Read Psalm 29
Here is another short psalm and prayer of David's, but again the message is so simple and clear, it doesn't need a lot of words.
GOD is ALL POWERFUL and MAJESTIC. He is IN CONTROL over ALL THINGS, including nature and the `storms of life' that we have no control over. He will give us strength and peace to help us through those `storms' if we simply TRUST IN HIM.
Last night on the news there were some beautiful and amazing pictures of the storms coming over Sydney. As I sat in my caravan, the `storms' of my day, both the literal rain and thunder, and my anger with `my girls' and my feelings of inadequacy, had passed. Watching the storm as it had passed was actually not scary, but comforting as I thought of the magnificent glory of God.
As David wrote this Psalm it is thought there may have been a great storm raging around him - rain, thunder, lightning. It seemed like a great time for meditation.
"David interpreted each clap of thunder as a call to himself and other rulers to give glory to God in His greatness." Matthew Henry.
1. Have you ever stopped to acknowledge God's glory in the magnificence of a storm? What other natural phenomenon do you see God's glory?
When we acknowledge God magnificence and beauty in a storm - literally and in the storms of life - we are acknowledging His LOVE for us, His SOVEREIGNTY, and the STRENGTH AND PEACE He gives us.
"Peace and strength are blessings of immeasurable value that God intends for ALL HIS PEOPLE - that includes YOU!!". Matthew Henry
"The Lord gives strength to His people. The Lord blesses His people with peace." Psalm 29:11 (NLT)
2. Take time to acknowledge that God's immeasurable blessings of love, strength and peace are for you, and thank God for them.
New Matthew Henry Commentary, Edited By Matthew H Manser.
Holy Bible, New Living Translation (1996), Tyndale Publishers.
Friday, March 28, 2014
PSALM 28 - PRAYERS IN TROUBLED TIMES
Read Psalm 28.
With David discovering the `way' to overcome his fears through praise, seeking the Lord and waiting on he now continues to pray anytime of the day and in any circumstance. In this short psalm David is in great distress and is calling out to the Lord for help. He desperately needs to know that God is hearing his prayers.
Saul was seeking him every day and he was always surrounded by evil men. He didn't want to be tempted to fall into their evil ways. Mostly, he did not want to face his enemies and his trials alone. Yes, he surrounded by Saul and his enemies every day, but he was never delivered into their hands.
"Behold, God is my helper. The Lord is the supporter of my life."
The same can be true when we face our trials. Come to God each day in prayer and we may still be surrounded by our `enemies', but we can have peace in their midst, and can rejoice in our ultimate deliverance.
1. Do you have this peace and joy in the midst of your trials? Come to God today in prayer and seek His ultimate deliverance.
David had a bold and earnest belief that God would answer his prayers. Now he prays with thanksgiving.
"Praise the Lord for He has heard my cry for mercy. The Lord is my strength and my shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out with songs of thanksgiving." Psalm 28:6&7
2. Do you have a bold an earnest belief that God will answer your prayers? Pray with thanksgiving.
David concludes with a short prayer and prophecy for his people - the Church:
* The SHEPHERD will SAVE us.
* The SHEPHERD will BLESS us.
* The SHEPHERD will FEED us.
All we need to do is TRUST IN OUR SHEPHERD!
Holy Bible, New Living Translation, 1996, Tyndale Publishers
New Matthew Henry Commentary, Edited By Matthew H Manser.
With David discovering the `way' to overcome his fears through praise, seeking the Lord and waiting on he now continues to pray anytime of the day and in any circumstance. In this short psalm David is in great distress and is calling out to the Lord for help. He desperately needs to know that God is hearing his prayers.
Saul was seeking him every day and he was always surrounded by evil men. He didn't want to be tempted to fall into their evil ways. Mostly, he did not want to face his enemies and his trials alone. Yes, he surrounded by Saul and his enemies every day, but he was never delivered into their hands.
"Behold, God is my helper. The Lord is the supporter of my life."
The same can be true when we face our trials. Come to God each day in prayer and we may still be surrounded by our `enemies', but we can have peace in their midst, and can rejoice in our ultimate deliverance.
