PSALM 32 - A Psalm of Relief

INTRODUCTION - Read Psalm 32

Joy and relief come from forgiveness and having our sins pardoned. But even more is the knowing that God know longer considers us guilty, and we are no longer separated from Him. We no longer have to hide away from others and God. There will be no more sleepless nights, lack of concentration, physical and emotional illness. for we now have peace and relief having confessed our sins to the Lord and received, not only his favour, but His blessing.

"There is no greater favour than knowing our sins are forgiven." Stormie Omartin.

"Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord does not count against them, and who spirit is no deceit." 
 Psalm 32:1&2 (NIV)

"Oh what joy for those who disobedience is forgiven, whose sin is put out of signt. Yes, what joy for those whose record the Lord has cleared of guilt."  (NLT)

This is a psalm that is often read at Easter time, for we know that it is sin that separates us from God and his son Jesus Christ. But it was through Christ's death and resurrection that we can know in our heart that forgiveness is real, and we have freedom and relief from all guilt.

1. Think of a time when your conscience was heavy because of unconfessed sin? How did thiseffect you physically, emotionally and spiritually? How did you find relief?


DAVID'S STORY - Read 2 Samuel 11:1-17


There was a place that David should have been - the BATTLE, fighting with his men. Instead he was in his  sitting at his palace window,watching a woman bathe, not really one of his kingly duties. He wasn't where he belonged and he wasn't doing what he was supposed to be doing.

Maybe Bathsheba was knowingly tempting him. But was David a victim? Was he faultless?  No he had a choice. Her husband was at war, and David knew this.  This may have been her usual time for bathing on her rooftop, and David knew this. David had a choice! To watch or not!

Everything was going great for David, as we saw in the previous Psalm. His throne was secure and his approval rating was secure. He was prosperous and as a result his result is ego was becoming inflated. He went from a humble servant to the CEO of Israel, and then he sin.

Today, we too sometimes let our ego takes take hold, even if we have a humble spirit.  We may even take on victim status for a while, blaming everyone else around us, except ourselves, but eventually we will have to face the consequences of our sins - even if they may not seem as `drastic' as David's.

2. Think of a sin in your life where you have lost your humility, taken on `victim status' and blamed someone or something else for your sins. Did you have to eventually face the consequences?

Read 2 Samuel 12:1-15

The consequences of David's sin led to a murder plot.  David tried to cover up his act of adultery with Bathsheba by having her husband Uriah killed in battle.  But David's conscience got the better of him, and he was soon confronted by the God, through the prophet Nathan.  And his sin had even more tragic consequences with the later death of his new born son.

3. Is there something in your life that is bothering your conscience? Talk to God about it. Confess your sin to God and seek his forgiveness.  

4. Why do we often not consider the long term consequences of our actions?

David eventually found his way back to forgiveness, but first he had to face the truth, through the word of God, through Nathan the prophet. The truth wasn't easy to hear, and at first David didn't recognize Nathan's parable as his own story - instead he became a judge of others actions.

5.In what areas of life do you judge people more harshly than you judge yourself?  How would you stand up against your standards?

David needed to know that God was not only watching Him, but it was only through God that He could receive forgiveness and find relief from guilt.

6. Why was it important for David to know that God knew everything he had done?

7. How do you feel knowing God knows everything you have done and thought?

8.How do you feel knowing you can have forgiveness and this relief from guilt?



JOY THAT COMES FROM FORGIVENESS

Read Psalm 32:1&2

In these first two verses, David expresses overjoyed, unrestrained, exuberant gratitude for the Lord's mercy.  He has confessed his sin and God has forgiven his guilt.  The Lord has penetrated into his inner being and brought him inner peace and joy that can only come from true confession.

HIS SIN AND CONFESSION - Read Psalm 32:3- 5.

David's sin caused several physical ailments:

* his `body waisted away'
* he 'groaned all day long.'
* he 'couldn't sleep'
* his `vitality drained away'.
* he `had a fever'.

David traces this downward spiral, which we may recognize in our lives.  It began with a TRANSGRESSION - a willful act of disobediance.  In David's case, his act of adultery, which led to him deviating from the path that pleased God, and further sins and iniquity: crooked behaviour, perversion, infraction, corruption.  We know how David planned the death of Abigail's husband, so that he could take her as his own mistress. So his sin finally led to deceit - treachery and deception.

