PSALM 64 - ETERNAL SALVATION!

Introduction: Read Psalm 64

What a couple of weeks it has been! It started with those `hidden arrows' from the enemy, and by the end of the first week I was overcome with insignificancies. I found myself crying out to the Lord, and as usual, HE CAME THROUGH!

There were many times in David's life when he felt threatened by enemies, both `internally' and externally; and in this Psalm 64, we find him crying out to the Lord again. As usual:

* He is seeking protection from his enemies.
* He wants to hide from those people he feels are conspiring against him.
* He wants to `shut out' the noise of the voices - that are like `poison arrows'.

But as usual, David realizes that God's arrows are greater than any of those his enemies can throw at him. They may be well armed and well hidden - like `snipers' in his armies, but David has a FRIEND who is in a 'higher and more hidden position'. God is greater and He will destroy David's enemies, and give Him eternal salvation.

The same can be true in our everyday lives. God came through for me this week with  a gentle reminder of the gift God had given me to serve Him, a cuddle from my granddaughter -  a reminder that I was still loved, and some encouraging words from friends and my physiotherapist helped too. For God's arrows of love and faithfulness can destroy any the enemy try to throw at us.

David finishes this Psalm, as he does most of them, with WORDS OF PRAISE. We, like David, can:

* Rejoice in the Lord.
* Take refuge in His presence.
*  Sing songs of Praise.

We have a reason to be glad in the Lord, as David did, for we can trust in God and His everlasting promises, and find that ETERNAL SALVATION!


OUR ENEMIES- Read Psalm 64:1-6

The wicked threats of our enemies are often not only from the external, but internally, causing us lots of fear and anxieties. This was true for David. Even though he was a strong, courageous soldier, he knew the crippling fear that these `enemies' could bring upon him. But he also knew the Lord was there to `listen to his complaints', and He knew He would keep him safe.

David had been in battle. He knew how dangerous it was with `hidden snipers'. David's enemies used secret plots, `shot bitter words', like arrows in a secret position, and they didn't seem to fear David or God.

Our `enemies' can seem the same in our lives, especially with words that bring us down. It can be the simplest negative comment that upsets us - they `poison our minds' with all kinds of thoughts. It seems like everyone is plotting against us.

It was bad enough for David when one person was plotting against him,, but when he discovered they were all conspiring, and `encouraging each other in their evil plans' to `set traps, pervert justice, scheme together and plot perfect crimes."  (NIV)  (TPT)

Again, they didn't seem to care about David or the Lord's retribution!


GOD IS GREATER   - Read Psalm 64:7&8, Read 1 Samuel 30:1-8

King David and his soldiers were valiant and victorious on the battlefield, but one time when they returned home from battle they found their entire village had been burnt and their families had been taken hostage by their enemies. David's wife and children had also been taken, so you can imagine he shared the grief of his men.  Still, the men were greatly distressed and they `blamed David and spoke of stoning Him'. 

David's first response, like in this Psalm, was to cry out to God for help, because he knew God was greater than even this enemy. The problem (the arrows) were much bigger than he could handle, but he was sure God would have a plan (his own arrow).

"David strengthened himself in the Lord....David inquired of the Lord, "Shall I pursue the troop? Shall I overtake them?" And He answered him, "Pursue for you shall overtake them, and without fail recover them."  1 Samuel 30:7&8

David went out and God showed him that his enemy could be struck down, it could be destroyed, because GOD IS GREATER.

"You dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world."  1 John 4:4  (NIV)


REJOICE IN THE LORD - Read Psalm 64:9&10, Read 1 Samuel 30:9-23

Imagine the joy David and his men felt when they found their families alive and well. Some of them were a little greedy and wanted to keep all the enemies' plunder for themselves; but David knew the reason for their VICTORY - he wanted to `proclaim the works of the Lord', and rejoice with everyone.

Everyone has a reason to rejoice and sing praise to the Lord, especially at this time of year, when we look forward to the coming Easter celebration. When we think about the promise God gave us in His Son Jesus Christ, who died and rose again - and gave us our ETERNAL SALVATION.

Let's sing praises every day not only as we read this Psalm and David's stories of victories over his enemies, or our own stories of God's faithfulness in our lives, but mostly because we know what lies ahead for us.

