TODAY IN THE WORD

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 2 Samuel 22
Sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth. - Psalm 96:1
TODAY IN THE WORD
Singing is a natural means of expressing our feelings. Whether a soaring hymn in a cathedral, a soft lullaby to a child, a plaintive lament at a memorial service, or solitary singing in the shower, singing is a creative gift from God. It uses both our souls and our bodies to express emotion, and every culture around the globe employs some form of singing as a part of their emotive expression.

In today’s passage we have a beautiful example of David’s poetic song of praise to God. In response to God’s deliverance from Saul, David offered this song (see Psalm 18 for a parallel). First, David opened with general praise. God is exulted as “rock,” “fortress,” and “deliverer” (v. 2). Because of who He is and what He has done, the Lord “is worthy of praise” (v. 4).

Next David moved into specifics. In the face of death itself (recall that Saul repeatedly tried to kill David), David cried out to the Lord and the Lord delivered. In a moving description of God’s awe-inspiring presence, David depicted a scene reminiscent of God’s earth-trembling appearance at Mount Sinai. Verses 7 through 20 could have been summarized simply by saying that “God delivered me,” but Scripture wants us to see, feel, and experience the grandeur of our God.

Third, David moved into the reason for God’s deliverance, broken into two parts. First, David claimed he was “righteous” and “blameless” before God (vv. 21-25). While this may puzzle us given David’s grave sins in chapter 11, we must remember the setting of verse 1. Specifically regarding his treatment of Saul, twice sparing the king’s life, David did not sin. But the more important reason for God’s deliverance is God’s own character: “You, LORD, are my lamp; the LORD turns my darkness into light” (v. 29). It is because of who God is that we can turn to Him for deliverance.

Finally, David ended his song with further adoration and praise of God’s character and action (vv. 32-51). We end where we began. God is perfect and beyond compare. He is our provider and enabler. He alone gives victory. He alone is to be praised and exalted.

APPLY THE WORD
Thoughtful, poetic praise of God was an important part of David’s life. We can offer God our own creative expressions of thanksgiving. As you look back over the past month, how has God been your rock, defender, and deliverer? Try creating your own song, poem, or picture of praise to God by following David’s example, exalting Him both for who He is and for what He has done for you.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 2 Samuel 23:1-7
When one rules over people in righteousness. . . he is like the light of morning at sunrise. - 2 Samuel 23:3-4
TODAY IN THE WORD
A familiar scene in books and movies depicts a family gathered around a dying father. In those moments, the father might express his love toward his family. But he might also take that opportunity to impart some final wisdom, reminding them of his life lessons, and urging them toward certain actions in the future.

Although David was not technically on his death bed, today’s reading constitutes his “last words” (v. 1). What words of wisdom did David wish to impart? First, David was careful to explain what kind of words these were. He repeatedly emphasized the divine character of his speech. This was the “inspired utterance” (v. 1) of David, through whom “the Spirit of the LORD spoke” (v. 2). Scripture takes care to point out that this speech of David is delivered by the inspiration of the Spirit, and we must take special note.

Notably, the first part of David’s speech was not about David, but God. And what God spoke about were the qualities of ideal leadership: ruling “people in righteousness” and “in the fear of God” (v. 3). Only then will such leadership be like the bright morning sun and the renewing rains that bring forth life. While this was true in part with David’s reign, we realize that David did not always rule this way. God’s picture of the ideal ruler, then, points us to the day when that picture will be fulfilled completely—in the eternal reign of Christ in His kingdom. David’s words contain hints at what is yet to come.

Next, David’s speech moved to his own response to God’s picture of the ideal ruler. While we see that in part David met these qualifications, this also points us to something bigger, beyond himself. It was not just David in focus here, but his “house”; not just David’s present kingdom, but God’s promised “everlasting covenant” (v. 5). Again, we look forward for some future Ruler in the house of David that will reign with a righteousness that renews and restores. Finally, those who resist such a Ruler will be discarded and excluded like useless thorns (vv. 6-7).