Our lives may not seem so bad, but simply it begins with a wrong doing - rebelling against God's will. Next we miss the way of righteousness God has marked for us.  Guilt then grabs hold of us leading to inner torment, which leads to self denial, inner torment, shifting of blame and making excuses, and even, `the redefining of the evil to make it sound good'.

David refused to deal with his wrong doing, but he the found his way back to God and to CONFESSION. We too have this same opportunity. Wherever we may be, whatever we have done, God is waiting to hear our confession, so that we can find this PEACE, RELIEF AND JOY that David found.

"Whoever conceals their sin does not prosper, but the one who CONFESSES and RENOUNCES them finds mercy."  Proverbs 28:13

"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."  1 John 1:9

9. What might happen if you confess your secret sin to someone?

10. Do you trust God to transform your life and to guide you into this relief and peace?

SHARING GOD'S PEACE & GRACE
Read Psalm 32:6-8

Now that David had this peace, he wanted to share this experience with others. He wanted everyone to know how they could have this same freedom and relief.

Easter is an especially good time to tell people your story of how you came to know Jesus.  When you recieved Jesus into your life, you began a new victorious life with Him. Jesus has been your PROTECTOR, your GUIDE, INSTRUCTOR AND TEACHER, your LORD and LOVING SAVIOUR. There may still be times when things have not gone well, but with the knowledge of God's forgiveness, you will always have relief and freedom in the `hiding place' of His love.

"You are my hiding place. You will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance."  Psalm 32:7

11. Do you think there might be an opportunity over Easter, or some other time of the year, to share your story of forgiveness and salvation with others? 

EVERYONE'S CHOICES - Psalm 32: 9-11- 

David finishes this psalm with 3 choices:

1. Don't be stubborn. When it comes to confessing your sin, don't put it off or let it build up. God it waiting for you!

2. The path of the wicked brings eternal sorrows, so you really only have one to take, the path to trust, everlasting joy and peace.

3. Remain upright. Stop the downward spiral now - maintain an upright path. Seek help from God and a spiritual mentor to guide you through your spiritual recovery and restoration.

So with hearts pure and trusting in your Saviour, REJOICE AND BE GLAD!!

"Rejoice in the Lord and be glad, you righteous sing, all you upright in heart." Psalm 32:11

12. Write down your spiritual goals, your family goals, what you would like to experience in relation to freedom, joy and peace; and what things you need to present to God.

"Living the Psalms" (2012) Charles R Swindoll, Worthy Publishing

"Facing the Giants" (2006) Max Lucado, Thomas Nelson Publishers. 

The New Matthew Henry Commentary, Martin H Manser, Zondervan

The Bible, New Living Translation, 1996, Tyndale Publishers

New International Version, 2014, Zondervan.

PSALM 31 - REFUGE IN GOD'S RIGHTEOUSNESS & MERCY

INTRODUCTION - Read Psalm 31

When you make a commitment to serve God in `ministry' the devil is normally not happy about it. I have found that this has often be true in my life. 

Last month I spent three wonderful encouraging days of worship and teaching at Hillsong Woman's Colour Conference. I was all ready to return to my `ministry' at the circus, teaching `my girls' - when I suddenly found myself in the depths of depression. It was the first time since I'd been on the road and it hit me hard. All I can say at the moment, is thank goodness for Psalm 31.

DAVID'S STORY -  Read 1 Samuel 23

Psalm 31 is another psalm that is believed to have been written when David was under persecution by Saul. 

"So David and his men - about 600 of them now - left Keilah and began roaming the countryside. Word soon reached Saul that David had escaped so he didn't go to Keilah after all. David now stayed in the strongholds of the wilderness and in the hill country of Ziph. Saul hunted him day after day but God didn't let Saul find"..... "Jonathon went to find David and encouraged him to stay strong in the Lord."  1 Samuel 23:13,14 , 16. 

David always had confidence in God. He had not lost his faith, just his strength. God knew what he needed, so he sent his best friend Jonathon to encourage him. He was reminded that his strength would come in his righteous and merciful God.

1. Do you have a special friend you can call on to give you encouragement when you need some extra strength and confidence?

TRUSTING IN A RIGHTEOUS GOD
Read Psalm 31:1-8

David had faith in a righteous, faithful God who he knew would never let him down. How did he know this?

