Psalm 140 - Protection in Persecution

LINK: Psalm 140 

BACKGROUND

Traditionally, Psalm 140 is connected with the rebellion of Sheba in 2 Samuel 20. Some commentators connect it with David's years in King Saul's court as Saul's envy and paranoia grew (1 Samuel 17-19). 

It is a prayer for protection from evil men. In the midst of his trial, David focused on God and the future He had for him. It is sometimes included in the "imprecatory psalms" because David calls for God to bring down misfortune on his enemies. 

REFLECTION 

God is a God of protection, but Jesus commanded us to "love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us" (Matthew 5:43-48). So, there is no need for "imprecatory" prayers.  I always say to myself about others, "Do not cross me or you will be prayed for!!" That is the Jesus way. 

APPLICATION

Bless in prayer those who have persecuted or hurt you.

As I write this update, ISIS is closing in on Christians in Iraq. The atrocities are many. Could you pray for them instead of cursing them? 

30-Day Prayer Guide for ISIS

(2023 Update: When I wrote this, ISIS was at the peak of its power. They are still active and still need prayer.)

I have posted this before, but please listen to these two messages about the response we as followers of Jesus should have toward people like ISIS:

"Serve to Win"

"The Other Side of Fear" (exciting news about current events)

PRAYER

Lord, I ask You to bless all those who persecute us. Lord, please visit them with Your presence and transform them with the power of Jesus. Amen.  

2 Samuel 20 & 21 - Sheba, Famine, and Philistines

LINK: 2 Samuel 20 & 21

BACKGROUND

2 Samuel 20

With Absalom's death, there should have been a clear path for David back to the throne, but Sheba led the men of Israel (northern tribes) into revolt. Sheba was eventually killed by the people of Abel Beth Maacah, but this division along tribal lines is a foreshadowing of what will happen after Solomon's death when the kingdom divides. 

2 Samuel 21

The next four chapters are an appendix to the book of 2 Samuel. The events are not presented in any chronological order. Probably toward the end of David's reign, 2 Samuel 21 describes a famine that was punishment for Kings Saul's sin against the Gibeonites, an act of vengeance that the Bible does not record. Israel had vowed to protect the Gibeonites (Joshua 9:15-21, and Joshua 10), but Saul apparently started to perform "ethnic cleansing" on them.

Instead of silver or gold, the Gibeonites asked for seven male descendants so they could practice the tradition of "an eye for eye, tooth for tooth, life for life" (Exodus 21:23-25). Mephibosheth was spared according to David's promise to Jonathan in 1 Samuel 20:15-16, but others were given over for execution (the Mephibosheth mentioned here is Rizpah's son, 2 Samuel 3:7). 

The chapter concludes with Israel battling the Philistines. David was advised, in his old age, to no longer go into battle. The descendants of Rapha were giants (see 2 Samuel 17:4-7).

No REFLECTION or APPLICATION today - keep reading! 

PRAYER

Lord, thank You for Your word that speaks to us that You are a mighty warrior in battle for us. Amen. 

2 Samuel 19 - David's Return as King

LINK: 2 Samuel 19

BACKGROUND

David continued to mourn the death of Absalom until Joab set him straight. David had shamed the people that saved his life by "loving those who hate him (Absalom) and hating those who love him" (his commanders and people). Joab warned that if David did not speak kindly to his servants, they would certainly mutiny. Thankfully, David followed Joab's advice, but the next thing David did was very significant and curious. David replaced Joab as his commander with Amasa. Here is what the commentators say about that:

David's appointment of Amasa was a shrewd political move. First, Amasa had been commander of Absalom's army, by making Amasa his commander, David would secure the allegiance of the rebel army. Second, by replacing Joab as commander in chief, David punished him for his previous crimes (3:26-29). Third, Amasa had a great deal of influence over the leaders of Judah (19:14). All of these moves would help to unite the kingdom. (The Life Application Bible, p.528)

As a result, David won over all the men of Judah as though they were one man, and Judah led the way in inviting David to come back to Jerusalem. This put Shimei, who had cursed the king (16:5-13) in a very awkward position and he begged for forgiveness. The king temporarily granted it (because his last command to Solomon in 1 Kings 2:8-9 was to kill Shimei). David also restored half of Mephibosheth's property (see 16:4). Lastly, David rewarded Barzillai who had provided David with supplies (17:27-29).

The end of this chapter contains foreshadowing of things to come. Israel and Judah squabbled over David's return indicating a schism that was developing between them that will eventually lead to two separate kingdoms. Stay tuned.

REFLECTION

In David's life, we see two men who were not afraid to confront the king: Nathan and Joab. Nathan confronted David when he was in sin, and Joab confronted David when he was on the verge of losing his authority as king.

