Psalm 35-11.4.21
Scripture
Psalm 35:22-23
Lord, you have seen this; do not be silent. Do not be far from me, Lord. Awake, and rise to my defense! Contend for me, my God and Lord.
Observation
David calls out to God when his enemies mock him.
Understanding
While reading, Matthew 7:7 began to ring in my ears. Thinking about it, it makes total sense: God is the ultimate comforter. When I’m going through tough times, I need to call out to God, like David in this scripture. Most of the time when I’m having a tough time, I ask God, “Why is this happening? Why are you making me feel this way?” I spend time with God when things are tough, but I don’t tend to ask God directly to take action. But God spoke to me while reading. He knows I hate feeling the things I feel. He knows I hate some of these experiences, but He doesn’t want me to suffer. All I need to do to turn it around is in this scripture. I just need to ask, just as David does.
Life Application
This lesson God has given me reminded me of a TikTok I saw a little while ago. I didn’t think much of it then, but I understand it now. This lady said, “It’s okay to not be okay, but it’s never okay to suffer in silence.”
Obviously, David was there a lot, but he never stayed silent. He always cried out to God and we need to do the same.
-Anakin Cerda
Psalm 34-11.3.21
Scripture
Psalm 34:1
I will bless the Lord at ALL times. His praise will always be on my lips.
Observation-What does it say?
David was a fugitive on the run from Saul and he fled to Achich King of Gath, in hopes of finding refuge. However, because of something Achich’s servants said that King David took to heart, he pretended to be insane, was kicked out and on the run again. The place he escaped to was the cave of Adullam. It was in this cave where commentators say that King David wrote this Psalm, while in hiding and on the run from Saul.
(References: David Guzuk commentary from Enduringword.com AND 1 Samuel 21:10-22:1)
Understanding-What does it mean?
Even in hiding and the least ideal of circumstances, King David still praised the Lord!
Imagine with me for a moment being in King David’s shoes and having no place to call home here on earth because you are on the run for your life! Even the place you were hoping to find refuge turned out to be unsafe for you. However, because King David had his full hope and trust in the Lord, he was still able to praise Him in the midst of the least ideal of circumstances.
Life Application
I will bless the Lord at ALL times. His praise will always be on my lips. (Psalm 34:1)
We are not called to only praise the Lord when things are going well in life. We must praise Him even through the hardships, just like King David did. Even through grief, pain, and uncertainty in life, we must know and trust that His character is ALWAYS good and never stop worshipping Him! The Apostle Paul was the same way. Even when imprisoned, He still found joy through it all (see the book of Philippians). Let’s be like these men!
-Michelle Gaddi
Psalms 33-11.2.21
Scripture:
Psalms 33
13 From heaven the LORD looks down and sees all mankind;
14 from his dwelling place he watches all who live on earth—
15 he who forms the hearts of all, who considers everything they do.
16 No king is saved by the size of his army; no warrior escapes by his great strength.
17 A horse is a vain hope for deliverance; despite all its great strength it cannot save.
18 But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love,
19 to deliver them from death
and keep them alive in famine.
Observation:
In Psalm 33, the psalmist gives a call to praise and to give God the glory He is due. Verses 13-18 remind us that the Mighty, All-powerful, All-knowing, God is in control of all. And yet, He looks down on His people and considers us.
Understanding:
No king is saved by the size of his army; no warrior escapes by his great strength. A horse is a vain hope for deliverance; despite all its great strength it cannot save. I’m sure a king feels powerful, but he is only powerful if God allows it. We might think we have earned or deserve the blessings in our lives, but we need to acknowledge where they really come from.
But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him. “To fear God is to know Him as He is and respond accordingly.” (John Mac Arthur) As we spend time learning to truly know Him, we have no choice but to respond – to His commands, to His direction, to His call upon our lives. Those that fear Him, He considers – or sees, regards, favors. As we seek to “see” Him, He sees us. I don’t know about you, but I want to be seen by God.
Life Application:
Vs. 21-22 In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. May your unfailing love be with us, LORD, even as we put our hope in You.
I am so grateful that the Almighty God, the powerful ruler of the universe, takes the time to look down on me. Teach me to fear You. I put my hope in You.
-Debbie Dunn