INTRODUCTION - Read Psalm 63
David's Psalm 63 is a song written in the wilderness. He has been unable to get to his usual place of worship - the Temple in Jerusalem - but David still has a desperate longing for God. He wants to develop this relationship with His Father God, truly understanding what it `means to be fully satisfied in Him alone'. (C. Swindoll, 2012)
I have been so busy over the years - doing volunteer work, improving my learning and developing my career. Now there is nothing wrong with this, for my greatest desire has been to care for others; but now I have an opportunity to spend some real time in prayer and meditating on the Word. But why am I resisting it? Am I career orientated? Is it my pride? Do I worry too much about what others think about me, rather than putting God first? After all, isn't developing my relationship with my Father what I have always earnestly sought in my life?
While in the wilderness David made a number of decisions that would help him develop his relationship with Father God:
- He decided to develop a mental picture of Him.
- He decided to express praises to Him.
- He decided to meditate on all He knew about Him.
- He decided to sing for joy and rejoice in God. (C. Swindoll, 2012)
No matter if you are in the wilderness, or whatever your circumstances, your Father God wants to develop a relationship with you. You can come and be in His presence and find a time of refreshment. But the decision is yours, and you have to make the time!
"You God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water." Psalm 1:1
1. DEVELOP A MENTAL PICTURE OF GOD - Read Verses 1&2
David was alone, removed, separated from his friends, literally feeling the effects of hunger and thirst, pain, loneliness and exhaustion. What he sought most was communion with God. He couldn't go to the tabernacle to meet with the Lord, so he created a picture of Him "in power and glory on His Heavenly Throne." (C.Swindoll, 2012)
"I have seen you in your sanctuary and gazed upon your power and glory." Psalm 63:2
Since touring with the Circus, I haven't been able to go to Church as often as I would like. In the past 12 months I have hardly gone at all. At first the guilt was overwhelming, and I allowed my relationship with God to suffer. I especially missed my communion and fellowship with other believers. So I started creating my own ways of worshipping, and I soon found I was meeting with the Lord more often than just on Sundays. I read my Bible more, I started reaching out to Christians of other faiths, and I started my prayer circle on line. I still miss my Church and friends, but I am certain my relationship with my Father is growing and I continue to seek to have communion with Him.
2. HE DECIDED TO EXPRESS PRAISE TO GOD - Read Verses 3-5
Praise is deeply significant in our personal relationship with the Father. It is a consistent flow of appreciation for what God has done for us in our everyday circumstances. It is also an important aspect of our prayer life!
THANKSGIVING - 'Expression to God in gratitude for His specific blessings and gifts to us'.
PRAISE - 'Expressions of adoration to God, expressing words of honour to Him for His character, His Name, His Word, His glory etc." (C. Swindoll, 2012)
"Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18 (NKJV)
"Then David praised the Lord in the presence of the whole assembly: "Yours, O Lord, is the greatness, the power, the glory, the victory, and the majesty. Everything in the Heavens and on the earth is yours, O Lord, and this is Your Kingdom. We adore you as the one who is over all things."
1 Chronicles 29:10&11 (NLT)
David found personal satisfaction, and we can too, in expressing praise to the Lord, not for what He has done, but simply for who He is; and it is amazing how our relationship with Him will grow.
"Your unfailing love is better than life itself; how I praise you. I will praise you as long as I live, lifting my hands to you in prayer." Psalm 63:3&4
3.HE DECIDED TO MEDITATE ON THE LORD - Read Verse 6
"The Hebrew word for meditation is "to utter, ponder, devise, plot." It involves a conscious consideration of information during the day." Charles Swindoll, 2012
When we meditate on God's Word, we gain understanding and a closer understanding with the Author.
"For my Words are wise, and my thoughts are filled with insight." Psalm 49:3
"I lie awake thinking of You, meditating on You through the night." Psalm 6:3
The night time may not be the best time for meditation for some people, but whatever time suits you, spend that time learning and growing and you will be amazed what you glean from the Word and its Author.
4. HE DECIDED TO SING FOR JOY & REJOICE IN GOD - Read Verses 7-11
David was in the wilderness and he sought an audience with no one, except that of His Father God. God was the single object of His worship. In His Father's presence He was relaxed and sang for joy.