Once, I had to confront someone who was in authority over me. It was very intimidating because she was someone very well known, but she always told me how grateful she was that I confronted her.

Wounds from a friend can be trusted, 
but an enemy multiplies kisses. 
(Proverbs 17:6)

2014 Update: That leader passed away in 2010. Every time I saw her between that confrontation in 1983 and then, she thanked me for my "care-fronting" her. I miss this mentor in my life too!

APPLICATION

When those you love need to hear the truth about themselves, can you speak the truth in love?

Here is a quote to ponder:

"There is a vast difference between putting your nose in other people's business and putting your heart in other people's problems."

The book Caring Enough to Confront is a very helpful book for this subject.

PRAYER

Lord, give us the courage and strength to "care-front" in love. We ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.

Psalm 141 & 143 - Prayers for Deliverance and Pardon

LINK: Psalm 141 & Psalm 143

BACKGROUND 

These are both Psalms of David that were written at an unspecified time. 

Psalm 141 is an evening prayer for deliverance from sins that affliction tempted him into and from enemies who caused it. 

Psalm 143 is the last of the seven "penitential psalms" (Psalm 6, 32, 38, 51, 102, 130, 143). It is a prayer for pardon and relief from enemies. His afflictions led him into confession and repentance and asking God to lead him in His way.

REFLECTION 

In the past,  I would often pray that God would "set a guard over my mouth" and "keep watch over the door of my lips" (Psalm 141:3) only to find myself caught in saying something I should not say or entering into some kind of talk that was not right to fit in, especially when I was younger and the "older Titus 2 women"  (Titus 2:3-5) I was associated with were pretty loose with their lips and would backbite about each other (and we know that "loose lips sink ships")! I would often allow my heart to be "drawn to evil" and "take part in the evil deeds" (Psalm 141:4) of speech that did not honor God. I remember constantly having this as an application from Scripture, especially when in the book of Proverbs because it says a lot about the tongue (stay tuned, we head into Proverbs soon). I would constantly fail though!

When I went overseas, I was involved with people who were very careful with their tongues. In fact, we all agreed not to say anything to others when in conflict and go directly to the people involved. This made for a culture of peace. I knew that this kind of environment was possible. So, when we returned from overseas, we prayed for a church with a culture of peace. It took seven years for us to find one, only to find that the "ringleader" in peace at our new church was a high school and college friend of my husband's! 

I am happy to say that we have been part of this "Culture of Peace" Church since 2006, and it has made a world of difference in keeping me from sinning in this area (because we often become like the people we associate with). 

(2023 Update: Still a Culture of Peace there and still have not heard any backbiting or gossip.) 

Don't get me wrong, we have just as much conflict as any other group of sinners, but it is in a culture of reconciliation. In all the time we have been there, I have not once heard backbiting or gossip. Conflict is resolved directly with others or assisted by trained peacemaking coaches and mediators with the goal of love. I love it! Now that I am an "older" woman in this church, I want to be a model of that to younger women. 

APPLICATION 

The Life Application Bible says this:

James wrote that "the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts" (James 3:5). On average, the person opens his or her mouth approximately 700 times a day to speak. David wisely asked God to help keep him from speaking evil -- sometimes even as he underwent persecution. Jesus himself was silent before his accusers (Matthew 26:63). Knowing the power of the tongue, we would do well to ask God to guard what we say so that our words will bring honor to his name.

May this be our prayer today!

PRAYER

Lord, guard our tongues today from every form of evil. We ask this in Jesus' name. Amen. 

Psalm 70 & 84 - God Our Help and Home

LINK: Psalm 70 & Psalm 84 

BACKGROUND  

Psalm 70

This is a "petitionary psalm" of David. Petition literally means to "bring to remembrance" to God. It is a short prayer for quick rescue and anticipates rejoicing for the rescue. It was written during a traumatic moment in his life. Some commentators believe it may have been during the civil war with Absalom and others believe it was either during his time of exile while Saul was king or shortly after his coronation. The Psalm corresponds to Psalm 40:13-17 with a few variations.

Psalm 84

This psalm was written during an unspecified time in David's life by the descendants of Korah. This psalm is often read with Psalms 42 and 43. They all express that heartfelt desire for a place of worship. It is a "pilgrim psalm," but it is not in the collection of pilgrim psalms of ascent (Psalm 120-134). It proclaims the blessedness of the pilgrim who goes in faith to the temple because it was at the temple where people met with the Lord through the priests. On this pilgrimage, they were strengthened even through the Valley of Baca ("balsam tree"). This was apparently a waterless place that became a place of springs.

The Scarlet Thread of Redemption

We do not need the temple. We have constant access to the presence of God because of the shed blood of Jesus Christ and His intercession for us (Hebrews 7:25; 10:19-25)!

