PSALM 40 - GOD LIFTS US UP

INTRODUCTION - Read Psalm 40

This Psalm, written by David, was in a time when he was overwhelmed by some great trouble and temptation; but the LORD had SAVED him. He was RESCUED by the POWER and GOODNESS of God,

Through this time David learnt:

1) How to TRUST in the OMNIPOTENT GOD.
2) How to PRAISE the OMNISPRESENT GOD.
3) How to be a WITNESS of the MERCIFUL GOD.

David had been humbly waiting on the Lord and He had heard his plea. He expected no other relief, and had no doubt it would come from God. From previous experience, he knew God would come and `lift him from his slimy pit'.

I am in one of those times, like David, overwhelmed by, not so much a spiritual depression; but a physical depression. Mental illness brought on by something I haven't experienced before - ongoing physical pain and weariness. I trust in God's greatness and I know how to praise God, for I know He is always with me.  I have witnessed before His goodness in my life, so I know He will lift me from the pit again.  I just need to keep reminding myself of this promise, as David did:

"I waited PATIENTLY for the Lord. He turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the pit of destruction, out of the sticky mud. He stood me on a rock and mad my feed steady. He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many people will see this and worship Him. Then they will trust the Lord."  Psalm 40:1-3 (NCV)


TRUST IN THE OMNIPOTENT GOD - Read Psalm 40: 1-8

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and don't depend on your own understanding. Remember the Lord in all you do and He will give you success." Proverbs 3:5&6(NCV)

"But the person who trusts in the Lord will be blessed. The Lord wll show he can be trusted. He will be strong, like a tree planted near water that sends its roots by a stream. It is not afraid when the days are hot; its leaves are always green. It does not worry in a year when no rain comes, it still produces fruit." Jeremiah 17:7&8

These are two of my favourite verses about TRUST.  Why? Because they remind me that although there is something I need to do, there is a PROMISE that God will be FAITHFUL too, The same is true in these verses in Psalm 40.

David reminds us that we need:

* To be PATIENT and CRY OUT TO THE LORD.
* To be HAPPY and THINK ABOUT PRAISEWORTHY THINGS.
* To TURN AWAY FROM IDOLS.
* To GIVE OUR LIFE AS A SACRIFICE.

If we trust in God, He will in turn:

* LIFT US OUT OF THE MUD AND PLACE US ON THE STEADY ROCK.
* Put a NEW SONG OF PRAISE INTO OUR MOUTHS.
* Continue with your MIRACLES and PLANS FOR OUR LIVES.
* COME, as He has promised in the HIS WORD,

David was lost in wonder, love and praise at the miracles and greatness God had worked in His life and that of his people. He realized, as Paul did, that true worship is not sacrifices and burnt offerings of lambs, but giving their TRUE SELVES.

"So brothers and sisters, since God has shown us great mercy. I beg you to offer your lives as a LIVING SACRIFICE to Him. Your offering must only be to God and pleasing to Him, which is the spiritual way for you to worship."  Romans 12:1 (NCV)

"You do not want sacrifices and offerings, but you have made a hole in my ear to show that my body and life are yours.  You do not ask for burnt offerings to take away sins. Then I said, "Look, I have come, It is written about me in the book. My God, I want to do what you want. Your teachings are in my heart." Psalm 40:6-8 (NCV)



WITNESS OF THE MERCIFUL GOD - Read Psalm 40: 9-15

For David it seemed that telling people about God's goodness and mercy just came naturally; but for others, although they believe it and feel it in their heart, it may not be so easy. No matter how much we want to share our faith, we may simply be SHY.

So firstly, KEEP YOUR EYES ON JESUS. Remember, He is the centre of your faith, the reason for your forgiveness and salvation. David knew that although sometimes he lost his courage, it was the Lord's mercy and faithfulness that had protected him from his enemies.

"I do not hide your goodness in my heart. I speak about your loyalty and salvation..... Lord do not hold your mercy from me; let your love and truth always protect me."  Psalm 40:10&11 (NCV)

Then, REMEMBER HOW GOD HAS ENCOURAGED YOU. How has God provided for YOU in your life, what have YOU learned from His Word and what Has God been doing in YOUR life. Sometimes I get into trouble from my husband for sharing too much about myself on FACEBOOK; and he is probably right at times, but sometimes this is the only opportunity I have to write, and I have found that some people have been encouraged and blessed, by what God is doing in my life. At times it is my only witnessing!

"So do not lose the courage you had in the past, which has a great reward. You must hold on, so you can do what God wants and receive what He has promised." Hebrews 10:35&36 (NCV)

"God began a good work in you, and I am sure he will continue it until it is finished when Jesus Christ comes again." Philippians 1:6 (NCV)

Finally, DON'T WORRY ABOUT SAYING ALL THE RIGHT THINGS. The Holy Spirit will be speaking for you. When you talk about God's goodness others will be drawn to Him by the Spirit.

"If you love me, you will obey my commands. I will ask the Father and He will give you another Helper to be with you forever - the Spirit of Truth." John 14:15  (NCV)

"When the Spirit of Truth comes He will lead you into all the truth. He will not speak His own words, but will speak only what He hears and He will tell you what is to come. The Spirit of Truth will bring glory to me, because He will take what I say and will tell it to you." John 16:13&14 (NCV)


PRAISE OF THE OMNIPRESENT GOD - Read Psalm 40:16&17

Yesterday I was watching a show on the ABC about the Sri Lankin workers who have come to Australia to work in our orchids. It was interesting to watch how they started each day singing praise songs together to the Lord. They continued throughout the day as they picked, bringing joy to each other, and it seemed, to their employers.