"Because you are my helper, I will sing for joy in the shadow of your wings. I cling to you; your strong hand holds me securely." Psalm 63:7&8
David closed this Psalm by penning a portrait of his circumstances. He was surrounded by His enemies - people criticized and slandered him. Yet still, in the midst of it all, he was able to REJOICE IN GOD. (C.Swindoll, 2012)
He had a future to look forward to, for God had chosen him as king, and he would always have the Lord's protection. No matter what your circumstances look like now - you may still be in the wilderness- but Your Father has promised you a future in His presence, where you can look forward to a time of refreshment.
"But the king will rejoice in the Lord; all who swear by God will glory in Him, while the mouths of liars will be silenced." Psalm 63:11
CONCLUSION
Psalm 63 is a wonderful psalm of encouragement, and we are reminded later in the Gospels, by Jesus himself, that He, along with His Father, takes care of all our needs. (M.Lucado, 2003)
"Then Jesus said: "Come to me, all you who are weary and carry a heavy burden, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28
If we follow David's lessons in this Psalm: Worship, Praise, Meditation and Expressions for Joy and hope in God's protection; we can remind ourselves of God's promises, and look ahead to a beautiful relationship with our Father and His Son Jesus Christ.
The Holy Bible, New International Version, 2011, Biblical.
The Holy Bible, New King James Version, 1982, Thomas Nelson
The Holy Bible, New Living Translation, 2007, Tyndale House Foundation
LUCADO, Max, "Six Hours One Friday" The Devotional Bible, New Century Bible, 2003, Thomas Nelson
SWINDOLL,Charles, "Living the Psalms: The Grind of Ritual Religion". Worthy Publishing
Sunday, February 18, 2018
Saturday, February 17, 2018
PSALM 62 -- GOD LIFTS US UP
INTRODUCTION - Read Psalm 62
Yesterday I had a fall - the first time in ages. I was taking the dogs for a walk and the ground was a little uneven. It seemed like the devil was determined to have me `topple from my lofty place', when I had in my mind that this year was to be one of mountain top experiences.
Laying on the ground for a few minutes, I waited for the anxiety to overwhelm me, but instead I heard these words:
"The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in ever detail of their lives. If they stumble badly they will survive, for the Lord lifts them up with His hands." Psalm 37:23&24 (NLT & TPT)
With these words firmly grasped in my mind, I took hold of the Lord's hand, I WALKED ON TO FACE MY DAY - pain, scrapes and bruises. I was not going to let the `worry paralyze me', for reminded of God omnipresence, love and faithfulness, I knew that whatever 2018 held for me, God would be my `CHAMPION DEFENDER'.
"Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from Him. Truly He is my Rock and my salvation, He is my fortress, I will never be shaken." Psalm 62:1&2 (NIV)
David too trusted in God alone for His strength and stability and focused on Him for His help when troubled arose. He wanted His chief musicians to help him make it known to to the people in His land that `God was His only Saviour'. (D Guzak, 2015).
God wants us to reach out to Him , as our Saviour, and develop this same relationship, so that when we fall, we know that He is there to lift us up.
HOW TO DEVELOP THIS RELATIONSHIP - Read Psalm 62:1-4
How do we develop a relationship with our omnipresent, faithful God and Saviour?
1. PATIENCE IN PRAYER - truly resting, waiting and listening to God. This is how we cultivate our relationship. What a glorious experience to sense God's Spirit guiding our thoughts.
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths." Proverbs 3:5&6 (NIV)
2. SPEND TIME IN HIS WORD - the more time you spend reading and learning God's Word and will for your life, the more strength you will have when those trials come upon you.
"When we wait upon on God, give up our will and wisdom, and leave all our providence in His hands, we know He delivers." Matthew Henry
3. SEEK TO KNOW HIM AND KNOW ABOUT HIM - as long as it takes, commit yourself to God and only God - to what He desires for your life. David knew that his enemies would always plot against him, there would always be `vicious threats' - that was the life of the king. But if he continued to seek and trust in God, `His Champion Defender', he would have the winning edge.
"He alone is my safe place; His wrap around presence always protects me, for He is my Champion Defender; there is no risk of failure with God. So why would I let worry paralyze me."