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him will not perish, but will have EVERLASTING LIFE. For God sent His son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world would be SAVED THROUGH HIM." John 3:16&17

"The lovers of God will be glad, rejoicing in the Lord. They will be found in His glorious wrap around presence, singing songs of praise to God."  Psalm 64:10 (TPT)

The Holy Bible, New International Version, 2011, Biblical
Simmons, Dr Brian, 2017, The Passion Translation, Broadstreet Publishing

Guzik, David, 2015, "Psalm 64, Secret Plots & Sudden Shots", Enduring Words.

PSALM 63 - OUR GROWING RELATIONSHIP WITH OUR FATHER ( Based on the `The Grind of Ritual Religion' - Living the Psalms (Charles Swindoll, 2012)

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

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

PSALM 61 - GOD'S OMNIPRESENCE

INTRODUCTION - Read Psalm 61, 2 Samuel 15:13 - 19:14

Do you ever remember watching movies at Christmas, or going on holidays yourself, and the children have asked: "Will Father Christmas still find me?" They may have been lost in the middle of no where or on a camping trip. But Santa always finds them, didn't he! I always love those memories, as they remind me of the omnipresence of my Heavenly Father.

In Psalm 61, David is in exile again - this time from his son Absalom who has decided to take over his kingdom in Jerusalem. Feeling like an outcast, he is `feeble and overwhelmed'. With a `sad heart' he cries out to an Omnipresent Father for protection and provision. An Omnipresent Father who has never let him down before!

"For no matter where I am, even when I'm far from home, I will cry out for a Father's help. When I am feeble and overwhelmed by life, guide me into your glory where I am safe and sheltered." 

Psalm 61:2  (TPT)

Later, after the death of his son, he again spends time communing with His Father, and `it is in this presence, where he finds mercy, shelter and quiet rest'. Lifted up, and assured of God's grace and favour, 'he resolves to persevere in his duty as king in Jerusalem'. 

(Dr B Simmons, 2015, M. Henry, 1706, C. H Spurgeon,, 1885)

"You treat me like a king, giving me full and abundant life, years and years of reigning, like many generations rolled into one. I will live enthroned with you forever. Guard me God, with your unending, unfailing love. Let me live my days, walking in grace and truth before you."

Psalm 61:6&7 (TPT)

2017 has not been the best year for me. As I look forward to the new year I have been overwhelmed with depression and anxiety. What does my future hold? Like David, I have two choices. I can remain in exile, allowing self pity and bitterness to `chain myself to hurt' or I can return to my Jerusalem, and take on God's calling for my life - His Kingship! (Max Lucado. 2015)

How does God deal with a bitter heart? Does he remind you to still have a relationship with Him, and continue to serve Him? I hope so. If that is the case, put the past behind you, and like David, trust God for the strength to continue with your mission.  But like David, before you return to your service, make sure you take some time in the OMNIPRESENCE OF THE FATHER!

CALLING ON THE LORD -   Read Verses 1-4

This was not the first time David was in exile, not the first time he had been feeling depressed and anxious, not the first time he begins a Psalm crying out to the Lord for strength and protection.

He knew God was his ROCK and MOUNTAIN - a safe and faithful God. Again, surrounded by enemies, God was like a TOWER, who in the past made soldiers feel strong, safe and sheltered. This was the perfect place to call out to his omnipresent God. 

"Lord, you are a paradise of protection to me. You lift me high above the fray. None of my foes can touch me, when I am held firmly by your wrap around presence." Psalm 61:3 (TPT)

A mother bird has large WINGS and it keeps it's babies sheltered under them from the weather and from predators. David too felt this kind of protection with God's omnipresence, and again was confident to CALL ON THE LORD.

We too can have this same confidence and faith to pray and call on the Lord, for God is our faithful ROCK, our strong TOWER and safe WINGS. This knowledge of God's protection and `wrap around presence' will gives us the encouragement we need.

(W.Jay,2017, C. H Spurgeon, 1885, Dr.B Simmons, 2015)

"So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive His mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most."  Hebrews 4:16  (NLT)

 GOD KEEPS HIS PROMISES - Verses 5-8, 1 Samuel 16:6-13

God has promised to abide with us forever, but He also asks something of us - SERVANTHOOD - or in David's case it was KINGSHIP. Right from the beginning, when David was a shepherd boy, God had sent Samuel to anoint him to be king. He was God's chosen!