I could imagine my Dad doing the same. He was a great man of praise. I try to do the same, Oh, I don't always sing - it might cause problems with my neighbouring caravaners, but I do play my praise and worship music. When I go over to the classroom, I start each day playing my children's worship music, and I try to be like Pollyanna and play the `Glad Game' as much as I can.

Singing is a fun response to God's goodness, but you can also worship without saying anything. True praise begins in your heart and mind. As you think about the omnipresence of God, the rhythm of praise effects your step. Soon the sound of your heart praise comes out in your conversation and attitude. It glorifies God just as much as singing a song!

"I keep the Lord before me always. Because He is close by my side, I will not be hurt." Psalm 16:8 (NCV)


CONCLUSION

God lifts us up and establishes our feet on a stable rock. He changes our attitudes by giving us a new song to sing.  He helps us witness by showing our trust in the Lord. God performs wonders, He has made plans and His wonderful deeds are numerous,

God doesn't want burnt offering, He wants our obedience to His will. He wants us to show His love, and He will show His saving love and faithfulness to us. He will renew our courage with His mercy and protection,

God is our helper and Saviour. He will rescue us from our enemies. We can have the ultimate joy and gladness, because of the sacrifice that Jesus made for us, Jesus took joy in doing the will of His Father for us, David took joy in doing the will of God, and we can be LIFTED UP as, we too follow the will of God in our lives - as we TRUST GOD, PRAISE GOD and WITNESS of His MERCY AND LOVE.


The Devotional Bible, New Century Version,  (1991) Max Lucado, Thomas Nelson.

PSALM 39 - David Overcomes His Weariness

INTRODUCTION - Psalm 39

Sitting in my hospital bed surrounded by both young and older people who are healing so quickly and then are going home, it makes me feel so old and weary. Most of the nurses have been really good, but now and then you will come across one that is a little incompetent and lacks empathy. They make life even more depressing.

Although, not in hospital, David was feeling in a similar way when he wrote this Psalm. The long shadows of age and pressure are beginning to fall on David. He has lived a fall life and experienced the highs and lows. He was weary, or as some Bible versions say: "he was exhausted".

David also recalled the punishment and consequences that he experienced when he turned from away from God: the grief of losing two sons, a 3 year famine that had struck his land, and finally they were back at war with his old enemy, the Philistines. Now I am not saying that my fall and my time in hospital is necessarily a `punishment or consequent for turning away from God', for He promised us back in Psalm 37:

  "The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in His way. Though he fall, He shall not be utterly cast down; for the Lord upholds him with his hand."  Psalm 37:23&24

But lately, I have been so busy with work and rushing around I feel I have put God `second' in my life. Sometimes `illness' is the only way God can slow us down to remind us as He did David, to `put our hope' in Him.

In these last days, David continues to cry out to the Lord. The tears are not totally gone, he is still weary at times.  But what he wants most now is to be able to `smile again'.

DAVID'S STORY - 2 Samuel 21-2

"Once again the Philistines were at war with Israel. And when David and his men were in the thick of battle, David became weak and exhausted."  2 Samuel 21:15

 These chapters in 2 Samuel are the beginning of David's ill health. He was `weak and exhausting', beginning to collapse under the pressures of leadership. During the famine he had made what it seemed to be some terrible decisions and now he was `thick in battle'. But then he remembered four promises:

1. When things are tough, GOD IS OUR SECURITY.

"The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my Saviour; my God is my rock, in whom I find protecton."  2 Samuel 22:2-3

2. When days are dark, GOD IS OUR LIGHT.

   "O Lord, you are my Lamp. The Lord lights up my darkness." 
                                                                        2 Samuel 22:29

3. When our walk is weak, GOD IS OUR STRENGTH.

  "God's way is perfect. All the Lord's promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to him for protection. For who is God except the Lord? Who but God is a solid rock? God is my strong fortress and he makes my way fortress." 2 Samuel 22:31-33

4. When our future is foggy and fuzzy, GOD IS OUR HOPE.

 "You have given me your shield of victory; your help has mad me great. You have made a wide path for my feet to keep me from slipping."  2 Samuel 22:36 & 37


CONCLUSION

My `friend' Charles Swindoll, says that he has noticed that as we get older "the future becomes more significant than the present." We begin to wonder - will we live long enough to be able to do all those things we believe God wants us to do?

David reminds us in these 4 statements that God will indeed take care of us forever. We have no need to fear the future, or the present. Most of all we can thank the Lord for being our only HOPE, SECURITY, LIGHT and STRENGTH.

The Holy Bible:  New Living Translation.





           

Psalm 38 - David Calls on the Lord.

Introduction - Read Psalm 38

This next part of David's life has been hard for me to study. You see David was my hero - a young man after God's own heart. He loved God and was committed to serving Him from his youth. I have read this story of David and Bathsheba many a time, but I could never see how he could be tempted in this way - and then to go on to try and cover up his sins with `murder'. Well, we'll find out a little bit more about what happened to our `hero' later!

The exciting thing is, that David, overwhelmed by guilt and sickness because of these sins was able to write this and many other psalms.  He was in anguish,  broken and exhausted as he faced the consequences of his sins. Although he felt the anger of the Lord's rebuke and discipline, he is also knew the Lord's LOVE, MERCY and GRACE were greater.

