tomorrow read Psalms 51:10-54:7
20100618
June 18, 2010 Psalms 45:13-48:14
Me on the way to Half Dome two years ago today. God's cathedral!
45. Continued. The bride, resplendent in her gown embellished with threads of gold, enters the King's palace, in gladness and celebration, followed by her bridesmaids. Your sons and grandsons will be kings. David would cause God's name to be celebrated in all generations. People will praise God forever and ever.
46. The presence of God in calamity. God is our strength and protection. When we're in trouble, He's right there with us. We won't be afraid even if everything falls apart including the earth. The spirit of God flows everywhere like a river to those who love God and live with Him in the City of God. Men have their fights and disagreements, but God speaks and stops it all. Come and see what the Lord has done. He stops wars, breaks weapons, ends wars all over the earth. He commands us to be still and know that He is God.
47. God the King of the Earth. Sing praises to God, clap your hands, shout with a joyful noise (woohoo!) How awesome is God! He subdued David's enemies and gave the Israelites their inheritance. God is the King of the Earth and He sits on his holy throne. Even the kings of earth belong to God.
48. The Beauty and Glory of Zion. The Lord is great and deserves our praise! The place where He lives is beautiful and majestic. God defended the City of David (Mount Zion) making it unconquerable. Their enemies took a look and trembled with fear and ran away. God secured His city forever. In God's temple they meditated on His steadfast love. God is great and praised everywhere on earth. His victories were celebrated and Judah rejoiced. They walked around the city and looked at the towers and structures - so strong that no enemies could conquer them. God will guide us forever and ever.
Tomorrow read Psalms 49-51:9
20100617
June 17, 2010 Psalms 43-45:12
43. A plea for Deliverance. David asked God to protect him from evil people. He felt sad about the way his enemies treated him. David asked God to send His light and truth to guide him. He would praise God with his harp. He reminded his soul not to be sad.
44. Former Deliverances and Present Troubles. Their fathers had told them of the ways God caused His people to be victorious over their enemies and troubles. David swore that God was his King and that he didn't trust his bow or sword, he trusted God. Praise His name forever! David continued to plead for the people who were being slaughtered by enemies. He begged God not to forget them. Verse 22 is quoted in Romans 8:36, and goes on to remind the Christians that nothing - even death - can separate them from God's love.
45. A Song Celebrating the King's Marriage. This Psalm is set at a wedding and describes the glory and delights which usually accompany such happy occasions. In Luke 24:44, Jesus spoke of being mentioned in Psalms as well as other places in scripture. Sometimes Jesus is referred to as the bridegroom.
David's heart was full of beautiful words which flowed from him as if he were a great writer. He spoke of the bridegroom who was more handsome than any other men, grace was poured on His lips and God has blessed Him forever. He wears his sword and fine clothes of splendor and majesty, honor is His always. His arrows pierce the hearts of the King's enemies. Nations will come and go, but God will reign forever. Justice is Yours divine authority and You hate evil. That is why God has blessed You above the others. Sweet aromas and beautiful palaces surround You, and heavenly music fills You with joy. Daughters of kings are among Your honored women, Your bride is at Your right hand and dressed in gold. David warns the bride to forget her family and do what the King desires. The richest people try to have influence over the King.
Tomorrow read Psalms 45:13-48:14
44. Former Deliverances and Present Troubles. Their fathers had told them of the ways God caused His people to be victorious over their enemies and troubles. David swore that God was his King and that he didn't trust his bow or sword, he trusted God. Praise His name forever! David continued to plead for the people who were being slaughtered by enemies. He begged God not to forget them. Verse 22 is quoted in Romans 8:36, and goes on to remind the Christians that nothing - even death - can separate them from God's love.
45. A Song Celebrating the King's Marriage. This Psalm is set at a wedding and describes the glory and delights which usually accompany such happy occasions. In Luke 24:44, Jesus spoke of being mentioned in Psalms as well as other places in scripture. Sometimes Jesus is referred to as the bridegroom.