REFLECTION (written in 2008)

In the midst of a very busy and hectic day in the middle of a very busy and hectic week, I realized I had some time to "steal away" in my bedroom before eight teenagers, their moms, and younger siblings descended upon my house for an afternoon homeschool literature class. I had just spent the better part of the morning teaching another class at our co-op. I was zonked. My heart yearned for a place of quiet rest in the presence of the Lord away from the bustle of activity that surrounded me. 

This Psalm met me as I entered that place. The words were a comfort to my tired soul as I "nested" with the Lord like a "sparrow" who has found a home" (84:3). Sometimes, we think we have to have a huge span of time and the perfect place to meet with God, but God meets us anywhere at any time if we only "set our heart on pilgrimage" straight into His presence.

I only had twenty minutes before the kids filled my house, but God was more than capable to meet me in that time and fill me. He can fill you up too. Just set your heart on pilgrimage.

APPLICATION

Set your heart on pilgrimage to be in the presence of God no matter how busy or hectic your day is today. God WILL meet you!

Here is a story that I have had in pamphlet form since I was young: My Heart Christ's Home.

PRAYER

Lord, thank You that You no longer dwell in a building but in my heart. Thank You that You are there 24/7/365 to meet with me. Lord, forgive me when my heart wanders away from Your presence. Fix my heart and focus on You and toward "pilgrimage." I ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.

Psalm 63 & 64 - Presence, Provision, and Protection Prayers

LINK: Psalm 63 & 64

BACKGROUND

Psalm 63

This may have been written during the time of Absalom's rebellion (2 Samuel 15). While in the dry, hot Desert of Judah, far from the Ark and Tabernacle of God, David thirsted for the Lord. What a word picture! He was probably lonely and desired nothing but God's presence, provision, and protection.

Psalm 64

This psalm also could have been written during Absalom's rebellion, but it could have also been while David served in Saul's court (1 Samuel 18-20). He knew that Saul was his enemy and wanted to kill him. Eventually, he had to flee and hide in the wilderness. This Psalm helps us to turn to God in the real battles that we face against Satan and his hosts (Ephesians 6:10ff).

REFLECTION (written in 2008)

When I was going over goals for the year with one of the women I am discipling, she said that she wanted to "hunger and thirst for God" much like David is talking about in Psalm 63. What a great goal! But as a discipler, I came away with the question: How can I help create hunger and thirst in her?

Over the last three years, I have helped her to meditate, pray through, and study the Scriptures. We have spent many hours together praying and seeking God. I have seen tremendous growth too. She is spending regular time with God and prays conversationally throughout the day. She is giving her life to other women in discipleship and investing deeply in her adorable daughter as she teaches her to pray conversationally (so cute!). She is also establishing family traditions in her young family that will foster growth, and she is passing that on to other young moms by teaching a class on it. TODAY, she is hosting an event where twenty moms are making a Jesse Tree and ornaments to use with their families during Christmas! How fun! If you want to know more about that see my post HERE. 

All that said, she wants to hunger and thirst more for God. I know there is nothing I can do but pray for her and for opportunities that create a thirst in her.

I just had a flashback to the mid-seventies when my family was riding dune buggies out in the middle of the California desert, and I got this "great" idea to walk all the way back to our campsite (about five miles). I bid my dad goodbye and set out on my adventure only to realize that I had forgotten to pack water for my trip! I was hot and thirsty (not to mention stupid - what was I thinking?). Then, I got scared, seeing animals and snakes at every turn. I did a lot of crying out in that California desert. It turned out to be a horrible experience. 

By the time I reached the campsite, I was pretty desperate for the protection and presence of my family and the provision of water for my dehydrated body! (Somehow I remember my mom being pretty upset with my dad for letting me do it. What was HE thinking!?) I certainly put myself in a situation where I learned hunger and thirst!

Maybe we just do not put ourselves in enough desperate situations to really "need" God anymore. We rely on our money and jobs and things and friends and family instead of God who is the only One who truly satisfies us (63:5). In light of current events, maybe this economic downturn is the best thing that could happen to us?

All I know is that I want to hunger and thirst for Him too. How about you?

APPLICATION

Here are some application questions my Pastor Steve asked after he taught on this psalm:

Do I long for the same intensity of the relationship that David had? Do I desire the same level of experience that he had with God?

Do you earnestly seek God as though you were dying of thirst?

Have you seen His power and glory in worship?

Do you sincerely believe His love is better than life?

Are you free enough in worship to lift your hands to Him?

Does God satisfy your soul?

Do you sing to God? Not just follow the order of worship, but really sing to Him.

When you wake in the night are your thoughts of Him?

Do you cling to Him as though life would not be worth living without Him?

PRAYER

Lord, I hesitate to pray that You would create hunger and thirst in me and others because it may be the result of real pain and hardship. I do not like pain, but it would be worth it to have more of You. Lord, create in us a hunger and thirst for You. Help us to desire You more than our favorite dessert! We ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.

