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 

Psalm 12

Scripture

‭‭Psalm‬ ‭12:6‬ ‭NLT‬‬

“The Lord’s promises are pure, like silver refined in a furnace, purified seven times over.”  

 

Observation-What does it say?

 

In this psalm, David cries out to God for help. David is living in a shattered world where the righteous and faithful are quickly disappearing. The wicked seem to be flourishing and walking around thinking that they are untouchable. But David knows that God sees all. David knows justice will be served. David is standing firm on the promises of God.

 

Understanding-What does it mean?

 

Stand on the promises of God.

 

Have you ever felt like David? Have you ever been so discouraged with your life and the world around you? Have you ever felt as though God is letting the unruly rule? I know I have. But like David, I choose to find encouragement in God and His Word. Like verse 6 in this morning’s passage says, “The Lord’s promises are pure, like silver refined in a furnace, purified seven times over.” But what are some of God’s promises?

 

Here are a few promises of God I know of:

 

•He will be with you.

•He will protect you.

•He will be your strength.

•He will provide your every need.

•He will give you peace.

•He will love you unconditionally.

 

There are hundreds, if not thousands of promises found in the Bible. And if you’re like me, (or David here), and trust and believe that God’s promises are pure, you are sure to find strength and encouragement in them.

 

Life Application

 

Seek and you will find.

 

“If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.”-Jeremiah‬ ‭29:13‬ ‭NLT

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We worship the God of the universe. He is faithful and just. His promises never fail. Will you choose to stand on His promises when times are tough? I encourage us all to dive into His Word daily, seek His promises, and see just how faithful our God is.

 

-Moses Gaddi