David's heart was full of beautiful words which flowed from him as if he were a great writer. He spoke of the bridegroom who was more handsome than any other men, grace was poured on His lips and God has blessed Him forever. He wears his sword and fine clothes of splendor and majesty, honor is His always. His arrows pierce the hearts of the King's enemies. Nations will come and go, but God will reign forever. Justice is Yours divine authority and You hate evil. That is why God has blessed You above the others. Sweet aromas and beautiful palaces surround You, and heavenly music fills You with joy. Daughters of kings are among Your honored women, Your bride is at Your right hand and dressed in gold. David warns the bride to forget her family and do what the King desires. The richest people try to have influence over the King.
Tomorrow read Psalms 45:13-48:14
20100616
June 16, 2010 Psalms 40-42
Bridalveil Fall Yosemite May 30, 2010 Photo taken by my beautiful daughter, Nicole Foran
40. Delight in the will of the Lord. David waited patiently, the Lord heard him cry and lifted him out of the muck and mire and gave him a firm place to stand. People would hear him sing a new song of praise to God and they too would trust the Lord. God blesses all those who trust Him and don't worship idols. David wanted to list all the marvelous works of God, but they are too numerous to name. What God really wants from us is to obey His law. God doesn't want animals sacrificed, He wants us to obey his commandments, to love him and each other. (In Hebrews 10:5-9, Jesus tells God nearly the same thing and explains that God didn't really want animals sacrificed for our sins, but until Jesus came and paid for our sins with his blood that's what was done to atone.) David spoke freely about his love for God. David asked God for His blessings and protection.
41. Psalm of the compassionate. The Lord takes care of us. David asked for God's blessing and forgiveness. David's enemies gossiped about him and even his best friend betrayed him. David was grateful for God's love and support. He would praise God forever.
Book 2
42. Yearning for God. As the deer thirsts for water, so David's soul was parched for the only cure - the living God. He thought of the good times dancing and singing on his way to the house of God. David spoke to his soul to not be sad, but to remember that God was there with him. David would remember God as he thought of the rivers and roaring waterfalls which seemed to speak to each other through their thunder. Every day God was kind to David, at night He gave him a song - a prayer to the living Lord God. David reminded himself not to be discouraged because God was with him.
Tomorrow read Psalms 43-45:12
20100615
June 15, 2010 Psalms 37:27-39:13
37. Continued. Stop your evil ways and do good and the Lord will not forsake you. The righteous will be protected forever while the wicked will die out. The righteous man knows God's law so well he knows it by heart. The Lord will protect the righteous from the wicked. Trust the Lord and follow Him. David had seen wicked people flourish like a strong tree and suddenly vanish. Even when he looked for them, David could find no trace of them. The honest and trustworthy families had a bright future, but the wicked would disappear. The Lord protects His people and they can come to Him in times of trouble. When they do come to Him, he saves them.
38. The burden of suffering. The burden of David's guilt tortured him so much that he asked God not to add to it. David was in pain and agony in both body and spirit. He knew God could see everything in his heart. Even his friends avoided his company. David could say nothing - he had no excuses. He confessed his sins while his enemies gathered against him. David asked God to stay near him in his time of need.
39. In time of trouble. David had promised to be good. But his anguish only increased. He asked God to show him the end of his life and reveal to him how short were his days. Each man's life is but a breath and it disappears like a shadow. Human struggles are senseless, we collect our trinkets even though we can't take them with us. David wept and pleaded to God for forgiveness so he could be happy again.
Tomorrow read Psalms 40-42
38. The burden of suffering. The burden of David's guilt tortured him so much that he asked God not to add to it. David was in pain and agony in both body and spirit. He knew God could see everything in his heart. Even his friends avoided his company. David could say nothing - he had no excuses. He confessed his sins while his enemies gathered against him. David asked God to stay near him in his time of need.
39. In time of trouble. David had promised to be good. But his anguish only increased. He asked God to show him the end of his life and reveal to him how short were his days. Each man's life is but a breath and it disappears like a shadow. Human struggles are senseless, we collect our trinkets even though we can't take them with us. David wept and pleaded to God for forgiveness so he could be happy again.
Tomorrow read Psalms 40-42
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