2 Samuel 18 - Absalom is Slain

LINK: 2 Samuel 18

BACKGROUND

David's army went out to defeat Absalom's army, and David had one request: "Deal gently for my sake with the young man Absalom." Absalom's army was routed, and on his retreat on a mule, his phenomenal head of hair (noted in 14:25-26) caught on a tree. David's soldiers had heard David's request to be gentle to Absalom, but Joab did not honor it and slayed him mercilessly. Absalom was buried in a pit with memorial stones heaped on top even though Absalom had already erected a monument for himself (See Joshua 4:5-9 and Joshua 7:20-26 for two other examples when stones were heaped). What a contrast!

Ahimaaz (David's courier) and the Cushite raced to tell David. Commentators believe Joab wanted the Cushite to go first because the Cushite was more "expendable" than Ahimaaz, and Joab might have been afraid David would kill the messenger like he did in 2 Samuel 1:13-15. When David heard the news, he mourned the loss of his son-turned-enemy, Absalom.

REFLECTION/APPLICATION

A reflection from the Daily Walk about parenting:

"This is going to hurt me more than it hurts you" is probably one of the most unbelievable things a parent can say to a child--at least from the child's perspective! Though the parent's words are sincere, the child finds them hard to believe since it isn't Mom or Dad who feels the sting of punishment. 

Discipline, regardless of the form it takes, is never pleasant at the moment (Hebrews 12:11). But it is necessary to ensure that both parent and child aren't hurt even more in the future when they begin to reap the consequences of a lack of discipline. 

King David, preoccupied with his royal duties, allowed his wayward son to continue in disobedience. Had David attempted to curb Absalom's rebellion, it would have been painful--but not nearly as painful as the grief David experienced when his son planned a revolt against him and then died a rebel. 

Do you see discipline as a pain to be avoided, or a means of avoiding pain? Write down three reasons why children need to be disciplined in love. As a parent or for yourself, learn from David's sad example.  (Daily Walk, March 2008)

No matter what "plan" you follow regarding the discipline of your kids. The key is to have some kind of loving plan, be on the same page as your spouse with that plan and be consistent with the plan!

All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, 

but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, 

afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness.  

(Hebrews 12:11)

PRAYER

God, I pray that You will give each person reading this post a plan for raising their children in a way that honors and glorifies You. I ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.

Psalm 61 & 62 - God as Rock and Rest

LINK: Psalm 61 & 62

BACKGROUND

Many commentators believe these two Psalms were written by David during the time of Absalom's rebellion (2 Samuel 15). Psalm 61 was David's prayer for strength and security when he was faint. In Psalm 62, David placed all his hope in God and rested in His ultimate control in a trial.

REFLECTION 

Psalm 62:1 reads "My soul finds rest in God alone" in the NIV, and most other translations say, "My soul waits in silence." I like a combination of the two of these! 

The Hebrew word here is dumiyyāh which means "silence, a quiet wait, in silence, rest." Specifically, this Psalm, indicates, "a time of reverential silence and patience as one waits for God." It comes from the root word, dāmāh, which means "to cease, to cause to cease, to be silent" (Baker, W., & Carpenter, E. E. 2003. The complete word study dictionary: Old Testament. AMG Publishers: Chattanooga, TN., p. 230, 240).

How many of us, amid the whirlwind of oppression or conflict or stress, cease from it and quietly wait and rest in His presence?

Two twins were born prematurely and died two days ago.  My friend, who was in her first birth as a doula (birth attendant), is reeling emotionally from the experience, and she wants to talk, but I want her to cease and be silent and ask God what He has for her in this moment of sadness and her doubts as to God really is the "rock" David claims Him to be. 

I know it may be hard to believe that you can find rest during oppressive circumstances as David did, but it is possible. And it is imperative that we find Him to be unshakable (62:2) in a shaken-up world if we hope to have any impact on that world! We cannot give what we do not have. 

He gives us a glimpse of who He really is in the Psalms because He wants us to know it deep down in our souls and wants to fill our souls with Himself so that we might overflow onto a lost world. 

So that is why I implore you to dig deep into the Psalms. Remember that they were Jesus' prayer book. I camped in them deeply throughout my 20s, and they have formed the bedrock of what I believe about the character of God. He is truly the rock, the fortress, the salvation, the stronghold, the refuge that David says He is, and the hope for every soul.  Because He is all these things, we can trust in Him at all times and pour out our hearts before Him in all of life's circumstances.  

I want you to come out of your reading of these Psalms like David:

Once God has spoken;

Twice I have heard this:

That power belongs to God;

And lovingkindness is Yours, O Lord.