1. He continually PRAYED FERVENTLY for God to help Him.

"Turn your ear to listen to me; rescue me quickly. Be my rock, my protection, a fortress where I will be safe."  PSALM 31:2

2. He gave glory to God by continually keeping his CONFIDENCE and DEPENDENCE on Him..

"I entrust my spirit into Your hand. Rescue me Lord, You are a faithful God....... I trust in the Lord, I will be glad and rejoice in your unfailing love." Psalm 31:5,6b,7a.

3. He kept an ALLIANCE with His TRUE GOD and would not allow himself to be led astray by worthless idols.

"I hate those who worship idols, I trust in the Lord." Psalm 31:6

4. He encouraged himself in the hope of God's previous goodness and righteousness.

"I will be glad and rejoice in your unfailing love, for you saw my affliction and knew the anguish of my soul. You have not given me into the hands of my enemy. You have set my feet on a spacious place."  Psalm 31:7&8

When we choose God as our righteous protector we can be certain, like David was, that He undertakes to be so.  We can be sure He will put His strength IN US and wil declare His strength FOR US.

2. How can we trust in our righteous God?

TRUSTING IN GOD'S MERCY
Read Psalm 31:9-18

In the next 10 verses we see how David, a ruddy, usually cheerful man who had fallen low, now appeals to God's mercy. He could weep no more tears. His physical and emotional strength was failing. Some of his friends had been unkind, looking on him with suspicion and contempt. The only thing keeping him  from  falling any further was his faith in God.

"His  friends  had robbed him  from his good reputation but they couldn't take from him his confidence in God." Matthew Henry.

"But I am trusting in You, O Lord, saying, `You are my God'." Psalm 31:14

If we have this same faith and confidence in our merciful God, we can be sure, as David was, that God will answer our prayers, and our strength will be renewed.

3. How can we trust in our merciful God?

CONCLUSION -  Read Psalm 31:19-24

In these last verses David acknowledges some of God's great promises, which we too can acknowledge as our own.

* God RIGHTEOUSNESS AND MERCY are available to EVERYONE. who call on His name. 

 * We need NEVER GIVE UP.  Whatever difficulties we may face God's faithfulness, love, RIGHTEOUSNESS AND MERCY are more wonderful and He will continue to STRENGTHEN US as we trust in Him.


"Living the Psalms" (2012) Charles R Swindoll, Worthy Publishing

The New Matthew Henry Commentary, Martin H Manser, Zondervan

The Bible, New Living Translation, 1996, Tyndale Publishers

PSALM 30 - A Song of Dedication for the Temple and Our Lives

INTRODUCTION -  Read Psalm 30

When I first committed my life to Christ I promised that I would serve His Church. But except for my pastoral care work and volunteer youth and children's ministry, most of my working life has been spent outside the Church. After spending the last 3 years applying for jobs in Christian schools and Children's Ministry, again I find myself outside in the world - teaching in a circus.

David was a devoted servant of the Lord, and he too wanted to spend his life serving his God. The Lord had blessed Him abundantly and he wanted to give him something back. He wanted to build God a temple, but God had other work He wanted David to do.

It is important that when we are seeking to dedicate our lives to God's service that we do what David did:

1. Develop a strong relationship with the Father through prayer and reading the scriptures.
2. Consult a mentor or pastor (prophet) who can guide and pray with us.

David listened to God through the prophecy of Nathan and did not fight God's plan. At first he may have been a little disappointed, but finally this led to a `burst of praise springing from his heart'.

1. Do you feel you are doing the work God has planned for you?  How do you know?
2. Do you have a mentor or pastor that trust to pray with you about these things?

DAVID'S STORY - 2 Samuel 7

"When He giveth you rest from your enemies round about you so that you dwell in safety, then there shall be a place which the Lord your God shall choose to cause His name to dwell there." Deuteronomy 12:10&11

Things had quietened down. David had defeated all his enemies.  He and his family were living in a beautiful cedar palace which he was very thankful to God for.  But there was something missing.

"The King summoned Nathan the prophet, "Look," David said, "I am living in a beautiful cedar palace but the Ark of God is out there in a tent!" Nathan replied to the king, "Go ahead and do whatever you have in mind, for the Lord is with you."  2 Samuel 7:2&3

Both David and Nathan knew scripture and prophecy well, but they had missed this part in Deuteronomy:

                                         "THE LORD YOUR GOD SHALL CHOOSE"

David wanted to build God a temple and he had the right motives. He wasn't being selfish or high and mighty. He had a servant heart. But even the most devoted of God's servants can get it wrong.  God had other things he wanted him to do.  It was his son Solomon who would build the temple.

