Psalm 15

Scripture 

Psalm 15:1 

“Lord, who may dwell in your sacred tent?  Who may live on your holy mountain?”

Observation-What does it say?

King David writes this Psalm and lists the characteristics of people who can dwell in God’s sacred tent and holy mountain.

Understanding-What does it mean?

God is concerned with our character, more than He is with our outward appearance.

If you look at the list in this Psalm (blameless, righteous, truthful, not slanderous, no wrong done to a neighbor, honors and fears the Lord, keeps oath even when it hurts, lends money to poor, etc.), there is nothing in this list that talks about outward appearance such as how beautiful/handsome someone is, what type of clothes are worn, the amount of money they make, education, how big their house is, type of car they drive, their profession, how many followers they have on social media, etc. It all has to do with the person’s character and integrity.

It is fitting that King David wrote this Psalm because God didn’t chose him based on his outward appearance either. For those who don’t know King David’s story, he was the youngest son tending sheep, while his older brothers “looked” more qualified than he did to be king. However, God still chose David because of his heart, not outward appearance.  This is what the Lord told Samuel (who was sent to anoint David as king):  

“But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things people look at.  People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” -1 Samuel 16:7

Life Application

Invest time in being a person of Godly character and integrity and be willing to go through trials with the Lord, which is how character is refined. (James 1)

Instead of trying to impress and prove ourselves to the world and people who don’t really truly care about us, why don’t we live our lives trying to impress the One who truly matters? The One who will always be there even if everything was taken away. The One who holds eternity in His hands and not only sees, rewards and will judge things done in public, but things done in private as well. 

-Michelle Gaddi

Psalm 14

Scripture

Psalm 14:5-7

5 But there they are, overwhelmed with dread,

    for God is present in the company of the righteous.

6 You evildoers frustrate the plans of the poor,

    but the Lord is their refuge.

7 Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion!

    When the Lord restores his people,

    let Jacob rejoice and Israel be glad!

-       New International Version

5 Terror will grip them,

    for God is with those who obey him.

6 The wicked frustrate the plans of the oppressed,

    but the Lord will protect his people.

7 Who will come from Mount Zion to rescue Israel?

    When the Lord restores his people,

    Jacob will shout with joy, and Israel will rejoice.

-       New Living Translation

Observation-What does it say?

Although it’s unconfirmed exactly what Saul was facing when this Psalm was written, it’s clear he felt oppressed and/or opposed by unbelievers.   

Understanding-What does it mean?

The message is clear…

-       God is with those who obey Him

-       The Lord will protect His people

-       The Lord restores His people

And the third (verse 7) is my favorite…

7 Who will come from Mount Zion to rescue Israel?

    When the Lord restores his people,

    Jacob will shout with joy, and Israel will rejoice.

It’s not a matter of if God will restore, but when; and we are reminded throughout Psalms that we serve a God who restores, who draws near, who heals, who rescues.

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.  - Psalm 34:18

The Lord nurses them when they are sick and restores them to health.  - Psalm 41:3

Who will come from Mount Zion to rescue Israel? When God restores his people, Jacob will shout with joy, and Israel will rejoice.  - Psalm 53:6

And, if we believe that our God is unchanging, the same yesterday, today and forever more, then it’s safe to say, we still serve a God of restoration today. 

Life Application

God is the great restorer.

Restorer of relationships, hearts, people. 

Restoration can take many looks – healing, the righting of wrongs, forgiveness, being made whole, providing peace – all of which we need today.

May we cry out like David for the restoration we desire and need today – in our families, in our nation, in the hearts of those we love.

-Rei Bailey

Psalm_13

Scripture - What stood out?Psalm 13:5But I trust in your unfailing love;

    my heart rejoices in your salvation. Observation - What does it say?This psalm begins with these words in verse 1 “How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?” And it sets this despondent depressed tone for much of this 6 verse psalm until in verse 5 David changes course and takes a firm leap of faith - and trusts in God’s unfailing love. Understanding - What does it mean?I had a moment last week though that triggered in my memory as I read verse 5. I had just finished royally screwing up my part during a live-stream sunday service, so I’m beating myself up and  as I finished apologizing to my pastor, I stepped outside and was greeted by the most glorious breeze of my life. I stood there just trying my best to absorb and feel every bit of gentle wind on my face and body. And I remember taking a breath and just appreciating God. And I just knew things were going to be okay. I still offered my pastor to exchange interns later on that week but much of the sting of my failure was gone and (it didn’t hurt that my pastor adamantly refused such an exchange!). What a difference it makes once we shift in God’s direction. The pastors at desert streams church are constantly talking about our posture towards God. What position are you in? Are you ready to receive all that God is trying to offer you? How are you positioning yourself in relation to God? I believe that king David begins this psalm filled with melancholy and doubt. By verse 5 however he has found his breath of fresh air and he changes his spiritual course, his attitude, his position, his posture. He resolves to trust in God’s unfailing love. Life Application - How can I apply this to my life today? Day 18 in pastor and author Gary Khan’s devotional Reset asks us to head to city hall with a few fellow believers and pray for our administrators. He even suggests to write to our city’s mayor with encouraging life giving words. I already know how mine will begin, “You are a democrat and I am a christian. We live in the same city and for some reason God has chosen to put you in a leadership position over me. Why I am not sure. But of this I am - God’s love for you and myself is unfailing….” May i finish that letter today Lord. And may my words to our city’s leadership be like you were for me just over a week ago, a breath of fresh air. In the name of Jesus do I pray. Amen. -kenneth lee