APPLY THE WORD
Today’s reading points us to the future Ruler from David’s house, who will reign in righteousness and bring forth life. It also highlights just how few leaders in today’s world exhibit such biblical leadership. As you long for the day when Jesus’ rule is fully revealed, also pray fervently for our earthly leaders around the world today, that like David they might reflect something of the righteousness and godly fear of that coming kingdom.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 2 Samuel 23:8-39
But he refused to drink it; instead, he poured it out before the LORD. - 2 Samuel 23:16
TODAY IN THE WORD
Every year in August, a new group of players are enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. Over 250 athletes have been chosen as “individuals who have made outstanding contributions to professional football.” Once selected, the enshrined player is honored with a sculpture that goes on permanent display in the Hall of Fame for future generations of football fans to see.

Today’s reading is a hall of fame of another sort: a list of David’s mighty warriors. The passage starts with “the Three,” and their deeds are impressive. Josheb-Basshebeth killed 800 enemies in one stand; Eleazar stood his ground when the rest of Israel fled; and Shammah single-handedly defended a lentil field against the Philistines. Despite their worthiness as mighty men, don’t miss another important message about their strength: “The LORD brought about a great victory” (vv. 10, 12). God was behind their success.

Then there was the incident of water from Bethlehem. The Three risked their lives to obtain water from a well surrounded by the enemy. David was amazed, but refused to drink. The deeds were incredible, but again the focus was on God. Scripture tells us that David “poured it out before the LORD” (v. 16). The blood of these men belonged to God, and David could do nothing but offer to God such a gift. The real honor belonged to Him.

The list of mighty men continues, from Abishai, the commander of the Three, to Benaiah son of Jehoiada, lion fighter and Egyptian slayer, to the list of the Thirty. There is again a subtle lesson in an otherwise dry list of names. Near the top of the list, the men came largely from the region of Judah (David’s own tribe). But as the list progresses, the mighty men came from non-Judean regions in Israel, and then eventually from outside Israel altogether (such as Igal from Zobah and Uriah the Hittite). So while the apparent focus is on their valiant work for David, the list also underscores God’s faithfulness to His promise with David in establishing him king over all Israel and beyond.

APPLY THE WORD
Numerous men and women in our own lives serve God well. As we remind ourselves of their worthy work, we must remember the One to whom our honor truly belongs. Make a list today of all those you know who have offered their lives in service to God and neighbor and then thank the Lord for all that He has done through these individuals. Pray that God will continue to raise up mighty men and women who are willing to risk all to serve Him.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 2 Samuel 24
I am in deep distress. Let us fall into the hands of the LORD, for his mercy is great. - 2 Samuel 24:14
TODAY IN THE WORD
Thomas Chisolm had a difficult life. Despite chronic illness and long hours of work, he nevertheless understood the unending faithfulness and mercy of God. From that experience, Chisolm penned the now-famous hymn whose refrain proclaims: “Great is Thy faithfulness / Great is Thy faithfulness / Morning by morning new mercies I see / All I have needed Thy hand hath provided / Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me.”

We may wonder if this theme of faithfulness and mercy is relevant in today’s reading. We may be caught up in the numerous questions that arise about why David’s military census was so wrong, and especially why it seems God would incite David to do something that later turned out to be unwise. While these are important questions, too much focus on them obscures the central message of the passage: the mercy and faithfulness of God.

After the census had been taken, we are told that David was “conscience-stricken after he had counted the fighting men” (v. 10). Here in David’s response and in God’s actions we see the central theme of mercy. First, David’s response tells us something about God. Knowing God’s character, David turned to Him in confession and asked for the removal of his guilt. Then, when God provided David three options for punishment, David again relied on the character of God: “I am in deep distress. Let us fall into the hands of the LORD, for his mercy is great” (v. 14). Even in the face of sin and punishment, David viewed God primarily as merciful. Is this the way you view God?

Second, God’s actions demonstrated His mercy. As a consequence of David’s sin, God punished all Israel. But notice what ended the plague: “The LORD relented concerning the disaster” (v. 16). Likewise, after David followed God’s command to build an altar and offer sacrifice, “Then the LORD answered his prayer in behalf of the land, and the plague on Israel was stopped” (v. 25). Sin has consequences, but God is gracious and will intervene out of His love, forgiveness, and mercy.