Did David complain when God change his plans? Later, when he might have had a bad day as king, might he have said: "Well I could have been spending time worshipping God in the temple I built?"

No, in David's prayer of thanks in 2 Samuel 7:18-29 and later in Psalm 30, we see David honouring and praising his God in whatever situation he had been placed in, because when the LORD GOD DOES THE CHOOSING HE ALSO DOES THE BLESSING.

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

3. Do you ever complain when you have a bad day?  What would be a better thing to do?

TURNING TO GOD IN PRAYER & PRAISE -   Psalm 30:1-4

David was indeed thankful for the way the Lord had blessed him. As a king he now lived in a palace of cedar, and was currently in peace from his enemies.  He had been healed from illness, and God had taken care of the troubled and disorderly affairs of his kingdom. David knew that a `life received back from the dead should be spent exalting the God of our life’.

"I will exalt you, O God, for you rescued me. You refused to let my enemies triumph over me. O Lord my God, I cried to you for help and you restored my health. You brought me up from the grave, O Lord. You kept me from falling into the pit of death. Sing to the Lord, all you godly ones! Praise His holy name." Psalm 30:1-4

But there was a time for David when he fell back into despair, and as someone who has climbed many a mountain of illness and trouble, I know how easy this is to do. Our mountain can be shaken. And in this time, there is only  place we can turn: to our Lord.   Again, we can do this through prayer, or consulting a close godly friend or pastor to pray with us.  Then, again, like David, we may find that `praise’ again begins to `burst out’.

In due time, God rescued David from his troubles, as he does for us.  It may not always be the way we plan, but we can still know it is the way God wants. 

"Give all your worries and cares to the Lord, for He cares about you." 1 Peter 5:7

4. What are some cares you need to give to the Lord today?  What about some praises?

MY STORY  -  Read Psalm 30: 5-12

Psalm 30 is one  that I have highlighted, as I have read it many a time. I have not been going through a time of sickness and trial, but at the moment I am at one of those times David would of call of `prosperity’. I  have a place to live, a good job and no `enemies' it seems. 

Until these past few weeks, when I felt myself falling again.  I had been having problems with my students at school and my husband was stressing over money again.   This is also the time of the year when I move into a time of grieving.  It seems silly, as my sisters have been gone for many years now, but I still seem to miss them more on their birthdays. It is on these days when I question, for a short while, why God chose to leave me here and take them.  

Then I remember my promises from this Psalm:

"Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes in the morning..... You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy."  Psalm 30:5b, 11.

"What will you gain if I die, if I sink into the grave? Can my dust praise you, can it tell of your faithfulness?" Psalm 30:9

"O Lord, my God, I will give you thanks forever."  Psalm 30:12. 

This morning I read an encouraging story by Dwight L Moody, telling about he decided that his ministry would be all about `converting others to Christ'. 

'I want to tell you how I got the first impulse to work solely for the conversion of men. For a long time after my conversion it seemed I didn't accomplish anything. I hadn't got into the right work. I hadn't found my personal work. Then in 1860 the change came. In my Sunday School I had a pale young man as one of my teachers.  He had a burning piety so I assigned him to the worst class.  They were all girls, and it was an awful class.  They would gaggle, laugh and carry on the whole lesson. Yet this young man seemed to have better success than anyone.

One day this man didn't turn up, and I had to teach the class. They seemed farther off than ever, and had no concern for their souls. The next day I met the man in town and he looked very sick. I asked him, "What's the matter?" "I have bleeding in the lungs", he said, "and I am going to die".  He told me, "I am not afraid to die, but I will have to stand before God and give an account of my stewardship, and not one of Sunday School students have been brought to Jesus. I have failed them, and I don't have the strength to do it."

I got a carriage, and together, we called at each of the homes of the girls. He said to them, "I have come to ask you to come to the Saviour".  He then prayed as I have never heard before.  For the next 10 days we laboured in this way. At the end of the 10 days, each of those girls had yielded to the Saviour.  