"But the Lord said to Samuel: "Don't judge by his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn't see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart."  1 Samuel 16:7

"There is still the youngest", Jesse replied. "But he's out in the fields watching the sheep and goats."  "Send for him", Samuel said." ......"So Jesse sent for him. He was dark and handsome, with beautiful eyes. And the Lord said, "This is the one; anoint him." "So as David stood there among his brothers, Samuel took the flask of oil he had brought and anointed David with oil. And the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon David from that day on."1 Samuel 16:11-13 (NLT)

David now knew he needed to return to lead his people. But he would need God's help. The Holy Spirit has given us all a gift, whether it is in LEADERSHIP, or another area of SERVICE.

"In His grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things. So if God has given you the gift of prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously, and if you have the gift of showing kindness, do it gladly." 
Romans 12:6-8   (NLT)

"To one person the Spirit gives the ability to give wise advice; to another the same Spirit gives a message of special knowledge. The same Spirit gives great faith and to someone else the gift of healing. He gives one person the power to perform miracles, and another the ability to prophesy.....Still another person is given the ability to speak in unknown languages, while another is given the ability to interpret what is said." 1 Corinthians 12:8-10 (NLT)

Many years ago I was given the gift of seed planting. Over the years I have been able to use this through teaching, as an encourager and more recently as a prayer for leaders in our Churches. Most recently, I am not sure how I am to use it; but I still know I am GOD'S CHOSEN, and because God always keeps His promises for me, I will keep my promise and will continue to serve Him.


CONCLUSION -  Read Samuel 19

After a short time of mourning the death the of his son Absalom, and again spending some time with his Omnipresent Father, David returned to Jerusalem a changed man. Putting his bitterness and grief behind him, he showed forgiveness, kindness and appreciation to those who had cursed him, lied to him, let him down; and on the other side had been loyal and shown him gratitude.

Are you like Shimei?  Do you need to make a humble, contrite confession?   What about Mephibosheth and Ziba - is there a part of your story that hasn't been told? Maybe you are older, but there are still services that you can give to your king. Or maybe, you have been like King David, living in exile - a life of bitterness and grief, that are preventing you from living a full life of service.

David would not return has a king who would show weakness and insecurity. God had given him his throne, and God is not a `motivator for revenge'; but of love, mercy and praise; and this is how David would serve his people and his Omnipresent Father. 

David forgave Shimei and Jesus is ready to forgive you. Mephibosheth was content to let Ziba have all the property, because David's reign was more important to him than his personal enrichment, just as Jesus's reign in our hearts should be important to us. Barzillai was a man of great resources and he used these to help David, a servant of the Lord. He gave out of a right heart and in gratitude was given the honour of living in Jerusalem with the king. We too have the honour of `laying up treasure in Heaven, and being rich toward God'.    (D.Guzik, 2002)

"He delighteth in mercy. I do believe that the harps of heaven never give to Christ such happiness as He has when he forgives the ungodly, and saith, `Thy sins are forgiven; go in peace." Charles Spurgeon

"My praises will fill the heavens forever, fulfilling my vow to make everyday a love gift to you." Psalm 61:8  (TPT)


LUCADO, Max ,2007, "The Devotional Bible, New Century Version", Thomas Nelson. 

SIMMONS, Dr B, 2015, "The Passion Translation", Broadstreet.

"The Holy Bible, New International Version", 2011, Biblica Inc. 


GUZIK, David, 2002, "The Kingdom is Restored to David."- 2 Samuel 19, Blue Letter Bible

HENRY, Matthew, 1706,  "Commentary on Psalm 61", Blue Letter Bible

SPURGEON, Charles H,1885,  "Treasury of David", Christianity, com

PSALM 59 - TAKE IT TO GOD

INTRODUCTION -Read Psalm 59, 1 Samuel 19:1-12

Saul always had a jealous, troubled soul; and David's popularity was fuel was for his temper. But instead of dealing with it - taking it to God, he tried six times to kill David. This psalm was written during one of these times, when Saul had sent his soldiers to David's home to kill him.

He was determined to be David's enemy, and even his son Jonathon found this hard to understand. Jonathon was David's friend, and in Jonathon's eyes, David had done nothing wrong against his father - in fact quite the opposite.