APPLY THE WORD
As you reflect on this month’s study, notice that the theme of sin and consequences has been prominent. But Scripture encourages us to dwell on the mercy and faithfulness of God. Consider ending your study today by singing Chisolm’s fourth stanza: “Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth / Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide; / Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow, / Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!”

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Psalm 1
Thus you will walk in the ways of the good and keep to the paths of the righteous. - Proverbs 2:20
TODAY IN THE WORD
In his famous poem, “The Road Not Taken,” Robert Frost could have been describing the choice presented to us in Psalm 1: “Two roads diverged in a wood, and I / I took the one less traveled by / And that has made all the difference.” Psalm 1 portrays two paths in life, the way of the righteous and the way of the wicked. Choosing the path of righteousness leads to blessedness and flourishing. The other road leads to impermanence, injustice, and destruction.

Our study this month will examine selections from the book of Psalms, and Psalm 1 provides a perfect introduction not only to our readings this month but also to the entire Psalter. Throughout the Psalms, the reader is confronted with the choice and consequences of different paths in life.

Psalm 1 opens with the word blessed or happy (v. 1), which doesn’t mean happy as the world defines happiness. Rather, blessedness is fullness of joy, wisdom, and shalom, the peace of a life lived according to God’s design. The three lines of verse 1 parallel each other. The words “walk,” “stand,” and “sit” are analogous and indicate a progression. Similarly “in step,” “in the way,” and “in the company” correspond, as do names of the unrighteous.

The “but” of verse 2 marks a stark contrast between what the blessed avoids (v. 1) and what he pursues (v. 2). The Hebrew word translated here as “law” is torah. Torah is not limited to the Mosaic Law or the first five books of the Old Testament; it refers to all of God’s instruction and revelation. Just like a tree will thrive and bear fruit as a result of its placement, so too will the person who loves and reflects deeply on God’s words (v. 3).

The wicked are the opposite. Farmers winnow grain at harvest, tossing it in the air so that the wind blows away the chaff and the substantial grain falls back onto the threshing floor. The wicked are likened to chaff. They are insubstantial and temporary; they do not pursue justice and righteousness. Blessedness and Yahweh’s care are the natural results of the way of life of the righteous. The result of the way of life of the wicked is ruin (v. 6).

APPLY THE WORD
Who doesn’t want to be like a tree planted by streams of water, experiencing flourishing, fruitfulness, and God’s shalom? Psalm 1 describes how to pursue this way of life: delight and meditate on God’s Word. Five primary ways to engage God’s Word are Hearing, Reading, Studying, Memorizing, and Meditating. In which of these could you grow as a lover and student of God’s Word? Purpose this month to choose the blessed path and focus on at least one of these five areas.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Psalm 2
Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before me; your throne will be established forever. - 2 Samuel 7:16
TODAY IN THE WORD
Great pomp and circumstance surround the United States presidential inauguration, which includes the oath of office, inaugural address, prayers, music, parade, luncheon, and balls. This ceremony is an important part of our constitutional transfer of power from one elected leader to another.

The coronation of each successive Davidic king also held great significance to God’s ancient people, for it was a time to confirm God’s faithfulness to His covenant with David and with them (2 Sam. 7:8-16). Psalm 2 depicts the coronation ceremony of the Davidic king.

Psalm 2 contains four sections, each with a distinct speaker. First, the psalmist introduces the foreign nations rebelling against God and His king (vv. 1-3). Second, God mocks the kings and announces the installation of His king of choice (vv. 4-6). Third, the Davidic king rehearses God’s promises to himself (vv. 7-9). Finally, the psalmist warns the kings of the nations of God’s wrath and calls them to submit to the LORD (vv. 10-12).

Two important themes flow out of Psalm 2. First, the Davidic king is understood to be God’s son, to have a special relationship with God (v. 7); he also represents all of God’s people. Psalm 2 sets a pattern for God’s anointed one or messiah: God commits by covenant to His anointed king and His people; persecutors mock the king and inflict suffering on him; God ultimately vindicates His king. At the end of our study of the Psalms we will see how other messianic psalms follow this pattern. The second theme follows the first: there is disparity between the power of God and his king and the feeble nations who defy God as King and the one He puts on the human throne.