On the night before he died, the girls and I gathered together with him and celebrated. We sang `Blest Be the Tie that Binds'. We prayed and prayed, took communion and had a tearful fairwell.  We then took the train home, and on the station he shook each of the girls hands and whispered, "I will meet you yonder". '

How do I know what God wants me to with my life?  I trust Him to direct and lead me by staying close to Him and to His Son Jesus.  I talk to Him each day, I read His word, and listen to my Christian friends.  And, when things are a little down, I think about PRAISE!!

The Works of Dwight L Moody (2012) Golgotha Press

The Life of David as Reflected in His Psalms, Alexander McLaren, Samizdat Express

The New Matthew Henry Commentary, Martin H Manser, Zondervan

The Bible, New Living Translation, 1996, Tyndale Publishers

PSALM 29 - "GOD IN THE THUNDERSTORM"

 Read Psalm 29

Here is another short psalm and prayer of David's, but again the message is so simple and clear, it doesn't need a lot of words.

GOD is ALL POWERFUL and MAJESTIC. He is IN CONTROL over ALL THINGS, including nature and the `storms of life' that we have no control over. He will give us strength and peace to help us through those `storms' if we simply TRUST IN HIM.

Last night on the news there were some beautiful and amazing pictures of the storms coming over Sydney. As I sat in my caravan, the `storms' of my day, both the literal  rain and thunder, and my anger with `my girls' and my feelings of inadequacy, had passed. Watching the storm as it had passed was actually not scary, but comforting as I thought of the magnificent glory of God.

As David wrote this Psalm it is thought there may have been a great storm raging around him - rain, thunder, lightning. It seemed like a great time for meditation.

"David interpreted each clap of thunder as a call to himself and other rulers to give glory to God in His greatness." Matthew Henry.

1. Have you ever stopped to acknowledge God's glory in the magnificence of a storm?  What other natural phenomenon do you see God's glory?

When we acknowledge God magnificence and beauty in a storm - literally and in the storms of life - we are acknowledging His LOVE for us, His SOVEREIGNTY, and the STRENGTH AND PEACE He gives us.

"Peace and strength are blessings of immeasurable value that God intends for ALL HIS PEOPLE - that includes YOU!!".   Matthew Henry

"The Lord gives strength to His people.  The Lord blesses His people with peace."  Psalm 29:11  (NLT)

2. Take time to acknowledge that God's immeasurable blessings of love, strength and peace are for you, and thank God for them. 



New Matthew Henry Commentary, Edited By Matthew H Manser.

Holy Bible, New Living Translation (1996), Tyndale Publishers. 

PSALM 28 - PRAYERS IN TROUBLED TIMES

 Read Psalm 28. 

With David discovering the `way' to overcome his fears through praise, seeking the Lord and waiting on he now continues to pray anytime of the day and in any circumstance.  In this short psalm David is in great distress and is calling out to the Lord for help. He desperately needs to know that God is hearing his prayers.

Saul was seeking him every day and he was always surrounded by evil men. He didn't want to be tempted to fall into their evil ways. Mostly, he did not want to face his enemies and his trials alone. Yes, he surrounded by Saul and his enemies every day, but he was never delivered into their hands.

"Behold, God is my helper.  The Lord is the supporter of my life." 

The same can be true when we face our trials. Come to God each day in prayer and we may still be surrounded by our `enemies', but we can have peace in their midst, and can rejoice in our ultimate deliverance.

1. Do you have this peace and joy in the midst of your trials? Come to God today in prayer and seek His ultimate deliverance.

David had a bold and earnest belief that God would answer his prayers. Now he prays with thanksgiving.

"Praise the Lord for He has heard my cry for mercy.  The Lord is my strength and my shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out with songs of thanksgiving." Psalm 28:6&7

2. Do you have a bold an earnest belief that God will answer your prayers?  Pray with thanksgiving. 

David concludes with a short prayer and prophecy for his people - the Church:

* The SHEPHERD will SAVE us.
* The SHEPHERD will BLESS us.
* The SHEPHERD will FEED us.

All we need to do is TRUST IN OUR SHEPHERD!


Holy Bible, New Living Translation, 1996, Tyndale Publishers

New Matthew Henry Commentary, Edited By Matthew H Manser.

PSALM 27 - DAVID FACES HIS FEARS

INTRODUCTION -  READ PSALM 27 

Before I left to join the circus I was pretty much paralyzed with fear - fear of the unknown, fear of failure again, fear of rejection. After 3 years of pretty much being unemployed, depression had taken away my confidence. I was even afraid of meeting my grandchild.

