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

PSALM 33 - CREATED FOR PRAISE & WORSHIP

INTRODUCTION - Read Psalm 33

David delighted himself in the Lord. Why? Because he knew God personally. I believe David would wake up most mornings with these words on his heart, with instruments near by, and the desire for praise and worship on His heart. 

 Like all of us, David would have had bad days; mornings when he woke up not wanting to face what lay ahead.   But David was a godly man - he knew God the Creator, God, his Faithful, Loving and Merciful Father. He knew, that even though God was the great Omnipotent and Omniscient One, he was also Omnipresent, always there by his side.

With these in mind, in this Psalm, David is calling on us to know this same God; to be filled with this same joy and to praise His name. For as Charles H Spurgeon says:

                   "Joy is the soul of praise, and we too should delight ourselves in the Lord."

 The more we get to know God as David did, the more we will want to extol Him in praise and worship, the more we will face each day with a positive outlook.

1. Do you have days when you wake up unable to face the day? What do you do? What do you think David did on those days?

PRAISING THE LORD - Read Psalm 33:1-3, 1 Chronicles 15:28 & 29.

At the end of Psalm 32, we find David with a heart of freedom and relief, ready again to give all glory to the Lord. So it is isn't surprising that we find Psalm 33 beginning with words of praise and worship. 

We also know that David loved to use musical instruments, like the `lyre and harp', and he loved to dance, even though at times this may have upset members of his family.

"All Israel brought up the Ark of the Lord's Covenant with shouts of joy, the blowing of ram's horns and trumpets, the crashing of cymbals and loud playing on harps and lyres." 1 Chronicles 15:28 (NLV)

"As the Ark of the Lord's Covenant entered the City of David, Michal, the daughter of Saul looked down from her window. She saw David skipping about and laughing with joy, and he was filled with contempt for him." 1 Chronicles 15:29 (NLV)

This week in their `Music Lesson' I introduced `my girls' to to their first Hillsong music - two songs from the `Young and Free' album. They enjoyed watching the young ones sing,  and to my surprise, weren't `filled with contempt' at their teacher's `dancing'. What surprised them most was the fact that `church music', could actually have a beat, great instrumentals and were fun to sing along to.

Charles H Spurgeon in his `Treasury of David' writings spoke of the music in his day.  He said it was a "a little somber" and "worn out", nothing like the songs David wrote, "full of life, soul and heart". One thing is certain, David reminds us, no matter how we sing our praise and worship to the Lord, the Lord needs to be the centre of our thoughts and our hearts need to be filled with His joy. 

"Let the godly sing for joy to the Lord; it is fitting for the Lord to praise Him. Praise the Lord with melodies on the lyre; make music for Him on the ten stringed harp. Sing a new song of praise to Him; play skilfully on the harp, and sing for joy."  Psalm 33:1-3

2. Everyone praises and worships the Lord in a different way.  How do you like to worship? What is your favourite `Church music'?

FAITHFUL &  LOVING GOD - Read Psalm 33:4&5

We can praise God for His character, made up of righteousness and good judgement.  His works are the overflow of His faithfulness.

"God writes with a pen that never blots, speaks with a tongue that never slips and acts with a hand that never fails"  Charles H Spurgeon. 

"For the word of the Lord holds true, and we can trust everything he does. He loves whatever is just and good; the unfailing love of the Lord fills the earth."  Psalm 33:4&5


GOD - THE CREATOR - Read Psalm 33:6-12

God is not just a creator, He is a GREAT creator! We know by His goodness that He created the world. By His Word, the Heavens, the waters and earth were made.  Yet, this Psalm tells us more about what God planned for His creation.

"For when He spoke, the world began! It appeared at His command. The Lord's plans stand firm forever; His intentions can never be shaken. What joy for the nation whose God is the Lord, whose people He has chosen as His inheritance."  Psalm 33:9,11&12

God's plan for his creation is eternal. It is because of our God - the Creator, that we have victory through His Son Jesus Christ on the cross. This is the Creator's ultimate plan, and we as His chosen inheritance can have a part in this victory.  Trust in the Lord - thank Him and sing His praises.

"But thanks be to God who always leads us in victory through Christ." 2 Corinthians 2:14

"But in all things we have full victory through God who showed His love for us." Romans 8:37

3.What is God's ultimate plan for his creation?



GOD - OMNIPOTENT, OMNISCIENT, OMNIPRESENT


Read Psalm 33:13-19


"He made their hearts, so he understands everything they do." Psalm 33:15

"But the Lord watches over those who fear Him, those who rely on His unfailing love."
 Psalm 33:18

Sometimes the thought that God is all powerful, that he knows all about you and is watching over you can be a little scary.  We think maybe God is out of our reach, but this is so far from the truth.
The thought that God understands and watches over everything we do is comforting and assuring. We can place our fears and cares in His loving arms, and put all our hope in Him.

4. How can the thought that God is omnipotent, omniscient and omnipresent be comforting and assuring for you?

CONCLUSION - Psalm 33:20-22

As usual, David concludes with a fervent expression of confidence and hope. It is an earnest prayer to a living God in whom He trusts.  We are encouraged to wait on the Lord in quiet expectation, to trust in Him, to persevere and triumph with a glad heart full of PRAISE AND WORSHIP -  these are the greatest attainments of Christian discipleship.

"The root of faith in due time bears the flower of rejoicing." Charles H Spurgeon.

"We put our hope in the Lord. He is our hope and our shield. In Him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in His holy name. Let your unfailing love surround us, Lord, for our hope is you alone."
                                                        Psalm 33:20-22


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

Devotional Bible, New Century Version, 2003, Thomas Nelson

"The Treasury of David", Charles H Spurgeon

New Matthew Henry Commentary. 

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.