Psalm 54 - 56

In Psalm 54, David outlines a problem he is currently facing. Those who seek his life (King Saul) were told where David was hiding. In this psalm, David pours out a prayer to God for protection. In these lines, He looks for comfort in God's name, strength, help and justice. Becuase of these qualities, David is confident that God will deliver him from all trouble.

Psalm 55 is David's lyric response to the betrayal of friends and close associates. The hurt is plainly heard in his psalm as he describes the treachery that has taken place. In spite of this painful situation, David promises to keep his eyes firmly fixed upon God, Who will never betray or disappoint. He asks this faithful covenant God to repay the deeds of those who have dealt unkindly with David.

Psalm 56 was written while David was a captive of the Philistines. I don't think I would be writing songs while held captive by the enemy, but David does! This song reminds David that God is the one to trust in times of peril - in fact, whenever David is afraid is when his trust in God is most necessary. With God assisting, what can mortal man do? God knows all David's actions and thoughts; and will keep His promises of safety and deliverance to David.

Psalm 51 - 53

The setting of Psalm 51 is well-known. Soon after the revelation of David's sin with Bathsheba (adultery and murder in an attempt to cover the relationship), David pens this psalm of penitence. In it he pleads for restoration while acknowledging the guilt he rightly carries and accepts the punishment he rightly deserves. His petition for forgiveness is not just to assuage his conscience; David states that, upon receiving restoration, he will teach others how great God is to forgive.

Psalm 52 gives David's understanding of God's protection. In contrast with those who wither without the safe-guarding hand of the Almighty, David can flourish - even in perilous times. This is attributed solely to the work of the Lord.

Psalm 53 lays out the natural state of man. Left to himself, man would not seek after God; nor is he capable of finding and comprehending Him. God must work in the lives of those who desire to seek after Him - creating the desire, opening the understanding and granting them the realization of what they seek.

Psalm 49 - 50

Psalm 49 reminds the reader of the folly in trusting anyone or anything other than God. Wealth, position, power, praise, even noble character will not provide for one moment's rest after life ends. Only God can redeem a soul from the power of death and give him life beyond the grave.

Asaph, the writer of Psalm 50, sings of God the Judge. God holds the position of power and authority over creation. All will give account to Him, for He owns and controls everything. God has no needs that man can ever fulfill; how could an infinite God depend on finite man for sustenance? Those who live uprightly will be rewarded, while those who live in error will be rewarded (negatively) for their actions.

Psalm 46 - 48

Psalm 46 is a song of praise for God's protective powers. With God on one's side, nothing needs be feared, not even global calamity. The psalmist invites his audience to consider the works of God in creation as evidence of His power to sustain His creation.

Psalm 47 praises God as ruler of the earth. His throne is not located anywhere on the earth; He reigns above the earth and over it.

Psalm 48 thanks God for His greatness, especially in the city of Zion. This special place to God is filled with reminders of His goodness and greatness.

Psalm 43 - 45

Psalm 43 outlines the psalmists hope in God during times of trouble. The psalmist declares that as often as God delivers him, he will be sure to praise God for the deliverance.

In the 44th psalm, the writers declare their dependence on God during times of national crisis. They have demonstrated repeatedly throughout history that God does and will deliver accurately and completely. The psalm then turns to a situation currently being faced. Based on God's past dealings, the psalm asks God to hurry to send His assistance in the present need.

Psalm 45 is titled a "love song" and describes the affection of the psalmist for the king whom God has blessed with victory. The writer displays great emotion and admiration for the conquering king and thanks God for gifting this leader with the skills necessary to win the battle.

Psalm 40 - 42

In Psalm 40, David recounts the blessings that come to the one trusting in God. The one in such a condition is secure, protected, and blessed with the knowledge that God hears and is concerned for him. Because of this trust, God holds a dear place in the heart of the psalmist - in fact, it is the place of primary importance.

Psalm 41 lists further blessings of the one trusting God. His name and reputation live on, unlike the wicked who are soon forgotten and not fondly remembered. The best legacy a person can leave, according to the psalm, is that he followed and feared God.

Psalm 42 describes the longing of the psalmist's soul for God's presence and blessing. He compares his desire to a wild deer panting for a stream of water. Life depends on this resource. When God is one's delight, disappointment is driven away and delight is found despite circumstances.