His family and friends had left him, his enemies were still around him, and he was "on the verge of collapse", but in this Psalm 38 we see what David did:

* He CONFESSED HIS SINS with TRUE REMORSE.

* He SOUGHT THE LORD'S PRESENCE and FORGIVENESS. 

* He SOUGHT GOD'S SALVATION and HELP.

We too know the Lord's LOVE, MERCY and GRACE, as he sent his only son Jesus to die on the cross for us. Psalm 38 tells us, we have a Saviour, who will give us full forgiveness and freedom from our sins.  Like David, all we need to do is SEEK HIM.

                   "Come quickly to help me, O Lord my Saviour." Psalm 38:22

                  " For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world,

                     but to save the world through Him."  John 3:17

DAVID'S STORY 

Read 2 Samuel 11:1-27

David was known as a man after God's own heart. He wrote songs of praise, he loved and served the Lord from a young shepherd boy. So what happened to make David commit two of the worst sins possible?

1) David wasn't where he was supposed to be.  Yes, he was a King; but he was also a soldier and a father. He was supposed to be defending his country or spending time with his family. Instead, he was just `wandering around the palace'. 

2) David was looking at what he shouldn't have - another man's wife.  The devil knew David's weakness and temptation was being placed there in front of him. 

3) David took what didn't belong to him - another man's wife. He then tried to cover up what he knew was a sin, with another sin - murder! 

David really isn't any different to any of us. Even the most devoted Christian can be tempted by sin and can make mistakes. Oh it may not end up in adultery and murder, but there are another 8 commandments that can be broken when we are disobedient to God's will.

Remember the old children's song, which is still very popular with performers today:

"Be careful little eyes what you see....

"Be careful little hands what you do.....
"Be careful little feet where you go......

God warns us that Satan is always looking for a way to trick and destroy us, by tempting us with wrong choices; and we will have to face the consequences for these choices. The good news is:

"The Father up above is looking down with love......"

As this song and David's psalms remind us, God's help is always available to us during these times of temptation, when we fall, and when we have to face the consequences. For our God is LOVING, MERCIFUL and FORGIVING!!

                  "In my anguish I cried to the Lord and He answered by setting me free,

                    The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?

                    The Lord is with me, He is my helper. I will look in triumph on my enemies."

                                                                                                        Psalm 118:5-7

1. Has there ever been a time when you have felt you might have made a wrong choice, and the consequences have not been so good?

NATHAN'S STORY - 2 Samuel 12

How would you like to tell a king how sinful he was? Nathan had to, Nathan was a prophet and if God asked him to do something, he would do it, even if he knew it might be unpopular.

Nathan had to confront David with his sin of adultery with Bathsheba and the consequent murder of her husband. He used a parable to help David understand what he had done. David finally realized who Nathan was talking about. He turned to God, acknowledged his sin and repented.

In this Psalm 34, David had began his prayer of confession, letting God know how the consequences of his sin were making him feel.

             "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted, He rescues those whose spirits are crushed."
                                                                                                Psalm 34:18

In this place of prayer, David was overwhelmed by God's presence. David's guilt was removed, God's grace was revealed and David's health was restored.

Nathan was truly USED BY GOD!  If you hear God speaking to you, LISTEN and OBEY! You never know how God can USE YOU!

2. Have you heard God talking to do? Take the step - be courageous, you may be surprised at how God will use you.


DAVID'S SUFFERING - Psalm 38:1-12

After Nathan had left David, his healing didn't happen automatically. Although he had acknowledged his sin and God had forgiven him, he still had to face the consequences for his actions. He still did not have total freedom!

David knew that God had been angry with him and although he knew that God's LOVE AND MERCY were greater, he still felt like he was dying under the consequences of his sin. His family and friends had left him alone; and his enemies who had told lies about him were still trying to kill him.
             'I am convinced that nothing can separate us from God's love. Neither death nor life,
              neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow -
              not even the powers of hell can separate us from God's love." Romans 8:38

His heart "beat wildly"and he was losing the "light in his eyes". His strength was failing. From experience these symptoms sounded very much like those of depression and anxiety.


SEEKING GOD'S HELP - Psalm 38:13-22

David now knew how easy it was `slip' and even `fall'. He did not want to make mistake, not only because the consequences were devastating, but because of how it effected his relationship with the Lord.

              "For I am waiting for you, O Lord. You must answer me, O Lord, my God......
                Do no abandon me, O Lord. Do not stand at a distance, my God." Psalm 38:15 &21

Instead he went to the Lord and sought HIS HELP! He was not too proud to admit that he had done the wrong thing, and he was seeking the help of His SAVIOUR.

               "But I confess my sins; I am deeply sorry for what I have done." Psalm 38:18

               "Come quickly to help me, O Lord my Saviour." Psalm 38:22

This psalm speaks clearly of the Lord our Saviour. In David's time, it was God they called on for forgiveness and salvation. But we now have Jesus Christ as OUR SAVIOUR, who died on the cross so that we could have TOTAL FREEDOM from our sins.

3. Do you need total freedom and salvation from sin? Seek God's help now. Jesus, your Saviour, is the only one who can give it to you.

CONCLUSION

Psalm 38 and David's Story in 2 Samuel 11&12 cover a wide range of themes on temptation, sin, consequences and forgiveness; but in the end we have the most important - FREEDOM AND SALVATION!