"Jonathon spoke well of David to Saul his father and said to him, "Let not the king do wrong to his servant David; he has not wronged you; what he has done has benefited you greatly. He took his life in his hands when he killed the Philistine. The Lord won a victory for all Israel, and you saw it and was glad. Why then would you do wrong to an innocent man David by killing him for no reason?"  1 Samuel 19:4-5  (NIV)

David was a good soldier, he played music for Saul when he needed spiritual healing. He behaved wisely and with integrity. In fact, David was `prospering in all his ways because the Lord was with him.". (1 Samuel 18:14)

But maybe this was the problem - Saul saw that God was on David's side and it was more than his jealous spirit could take. `He lived in fear, worry and paranoia' as he was living a life without God. Saul's goals were were all full of pride - `to make Israel bigger and better'; but even these had `become twisted as he focused on making David's life miserable'. (C.Swindoll, 1997,pg 113)

David could have retaliated, but instead HE PRAYED! He didn't understand, he was afraid, and he was maybe even a little bit angry; but because of his closer and personal relationship with the Lord, which Saul envied more than anything else, he was able to take everything to his God - HIS REFUGE, HIS STRENGTH, HIS FORTRESS, HIS DELIVER.


GOD - OUR REFUGE, OUR STRENGTH, OUR FORTRESS, OUR DELIVER -
 Read Verses 1-10

My enemy is myself - the evildoers that are attacking me are those evil thoughts. They are there in the morning when I wake up, and there at the end of the day when I drive and find peace for sleep. I feel like I have done no wrong, yet I still feel so guilty.  What I know is learning and training, I see as only trouble. I am afraid of failure.  My enemies are just attacking me like fierce animals! I need God to me my FORTRESS and MY REFUGE. I know that MY STRENGTH only comes from Him. I can only rely on Him, for He is my only DELIVERANCE.

The men sent to watch David were determined - just like dogs. They didn't give up. David's response to these dogs was real fear, yet he knew God was not afraid - He was laughing - GOD WAS STRONGER, God had the `UPPER HAND'. David declared his confidence, that God was `ALL MERCIFUL' - and would meet him in his need, just as I have that same confidence that He meets mine.

"You are my strength, I watch for you; You God, are my fortress, My God on whom I rely. God will go before me and let me gloat over those who slander me,"  PSALM  59:9&10  (NIV)


GIVE GOD THE GLORY  -  Read Verses 11-17

David did not want to see people killed, but he wanted to see them defeated. He wanted them to learn lessons from God Himself. He is great, loving and faithful. Whether it is in the morning or evening, whatever time of day, just like David we can lift our hearts to glorify our God.

The dogs may return, but David would continue to sing of God's power and mercy. David's trust would grow and his praises would continue. He would praise and worship Him for the victories still to come!


CONCLUSION  

Is your war within or without? Are the enemies fighting your will or your way? Decide now, which weapons to fight with, and who you will take your battles to. TAKE UP GOD'S WORD, PRAY WITH A HEART OF WORSHIP, and remember, LET GOD HAVE HIS WAY!



GUZIK, David 2015, `Praise to My High Tower Against Assassins"  -  Enduring Word.com.

SWINDOLL, Charles 1997, "David, a Man of Passion & Destiny", Tyndale House Publishers

FURTICK, Stephen, 2017, "David Series", Elevation Church

NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, 2011, Biblica Inc. 

Psalm 58 - GOD - Our Righteous Judge.

INTRODUCTION - Read Psalm 58

David had been spending a long time with God in the cave, but there were still those enemies waiting for him outside. His courage was welling up inside of him - but was he ready to go home? What about the leaders and judges in Jerusalem? They weren't all fair and just. In fact, when it came to helping him in a time when he really needed help, whose side were they on? Would they really be there for him when he needed them?

David no longer felt overwhelmed by his enemies, for He knew that God was on His side. He had his supporters - though few, but they were loyal to him.  He wanted to make sure that God would take care of these loyal people, and that they knew that they could trust in a righteous judge - the one and only loving and faithful God. 

God truly does care for His people, and He will reward those who live a righteous life of service for Him. But He will also bring the unrepentent to justice. 

"There truly is a reward for those who live for God, surely there is a God who judged justly here on earth." Psalm 58:11 (NLT)

HUMAN JUDGES - Read Psalm 58:1-9

Human judges were bad people. We can see by David's description that they were wicked and corrupt, and it seemed, wanted nothing but to hurt people. There were two ways they did this:

1. By keeping quiet. David believed that the judges in Jerusalem should have stood up for him, when Saul was against him. Instead of depending him, and his position in Saul's court, they kept silent. 