So far the last 3 months I have been ready Psalms 26 and 27 every day, giving my past to the Lord and finding peace in my future. I have finally been able to give my fears to the Lord and have found courage to face what lay ahead.

What a great help David and His (my) Lord have been!

1. Do you have any fears that are holding you back? Give them to the Lord today. 

FACING FEAR WITH PRAISE AND WORSHIP.

READ PSALM 27:1, 4-6;  EPHESIANS 5:19 & 20.

According to Charles Swindoll, "The key to facing our fears is found in Psalm 27:1"

                "The Lord is my light and my salvation - so why should I be afraid?
                  The Lord is my fortress protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble?"
                                                                                     Psalm 27:1

The Lord is our omnipresent God, a very personal and faithful companion. This is how David saw him and why he usually began his psalms with a reminder of God's attributes - praise and worship - and was then able to face his fears.

In verses 4-6 we see how David's greatest desire was to be in God's presence. He had always wanted to be the one to build God's temple, so he could spend time there each day with the Lord. We read in 2 Samuel 7 that God didn't want David to build His temple, this task was given to David's son Solomon. God wanted David to know that he belonged in the midst of his people, in their everyday lives, not just in a building.

So I am sure David would praise and worship his Lord at anytime of the day and at any place. I love to go on my walks in the park in the morning and sing to the Lord, or while I do the the housework, or I am feeling a little anxious.  Of course I praise the Lord when things are going great. As my Dad would say, "A little PRAISE TO THE LORD each day will keep you walking along HIS WAY."

"Instead be filled with the Holy Spirit, singing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves and making music to the Lord in your hearts/ Give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ."  Ephesians 5:18-20

2. Why do you think `a little bit of `praise each day will keep you walking along His way."?

REMEMBERING PAST VICTORIES

READ PSALM 27:2-3;  HEBREWS 11:32-40

I have been keeping a journal for many years. I wrote my first book in the early 90's and in the last 5 years I have starting blogging. It may seem a little egotistical to read your own work, but now and then when I find things are really getting me down, reading over my past challenges and victories is one way I find I can conquer my fears.

I believe this is what David did too. When struck by fear, David thought about his past battles, not so much to see how he conquered them, but how by drawing on God's strength and omnipotence he was able to find inner courage to overcome his fears in the past.

           "Though a mighty army surrounds me I will not be afraid. Even when I am attacked,
             I will remain confident."  Psalm 27:3

In Hebrews 11 we read about the faith of David and many others, who trusted God and placed their fears in His hands. When they did this their `weakness was turned into strength' and they became `strong in battle'. But we also have a greater VICTORY to look forward to because of the resurrection of our Saviour Jesus Christ, and when we remember this ULTIMATE VICTORY we have NOTHING TO FEAR.

           "Stop weeping! Look, the Lion of Judah, the heir to David's throne has won the victory."
                                                                                             Revelation 5:5a

3. Can you remember times in the past when God rescued you? Do you keep a journal? Now might be a good time to start. 

SEEKING GOD - PSALM 27:7-12

Our first human response to fear is PANIC. Even when we have grown up with past victories and our faith is intrenched in the Lord's promises; we are still emotional people. Our response to fear is usually to `fight' in our own strength, or to `flee'. It has taken a while, but I am finally starting to learning that if I seek the Lord first, then I am less likely to `fight' or `flee'.

After his praise and worship time and the recalling of his past victories, God had reminded himself of God's greatness and faithfulness. He was then able to seek God with His needs. With new strength and confidence David didn't pray with weak-hearted requests. He approached God boldly, determined and positively.

            `David did not ask for anything God had not already promised." Charles Swindoll.

When we seek God in prayer we need to pray in boldness, without doubting. We are to pray fervently, claiming God's promises and remember, "You have nothing to fear because you have Him who has conquered fear." 

"So let us come boldly to the throne of grace. There we will receive His mercy and will find grace to help us when we need it most."  Hebrews 4:18

"Confess your sins to each other and pray to each other and you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results." James 5:16

"Don't worry about anything. Pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank Him for all He has done."  Philippians 4:6

"Can a woman forget her nursing child and have compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, but I will not forget you. Behold, I will inscribe you on the palms of my hands." Isaiah 49:15-16

4.a) Why would seeking God first keep us from wanting to fight and flee?
   b) Do you have any specific needs you need to bring to God?