New Living Translation Bible (1996), Tyndale Publishers

The Life of David As Reflected in the Psalms, Alexander Maclaren, Butler & Tanner.

"God Help Me", Gordon Churchyard, www.easyenglish.info

           

PSALM 37 - ENVY OR TRUST

INTRODUCTION - Read Psalm 37

Why is it that when it comes to the big things - the real problems and struggles, that I have no difficulty trusting God; but when it comes to those little everyday things that I really could need a hand with, I always seem to want to solve them myself.

"Yesterday a mother came to see me in tears. She had no money for petrol and she couldn't get home. I had just spent the last hour listening to her talk about her depression and maybe I was an easy target. But I gave her my last $20. I now had no money to get home myself on the bus, and what about my lunch tomorrow. Pay day was two days away and food and money were low. But at the time I didn't think about any of that - I saw a woman in need, and I gave."   (`In the Hands of God', 2000)

Most people think I am stupid when it comes to money, especially my husband. But I was always brought up to believe that God promises to bless me, if I am willing to TRUST him. Maybe I am wrong, and do make silly mistakes especially when it comes to money, but I just enjoy `giving'.  Oh there are times when I `envy' the wealthy and desire that new, bigger caravan to make life a little more livable. When envy takes hold you tend to forget about TRUSTING in and RELYING on GOD. This is when you want to be able to do everything yourself.

Psalm 37 is one of my favourite psalms, for in it we find 3 of God's special promises related to TRUSTING GOD.   With them, though, come some challenging COMMITTMENTS:

"TRUST in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture." (Verse 3)

"DELIGHT yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart."  (Verse 4)

"COMMIT your way to the Lord; trust in Him and He will do this."  (Verse 5)

David believed that God would help him because he TRUSTED in and was DELIGHTED in the Lord, and because he COMMITTED his way to the Lord. There did come a time in his life though, when he lost his way,

In 1st Samuel 27, we read how David had hit a really hard time in his life, and he'd had enough of running away and hiding from Saul. Instead of turning to the Lord like he had always done in the past,  he turned away from Him. Instead of TRUSTING and COMMITTING his life to God, he made up his own plans - he went and lived and fought with Saul's enemies, the Philistines.

If we read earlier in 1st Samuel 17, when David was fighting Goliath he made it clear: "This is the Lord's battle, and he will give you to us!".  Then later in 1 Samuel 23, before he went out to battle he would always ask of the Lord, "Should I go and attack them".  In the past, David had always called on the Lord for guidance, and during these times he also did a lot of praying and playing music through his psalms.

He lived there for a number of years, while living and fighting with the Philistines,he had no contact with the Lord, he played no music and he wrote no psalms.

Later though, we read, how when he lost his family and his friends were about to stone him, he decided it was time to 'find strength in the Lord' again. This was when he called for the priest, and sought the Lord's guidance. "Should I chase after this band of raiders? Will I catch them?"

Are you tired, worn out and stressed? Don't make the same mistake that David made and I have made in the past too.  Don't turn away from God, don't stop praying and worshipping Him. Continue to TRUST and DELIGHT in and COMMIT yourself to God, and you will find 'find strength in the Lord'. Seek His guidance, not your own, and you will find rest in the Lord.

 "Trust in the Lord with 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

"Come to me all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest." 
Matthew 11:28


1. Are there any situations in your life at the moment that you need to hand over to God rather than try to handle on your own? 

HOW TO KEEP ENVY AWAY - Psalm 37:1-5

The other night I was watching an episode of `Call the Midwife'. Jenny's boyfriend Alec had just died, and in mourning, she sought comfort from the nuns. They gave her a promise that God was watching over her. Jenny however bears her soul, admitting that she couldn't see how God could exist.

I certainly didn't envy her in this circumstance. In fact, the nuns felt for her, and I wished I could have shared with her what I knew.  Matthew Henry reminds us that we need to `take care of our souls', so we never want to envy those who don't.

"Don't worry about the wicked or envy those who do wrong. For like grass, they soon fade away. Like spring flowers, they soon fade away." (Psalm 37:1)

1. MAKE GOD YOUR HOPE

I have fed on God's promises for most of my life and I can trust Him to take care of me; even if the circumstances don't seem to turn out the way I plan.

"For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, they are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope."  (Jeremiah 29:11)

2. MAKE GOD YOUR HEART'S DELIGHT

I love the Lord and made a commitment to serve Him when only just a child. He is truly my heart's delight, and that love for Him grows more and more each day, when I grow and learn more about His love for me.

"See how much our Father loves us. for He calls us His children, and that is what we are." 
(1 John 3:1)

"This is real love - not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins."  (1 John 4:10)

3. MAKE GOD YOUR GUIDE

I have tried to commit everything I do to the Lord in prayer. But sometimes I do forget and my pride gets the `better of me' - I start to `give the orders'. It is usually in these times that things don't usually go well. I am learning to submit to God's infinite wisdom, believing that God works everything out for good. 

"We know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purposes."  (Romans 8:28)


2. Do you have any favourite verses than remind you of God's infinite wisdom and love for you, that help keep your faith and hope strong? 

WHY TO KEEP ENVY AWAY - Read Psalm 37:7-20

People call me a `goody, goody'. But I have to confess `envy and jealousy' are two sins that have kept me from living a godly life. I don't so much envy evil, but there are other things that can bring us down. And, I can see how easy it is to fall into that trap. 