(Psalm 62:11-12)

The phrase "once . . . twice" in Hebrew means "many times, repeatedly."  The Message paraphrase says, "Strength comes straight from God."  Do you believe this? No life circumstance is too difficult for God. Can you rest in Him today?

The Scarlet Thread of Redemption

The Sabbath rest day is neither Saturday nor Sunday, it is the eternal rest we have in Jesus.  You might want to read all of Hebrews 4 to understand this, but the gist of this chapter is summed up here: 

So there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God. For the one who has entered His rest has himself also rested from his works, as God did from His. Therefore let us be diligent to enter that rest, so that no one will fall, through following the same example of disobedience. (Hebrews 4:9-11)

God's character of strength and love are revealed in Jesus who invites you to come and rest:

   Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. 

Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. 

I’ll show you how to take a real rest. 

Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it.

Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. 

I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. 

Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.

(Matthew 11:28–30, The Message)  

When we put our faith in Jesus Christ, we enter into an eternal rest. I pray you can live into and claim that rest today!

APPLICATION

This is a perfect week for me to be writing this. I have had a very busy week. I purposed to rest today!  Do you have a rest day?  It takes some effort to carve out the time, but I have so benefited from having at least one day a week to do this. I worked through the whole weekend and into Monday night. While a person was wanting to talk ASAP (in a rather demanding way, I might add), I knew God was calling me to a day of rest. I could not pour into her out of my exhausted state. I needed to realign and find His strength once again. Perfect that this Psalm came my way at just the right time. 

God wants us to rest amid life too! Are you at rest today? Let go of control and give that control over to God. You will find blessed rest during circumstances you cannot change.

APPLICATION

I find this prayer helpful when needing to let go of control and give control over to God:

PRAYER

Lord, we give You complete control of everything. We surrender all. We come to You and rest. We ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.

Psalm 58 - God is the Judge of all the Earth

LINK: Psalm 58

BACKGROUND

This psalm is called an "imprecatory (cursing) psalm" that is a cry for justice. It is harsh. Justice is a key topic in the psalm. in ancient times, judges and rulers took justice into their own hands. There was complete authority with no accountability.

David knew that when no justice could be found, he could rejoice in knowing God is the ultimate judge and the righteous will be rewarded.

REFLECTION

This psalm made me think of praying for justice in my country! Election Day in the United States is the day set by law for the general elections of public officials. It occurs on the Tuesday after the first Monday in November. This day is about a month away (if you are reading according to the BBC schedule). For those of you in the United States, it is never too early to start praying for this important day. For those of you outside the United States, it is important to pray for your election day too!  

APPLICATION

Pray for the health of your nation and the upcoming United States election! Here are some prayer points from the National Day of Prayer website:

'Throughout Scripture, we see that God answers prayer and He cares about the health of nations," NDP Vice Chairman Brian Toon said. "The 'Pray for Election Day!' campaign is an effort to remind people of faith of the importance of praying for those in leadership. We are asking people to fast and pray for the upcoming presidential election."

First, we must repent for the personal and corporate sins that grieve our Heavenly Father. 2 Chronicles 7:14 "If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."

Secondly, we must ask that God would raise up righteous leaders, who will seek His guidance and protection for our nation in the years to come. Ephesians 4:1-2 "Live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love."

Finally, we must submit to God's sovereignty, trusting in His will. Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." 

VOTE... Your vote is similar to a rock thrown into water, that sends a ripple across the lake. As Americans we are blessed to live under a representative government which allows us to choose our leaders by casting our votes. Every vote counts!

PRAYER

Lord, teach us to pray. Lead us as we pray for righteous judges and leaders in our land. We pray this in Jesus' name. Amen.

Psalm 55 - Cast Your Cares on the LORD

LINK: Psalm 55

BACKGROUND

Commentators believe this was written during Absalom's rebellion (2 Samuel 15), and the traitorous friend mentioned could be his counselor, Ahithophel (2 Samuel 15:12, 31; 17:1-23). 

It has the same tone as many of the Psalms read earlier this week. 

REFLECTION

(This was written in 2008 - at the beginning of another homeschool year after just returning from a trip to Southeast Asia. Jet lag was also contributing to the bad day.)

Today was a hard day for me. The events of the last two weeks and the start of new things this school year have taken their toll on me, and I had a meltdown. Then, I felt really stupid for having it, only adding to everything. I felt detached from the Lord amid the restlessness in my heart too.

It is funny that even as far back as the day after Labor Day when I had set aside a day of prayer to prepare for the new school year, I was getting to something painful that happened recently, and I just "didn't want to go there." Yes, I spent a good day praying for and interceding for many other good things, but I did not get to the ache in my heart. Thus, there has been a growth of something "squishy" inside of me; and today, it spilled over. (And just to keep me humble, it was in the middle of a meeting with people I do not know that well, and, BOY, did I ever feel stupid!)