1. Do you have this peace and joy in the midst of your trials? Come to God today in prayer and seek His ultimate deliverance.
David had a bold and earnest belief that God would answer his prayers. Now he prays with thanksgiving.
"Praise the Lord for He has heard my cry for mercy. The Lord is my strength and my shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out with songs of thanksgiving." Psalm 28:6&7
2. Do you have a bold an earnest belief that God will answer your prayers? Pray with thanksgiving.
David concludes with a short prayer and prophecy for his people - the Church:
* The SHEPHERD will SAVE us.
* The SHEPHERD will BLESS us.
* The SHEPHERD will FEED us.
All we need to do is TRUST IN OUR SHEPHERD!
Holy Bible, New Living Translation, 1996, Tyndale Publishers
New Matthew Henry Commentary, Edited By Matthew H Manser.
PSALM 27 - DAVID FACES HIS FEARS
INTRODUCTION - READ PSALM 27
Before I left to join the circus I was pretty much paralyzed with fear - fear of the unknown, fear of failure again, fear of rejection. After 3 years of pretty much being unemployed, depression had taken away my confidence. I was even afraid of meeting my grandchild.
So far the last 3 months I have been ready Psalms 26 and 27 every day, giving my past to the Lord and finding peace in my future. I have finally been able to give my fears to the Lord and have found courage to face what lay ahead.
What a great help David and His (my) Lord have been!
1. Do you have any fears that are holding you back? Give them to the Lord today.
FACING FEAR WITH PRAISE AND WORSHIP.
READ PSALM 27:1, 4-6; EPHESIANS 5:19 & 20.
According to Charles Swindoll, "The key to facing our fears is found in Psalm 27:1"
"The Lord is my light and my salvation - so why should I be afraid?
The Lord is my fortress protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble?"
Psalm 27:1
The Lord is our omnipresent God, a very personal and faithful companion. This is how David saw him and why he usually began his psalms with a reminder of God's attributes - praise and worship - and was then able to face his fears.
In verses 4-6 we see how David's greatest desire was to be in God's presence. He had always wanted to be the one to build God's temple, so he could spend time there each day with the Lord. We read in 2 Samuel 7 that God didn't want David to build His temple, this task was given to David's son Solomon. God wanted David to know that he belonged in the midst of his people, in their everyday lives, not just in a building.
So I am sure David would praise and worship his Lord at anytime of the day and at any place. I love to go on my walks in the park in the morning and sing to the Lord, or while I do the the housework, or I am feeling a little anxious. Of course I praise the Lord when things are going great. As my Dad would say, "A little PRAISE TO THE LORD each day will keep you walking along HIS WAY."
"Instead be filled with the Holy Spirit, singing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves and making music to the Lord in your hearts/ Give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ." Ephesians 5:18-20
2. Why do you think `a little bit of `praise each day will keep you walking along His way."?
REMEMBERING PAST VICTORIES
READ PSALM 27:2-3; HEBREWS 11:32-40
I have been keeping a journal for many years. I wrote my first book in the early 90's and in the last 5 years I have starting blogging. It may seem a little egotistical to read your own work, but now and then when I find things are really getting me down, reading over my past challenges and victories is one way I find I can conquer my fears.
I believe this is what David did too. When struck by fear, David thought about his past battles, not so much to see how he conquered them, but how by drawing on God's strength and omnipotence he was able to find inner courage to overcome his fears in the past.
"Though a mighty army surrounds me I will not be afraid. Even when I am attacked,
I will remain confident." Psalm 27:3
In Hebrews 11 we read about the faith of David and many others, who trusted God and placed their fears in His hands. When they did this their `weakness was turned into strength' and they became `strong in battle'. But we also have a greater VICTORY to look forward to because of the resurrection of our Saviour Jesus Christ, and when we remember this ULTIMATE VICTORY we have NOTHING TO FEAR.
"Stop weeping! Look, the Lion of Judah, the heir to David's throne has won the victory."