1) When you are young and seek to be accepted it is easy to be tempted by `evil'. I have seen what `evil' temptation has done in relationships. It is hard not to get angry or tempted by evil; but if we do, we can trust God to help us. 

       "Stop being angry! Turn from your rage! Do not lose your temper - it only leads to harm." 

                                                                                                           Psalm 37:8

2) It is also easy to envy wealth and prosperity, especially when things aren't going well. We may have lost our job and feel like we are bringing shame to our family and maybe even to God. But according to Matthew Henry: "a good person's life is better in every way and a lot more desirable."

If we feel envy of those with wealth and prosperity, do something to help others, or go out and enjoy what God has given you. 

        "It is better to be godly and have little than to be evil and rich." Psalm 37:16

3) Finally, as evildoers, pride and arrogance will bring their own destruction and judgement from the Lord.  So, we don't want to envy the evil, who want to do things their own way. We want to follow the Lord Jesus Christ, and His will for our lives.  When we leave this world, we have a great inheritance to look forward to, one promised us from the Lord - our eternal life with Him. 

        "Day by day the Lord takes care of the innocent, and they will receive an inheritance

          that lasts forever." Psalm 37:18

        "For God so loved the world He sent His only Son that whoever believes in Him will

          not perish, but will have eternal life." John 3:16

3.  What is the greatest problem you have with envy? Pray about this and ask God to help you work through it with Him. 

DAVID'S BEAUTITUDES - Read Verses 37:21-33, Matthew 5:3-11

In these next verses David has set out some "Beautitudes" (Blessings) similar to those that Jesus gave us early in His ministry on the Sermon on the Mount. 

1. We must make sure we live humble, righteous, honest and just lives. 

"The wicked borrow and never repay, but the godly are generous givers". Psalm 37:21

"God blesses those who are humble for they will inherit the whole earth. God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied." Matthew 5:5&6

"The Lord has told you what is good and what He requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God."  Micah 6:8

2. We must be kind and generous examples of the goodness and mercy of Christ. 

"Turn from evil and do good and you will live in the land forever." Psalm 37:27

"God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy." Matthew 5:7

3. We must use our tongues to build others up. 

"The godly offer good counsel, they teach right from wrong." Psalm 37:30

"Don't use foul and abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them." Ephesians 4:29

"God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called children of God." Matthew 5:9

4. We must follow the will of God, living pure lives, obedient to His word, not doing things our own way.

"They have made God's law their own, so they will never slip from His path." Psalm 37:31

"God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God." Matthew 5:8

5. Just as David assured His people of God's blessing, comfort and joy; Jesus reassured us, even through persecution.

"God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs." Matthew 5:10

4. Memorize the Beautitudes in Matthew 5, and remind yourself why the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to you.  Then write in your journal some things that you may need to work on. 

THE LORD HOLDS ME BY HIS HAND 
Read Psalm 37:23&24

       "The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. 

       Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand." 

                                                          Psalm 37:23&24

I have given these 2 verses a section by themselves, because they would have to be one of the promises God has kept most in my life. 

I am known to be quite a clumsy person. When I trip, my brain doesn't give my body the right messages. I fall straight to the ground. EMBARRASSING AND PAINFUL!

The same can be true in our spiritual life. Godly people do sin - we do fall; but the grace of God will always lift us up and restore us through repentance and forgiveness.  For a time we may lose our `balance' - part of the joy of our relationship with the Lord, and we may be in pain,  but God will continually be holding us in his arms until we feel safe again. 

Godly people may face difficulties, their spirits may feel low; but God will not let us fall down completely.  There have been times when I have struggled with sin, but the Lord has always stopped me before I have fallen too far.  I struggle with depression and anxiety.  I have my good times, then I will fall with a `thud'. But again, the Lord is there to pick me up. 

The same is not true for everyone, I know. I am one of the very blessed. But this is why I can thank the Lord for these verses, and after a difficult few months, I can again take the Lord's hands, seek His guidance - as He lifts me up, I can MOVE ON in the knowledge that HE IS WITH ME!!

5. Say this verse over a number of times and replace with your name and personal pronoun `I' - until it feels true to you!!

TRAVEL STEADILY ALONG HIS PATH
Read 37:34-40

David concludes this Psalm with some final encourages:

"Put your hope in the Lord. Travel steadily along His path." Psalm 37:34

"Look at those who are honest and good, for a wonderful future awaits those who love peace."

                                                                                                     Psalm 37:37

"The Lord rescues the godly, He is their fortress in times of trouble." Psalm 37:39

"The Lord helps them, rescuing them from the wicked. He saves them and they find shelter in Him." Psalm 37

Yes, there will be times when, like David, we have had enough, and we may go astray.  But remember God has not left you.  He is waiting for you to return to him.  He is waiting to lift you up again.  He is waiting for you to ask: "Should I go and attack them".... 

In Revelation 21 we read about a the `Holy City, the  New Jerusalem'  that God is preparing for those who want to join with David as one of God's victorious warriors. What a FUTURE we have to look forward to, as we TRUST, DELIGHT and COMMIT ourselves to our Lord.

"God himself will be with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death and no more sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever." Revelation 21:4

"All who are VICTORIOUS will inherit all these BLESSINGS and I will be their God, and they will be my children." Revelation 21:7

"In the Hands of God" (2000) Ruth Cheater

New Living Translation Bible (1996), Tyndale Publishers

The New Matthew Henry Commentary - Matthew Henry, Zondervan

  www.easyenglish.info, Gordon Churchyard

                       

                           

Psalm 36: David - A Servant of the Lord.