Psalm 62:2 (TPT)
WE CANNOT BE SHAKEN - Read Psalm 62:5-8
This Psalm for me, at the moment, has become one of my favourites. Like David, I have needed reassurance and calm confidence in God. I have needed a place where I can go to surrender my faith. At times I have been tempted by other things, but I have always come back to my FAITHFUL GOD.
"Therefore I urge you brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God - this is your true and proper worship. Do not confirm to the pattern of this world , but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - His good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:1&2 (NIV)
"My expectation, my Rock, my salvation, my glory, my strength, my refuge; the Psalmist is not content to KNOW that the Lord is all these things; HE ACTS IN FAITH TOWARDS HIM, laying claim to every character." (Charles Spurgeon)
David also believed that what was good for him was good for everyone else in his Kingdom, and he invited them to `pour out their hearts to God', just as He did - to tell Him all their troubles, their sorrows, their longings - "trusting God in every moment".
"Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to Him; for God is your refuge."
Psalm 62:8 (NIV)
PROSPERITY CHRISTIANITY - Read Psalm 62:9-12
For the last 12 months I have been out of work and have been worried, not so much about the fact that I have no money; but that I have no way of helping my family.
Like David, I have seen how some weathy people have advanced in cruel and dishonest ways. They have grown proud and arrogant. I have also had friends who have used their wealth honestly, and their lives have been full of joy, hope and security. The latter have been examples of prosperous Christianity in action, and if I was able, I would hope to live my life this way.
David was a wealthy man, but he new himself how "transient" riches were. He learnt later in life, how important it was to spend time with his family, and to use his wealth to help others.
"Tell those rich in this world's wealth to quit being so full of themselves and so obsessed with money, which is here today and gone tomorrow. Tell them to go after God, who piles all the riches we could manage - to do good, to be rich in helping others, to be extravagantly generous. If they do that, they'll build a treasury that will last, gaining life that is truly life." 1 Timothy 6:17-19 (MSG)
David refused to look for strength anywhere else than in the Lord. He was determined to trust God and God alone. He did not long for power and was not an arrogant ruler; but endeavoured to be rich in mercy like his God. This is something we should all aim for, whether we have prosperity in riches or simply faith.
CONCLUSION
David had a calm confidence in God. He continually reassures himself with the words of this psalm, and we too can continually know this trust in this OMNIPRESENT, FAITHFUL GOD. We can be tempted to let other things in the world bring us down, but we can always come back to our Father, for we know He is always there, to lift us back up.
David ends this psalm with two of God's promises:
"Power belongs to God and with the Lord is unfailing love"and
You reward everyone according to what we have done." (Psalm 62:12) (NIV)
Holy Bible, New International Version, 2011, Biblical
Peterson, Eugene H, 2002, The Message, Nav Press Publications
Simmons, Dr Brian, 2015, The Passion Translation, Broadstreet
Churchyard, Gordon, 2005, "Only God". www.Easyenglish.bible.au
Guzik,Henry, 2015, "My Only Rock, My Salvation", Enduring Word.au
Henry, Matthew, "Commentary on the Whole Bible - Psalm 62", Bible Study Tools.
Spurgeon, Charles, "The Treasury of David", Christianity.au
Yesterday I had a fall - the first time in ages. I was taking the dogs for a walk and the ground was a little uneven. It seemed like the devil was determined to have me `topple from my lofty place', when I had in my mind that this year was to be one of mountain top experiences.
Laying on the ground for a few minutes, I waited for the anxiety to overwhelm me, but instead I heard these words:
"The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in ever detail of their lives. If they stumble badly they will survive, for the Lord lifts them up with His hands." Psalm 37:23&24 (NLT & TPT)
With these words firmly grasped in my mind, I took hold of the Lord's hand, I WALKED ON TO FACE MY DAY - pain, scrapes and bruises. I was not going to let the `worry paralyze me', for reminded of God omnipresence, love and faithfulness, I knew that whatever 2018 held for me, God would be my `CHAMPION DEFENDER'.
"Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from Him. Truly He is my Rock and my salvation, He is my fortress, I will never be shaken." Psalm 62:1&2 (NIV)
David too trusted in God alone for His strength and stability and focused on Him for His help when troubled arose. He wanted His chief musicians to help him make it known to to the people in His land that `God was His only Saviour'. (D Guzak, 2015).
God wants us to reach out to Him , as our Saviour, and develop this same relationship, so that when we fall, we know that He is there to lift us up.
