Psalm 126-3.21.22
Scripture
Psalms 126:5-6 NIV
“Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy. Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them.”
Observation-What does it say?
According to Matthew Henry’s commentary, this psalm was likely written upon the return of the Israelites from Babylonian captivity. It is a psalm which expresses redemption, joy, and gratitude towards God. It reflects on God’s ability to heal and restore anything.
Understanding-What does it mean?
Spring showers brings May flowers.
You ever hear that saying? With Spring officially starting yesterday, there is an expectation of gloomy and rainy weather ahead. But the results from that weather brings in something beautiful. I’m talking about green grassy meadows, an assortment of vibrant colors on flowers and roses, and a sense of new life in nature. The verse I chose kind of reminds me of all that. We all go through those “gloomy and rainy” seasons in life. Some of us may be in the midst of one right now. But take heart! Be encouraged that the God of the universe has the power to heal, restore, and make things new. Stand firm in your faith and trust in God. Know that the darkest nights produce the brightest stars. Know that every season has its purpose. And know that God has a purpose behind everything. Allow Him to use whatever situation you may be in right now to stretch your faith, grow you, and mold you into becoming more Christ.
“But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.” -Isaiah 40:31
“But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds,’ declares the Lord.” -Jeremiah 30:17a
Life Application
God has the power to heal, restore, and make things new.
Dear Heavenly Father,
You are Almighty. You are able to take something as broken as this world and restore it like new. You restored humanity from the curse of our sin (which leads to death), and allowed us the opportunity to have eternal life with You in Heaven. Thank You Jesus for allowing that by dying on the cross for our sins. Thank You for restoring my relationship with God. I pray for anyone out there hurting, suffering with broken hearts. I pray that You may mend and heal and restore their hearts and make them new. May You make yourself real to these people the way You did for me. May their hearts turn to You and be forever changed. May they praise and worship Your Holy Name forever. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
-Moses Gaddi
3.18.22 - 1 Samuel 29
Scripture - What stood out?
1 Samuel 29:11
So David set out with his men early in the morning to return to the land of the Philistines. But the Philistines went up to Jezreel.
Observation - What does it say?
David had sought asylum with the Philistine king of Gath, Achish. On the eve of battle against the Israelites (David’s heritage), the Philistine elders say that having David on the battlefield is too great a risk. And Achish, David’s current liege, obeys the elders wishes - and in turn David obeys Achish.
Understanding - What does it mean?
One of my favorite seasons in David’s life is the way that he rose to power or the path that he took to finally be anointed as the rightful ruler of Judah. Rejected by king Saul, David found refuge with one of his enemies. The philistine king Achish who represents the God-less/pagan world in this story says this about David - the same David who took on and defeated the Philistine champion Goliath:
“As the Lord lives, you have been honest, and to me it seems right that you should march out and in with me in the campaign. For I have found nothing wrong in you from the day of your coming to me to this day. Nevertheless, the lords do not approve of you. So go back now; and go peaceably, that you may not displease the lords of the Philistines.”
War tends to blur the lines between loyalty,trust, and obedience but there is something so sweet about David finding favor in the eyes of “the enemy”.
In many ways this is what I would like for my life. To be known as a Christian and for those that do not want or obey God to treat me with a begrudging…something…And not for my name’s sake but for Christ’s - the true King.
Life Application - How can I apply this to my life today?
Lord, I always learn so much from your servant David. Teach me to live my life so that I may find favor with You much like David did. Teach me to follow your ways so that when the time comes I will be prepared, covered, and coated in your Holy Spirit.
For the scepter of wickedness shall not rest
on the land allotted to the righteous,
lest the righteous stretch out
their hands to do wrong (Psalm 125:3)
1 Samuel 28-3.17.22
Scripture
1 Samuel 28:17 NIV
“The Lord has done what he predicted through me. The Lord has torn the kingdom out of your hands and given it to one of your neighbors—to David.”
Observation
Saul contacts a medium in an attempt to gain guidance from Samuel, who had passed on.
Understanding
After failing to get an answer from God, Saul consults a medium and he is able to contact Samuel. While talking to him, in the verse after this one, Samuel says it’s his inability to obey God that brought him here, and that he made Samuel his promise, which has finally come to pass. It’s comforting to know that God’s promises will always come to pass, obviously here for Saul it’s not, but for us it is.
Life Application
We need to take comfort in the fact that God’s promises never fail. They will always come to pass. It’s not always easy of course. Life always finds its way to hurt or distract us, but this is our comfort, our reason to rejoice.
-Anakin Cerda