Psalm 37 - 39

Psalm 37 is an encouragement psalm. It is written to encourage those who put their trust in the Lord; and to invite those who have not to do so. The blessings granted by trusting in the Lord are outlined. The one who trusts is able to rest, know peace in difficult circumstances, enjoy God's faithfulness, allow God to deal with the enemy, have an inheritance that lasts forever, and never know ultimate defeat. David reminds his audience that in his entire life he has never witnessed God failing to uphold a promise to His people. What a legacy of faithfulness! Even during the reign of wicked men, God proves faithful; and provides rescue from any situation threatening His people.

Psalm 38 is a prayer for God to remember His servants in times of calamity. The one trusting in God does not have a guarantee for a perfect or trouble free life. In times when he must be disciplined, God still proves faithful and loving. David reminds God that even though he may not always show it accurately or fully, his desire is to be pleasing to God. He confesses the guiltiness of his life and pleads for restoration, knowing that God is faithful to forgive.

Psalm 39 is a prayer for wisdom. David asks that God would cause him to remember the frailty of life and impress upon him the seriousness of his choices. He again stresses the fact that God is his only hope in life; and thanks God for the merciful way He disciplines His children.

Psalm 35 - 36

In Psalm 35, David asks God to be his defender. David has well treated those who now mistreat him. In response to his kindness, they have returned hatred and sorrow. Yet, David does not retaliate; instead, he allows God to reward that which is right. In doing this, David allows God to demonstrate His power as Sovereign, and places his own earthly kingship in the background.

Psalm 36 contrasts man's wickedness to God's sinless condition. There is no fear of God in the heart of the wicked, he only thinks of more ways to conduct his evil plans. By contrast, God's goodness stretches across the sky and the rivers run with His pleasures. David states that his desire is to align himself with God's reputation so that he does not suffer the fate of those who plot against God.

Psalm 33 - 34

The psalmist of Psalm 33 praises God for His goodness in creation. His works are marvelous and right; His ways are perfect and just; His plans are spot-on and well-timed. He considers the entirety of events, not just one point in time. All that He does is worthy of praise. What is more, with such an eye for detail and the broad scope of creation - He still has time to consider individuals and interact with them. What a magnificent God!

Psalm 34 was penned by David during a time in his life when his future was uncertain, yet God intervened and delivered him. Thus David's praise is directed to God's ability to hear and answer prayer. He brags on God's mercy and great power. He informs his listeners that God is capable of hearing and answering prayer. He invites others to see just how splendid his God is in their own lives. He tells any who will listen about God's goodness in his life; and conveys a sense of awe that such a God would consider assisting Him.

Today, I need to see that mighty God at work in my life. Will my response be the same as the king's?

Psalm 31 - 32

David states his total trust and dependence on God in the 31st psalm. He asks God to demonstrate His mercy and kindness by continuing to look favorably upon him and his situation. Over and over he repeats the decision he has made "You are my God." With confidence in the goodness of his God, David is able to face a myriad of difficult situations (those who would slander him, pursue him, seek his removal from office, etc.). David's conclusion is that "the LORD preserves the faithful."

In Psalm 32, David contemplates the blessing of forgiveness. When David's heart is in an unforgiven state, his body can hardly function; but the peace and joy resulting from God's forgiveness brings vitality to his life. God is then able to guide him and bring him peace.

Psalm 29 - 30

Psalm 29 extols the power of God, namely His voice. The mere utterance of His voice causes mountains to tremble, cattle to give birth and waters to quake. His power is evidently displayed in nature and in His power over His creation.

Psalm 30 was sung at the dedication of the temple. This would have been a psalm penned by David but not put to music and sung until after his death. The song praises God for His mercy and help in times of trouble. God's presence causes a dramatic change of attitude and events: mourning turns to dancing with joy; sadness turns to extreme gladness. Truly God's presence is life-changing!

Psalm 26 - 28

In Psalm 26, David asks God to verify his integrity. He has kept himself firmly to God's precepts and followed his laws. His delight is in God's word and God's presence.

In Psalm 27 and 28, David extols the virtues of trusting in God's protection and goodness. While on God's side, nothing needs to be feared.