WAIT ON THE LORD -  READ PSALM 27:13&14;  HEBREWS 4:9-11

David knew, even though he had these `strategies' to conquer fear and was feeling a lot more at peace in the Lord, that this did not necessarily mean that his situation would change. Enemies were still surrounding him and he would still face trials and temptations. The only way to find real strength and courage was to WAIT ON THE LORD. This is a spiritual discipline that grows with prayer and faith; and I can tell you from experience, it's worth the WAIT.

"Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes wait patiently for the Lord."
 Psalm 27:14

"But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will sour high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not grow faint."  Isaiah 41:3

5. How can we cultivate the spiritual discipline of patience and waiting on the Lord?

CONCLUSION

Follow David's example each day:

* Call to mind PAST VICTORIES each day.
* Celebrate and PRAISE the greatness and faithfulness of God.
* SEEK THE LORD and express your daily needs BOLDLY.
* WAIT ON THE LORD! Let the fearful circumstances become an opportunity to strengthen you.
    Surrender them to God's control, then choose to leave them in God's hands.


Holy Bible, New Living Translation, 1996, Tyndale Publishers

"Living the Psalms" (2012) Charles R Swindoll, Worthy Publishing

Psalm 26 - David's Life Resolutions

INTRODUCTION  -  Read Psalm 26. 

Psalm 26 is another of David's meditative prayer's of reflection, where we find an older man looking back over how he has best tried to live his life committed to serving God, and in return we see how God has blessed him.

David's 5 life resolutions were summed up in this psalm as:

1. Walking in integrity and being honest with God.
2. Always remembering God's love and obeying His Word.
3. Refusing the temptation to get even when mistreated and maintaining a positive attitude.
4. Being faithful in public worship.
5. Standing patiently and waiting on the Lord.

Now we all know that David wasn't perfect. He made mistakes. But in studying the life of David over the last few years, I have had to confess that my struggles at times have been somewhat similar - times of failure, mistreatment and definitely having to wait patiently on the Lord.  But like David, I too have attempted to keep these resolutions, for it is only in so doing that I have been able to look forward to the Lord's continued blessings.

1. WALKING IN INTEGRITY AND BEING HONEST WITH GOD.

Read Psalm 26:1-2;  Deuteronomy 8.

"Declare me innocent, O Lord, for I have acted with integrity; I have trusted in the Lord without wavering." Psalm 26:1  (NLT)

"Remember how the Lord your God led you through the wilderness for these forty years, humbling you and testing you to prove your character, and to find out whether or not you would obey His commands." Deuteronomy 8:8:2  (NIV)

God put the Israelites through and intensive 40 year test, so he could expose the conditions of their heart and refine them. David believed his mistreatment by Saul and the later trials when he was expelled from his kingdom by his son Absalom were for a similar reason - to humble and develop his integrity.

The same can be true for us, but we would hope it would not take 40 years. But by having a close, open and honest relationship with the Lord and accepting the hard times that come our way as times of growth and refinement, we will truly find blessings from the Lord.

1. Why is it difficult to be open and honest with the Lord when we are going through hard times?

2. ALWAYS REMEMBERING GOD'S LOVE AND OBEYING HIS WORD

Read Psalm 26:3, John 14:15-26

"For I am always aware of your unfailing love and I have lived according to your truth." 
Psalm 26:3  (NLT)

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

If you are truly confident in God's love, you will find great delight in pleasing Him, just as David did. David knew that obeying God and keeping his eyes on His truth was his greatest delight.

2. What is your greatest challenge - remembering God's love or obeying God? Why?  

3. I WILL REFUSE THE TEMPTATION TO GET EVEN AND 
    WILL MAINTAIN A POSITIVE ATTITUDE. 

Read Psalm 26:4-7a, 9-11

"I do not spend time with liars or go along with hypocrites. I hate the gatherings of those who do evil and I refuse to join in with the wicked."  Psalm 26:5

I probably found this the hardest `resolve' to keep as bitterness and negative thoughts would forever come up to haunt me at different times in my life, especially when people around me would make comments like: "Why put up with that?", "You deserve justive", "Fight back".

There were a number of times David had the opportunity to `get back' at Saul and he could have easily fought with his son Absalom. But he never yielded to the vengeful rhetoric of others around him.  Why not?
Well, we don't really know. He probably just trusted God to protect him. For me, keeping this resolve was just something my father taught me, `Revenge is never the way to go'.