Revelation 5:5a
3. Can you remember times in the past when God rescued you? Do you keep a journal? Now might be a good time to start.
SEEKING GOD - PSALM 27:7-12
Our first human response to fear is PANIC. Even when we have grown up with past victories and our faith is intrenched in the Lord's promises; we are still emotional people. Our response to fear is usually to `fight' in our own strength, or to `flee'. It has taken a while, but I am finally starting to learning that if I seek the Lord first, then I am less likely to `fight' or `flee'.
After his praise and worship time and the recalling of his past victories, God had reminded himself of God's greatness and faithfulness. He was then able to seek God with His needs. With new strength and confidence David didn't pray with weak-hearted requests. He approached God boldly, determined and positively.
`David did not ask for anything God had not already promised." Charles Swindoll.
When we seek God in prayer we need to pray in boldness, without doubting. We are to pray fervently, claiming God's promises and remember, "You have nothing to fear because you have Him who has conquered fear."
"So let us come boldly to the throne of grace. There we will receive His mercy and will find grace to help us when we need it most." Hebrews 4:18
"Confess your sins to each other and pray to each other and you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results." James 5:16
"Don't worry about anything. Pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank Him for all He has done." Philippians 4:6
"Can a woman forget her nursing child and have compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, but I will not forget you. Behold, I will inscribe you on the palms of my hands." Isaiah 49:15-16
4.a) Why would seeking God first keep us from wanting to fight and flee?
b) Do you have any specific needs you need to bring to God?
WAIT ON THE LORD - READ PSALM 27:13&14; HEBREWS 4:9-11
David knew, even though he had these `strategies' to conquer fear and was feeling a lot more at peace in the Lord, that this did not necessarily mean that his situation would change. Enemies were still surrounding him and he would still face trials and temptations. The only way to find real strength and courage was to WAIT ON THE LORD. This is a spiritual discipline that grows with prayer and faith; and I can tell you from experience, it's worth the WAIT.
"Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes wait patiently for the Lord."
Psalm 27:14
"But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will sour high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not grow faint." Isaiah 41:3
5. How can we cultivate the spiritual discipline of patience and waiting on the Lord?
CONCLUSION
Follow David's example each day:
* Call to mind PAST VICTORIES each day.
* Celebrate and PRAISE the greatness and faithfulness of God.
* SEEK THE LORD and express your daily needs BOLDLY.
* WAIT ON THE LORD! Let the fearful circumstances become an opportunity to strengthen you.
Surrender them to God's control, then choose to leave them in God's hands.
Holy Bible, New Living Translation, 1996, Tyndale Publishers
"Living the Psalms" (2012) Charles R Swindoll, Worthy Publishing
Before I left to join the circus I was pretty much paralyzed with fear - fear of the unknown, fear of failure again, fear of rejection. After 3 years of pretty much being unemployed, depression had taken away my confidence. I was even afraid of meeting my grandchild.
So far the last 3 months I have been ready Psalms 26 and 27 every day, giving my past to the Lord and finding peace in my future. I have finally been able to give my fears to the Lord and have found courage to face what lay ahead.
What a great help David and His (my) Lord have been!
1. Do you have any fears that are holding you back? Give them to the Lord today.
FACING FEAR WITH PRAISE AND WORSHIP.
READ PSALM 27:1, 4-6; EPHESIANS 5:19 & 20.
According to Charles Swindoll, "The key to facing our fears is found in Psalm 27:1"
"The Lord is my light and my salvation - so why should I be afraid?
The Lord is my fortress protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble?"
Psalm 27:1
The Lord is our omnipresent God, a very personal and faithful companion. This is how David saw him and why he usually began his psalms with a reminder of God's attributes - praise and worship - and was then able to face his fears.
In verses 4-6 we see how David's greatest desire was to be in God's presence. He had always wanted to be the one to build God's temple, so he could spend time there each day with the Lord. We read in 2 Samuel 7 that God didn't want David to build His temple, this task was given to David's son Solomon. God wanted David to know that he belonged in the midst of his people, in their everyday lives, not just in a building.
So I am sure David would praise and worship his Lord at anytime of the day and at any place. I love to go on my walks in the park in the morning and sing to the Lord, or while I do the the housework, or I am feeling a little anxious. Of course I praise the Lord when things are going great. As my Dad would say, "A little PRAISE TO THE LORD each day will keep you walking along HIS WAY."
