We jumped into the Book of Psalms last week using the study “Delight: A Walk Through the Psalms” by the Daily Grace Co.

Psalm 1

“How blessed is the man.“ (verse 1, NASB)

The person in the psalms was blessed because he did not do a few things and … there were things he did do.

He did not:

• walk in the counsel of the ungodly
• stand in the way of sinners or
• sit in the seat of mockers.

But what does this mean? He did not accept the philosophies and viewpoints of society. He did not allow himself to get drawn into ungodly patterns of behaviors. He was not found in the company of those who mocked or scoffed at God.

He did:

• enjoy to read and find delight in reading God’s Word
• he meditated and thought about God’s Word throughout the day

“Delighting in the Word and meditating on the Word must go together, for whatever we enjoy, we think about and pursue.” (Warren Wiersbe)

This psalm compares the godly persons to a tree – a fruitful tree.

“The most important part of a tree is the hidden root system that draws up water and nourishment, and the most important part of the believer’s life is the “spiritual root system” that draws on the hidden resources we have in Christ.” (Warren Wiersbe)

We want our lives to bear fruit because fruit has the seed to bear more fruit.

The study asks: In what ways does this psalm encourage you to live a righteous and holy life?

This psalm reminds us that we each have the choice to make as to the way we will live. Will we live godly or ungodly lives? The answer will determine the growth of fruit in our lives.

~*~*~

Psalm 3

“But You, O Lord, are a shield about me, My glory, and the One who lifts my head.” (verse 3, NASB)

From the heading of this psalm, we know David is fleeing from Absalom – his son! His own son had formed a coup and was attempting to overthrow the king, his father.

David’s life was in danger and from his own family. From verse 2, we know that no one thought there was any hope of safety for King David. He was considered a dead man the very moment he would be caught.

Three thoughts stand out:

• Protection. David knew the Lord was his shield; the One who would surround him and keep him safe.
• Peace. He was able to lay down and sleep. He was not in fear for his life because he trusted in the promise of His God.
• Perspective. David knew his future, and the future of Israel, was not in his hands. He was confident that salvation and blessing was in store for them because the Lord was on his side.

“Without ignoring his problems, David lifted his eyes from the threatening situation around him and looked by faith to the Lord. He knew he was in danger, but God was his shield.” (Warren Wiersbe)

The study asks us to dwell on verse 5. In what ways have you experienced the Lord sustaining you?

May God give us the faith to lift our eyes from our problems to our God, who promises to be a shield about us, our glory and the One who lifts our heads.

~*~*~

Psalm 5

“My voice You shall hear in the morning, O Lord; In the morning I will direct it to You, And I will look up.” (verse 3, NASB)

The heading on this chapter in my Bible is: “A Prayer for Guidance.” There are times we long for clear cut direction.

The question becomes > Where do we seek guidance?

David knew to turn to God for guidance – he longed for God to direct his life.

“The Hebrew word translated “look up” means to wait expectantly and has a military connotation; a soldier presenting himself to his commander to receive orders, or an army set in battle array on the field.” (Warren Wiersbe)

The study, and this psalm, reminds us to not only lay our requests out before God, but then to look up and wait.

“We should pour out our hearts and our requests before the Lord, and then ask Him to do what is best. We must recognize like David that we do not always know what is best for ourselves, but the Lord always knows what is best for us.”

(from Delight by The Daily Grace Co.)

If we are honest – It’s hard to wait. We often feel like we are doing nothing but should be doing something. May we remember waiting is a deliberate action.

We wait, looking up, for God to provide guidance. For God to show us what is best for our lives.

The study asks: What can you learn about prayer from this psalm?

~*~*~

We experience blessing
as we lift our eyes to the Lord
while we wait on Him and find joy as we wait.

 

Photo 1: by James Fitzgerald on Unsplash
Photo 2: by Kateryna Hliznitsova on Unsplash
Photo 3: by Engin Akyurt from Pixabay

Today I may be joining … Tell His Story and InstaEncouragements .