As Charles Swindoll puts it:

"Do not let mistreatment cause you to turn to a godless crowd or adopt their way of handling things. It may seem logical, but getting even often backfires and it never glorifies God."

I was also taught many a time:

"For as a person thinks in his heart, so he shall be."  Proverbs 23:7a  (NKJV)

When a heart is full of bitterness it is difficult to maintain a positive attitude. Oh, you can smile on the outside - and I am famous for that - and everyone may think that life is grand. But on the inside your are still fighting inner turmoil. 

Joyce Meyer reminds us that if we are able to give this inner turmoil to the Lord and remind ourselves of the promises in His Word each day, positive thoughts, rather than the negative will flow easier. One of my favourite promises is this:

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

"This scripture does not say that all things ARE good! But it does say that all things work together FOR good."  Joyce Meyer

WHAT A POSITIVE PROMISE!

3. Refusing to get even while maintaining a positive attitude is something we cannot do on our own. What are some practical ways we can seek God's help and the help of others?

4. BEING FAITHFUL IN PUBLIC WORSHIP  -  Read Psalm 26: 7b & 8

"I love your sanctuary Lord, the place where your glorious presence dwells." Psalm 26:8

"The one thing I ask of the Lord, the one thing I seek most - is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, delighting in the Lord's perfection and meditating in His temple." Psalm 27:4

"What joy for those who choose to bring you near, those who live in your holy courts. What festivities await us in your holy temple." Psalm 65:4

"A single day in your courts is better than anywhere else." Psalm 85:10

Even when times were tough David found that going to the temple and worshiping the Lord was the best place to be. He didn't try to handle things on his own, but went straight to God - to the place where He could sense His glory.

Mark and I have been very busy these last couple of weeks, starting our new life at the Circus, and I wasn't sure whether we would have a chance to get to Church. Worship and Christian fellowship for us is more than just a religious habit, but vital to our spiritual enrichment and personal encouragement. So it was truly a blessing to be able to visit with God's people at a local Church fellowship last week.  We were disappointed when we went back to Church this week and discovered it was closed - they only met once a fortnight. 

We were able to have our private worship time together, and this was important for us personally - but as David reminds us, public worship also is important for reaching out to others as well. 

"Let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now as the day of his return is drawing near." Hebrews 10:25  (NLT)

"I exalt you my God and King and praise your name forever and ever. I will praise you everyday; yes, I will praise you forever.......I  will meditate on your glorious, majestic, splendour and wonderful miracles.......The Lord is close to all who call on Him, yes to all who call on Him in truth.........I will praise the Lord, and may everyone on the earth bless His name forever and ever."  Psalm 145: 1,2,5,18 & 21  (NLT)

4a) Why is worshipping God so encouraging when the trials of life intensify?
  b) Why is it so important to worship with other believers?


5. STANDING PATIENTLY AND WAITING ON THE LORD

Read Psalm 26:12

"Now I stand on solid rock and I will publicly praise the Lord." Psalm 26:12

"For examples in suffering, dear brothers and sisters, look at the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord." James 5:10

This is another of those resolutions that is often difficult to keep, for as humans we have a need to rush ahead of God and want to `solve' every problem ourselves. Sound familiar!

But David had found a calmness in the Lord. He had learnt how to wait quietly on the Lord - maybe it had been by endeavouring to keep these 4 other resolutions - to be open and honest with the Lord, remembering His love and His Word, refusing to allow temptations and bitterness to overpower him while maintaining a positive attitude and being faithful in public worship. 

It has taken me a long time I have to confess, but I have believe I am beginning to find that inner peace that is allowing me to wait patiently on the Lord. I have learnt to trust in the Lord's leading, to enfold myself in God's love and His Word, to give my negative thoughts and bitterness to God and most of all to remain faithful in my public worship.  I think it is working, and I now I just want to continue to grow and share this peace with others. 

"Then you will experience God's peace which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus."  Philippians 4:7

"Living the Psalms" (2012) Charles R Swindoll, Worthy Publishing

"Battlefield of the Mind" (2000) Joyce Meyer, Warner Faith Printers

" Holy Bible, New Living Translation" (NLT) (1996) Tyndale Publishing.

" New King James Version" (NKJV)  (1982) Thomas Nelson

"New International Version"  (NIV) (2013) You Version .