HOW TO DEVELOP THIS RELATIONSHIP - Read Psalm 62:1-4
How do we develop a relationship with our omnipresent, faithful God and Saviour?
1. PATIENCE IN PRAYER - truly resting, waiting and listening to God. This is how we cultivate our relationship. What a glorious experience to sense God's Spirit guiding our thoughts.
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths." Proverbs 3:5&6 (NIV)
2. SPEND TIME IN HIS WORD - the more time you spend reading and learning God's Word and will for your life, the more strength you will have when those trials come upon you.
"When we wait upon on God, give up our will and wisdom, and leave all our providence in His hands, we know He delivers." Matthew Henry
3. SEEK TO KNOW HIM AND KNOW ABOUT HIM - as long as it takes, commit yourself to God and only God - to what He desires for your life. David knew that his enemies would always plot against him, there would always be `vicious threats' - that was the life of the king. But if he continued to seek and trust in God, `His Champion Defender', he would have the winning edge.
"He alone is my safe place; His wrap around presence always protects me, for He is my Champion Defender; there is no risk of failure with God. So why would I let worry paralyze me."
Psalm 62:2 (TPT)
WE CANNOT BE SHAKEN - Read Psalm 62:5-8
This Psalm for me, at the moment, has become one of my favourites. Like David, I have needed reassurance and calm confidence in God. I have needed a place where I can go to surrender my faith. At times I have been tempted by other things, but I have always come back to my FAITHFUL GOD.
"Therefore I urge you brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God - this is your true and proper worship. Do not confirm to the pattern of this world , but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - His good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:1&2 (NIV)
"My expectation, my Rock, my salvation, my glory, my strength, my refuge; the Psalmist is not content to KNOW that the Lord is all these things; HE ACTS IN FAITH TOWARDS HIM, laying claim to every character." (Charles Spurgeon)
David also believed that what was good for him was good for everyone else in his Kingdom, and he invited them to `pour out their hearts to God', just as He did - to tell Him all their troubles, their sorrows, their longings - "trusting God in every moment".
"Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to Him; for God is your refuge."
Psalm 62:8 (NIV)
PROSPERITY CHRISTIANITY - Read Psalm 62:9-12
For the last 12 months I have been out of work and have been worried, not so much about the fact that I have no money; but that I have no way of helping my family.
Like David, I have seen how some weathy people have advanced in cruel and dishonest ways. They have grown proud and arrogant. I have also had friends who have used their wealth honestly, and their lives have been full of joy, hope and security. The latter have been examples of prosperous Christianity in action, and if I was able, I would hope to live my life this way.
David was a wealthy man, but he new himself how "transient" riches were. He learnt later in life, how important it was to spend time with his family, and to use his wealth to help others.
"Tell those rich in this world's wealth to quit being so full of themselves and so obsessed with money, which is here today and gone tomorrow. Tell them to go after God, who piles all the riches we could manage - to do good, to be rich in helping others, to be extravagantly generous. If they do that, they'll build a treasury that will last, gaining life that is truly life." 1 Timothy 6:17-19 (MSG)
David refused to look for strength anywhere else than in the Lord. He was determined to trust God and God alone. He did not long for power and was not an arrogant ruler; but endeavoured to be rich in mercy like his God. This is something we should all aim for, whether we have prosperity in riches or simply faith.
CONCLUSION
David had a calm confidence in God. He continually reassures himself with the words of this psalm, and we too can continually know this trust in this OMNIPRESENT, FAITHFUL GOD. We can be tempted to let other things in the world bring us down, but we can always come back to our Father, for we know He is always there, to lift us back up.
David ends this psalm with two of God's promises:
"Power belongs to God and with the Lord is unfailing love"and
You reward everyone according to what we have done." (Psalm 62:12) (NIV)
Holy Bible, New International Version, 2011, Biblical
Peterson, Eugene H, 2002, The Message, Nav Press Publications
Simmons, Dr Brian, 2015, The Passion Translation, Broadstreet
Churchyard, Gordon, 2005, "Only God". www.Easyenglish.bible.au
Guzik,Henry, 2015, "My Only Rock, My Salvation", Enduring Word.au
Henry, Matthew, "Commentary on the Whole Bible - Psalm 62", Bible Study Tools.
Spurgeon, Charles, "The Treasury of David", Christianity.au
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)