After the meltdown, I told George and a good friend that I was going to spend the rest of this afternoon with the Lord to get to the bottom of the "squishiness" that I have felt on and off since that day of prayer, but it is almost 11 p.m. on Tuesday night, and I have not gone to prayer. So, the meditation in these Psalms and this post have convinced me that I need to set aside the time and do some burden casting on the Lord and keep praying through the squishiness.

APPLICATION

So, what is your burden today?

Cast your burden upon the LORD 

and He will sustain you.

Psalm 55:22

PRAYER

Lord, I know that You are my helper and sustainer. I come to You just as I am. Thank You that You daily bear my burdens, and I want to share them with You today and hear Your voice. I ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.

Psalm 42 & 43 - Thirsting for God

LINK: Psalm 42 & 43

BACKGROUND

I will be talking about these two psalms like they are one since commentators believe they were originally one psalm (see repeated refrain in 42:5, 11: 43:5). 

This psalm marks the beginning of Book II which goes from Psalm 42-72. Psalms were divided into five books with each book ending in a doxology or expression of praise which we read in Psalm 41. 

Psalms 42-49 were written by the sons of Korah. Korah was a Levite who led a rebellion against Moses (Numbers 16). His sons escaped judgment (Numbers 16:11) and went on to become worship leaders in the Tabernacle (1 Chronicles 9:19ff; 26:1-19). In addition to Psalms 42-49, they also are named in the titles of Psalms 84 and 87-88.

Some commentators associate this psalm with Absalom's rebellion while others believe the location of Mount Mizar, stated in 42:6, is too far north to be where David camped in exile from Absalom at Mahanaim. Mizar is a smaller mountain near the more famous Mt. Hermon on the border of Syria and Lebanon. Here is a map that shows the distance between those two points: Mahanaim to Mount Mizar

The psalm starts with the psalmist's longing for God. The metaphor is beautiful. Deer need and long for water, and we need to long for and depend on God. The psalmist longed for his God amid enemies taunting him and being far from Jerusalem or Mt. Zion (See distance HERE, 43:3) and the place of worship (42:4; 43:3-4). 

The repeated refrain encourages hope in an unchanging God amid loneliness, depression, and discouragement. 

REFLECTION

Have you ever been really, really thirsty?  In the summer of 2010, I did this crazy thing: I fasted for the whole month of Ramadan (the month, once a year, when Muslims fast from food AND drink from sunrise to sunset). I wondered what it would be like to fast without water having fasted from only food before. I wanted to see what devout Muslims go through once a year. (Fasting during the long summertime days of the Pacific Northwest are very challenging for Muslims from other countries!) Being hungry was easy but being thirsty was excruciating! But God used it to channel my thirst toward Him. When I was really, really thirsty in the mid-afternoons, I would let His living water fill my soul cup. It was awesome!  

We need water to live (most can survive only three days without it), and we need God to live too. Praying you "drink" from His endless supply of "Living Water" today!

APPLICATION

Delay drinking when you are really thirsty, and let it remind you to go to God!

PRAYER

The Scarlet Thread of Redemption

Jesus told the Samaritan woman at the well that He was the Living Water (John 4). Let this song lead you into worship today:

Like the woman at the well, I was seeking
For things that never satisfy
And then I heard the Savior speaking
Draw from the well that never will run dry
(Lord please fill my cup

Fill my cup, Lord
I lift it up, Lord
Come and quench this thirsting in my soul
Bread of Heaven, feed me till I want no more
Fill my cup, fill it up and make me whole. 

Amen
(Lyrics by Wanda Jackson)

Psalm 41 - Blessed are the Merciful

LINK: Psalm 41

BACKGROUND 

David mentions sickness (41:8, 10) and sin (41:4) in this psalm, indicating he was in distress and danger from enemies plotting against him. Therefore, commentators usually put the time of this psalm during Absalom's rebellion because David could not lead the nation due to illness in 2 Samuel 15:1-6. Consequently, Absalom took advantage of this to try to become king. David's "close friend" in 41:9 could have been David's counselor, Ahithophel (2 Samuel 16:15-17:29).

This is a prayer for God's mercy when one feels sick and abandoned. According to covenant stipulations (Leviticus 26:1-13; Deuteronomy 7:13-16; 28:1-14), David could not ask for mercy unless he had been merciful to others. From our reading thus far, he had shown mercy to King Saul, Saul's grandson, Mephibosheth, and Shimei the Benjamite.  Jesus told us of blessings when we show mercy too (Matthew 5:7 and Luke 6:37-38).

David knew that God was always at his side through all his sufferings. He knew that God set David in His "presence forever" (41:12). 

The Scarlet Thread of Redemption

Jesus quoted 41:9 in reference to Judas (John 13:38).  

