76:11 make vows to the Lord and perform them.
77:11 I will call to mind the deeds of the Lord.
If our relationship with God is based on the past, be careful. It’s good to remember God’s faithfulness. It’s best to experience it moment by moment and have testimony for now
“May he judge your people in righteousness, your afflicted ones with justice” (Psalm 72:2).
This is an enthronement Psalm – maybe written by David for the enthronement of his son Solomon. May God bring prosperity to the new king. It really isn’t about the king, but about God’s desire for peace and justice. In worship we declare God, who wants the defenseless protected and the oppressors punished.
God chooses human instruments to carry this out. When they fail, God’s Word reminds us of God’s sovereignty: “He changes times and seasons; He deposes kings and raises up others” (Daniel 2:21).
When I am afraid, I put my trust in you” (Psalm 56:34).
Am I afraid? Am I worrying or anxious? Am I looking for advice? indecisive? Am I at peace?
If I feel my internal state, if I pay attention to it, I can notice where there is something to offer up and shift my confidence to God. It’s such a useful, practical thing.
“Surely I was sinful at birth (Psalm 51:5)”
David’s sin is against God alone (v. 4)? What about Bathsheba? What about Uriah? God’s law was compensatory, it involved restitution and reparation for wrongs committed, whether intentional or accidental. I’m wondering how these applied in this situation.
It is important to remember that is a song, and this is an act of worship. In worship David confesses that harming people is an offense against God. In worship David does serious soul searching about sin: it isn’t just an act, but something that arises from our very core. This is the kind of transparency God desires of us all.
You desire truth in the inward being (Psalm 51:6)
Motives matter. Already this morning I’ve been made aware of two efforts to make myself look good in the eyes of others. Even sharing this is complicated because by confessing it, I show you how sensitive to the Spirit I am. More looking good in the eyes of others. I’m not sure how to resolve it except by letting things like this be between me and God.
Growing together towards God in community, dying to self, releasing ego–becomes easier. I read once “God can do more with your surrender than you can with your control.” Less figuring out how. More just doing.
“Our heart has not turned back, nor have our steps departed from your way, yet you have broken us ” (44:18). Sometimes things aren’t going our way from our perspective. God still knows what he’s doing
46:1-3 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, tho the earth should change”
Where is the earth changing? So many micro examples. Looking at how I feel is a good barometer. Am I worried ? Mad? Afraid? Annoyed? Explore that. Release it to God
“I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry (Psalm 40:1).”
One obstacle to hearing God is that we misunderstand listening as a passive experience—we can sit and absorb what God says. Uncertainty and disobedience keep us from hearing. Good listening involves attitude and action. We surrender and obey, and God speaks.
Thinking about it in the context of the Psalms. I’m reading about David running away from people who want to kill him. He says “fight against those who fight against me…rescue me… Then I will thank you… Then I will praise you”
And I think–he doesn’t see the result. He’s totally trusting God’s activity behind the scenes and knowing that in the end it will be ok.
“Trust the process” makes so much sense if whatever is going on is undergirded by God who is love. We can know it is all working for us. I guess really whatever the result is, too. Even if it is a result that isn’t initially the result I thought I would want. Trust the process. It is working for you.
We experience forgiveness when we confess sin completely and openly to God. Pride and ignorance get in the way. Sin can lead to anxiety and physical pain, while forgiveness is healing and restoration. We aren’t just loved by God, we are surrounded by his “unfailing love.”
There’s a lot to comment on.
Trust God is the main thing I get out of these Psalms today.
If I’m worrying I’m not trusting. Where am I worrying? Let that go.
If I’m experiencing dis-ease, I’m not trusting God. Notice where that is. Let that go.
Whatever problem it seems like there is, God is bigger and trustworthy in the midst of it.
Where there seems to be lack. When I want to compare. When there are things I’d like to change. Where there is healing necessary, God is available and abundant. Available. Real. Present and concerned. Really let go of anything, everything that I’m holding onto and let God be enough
The Other Six Days 