INTRODUCTION - Read Psalm 36

According to the International Children's Bible, David was a `real super hero'. He had many `responsibilities as a shepherd, soldier and king', and his life was filled with many `exciting duties and adventures'. But most importantly, David was known as being `a man after God's own heart', a man with a `deep passion for God' 1- A SERVANT OF THE LORD.

At the same time David was guilty of some of the worst sins possible, allowing him to become overcome with fear, pride and lust - which led to those mentioned in Psalm 36 - `wicked lies', and the making of `evil plans'. So how could he still be thought of as a lover and A SERVANT OF THE LORD.

Whether David obeyed God, as we saw many times throughout his life story, or he sinned; David stilled trusted God to forgive him and take care of him. He simply kept his eyes on God.

"And now, O Lord God, I am a SERVANT. Do as you have promised concerning me and my family." 2 Samuel 8:25 (NIV)

1. What do you know about David from his story so far?

SIN - LIKE A DEVASTATING STORM  - Read Psalm 36:1-4

On Tuesday my husband and I went on one of our date nights to the Movies. We went to see `Into the Storm'. It wasn't the most popular of movies; in fact, we were the only people there. Maybe this was because, as well as all the excitement, there was also a bit of a `moral' at the end.

It could be that I have been reading a lot about `sin' lately, or maybe as my husband always says, `you always find a lesson in every movie you watch'; but somehow this storm reminded me of just how destructive sin can be in our lives. The actors in the movie seemed to have no fear of the storm and made no attempt to turn away from it, until it was too late.

This is similar to the description that David gives us of sin in the first four verses of Psalm 36,

"Sin whispers to the wicked, deep within their hearts. They have no fear of God at all....... they make no attempt to turn from evil." Psalm 36:1&4 (NIV)

2. From David's description and your own understanding, how would you summarize sin?


GOD, SO GRACIOUS AND GOOD - Read Psalm 36:5-9

At the end of the movie, the devastation of the storm was complete. A number of people had died, but for others, LOVE had overpowered the storm and families were ready to rebuild.

My husband also said to me after the movie: `You squeezed my hand really tight during that movie." You see when I am faced with a sin (storm) in my life, I usually face it `head on' - with the guilt, the consequences,  the seeking God for forgiveness and then the endeavour to `clean up the mess' my sin may have caused.   It is what my parents taught me from an early age, and it's not easy, and usually means lots of humility and often weeks and at times,  years of tears, before I can forgive myself - but when the healing and `clean up' from the `storm' is done, and I am ready to rebuild, it is these next 5 verses of Psalm 36 that I am reminded of:

* GOD'S MERCY AND LOVE.

* GOD'S PATIENCE AND FAITHFULNESS.

* GOD'S RIGHTEOUSNESS AND JUSTICE.

* GOD'S CARE AND GENEROSITY.

We too, like David, should take time to meditate on these attributes, so we too can stand up against these `storms'.

"Lord, your LOVE reaches to the Heavens, your FAITHFULNESS to the skies. Your GOODNESS is as high as the mountains, your JUSTICE is as deep as the great ocean. Lord, you protect both people and animals. Your LOVE is so precious. You PROTECT people in the shadow of your wings." Psalm 36:5-7 (NIV))

3. What attributes of God help you the most when struggle with sin?

4. Have you had an experience when you have had to face the `storm' head on? How have you rebuilt?

DAVID'S PRAYER FOR PRESERVATION

Read Psalm 36:10-12

In these last three verses of his psalm David prays for his people and himself - the upright in heart - that they may be preserved in faith and integrity.

In his book, "Praying and Getting Results", Bob Gass, tells this story of a man in Belfast who used to rise up every Monday night at the Church prayer meeting and pray, `Lord, we ask you to remove the cobwebs in our lives.' This continued for many years, until one night, after he'd prayed, a lady stood up and said, "Lord, just kill the spider."

The moral to this story: If you truly are struggling with sin in your life, GET REAL WITH GOD. Go `into the storm' and look at the real condition of your heart. Like David, meditate on our gracious, loving God and seek His full forgiveness.

If you truly want to be a SERVANT OF THE LORD you don't need to be perfect, but you do need to have the courage to be humble and honest with yourself and God, to take time for prayer and confession, and seek preservation of your faith and integrity.

"Like a refiner of silver He will sit and closely watch as the dross is burned away...... refining them..... so that they will do their work for God with pure hearts." Malachi 3:3 (NIV)

If you are facing the `storm' or in the `fire' today, remember, "God is holding you, He will never let you go. He will not take His eyes off you even for a moment and when He's finished you'll reflect His likeness",  2 a true SERVANT OF THE LORD.

4. What is a true servant of God?


1. `International Children's Bible' (2006) Thomas Nelson

2. `Praying and Getting Results' (2001) Bob Gass, Bob Gass Ministries

Holy Bible, New International Version

PSALM 35 - DAVID'S PSALM OF COMPLAINT.

INTRODUCTION - Read Psalm 35

Psalm 35 is a long psalm - 28 verses of complaints - asking God to give David vengeance for his enemies. Or so it seems, though there are some verses of thanksgiving and praise.