APPLICATION 

How can you show mercy today?

PRAYER

Lord, thank You for Your mercy. Help us to show mercy to others today. We pray this in Jesus' name. Amen. 

2 Samuel 17 - Absalom's Counsel

LINK: 2 Samuel 17

BACKGROUND

Remember how David prayed in 15:31, "O LORD, turn Ahithophel's advice into foolishness"? Well, when Ahithophel advised Absalom to pursue David with twelve thousand men immediately, God allowed Absalom to follow Hushai's advice instead (Remember Hushai is David's spy!) Because of this, Hushai was able to get word to David so that David had time to strengthen his forces and gather supplies from people in the area who were aligned with him. In the meantime, Ahithophel, smarting from Absalom spurning his counsel, went home and hanged himself. (Sounds like another traitor we will read about in the New Testament, doesn't it? Read Matthew 27:5.)

REFLECTION

I have had good counselors and bad counselors in my life. Some were people I respected, but I realized that their counsel had other motives behind it. I have learned to really pray and be very discerning and careful about who should counsel me in situations. Counsel should never contradict the Word of God and should always be bathed in prayer. I am very leery of people who tell me what they think without praying about it first. The best counselors are the ones who guide you in listening to God together!

All that said, wise counselors are such a blessing! I have had wise counselors in my mentors, Ginny and Lorraine! Ginny passed away in 2013, but Lorraine still gives me wonderful words of counsel and encouragement! They have been a big part of my life for years. 

My mentors: Ginny and Lorraine. This is the last picture with all three of us together, in May 2011.

2023 Update: Lorraine went to be with Jesus in heaven in May 2019. I will always be grateful for their wise influence in my life. 

We will be reading the whole book of Proverbs next month, and it has some things to say about counselors. Here are some verses to meditate on today:

   Refuse good advice and watch your plans fail; 

take good counsel and watch them succeed.

(Proverbs 15:22, The Message)

Where no wise guidance is, the people fall, 

but in the multitude of counselors there is safety. 

(Proverbs 11:14, AMP)

Purposes and plans are established by counsel; 

and [only] with good advice make or carry on war. 

(Proverbs 20:18, AMP)  

APPLICATION

Who are the wise counselors in your life? 

You may not have people like this in your vicinity, but spiritual directors are available via online platforms.  You can read more about what spiritual direction is by going to my website at Body and Soul Companion.

Here are lists of directors I would recommend:

Sustainable Faith Affiliates - These are seasoned spiritual directors who can serve as pastoral care resources to pastors, missionaries, and other Christian leaders. They have had at least 120 sessions with directees and have gone through an extensive application process.

The Contemplative Activist Spiritual Directors Network - These have all completed a two-year program of direction through Sustainable Faith and are thoroughly vetted. 

ESDA   - Members have completed a two-year program of spiritual direction training and have at least a minimum of 20 hours of direction with 10 of supervised direction.

PRAYER

Lord, provide us with wise counselors. Give us discernment to detect bad ones. Amen. 

Psalm 28 & 39 - Good and Bad Waiting

LINK: Psalm 28 & Psalm 39

BACKGROUND

Psalm 28

In this psalm, David prayed fervently, but God had not answered (see also 13:1; 35:22; 39:12; 40:17; 69:3; 83:1; 109:1; and 119:82).  He wanted God to repay (requite) the evil men for what they had done to him even though they had pretended to be friends!  I love David's honesty. We can have the freedom to be honest with God too.

Despite God's delay, David still exalted God in praise. What are the characteristics of God David points out? 

We do not know what David's difficulty was here, but Absalom's rebellion was a time when he probably cried to God for help, but would he have prayed for Absalom's destruction when the historical narrative involved him praying that his son's life would be spared (28:4-5; 2 Samuel 18:5)?  

Psalm 39

This psalm was for the director of music, Jaduthun. Along with Heman and Asaph, he was a musician David put in charge of worship in the Tabernacle (1 Chronicles 16:37-43; 2 Chronicles 5:12; 35:15). He is also mentioned in Psalms 62 and 77. This psalm has almost a dirge-like quality to it. 

In this psalm, David acknowledged that life was brief and God was his only hope. We will soon be getting into this theme quite a bit when we study the life of Solomon and read Proverbs and Ecclesiastes. Jesus also spoke of the brevity of life in Luke 12:20. 

David resolved not to complain about God to others, but he continued to complain directly to God, asking Him to remove His plague. 

REFLECTION 

I have heard it said that "God's delays are not denials."  It is hard to pray and have no immediate answer, but God hears and knows, and He will answer at exactly the time He chooses, and, sometimes, waiting for those answers are part of His program of maturity for us. 

Two years ago. I was saddened and discouraged by a sermon I heard at a church that I was visiting. It reflected some values that needed growth. I prayed for that growth. 