Psalm 23 - 25

The most familiar psalm of all, the twenty-third, extols the blessings of having God as one's Shepherd. The benefits are incredible, culminating in living in God's presence forever.

The twenty-fourth psalm speaks to the blessing of God's presence and coming to dwell with man. The question is asked "Who may dwell in God's presence?" and is answered with the statement "the one with clean hands and a pure heart." With such a person the King of Glory is pleased to dwell.

Psalm 25 contains one of my favorite phrases and prayers: "Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long.

Psalm 20 - 22

The twentieth psalm praises God for His protection of His people. This protection extends far beyond the ability of military strength or diversity; and is available at a moment's notice.

The twenty-first psalm praises God for His strength - which is far beyond the capability of kings and armies.

The twenty-second psalm is a Messianic psalm - it applies both to the psalmist's current situation and points ahead in time to the Messiah, of Whom it is rightly foretelling. This psalm finds many of its fulfillments in the events around the crucifixion. It outlines the horrible nature of the extent of God's wrath on the One Who paid the price for sin.

Psalm 18 - 19

David rejoices over God's protection and deliverance of him in the eightteenth psalm. The title of the psalm gives us the historic setting: the day when God delivered him from all his enemies, even the hand of king Saul who had sought his life. Throughout these stanzas David contrasts the seriousness of the perils he faced and the mightiness of God who met every challenge and overcame every obstacle. These demonstrations only served to strengthen David's trust in the Almighty. David has come to the place in his life where he freely acknowledges that his strength only comes from God.

The nineteenth psalm is one of the very familiar songs in the pages of Scripture. The lines of this song recount with poetic beauty the goodness of God for revealing Himself to His creation in a way they can comprehend. The preciousness of this revelation is to impact your life in a way that causes you to respond as David did: since You have revealed Yourself to me, let what You see in me be acceptable to You.

Psalm 16 - 17

David extols the blessings of following God in Psalm 16. He states that God is the only inheritance in which he has an interest. He will associate only with those who also follow God and His ways; those who are God's enemies will be considered David's enemies. Only in this way can life be truly joyful and rewarding.

In the 17th psalm David considers the joy that it is to know God hears when David speaks to Him. God is aware of the situations David faces and will uphold that which is right. David is privileged to be considered one of God's possessions and joys. He looks forward to the ultimate blessing of being in God's physical presence one day and finding himself a pure reflection of God's character.

Psalm 13 - 15

Ever have that feeling that "God has abandoned me forever?" David did. He begs in Psalm 13 for God to return and bring His favor with Him. At the end of the psalm, he rejoices as he remembers that God never abandons His child. He always deals in a bountiful way with them.

In the fourteenth Psalm, David recounts the way of the fool. Only a fool would claim that God does not exist, that he can do as he pleases without God seeing, that he understands as much as God. David ends this contemplation with a desire to see God's promised salvation of His people.

Psalm 15 relates the character of the blessed man, the one who is blessed to abide in God's presence. His total character is reflective of God's character - honoring those who honor God and shunning those who despise Him. The one with this type relationship and character will not be moved.

Psalm 10 - 12

Psalm 10 speaks to the dillema faced when God seems distant and trouble seems close. It pleads with God to be near in times of trouble. The great assurance is that God is always near; He is always present.

Psalm 11 extols the presence of God. There is great security found in the knowledge that God is present in His holy temple; and among His people. God's love is on those who desire to do what is right ... by HIS definition.

Psalm 12 asks for protection from those intent on doing harm to God's people. Comfort is found in the fact that God preserves His people forever; some by removing them from trouble, and some by removing the trouble from them.

Psalm 7 - 9

These psalms extol the magnificence of God. Psalm 8 especially notes the grandeur from which God stoops to consider man. His name is truly magnificent!

Psalm 4 - 6

In these songs, the psalmists draw the attention of their hearers and worshippers to the provision of God. The line that stands out to me today is this one (my paraphrase)
"God, You put more joy in my heart than people have when their bellies are full and their wallets overflowing." What an abundance of provision!

Psalm 1 - 3

The book of Psalms, a hymnbook for the Hebrews, begins with the blessings on the one who follows and meditates on God's Word. Tucked into the 3rd psalm is the statement "I laid down, I slept, I rose again, God preserved me." (that's my paraphrase) How often is a good night's sleep taken for granted? Realize that David wrote that phrase while on the run from his son who was leading an insurrection, and you will have a greater appreciation for the thankfulness David is expressing.