But isn't it true in our lives, that we often spend 75% of our time in complaining and 25% in thanksgiving. Yes, I know, we do have a lot of stress and there often seems more bad news than good news. Maybe we do have a lot to complain about.

Last time I read this psalm I had just been terminated from my employment in not so nice circumstances. I felt like `running' and I had a `vengeful' spirit. My `Sauls' had been big and scary and I didn't feel like fighting them. In fact the `fighting' had all gone out of me, but I did hope that would be a `vengeful God'.

I have to say it took quite a few years for that vengeful spirit to die down - 4 years of complaining, depression and even a fight with cancer. But in this last couple of years I have been doing an in depth study of Psalms, and Davids life in 1&;2 Samuel, and 2 Chronicles. During this time, I have felt my vengeful spirit fade.  There is no more need to `fight' and `run', and my `Sauls', are not as big and scary.

God has fought my enemies for me - though not in the way I thought. I didn't go to court and have no great `pay out'. But I am teaching again, my confidence is slowly growing, and most of all I am spending more time in praise and thanksgiving than complaining.

"Then I will rejoice in the Lord. I will be glad because He rescues me. With every bone in my body I will praise Him: "Lord, who can compare with you?" Psalm 35:9&10. (NIV)

1. Do you have any experiences where you had a vengeful spirit and needed to rely on God to help you?


GOD HELP ME - Psalm 25:1-8, 11-17, 19-26;  1 Samuel 22&23; 2 Samuel 15

It is likely David wrote this psalm when he was escaping from the evil of king Saul or his son Absalom. In both these times David does not feel like he had done anything wrong, but that he had been wronged. They had made up lies about him, they mocked him, and they wanted to kill him.

The language in this psalm is not very nice, but 3000 years ago it was the language of war. This is how David saw God - a soldier, fighting for him. Indeed,God is our soldier and he helps us fight our battles. He gives us victory over our enemies and He sends His angels to protect us.

"Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shelter of the Almighty...... For He will order His angels to protect you wherever you go. They will hold you up with their hands so you won't hurt your foot with a stone."  Psalm 91, 1,11&12. (NIV)

Both Saul and Absalom were defeated when they lost their lives - but not by the hand of David. Twice David spared Saul's life, for although he was his enemy, he was also his honoured king. Saul died fighting the Philistines in battle, ultimately killing himself.

"Saul groaned to his armour bearer, "Take your sword and kill me before these pagan Philistines come to run me through and taunt and torture me." But his armour bearer was afraid and would not do it. So Saul took his own sword and fell on it."  1 Samuel 31:4&5

David also did not want to see his son die: "For my sake deal gently with Absalom".
Absalom also died escaping from battle, and it was his hair, his pride in his handsome appearance that actually led to his downfall.

"In all Israel there was not a man as highly praised for his handsome appearance as Absalom..... Whenever he cut his hair - he used to do this once a year because it was too heavy for him - he would weigh it, and its weight was 200 shekels by the royal standard." 2 Samuel 14:25&26 (NIV)

"During the battle, Absalom happened to come upon some of David's men. He tried to escape on his mule, but as he rode beneath the thick branches of a great tree, his hair got caught in the tree. His mule kept going and left him dangling in the air. One of David's men saw what had happened and told Joab, `I saw Absalom dangling from a great tree."  2 Samuel 18:9&10 (NIV)






2. Why and how did Saul and Absalom die?

3. Why was David so sad, even though they were his enemies?

DAVID'S PRAISE &;THANKS - Psalm 35:9&10, 35:18, 35:27&28, 2 Samuel 22

David's story in 2 Samuel finishes with words of praise and thanksgiving, just like Psalm 25. The Lord, like always was his SAVIOUR, PROTECTOR AND VICTOR. There was no need for David to say `vengeance is mine', for things hadn't turned out the way he planned; but God had defeated his enemies. His mourning was over. It was now time for THANKS AND PRAISE.

"Then I will now thank you in front of the great assembly. I will praise in front of all the people." 
Psalm 35:18 (NIV)

"But give great joy to those who come to my defence. Let them continually say, "Great is the Lord, who delights in blessing his servant in peace."  Psalm 35:28 (NIV)

"God's way is perfect. All the Lord's promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to Him for protection...... You have given me a shield of victory; your help has made me great...... The Lord lives! Praise to my Rock! May God, the Rock of my salvation be exalted." 
 2 Samuel 22:31,36 &47 (NIV)



Remember back in Psalm 34:

"I will bless the Lord at all times; HIS PRAISE shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make a boast in the Lord: the humble shall hear and be glad. O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name forever." Psalm 34:1-3  (NKJ)

Real praise begins because we WANT TO, it STIRS THE EMOTIONS, and it is CONTAGIOUS - we need to share it with others. Praise can change the climate around you. David has given us many options to praise the Lord: speaking, shouting or singing.  We can clap our hands, raise them, or play musical instruments. You can stand, kneel, or even dance. Finally David tells us, that if we want to reach God, we must `enter his gates with thanksgiving'. come to Him in praise, and you'll find Him waiting for you.

"Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name."  Psalm 100:4 (NIV)

4. How do complaints make your feel?  What does praise do in your life?


"Holy Bible, New International Version". 

"God Help Me" - Gordon Churchyard,  www.easyenglish.info. 

"Praying & Getting Results", 2001, Bob Gass, Bob Gass Ministries.