 "Can it be so? Is it possible? Are you silent; you whose office is to speak for God against the sins of men." (Alexander, cited in Spurgeon)

2. These judges, like all humans, were corrupt from birth. It was in their nature. Especially in their words, which were as 'deadly as a cobra's venom'. 

"These wicked people are born sinners; even from birth they have lied and gone their own way." Psalm 58:3

"To be untruthful is one of the surest proofs of a fallen state and since falsehood is universal, so also is human depravity." 
(Charles Spurgeon)

David prayed that God would take vengeance on these dangerous judges, for he knew he couldn't rule if they were still around. David asked God to take away their 'deadly bite', for 'if they had no capacity for good', they needed to be deprived of their 'ability for evil'. (Spurgeon - cited by David Guzik). 

David had confidence on God's judgement over these earthly judges, he knew that his judgment would come quickly, 'like a flash of fire', then the righteous would be victorious. (D.Guzik)

“He will wipe them out quicker than a pot can be heated by setting thorns on fire." Psalm 57:9 (CEV)

THE TRUE JUDGE - Read Verses 10&11

"The godly will rejoice when they see injustice avenged...... at last everyone will say, 'THERE TRULY IS A REWARD FOR THOSE WHO LIVE FOR GOD; surely THERE IS A GOD WHO JUDGES JUSTLY HERE ON EARTH."  Psalm 58:11

With this realization came two choices:

1. A continued lifetime of guilt and fear, as you await the judgement day; knowing that you, like all humans beings have sinned. 

 “For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.” Romans 3:23 (NLT)

2. Or, a glorious peace that comes after you have sought forgiveness from our Lord Jesus Christ. Our Lord Jesus Christ, who took away your sins, and sacrificed his life on the cross for you, cleansing you from all guilt. On judgement day, you will stand fearless, for you know you have been freed.

“Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins. For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood. This sacrifice shows that God was being fair when he held back and did not punish those who sinned in times past."Romans 3:24&25

"This can be your experience today, as you turn in faith to Christ and give your life to Him. Don't let another day go by without committing your life to Christ?" Billy Graham - cited by Max Lucado, Devotional Bible. 

CONCLUSION

God is truly our righteous judge and he cares for people who try to live a life that is set apart for His service. We have all sinned - we are human, and He will bring the unrepentant to justice - eternal death; but for the repentant, we will have ETERNAL LIFE, by His side in Heaven. 

“God loved the people of this world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who has faith in him will have eternal life and never really die.”John 3:16 (CEV)

Contemporary English Version, 1998, American Bible Society

Holy Bible, New Living Translation, 2007, Tyndall House Publishers

Guzik, David, 2015, "Psalm 58:Words Against the Wicked Judges", Enduring Word.com

Lucado, Max, 2003, Devotional Bible, New Century Version, Ebook, Thomas Nelson. 

Spurgeon, Charles, 1869, 'The Treasury of David", Bible Study Tools Com. (2017)

PSALM 57 - STILL SHELTERED IN THE CAVE

INTRODUCTION - Read Psalm 57

Saul was still king of Israel and David had been one of his favoured servants and later a soldier in his army. But as David's fame increased, so did Saul's jealousy, and as we found David in the last Psalm 56, David had run away and was still sheltered in a cave.

But this Psalm 57 was a little different from the previous one; for David was now on his knees, looking up to God, instead of within. He had made mistakes - by lying to a priest and pretending to be insane - but now he was seeking God's grace and protection, a God who would `shelter him under his wings'.

"Have mercy on me, my God, have mercy on me, for in you I take refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed." Psalm 57:1 (NIV)

He is now surrounded in the cave by men who were also running away, for Jerusalem was not a great place to be at that time. They are `malcontents' a thoughtless group of people, so overwhelmed with their own needs, in emotional despair; just as David was.  But `surrounded by these lions', inside and out the cave,  David wants to find a way out. So, David remembers his answers from the past, as a young Shepherd boy;  with his harp and lyre, he begins to glorify and praise God.

"Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be overall the earth." Psalm 57:5  (NIV)

PRAYER AND PRAISE is the language of TRUST, and this psalm is written in this language. David `saw beyond the cave to the Lord'. (S.J Cole, 1993). David knew that God was bigger than the situation he faced and any emotional despair he felt. By relying on God and fixing his heart on praise, even though surrounded by his enemies, David knew, he could find his way out of his cave.