Almost exactly, to the day (Sundays shift every year), two years later, sitting in almost the exact place, I listened to someone that made my heart sing with encouragement! There had been a whole paradigm shift in priorities and values at that same church. God nudged me and said, "Remember when you asked Me for this? This is my answer."  Then I cried. God is SO good. He made me wait, but the waiting made the answer so much sweeter! 

APPLICATION 

What are you waiting on God for?  Keep praying and pressing in closer to God through the process. Remember that waiting means to "twist your heart around God's heart"!  

Waiting in Psalm 28 is a good kind of waiting, but there is a bad kind of waiting that we can apply from Psalm 39! David talks about the brevity of life. Life is short. Are you putting off something that He wants you to do?  Ask yourself this question, "If I only had six months to live, what would I do?"  Do you need to tell someone you love them? Do you need to discipline an area of your life? Do you need to tell someone about Jesus?  What are you waiting for?

PRAYER

Lord, thank You that Your trains are always on time, and they never miss their connections! We love You and want to submit to Your timing in everything. Thank You for growing us in the waiting periods to be more like Jesus. Help us to see areas where we are waiting and not acting too!  You know our hearts, and we submit them to You. We ask this in Jesus' name. Amen. 

Psalm 27 - The Key to Confidence in Crisis is Communion

LINK: Psalm 27

BACKGROUND 

I gave a message on this psalm with many Hebrew word definitions back in 2000. Here is a PDF of the handout I made for the talk: 

Psalm 27 - The Key to Confidence in Crisis is Communion (click on this link)

Enjoy! I so loved preparing this talk, and I also enjoyed learning how to scan the handout in a PDF since it is on a very old computer, and cannot be forwarded.

REFLECTION 

Psalm 27 is my favorite Psalm. It means so much to me personally. Why? I'm glad you asked. 

First of all, it is my birthday Psalm. (I was born on July 27.)

Secondly, it contains my life verse: 

One thing I have asked of the LORD that I shall seek: 

That I dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, 

to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to meditate in His temple.  

(Psalm 27:4)

For me, this is the ONE THING that is needful in our walk with God. Jesus told Martha this when Mary was sitting at His feet instead of helping with the hospitality:

But the Lord answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things; but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:41-42)

One last reason this is my favorite psalm: For many years, I was a big scaredy cat (this means "an unduly fearful person"). By nature, I fear what man can do to me (27:1). I know it will be impossible for those of you who know me in person to believe, but I used to be pretty afraid of people. My "bubbly" and "vivacious" personality really used to be because I was so afraid in social situations. I so feared rejection that, out of nerves, I would work really hard to have them like me. Through much healing, this does not happen anymore!  

What is left may look pretty similar to what others saw on the outside (I am still pretty bubbly), but it comes from a different place now: true joy from beholding God's beauty. I just dwell in Him among people, not fearing them but loving them, and it has made all the difference! WOOHOO!

I had an opportunity to apply this psalm on Monday. For the past two years, I have dreaded going to a big furniture giveaway to the international students that our town puts on every year. I would be stressed all day, but I was not stressed at all this last Monday. God had already spoken to me on Sunday about keeping my focus on Him and doing the "ONE THING" that was needful in the midst of all the people. The worry and anxiety were dispelled, and I had the best time I have ever had!!!  God is so good. :)

APPLICATION 

Do you want to become a person of confidence? Become a person of communion! What is your commitment to communion? I have two women who hold me accountable daily in key areas of my life, and this is one of them! Who will hold you accountable?

Here is another application from the Daily Walk, June 5, 2008, that I really liked:

On a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being low and 10 high, how would you rate your "fear quotient" on the following? 

____ Fear of standing before a large group 

____ Fear of snakes or lizards 

____ Fear of the dark 

____ Fear of the future  

Fear, like acid, can destroy even the strongest resolve That which terrifies you, controls you. But it needn't be that way! "God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline" (2 Timothy 1:7). 

David knew what it was to be afraid of the dark, afraid of the future, afraid of the enemies encamped all around him. But he learned the secret of overcoming those fears: not denying that he had fears, but relying on Someone bigger than they were. In Psalm 27:1, you'll discover what David found: the Lord is the cure for what intimidates you! He has light to dispel your darkness and strength to replace your weakness. And you, like David, have the privilege of drawing upon those resources today. 

David took God at His word (27:5). Will you?

2023 Update: After many years and COVID, the furniture giveaway is no more. So sad. But my fear is also no more. Also, someone was giving a workshop on this Psalm at a major prayer conference last month, and she asked me for my input, and I sent her my PDF. 

 
PRAYER

This a lovely psalm to pray through and personalize! When I disciple women, this is usually the first one I pray through with them to teach them how to do it! In 34 years of discipling women, we have been blessed every single time!