PSALM 34 - Facing Our Fears

INTRODUCTION - Read Psalm 34

(Taken from my `In the Palm of His Hand' manuscript (1985)

I was in hospital again, having just lost my third child. For some reason this feeling of loss seemed worse than the last two. With Emma I had a photo and with Jonathon there was the memory of holding him in my arms. But this time I had nothing, except the fear that I may never have a child. The doctor had told me my body was just not strong enough to hold a baby.

Not knowing my history and thinking that 3 months was not very long anyway, the radiologist who had taken my scan had told me, `Your baby is dead'. I couldn't take it anymore - this time I just broke down. I decided I was just not meant to be a mother.

Later, I was in hospital - alone and afraid. It was midnight when the nurse heard me crying and had called the hospital chaplain, who just happened to be a good friend of mine. We talked for hours, and then he left me with this words of comfort:

"I sought the Lord and he answered me, and delivered me from all my fears."  Psalm 34:4

After he had left, I closed my eyes and tried to sleep. Suddenly I felt the realization that I wasn't alone. I opened my eyes and saw my mother and the Lord Jesus beside my bed, each with a baby in their arms. My mother spoke with a gentle voice: "Thank you for my grandchildren. I will take care of them for you."

The tears suddenly stopped and for a moment the anger and the fear disappeared. I a had a peace in my heart and a new love for two people I knew would never leave my side again.

DAVID'S STORY - Read 1 Samuel 21 - 22:2;  Psalm 34:1-7

David was running away from Saul who wanted to kill him. He felt alone and afraid. Yet, instead of calling on the Lord for help, he made some plans of his own. He lied, he ate bread he knew was only meant for priests, he took Goliath's sword under false pretenses.  Then he moved on to the next town and discovered another king who didn't like him. Again, overcome with fear and realizing that it was against the law to kill `crazy people', he pretended to be insane.

Whether or not we agree with some theologians and believe that David may have fallen into sin or not; the truth is God was watching over him, and as David shows us in Psalm 34, He was truly his deliverer. When he ran away and hid in the cave, 'the angel of the Lord also made his camp there', and later his loyal soldiers and family would join him.

"For the angel of the Lord is a guard; he surrounds and defends all who who fear Him."
 Psalm 37:7

It was in this cave surrounded by his friends and family, and with God's protection confirmed, David felt his fears fall away. He could sigh with relief, he sought peace and he sung the Lord's praises, calling on his people to join him.

"I will praise the Lord at all times. I will constantly seek His praises....Come, let us tell of the Lord's greatness; let us exalt His name forever."  Psalm 34:1&3

1. a)Put yourself in David's position. When the pressure is on, how are you tempted to compromise your values or convictions?

b) How do you rationalize your actions?

2. Even though David lied, God provided for his needs anyway. Describe a time when God provided for you even though you didn't deserve God's provision.



TEACHINGS OF DAVID - Read Psalm 34:8-14

These next verses in this psalm are the teachings David gave to his young band of followers. He wanted them to learn how to fear the Lord and to Him as he did. He wanted them to live a life that was pleasing to God. These are the things that David had learnt himself and some things that we too should learn:

*To take refuge in the Lord and to trust in Him.
* To keep a reign on our tongues and keep our lips from lying.
* To turn away from evil and do good.
* To seek peace and pursue it.
* To live useful and purposeful lives.

"Taste and see that the Lord is good/ Oh the joys of those who take refuge in Him! Fear the Lord, you His godly people, for those who fear Him will have all they need. Even strong lions go hungry, but those who trust in the Lord lack no good thing."  Psalm 34:8-10

3. Who has God sent to you to help determine His will in your life?

4. God might be equipping you to be an advisor to someone else. What are some things you are doing to prepare yourself to be used by God in this way?

GOD CARES FOR THE BROKENHEARTED - Read Psalm 34:15-22

To be "brokenhearted" means that you are hurting inside. You are very, very sad and depressed. We must remember that when we are feeling this way, God is always with us. He wants us to share with Him our broken heart. He will give us help, for He is a caring and compassionate God who has promised us healing and hope.

"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; He rescues those who spirits are crushed." Psalm 34:18

Life wasn't meant to be easy for God's people. David knew this and as he and his `band of merry men' continued to run and hide from King Saul, they would find out more about the need for God's saving redemption and protection.

"The righteous person faces many troubles; but the Lord comes to rescue him each time. The Lord will redeem those who serve Him. No one who takes refuge in Him will be condemned."
 Psalm 35:19&22

The story at the beginning of the BLOG is only one of the many times I have experienced this feeling of fear and brokenness. When, at my lowest, I have called on God and I felt His saving arms around me. It hasn't always been straight away, for sometimes, like David, I have run away and tried to overcome my trials on my own; but God has always been there waiting for me to turn to Him. Waiting for my PRAYER. Waiting for my PRAISE.

I have learnt, as David did, that journeying WITH God and allowing Him to be your guide is truly a more joyful, peaceful and growing experience.

5. Take a few moments and write a prayer of praise expressing to God your thoughts about your wilderness experience. Thank him for providing refuge, His presence and comfort. Don't be afraid to be honest with your feelings - he already knows what you are thinking about.

`The New Living Bible'(1996), Tyndale Publishing

`The Life of David as Reflected in the Psalms', Alexander McLaren

`The New Matthew Henry Commentary'

`The Treasury of David', Charles H Spurgeon

www.easyenglish.info, `The Fear of the Lord', Gordon Churchyard.

`In the Palm of His Hand', (1985) Ruth Cheater