David also knew that praise was a great witness to the other people in the cave with him, and he wanted them to know of God's lovingkindness and faithfulness too.

"For great is your love, reaching to the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies." 
Psalm 57:10  (NIV)

Are you sheltered in a cave - in the depths of depression, overwhelmed by guilt, surrounded by adversaries - do you need a refuge, someone in whom YOU CAN TRUST ; 'well, you can come, BEYOND THE CAVE', through PRAYER AND PRAISE, like David, for the loving and faithful LORD IS WAITING FOR YOU!


REFUGE IN THE SHADOW OF HIS WINGS -  Read Verses 1-5

"In thee my soul takes refuge in the shadow of Thy wings" (RSV) reminds us of the great image of `an eagle and her eaglets', (Alexander McLaren). God is great, yet He cares for His young children, if we will take refuge in His care.

Another instance in which this figure is used was by David's ancestor Ruth. God took care of her as she took refuge in a foreign country with her mother in law Naomi.

"May the Lord repay you for what you have done. May you be richly rewarded by the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge." Ruth 2:12 (NIV)

But even with this great image and the hope it gave him, David still fought off fear - `the lions' . Some theologians see these as Saul and his army, `their teeth - the spears and their tongues - a sharp sword". (A. McLaren). He saw Saul and his men like "wild animals who wanted to eat him". (G. Churchyard, 2001).  Others believe he is talking about the men in the cave with him.

"I am in the midst of lions; I am forced to dwell among ravenous beasts - men whose teeth are spears and arrows, whose tongues are sharp swords."  Psalm 57:4 (NIV)

Whoever he is referring to, 'David is hurting enough to admit that he is in need. He is honest enough to cry for help, and he is humble enough to learn from God,"  (Charles R Swindoll, 1997)

He knows that by only fixing his eyes on God and His power he can have deliverence, and this is the only way WE CAN HAVE DELIVERANCE TOO!


REFUGE IN GOD'S UNFAILING LOVE AND FAITHFULNESS -  Read Verses 6-11,
                                                                                                                         1 Samuel 24:5-6

A number of theologians believe this psalm was written after Saul had been in the cave `to relieve himself'. David's men had been hiding further back in the cave, and, Saul's eyes, dull from the desert sun, did not see them. But they saw him and thought it was a good chance to kill him, but David signals for his men to hold back. He edges along the wall and cuts of a piece of Saul's robe, then creeps back into the cave. David couldn't believe what he had done, but he wanted to prove something to Saul.

He exited the cave after Saul, lifted the piece of garment and shouted: "I could of killed you, but I didn't". Saul looks up, stunned. David wanted Saul and men to see that he was a man of integrity, but more than that, he wanted them to see that GOD WAS IN CONTROL; and it was in HIS TIME, not David's that He would `take care of his enemies'. Standing before Saul was David's way of showing that He truly trusted God's plans.  (Max Lucado, 2006)

With a heart empty of vengeance of full of grace, David was now able to get his harp and psaltery and begin his praises. He begins by thanking God for watching over him and protecting him. David was singing in the cave, glorifying God for His unfailing love and faithfulness, "his never ending care and nurturing love". (S.J. Cole, 1993). David knew that one day he would be king, but it would be in God's timing; meanwhile he would fix his heart on praise.

Sometimes we need to set our hearts on praise, even when we don't feel like it, for it can often be the only way we can keep our eyes focused on God.


CONCLUSION -  Read Verses 5&11

What does it mean to glorify God? The Hebrew word `kakod' refers to God's `instrinsic worth and honour' - simply WHO HE IS, not just what He has done. God is glorified when we praise him through our trials, even when things are not going the way we plan - because that is showing that we truly TRUST HIM!


God's Word, New International Version (2011), Biblica

Revised Standard Version (2012), British & Foreign Bible Society


Churchyard. Gordon (2001) "Danger!" - Psalm 57", www, easyenglish,bible.

Cole. Steven. J (1993) "Psalm 57: Singing in the Cave", Bible, Org

Lucado, Max (2006) `Facing your Giants', Thomas Nelson.

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

Swindoll, Charles R, (1997) `David, a Man of Passion & Destiny', Thomas Nelson