DEVOTIONAL GUIDE: PSALMS MAY 8 TH, 2016

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1 Psalm 61: Prayer of the King It is assumed that, at the time David penned this song, that he was King of Israel. After all the years of waiting, all the years fleeing from King Saul, all the nights spent in foreign lands and in the wilderness, David is finally King of Israel. We will see in this Psalm that the fulfillment of a dream does not necessarily mean complete satisfaction. The responsibility of leadership can be a heavy burden. Being at the top can be a lonely place. In Psalm 61 David communicates his heart to his loving God who still loves him as a son even though he is a king. - Verses 1-2a: David begins the Psalm in a customary fashion crying out to God. o Sometime in joy, sometimes in despair, sometimes in sorrow, pain or fear. o The most amazing thing about prayer is that God hears us. No office hours No geographic limitations o God can hear us when we call upon Him. - Verses 2b 3: Different ways David has seen God at work in his life o Lead me to the rock that is higher than I. Even though David was king of God s chosen people, he was not at the top. His acknowledgement of God as a rock higher than I indicates David s humble acknowledgement of his relatively lowly position before the all-powerful God of the universe The imagery of God as a rock is common throughout the Scriptures. It denotes something massive, strong, secure, and enduring. What a great earthly analogy for our God. There are many times in life when we feel that the weight of the world is upon our shoulders. In these times we often lose sight of our sovereign God who controls all things. David s plea for God to lead me to the rock is a reminder that it is necessary for us to deliberately conform our thoughts and perspectives based upon the truth of God s Word and character. It won t happen accidentally; we must lead our hearts there by the power of the Holy Spirit. o You have been my refuge A refuge is a place of protection and security. David was intimately acquainted with many different types of refuge while fleeing Saul. Even though David could point to locations for each of these places of refuge, he knew that it was ultimately God who was providing the protection. o You have been a strong tower against the foe A strong tower is a purpose-built structure for both defensive protection and offensive action in the midst of hostile attack. David writes at length about watching God deal with the enemies that pursue him unjustly. - Verse 4: David s desire to dwell o Although David has repeatedly seen God at work as his defender, his ultimate desire was to simply dwell with God peacefully o The word tent would refer to the common person s dwelling place. o Take refuge in the shelter of your wings would refer to the close and personal connection that a mother bird would provide for her young. 1

2 o Both of these examples David s desire to not know God simply for what He has DONE, but for WHO God is. - Verses 5-8: David petitions for a legacy of faith o A heritage of those who fear your name o Appoint love and faithfulness to protect him. See Proverbs 3:1-6 o David s faith will result in unending praise and daily devotion to God. Prepared by Brady Thornton Psalm 62: Trust God This Psalm of David is structured more like the music we're accustomed to today, with verses 1-2 used as a refrain, and a prominent theme, trust, repeated throughout. The duplicity of those who would bring David down is described in verse 4 - with their mouths they bless, but in their hearts they curse. It's possible that David was referencing the rebellion led by his son, Absalom, who stole the hearts of the people away from the King (2 Samuel 15). The Psalm emphasizes the proper response of believers to circumstances beyond our control, whether they seem good or bad trust God, rest in Him. - Trust God When things Seem Bad (verses 1-4) - you assault me o Rest and trust are companions of faith - rest' speaks of quiet waiting, while trust describes confidence in some One's or some thing's ability and power God is described as my rock, my salvation, my fortress, my lofty place, my mighty rock, my refuge David sees himself as quietly waiting out the assault of his enemies in an impregnable fortress on a high, inaccessible cliff o Compared to God, David sees himself as a leaning wall, a tottering fence however, he will never be shaken because God is His fortress o God, who controls the circumstances, is the only One who can save, or deliver - Trust God When things Seem Good or Bad (verses 5-8) - at all times o David's deliverance and reputation depend on God, not on circumstances, or even on self o Our fortress is such a safe place, we can pour out our most innermost thoughts and feelings to God (Hebrews 4:15-16) - Trust God to Judge the Good and the Bad (verses 9-12) - You reward everyone o People are a breath, not a fortress can't trust people o Material things are vain whether earned or stolen can't trust things o God may be trusted He has all power Prepared by Tom Nething 2

3 Psalm 63: Seeking After God Written by David during a time in the wilderness as he sought refuge likely from Absalom. Personally, this Psalm is one of my favorites as it expresses David's deep devotion and dependence upon the Lord. A Psalm that has made its way into today's worship music, being sung for many years in corporate worship, as well as personal devotion. David, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit writes one of the best worship songs and instruction on true worship. Key verses: - O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water. (v 1) - Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. (3) A Spiritual Thirst - Verse 1: O God, you are my God so I will... o Earnestly seek you the Hebrew word for earnestly and seek, paint a picture of one rising early in the morning to look for or seek diligently. To be diligent and attentive in seeking after the Lord. There are no shortcuts to learning of our Savior and seeking to know Him more (Luke 10:38-42; Philippians 3:10) It is key to put into practice that which we learn (Philippians 4:9) Seek Him first (Matthew 6:33) o My soul thirst for you The word soul refers to self, life, desires, mind, emotions referring to one's total being. Psalm 42 - We are to hunger and thirst for God, as one thirsting for water in the desert would diligently seek to find it. He must become our daily food and drink (Deut 8:3; Rev 22:17). o My flesh faints for you As a man wandering in the wilderness, a desert place, dry and isolated would be in need of refuge from the extreme conditions and thirsting for water; David longs for the presence of God. - Verse 2: Longing to worship God in the sanctuary, David remembers the times he stood in worship and beheld God's power and glory. When we are in our desert place, we too should recall times of meeting with God and long to come into His presence. - Verse 3: Because your love (lovingkindness) is better than life - refers to God's covenant love; His goodness, kindness, faithfulness. When we earnestly seek after God and say "because of your covenant love" for me (no matter my circumstances), I will put into action (walk in what is true - God's love for me) "my lips will" o Glorify you (v 3) "Better than life" - exceed all blessings of this life, I will... o Praise (bless) Him - David doesn't go abstract here, he says "my lips will" actually praise you, glorify you (v 4) o Lift my hands - In worship, position of prayer, submission, surrender and receiving (v 4) o In your name Thinking on God's character/his attributes; acknowledging who He is. Having a right view of God and a right view of self we call on His name. The name above all names. o Our souls are satisfied finding all contentment in God alone; for only He can truly satisfy every longing Psalm 73:25-26 (v 5) o Praise Him with joyful lips joyful voice, shout for joy, singing lips (v 5) 3