"Instead be filled with the Holy Spirit, singing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves and making music to the Lord in your hearts/ Give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ." Ephesians 5:18-20
2. Why do you think `a little bit of `praise each day will keep you walking along His way."?
REMEMBERING PAST VICTORIES
READ PSALM 27:2-3; HEBREWS 11:32-40
I have been keeping a journal for many years. I wrote my first book in the early 90's and in the last 5 years I have starting blogging. It may seem a little egotistical to read your own work, but now and then when I find things are really getting me down, reading over my past challenges and victories is one way I find I can conquer my fears.
I believe this is what David did too. When struck by fear, David thought about his past battles, not so much to see how he conquered them, but how by drawing on God's strength and omnipotence he was able to find inner courage to overcome his fears in the past.
"Though a mighty army surrounds me I will not be afraid. Even when I am attacked,
I will remain confident." Psalm 27:3
In Hebrews 11 we read about the faith of David and many others, who trusted God and placed their fears in His hands. When they did this their `weakness was turned into strength' and they became `strong in battle'. But we also have a greater VICTORY to look forward to because of the resurrection of our Saviour Jesus Christ, and when we remember this ULTIMATE VICTORY we have NOTHING TO FEAR.
"Stop weeping! Look, the Lion of Judah, the heir to David's throne has won the victory."
Revelation 5:5a
3. Can you remember times in the past when God rescued you? Do you keep a journal? Now might be a good time to start.
SEEKING GOD - PSALM 27:7-12
Our first human response to fear is PANIC. Even when we have grown up with past victories and our faith is intrenched in the Lord's promises; we are still emotional people. Our response to fear is usually to `fight' in our own strength, or to `flee'. It has taken a while, but I am finally starting to learning that if I seek the Lord first, then I am less likely to `fight' or `flee'.
After his praise and worship time and the recalling of his past victories, God had reminded himself of God's greatness and faithfulness. He was then able to seek God with His needs. With new strength and confidence David didn't pray with weak-hearted requests. He approached God boldly, determined and positively.
`David did not ask for anything God had not already promised." Charles Swindoll.
When we seek God in prayer we need to pray in boldness, without doubting. We are to pray fervently, claiming God's promises and remember, "You have nothing to fear because you have Him who has conquered fear."
"So let us come boldly to the throne of grace. There we will receive His mercy and will find grace to help us when we need it most." Hebrews 4:18
"Confess your sins to each other and pray to each other and you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results." James 5:16
"Don't worry about anything. Pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank Him for all He has done." Philippians 4:6
"Can a woman forget her nursing child and have compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, but I will not forget you. Behold, I will inscribe you on the palms of my hands." Isaiah 49:15-16
4.a) Why would seeking God first keep us from wanting to fight and flee?
b) Do you have any specific needs you need to bring to God?
WAIT ON THE LORD - READ PSALM 27:13&14; HEBREWS 4:9-11
David knew, even though he had these `strategies' to conquer fear and was feeling a lot more at peace in the Lord, that this did not necessarily mean that his situation would change. Enemies were still surrounding him and he would still face trials and temptations. The only way to find real strength and courage was to WAIT ON THE LORD. This is a spiritual discipline that grows with prayer and faith; and I can tell you from experience, it's worth the WAIT.
"Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes wait patiently for the Lord."
Psalm 27:14
"But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will sour high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not grow faint." Isaiah 41:3
5. How can we cultivate the spiritual discipline of patience and waiting on the Lord?
CONCLUSION
Follow David's example each day:
* Call to mind PAST VICTORIES each day.
* Celebrate and PRAISE the greatness and faithfulness of God.
* SEEK THE LORD and express your daily needs BOLDLY.
* WAIT ON THE LORD! Let the fearful circumstances become an opportunity to strengthen you.
Surrender them to God's control, then choose to leave them in God's hands.
Holy Bible, New Living Translation, 1996, Tyndale Publishers
"Living the Psalms" (2012) Charles R Swindoll, Worthy Publishing
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