Job 41 - 42

God continues to question Job regarding his fitness to pass judgment on his situation. Job is appropriately chastened and repents of his audacious questioning of God and His goodness. God accepts Job's repentence and reprimands Job's friends for their misunderstanding of the situation. Job is then restored to a position of prosperity and wealth. The lesson of Job is this: God does what pleases Him; and He always does what is right.

Job 38 - 40

God finally speaks to Job and his condition.  He asks Job where he was when the earth was created; and how his wisdom was consulted when God set the universe in order.  Through a series of pointed questions, God reminds Job that the question is not "Why?" but "Who?" in any given situation.  It is a question of who God is.

Job's immediate response is to claim error.  Here is Job's error:  he has overstated his case, he has charged the Almighty - and in doing so, he has placed himself over the King of the universe.  Job quickly admits that he is wrong for doing so, and will refrain from doing so in the future.

Job 36 - 37

Elihu continues to counsel Job about God's greatness and majesty. God's greatness cannot be questioned. No one is able to scold God or chide Him for His doings. He cannot be charged with wrong. His majesty is felt by all on earth - not just man. Elihu's argument is that God cannot be approached in our understanding, so how can one hope to second-guess Him?

Job 34 - 35

Elihu continues by describing Job's position as one of "I am right; but God is treating me wrongly." He then begins to point out the folly of such a position, due to the fact that God always does what is right. He then lists arguments in favor of doing what is right. It is better to do right and be under God's favor (no matter how it may look from your own perspective) than to disobey and be under God's chastening (no matter how closely it may resemble the first position).

Job 32 - 33

Elihu, the youngest member of the group, speaks. He had previously kept silent due to the age and presumed wisdom of the others. But Job's self-vindication and the friends' inability to convince Job of his need for repentence drove him to utter words of his own wisdom. Elihu reminds Job that God does not operate by man's standards, nor does He ask for man's approval before acting.

Job 30 - 31

Job continues to lay out his defense to his friends. He states that the turn of events in his life has seemingly betrayed everything for which he once stood. He is now seen as the "poster child" for sin's punishment; but he still maintains his innocence. In a sweeping declaration, he calls all heaven, earth and creation to bear witness to his innocence. He calls down stern condemnation on any sin not currently forgiven in an attempt to demonstrate his knowledge of no sin separating him from his God.

Job 28 - 29

Job reminds his friends that the earth is full of mysteries that are inexplicable. To question God's dealings with man is no different than questioning why he puts gold in one spot and rocks in another. He longs for the "old days" when his children were with him, the leaders would listen to him and all was 'well' with his world.

Job 25 - 27

Bildad reminds Job that man is not born pure; he cannot be righteous on his own. Job responds that only God is righteous and he keeps everything working according to His plan. He further commits to living a life of integrity before God. Because God rewards the just and the wicked accordingly, he wants to maintain a life that receives God's blessing.

Job 22 - 24

Eliphaz continues to treat Job as though he had committed some great sin. Surely he must have taken advantage of the helpless, mistreated the defenseless or some other heinous act to have received such treatment from the Almighty. He urges Job to make things right in God's sight and incur the consequences of a restored relationship, namely the removal of injustice and the restoration of life, the hearing of prayers and the deliverance only God can provide.

Job responds. He states that he is willing to go before God - not to confess his sin, but to lay out his case of innocence. The only problem Job faces at the moment is knowing where to find God. Job cannot seem to put his finger on the location of God at the moment; but he is confident that God knows exactly where he is, and is accomplishing something in the process. This "mystery" of what God is doing terrifies Job, for he thought he knew how God operated. The events in Job's recent experience have turned his world upside-down and he is not sure what to trust at the moment. He asks his friends to prove to him if he is deceiving himself in this evaluation.

Job 20 - 21

Zophar makes additional comments to Job. He reminds his friend that the wicked do indeed suffer; that theirs is not a life of ease as some would suppose. God does exact punishment from the wicked; and He has promised to do so. Job responds by reminding Zophar that God also allows the wicked to prosper, so that prosperity or suffering cannot be used as a measuring device of a person's goodness or wickedness.