4 - Verse 6: When David remembered what God had done, He meditate on Him even as he laid awake through the night. Throughout Scripture we see God asking His people to remember His works He had done for them (Deut. 4:6-7). Biblical meditation is filling our minds on the truth of who God is (His character) and recalling His written Word to mind (Phil 4:8). - Verse 7: "Shadow of your wings" A picture of God's protection. In the safety of God's "wings" David finds his help and joy comes. So again we find him singing praise to God. Because God is our help... o We submit to His authority (and hide in the shadow of His wings) o The only solid basis for true joy in our life - Verse 8: My soul clings to you - Cling: the Hebrew speaks of cleave, abide, stick to, keep close, stay close, follow closely. Clinging to the Lord means: finding in Him ones only hope (Deut. 10:20; 11:22). We will not let go of who He is or the truth of His Word; knowing he is always trustworthy and true (Titus 1:2). To cling to God is to abide deeply in Him, being dependent on Him, trusting Him to hold us through any difficulty. - Verses 9-10: David is confident in God's faithfulness to him and recognizes that his enemies will come to ruin. - Verse 11: Those who know God and trust in Him, will earnestly seek Him; being devoted to Him. Those who are His enemies will be silenced. Making in Personal: Take time to consider what we learn from David's instructions in worship/prayer/personal devotion. What changes might you make to grow in living a life of worship (Romans 12:1-2)? - Earnestly I seek you... My soul thirst for you - I long to be in your sanctuary (corporate worship), delighting in your presence - Your love is better than life's blessings - My lips will glorify you, with my lips I will praise you in song - My soul is satisfied in you alone - I will remember you even throughout the night hours (I can't stop thinking about my God!) - My soul clings to you Prepared by Steve Morgan Psalm 64: The Power of the Tongue Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me is a little rhyme that most kids know as an attempt to stave off the effects of malicious words. If only it were true. Words are powerful tools for both good and evil. Proverbs 18:21 tells us that The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit. James 3:1-12 deals with the effects of an uncontrolled tongue. As an accomplished military champion, David had seen his share of physical threats. What instills fear in the heart of David now are the words of conspirators against him. - Verses 3-6: Words as Weapons o In verses 3-4 David illustrates his enemies premeditation and preparation for harm by saying the sharpen their tongues like swords, aim their words like arrows, shoot from ambush. We often injure people with careless words, but there are many words which are directed to be hurtful and harmful. o In verses 5-6 we see what happens when people with malice in common come together. The fires of anger, gossip, bitterness, and malice get stoked even higher. Beware the circumstance where malice is the primary common denominator. 4

5 - Verses 7-8: God s Righteousness revealed o God is indeed a God of righteousness, truth, and justice. o When people go against God s character with their behavior, God sees to it that they will be dealt with accordingly. - Verses 9-10: Results of God s Righteousness Revealed o Everyone will see the results and be forced to reckon with what God has done whether they acknowledge God as the initiator or not. o The righteous will clearly recognize the hand of God in these circumstances, resulting in praise to God for the fulfillment of His Word. Conclusion: Jesus declares in Matthew 12:34 that out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. Our words are an indicator of what resides inside of our hearts. As Christians, do we use our words to bless and encourage others (Ephesians 4:29-32)? Do you ever find you conversation continually devolving into gossip, slander, and malice when surrounded by a group of friends? The Proverbs 18:21 passage is a good warning that we will reap the fruit of our words. Give careful thought to how you use your words today. Prepared by Brady Thornton Psalm 65: Praise to God for His Infinite Power and Goodness Credit is given to David as the author of this Psalm. He may have written Psalm 65 to be sung annually at the first fruits harvest (Lev 23:9-14). It is a song of harvest blessing to celebrate God s goodness to his people. - Verses 1-4: This Psalm begins by declaring to God that: o The people are ready to praise God o You God, answer our prayers o When we are overwhelmed by sins, You are there to forgive our transgressions - Verses 5-8: These verses describe the awesome power of God: o He is the hope for all the earth o He framed the mountains o He stills the roaring seas and waves o He calms the nations/people o He fills the whole earth with His wonders o Because of our awesome God, we have songs of joy to sing! - Verses 9-13: God is our Provider Jehovah- Jireh (Gen 22:14, the LORD will provide): o He takes care of the land o He causes crops to grow o He brings abundance, in fact, our carts overflow o He brings abundance to His people in all things Summary God cares about every aspect of our lives. He forgives our sins, He calms our storms, He provides all our needs (Phil 4:19). We should be ready to praise God all the time. Prepared by Larry Pearson 5