“Blessed” functions as the bookends of Psalm 1:1 and Psalm 2:12. There is evidence from early Judaism and Christianity that Psalms 1 and 2 were read as one unit, which served as an introduction to the entire Psalter. Psalm 2 affirms that the blessed are those who trust the Son and take refuge in Him (v. 12); the wicked are those who mock and reject God’s king.

APPLY THE WORD
The final Davidic King and Messiah, Jesus, was mocked and killed for obedience to His Father; He was vindicated by God through His resurrection and exaltation. Jesus’ followers will also suffer because of Him (John 15:18-25; Phil. 3:10; 2 Tim. 3:12; 1 Peter 4:12-19). Today, pray for Christians around the world who face persecution for their faith in Jesus. Even though most of us don’t face that level of physical threat, pray that all believers will have greater trust in God’s promise of ultimate victory in Him.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Psalm 84
For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light. - Psalm 36:9
TODAY IN THE WORD
One of the most-famous quotes from C. S. Lewis comes from his book, The Weight of Glory: “If we consider . . . the staggering nature of the rewards promised in the Gospels, it would seem that Our Lord finds our desires, not too strong, but too weak. We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea.” Psalm 84 is a quintessential psalm of praise about greater desires for God’s presence. For the next five days, we’ll focus on this and other psalms of praise.

The psalmist declares: “Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere” (v. 10). No place compares to being in God’s presence and praising Him (v. 4). Verses 1 through 4 recount the psalmist’s yearning for God’s presence and his adoration of God’s dwelling place. He employs four expressions: “your dwelling place” (v. 1); “the courts of the LORD” (v. 2); “a place near your altar” (v. 3); and “your house” (v. 4). Birds are a symbol of the life, freedom, and joy experienced by those who dwell near God, and with his entire being, the psalmist longs to make God’s presence his home, like the birds have.

Psalm 84 was traditionally sung during the arduous pilgrimage to the temple in Jerusalem. Most pilgrims would pass through desolate valleys like the one mentioned in verse 6. Their spiritual journey mirrored their physical journey. Valleys of despair would transform into blessing as they anticipated being with God (vv. 5-7).

The theme of the blessed and the wicked resurfaces throughout Psalm 84. Only in Psalm 84 does “blessed” appear three times. The blessed are those who dwell with God, ever praising Him; they trust and find their strength in Him; and they walk blamelessly in God’s way (vv. 4, 5, 11-12). The wicked are only mentioned once (v. 10). The psalmist affirms that it is better to be on the outskirts of God’s presence than to live among those who live in opposition to God’s way.

APPLY THE WORD
Even daily demands divert our attention away from deeply dwelling with God. Are you thirsting for more of God’s transforming presence in your life? You must be intentional and courageous to abandon the cycle of everyday life to seek God in a fresh way. It’s life-giving and worth it. Consider a retreat, a Bible study or spiritual formation conference, or join God’s local or global mission. God has offered us the opportunity to dwell with Him—do we long for that, too?

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Psalm 103
The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness. - Exodus 34:6
TODAY IN THE WORD
Some cultures have multiple words to express the various aspects of what the English-speaking world simply calls “love.” In English, we say, “I love my dog” or “I love this pizza” and use the same word when we say, “I love my best friend” and “I love my husband.” Ancient Hebrew had a special word to convey God’s steadfast, loyal, covenant love: hesed. God’s hesed anchors our passage today (vv. 4, 8, 11, 17).

Psalm 103 begins and ends with six invitations from the psalmist to “praise the LORD” (vv. 1-2, 20-22). Part of praise is recollection of “all his benefits.” The psalmist’s praise begins with God’s forgiveness, because everything else flows from that. God is forgiver, healer, redeemer, bestower of love and compassion, satisfier, and life-renewer. The Lord’s hesed is unmatched in all the cosmos, and anywhere hesed is lived out, it originates from God. The Lord’s hesed and compassion are the grounds for praise and the hope for forgiveness for sinners.

The psalmist next considers the Lord’s ministry toward Israel (vv. 6-10). Verse 8 quotes one of the most essential statements about God in the Bible, when God declares His name to Moses (Ex. 34:6). Whereas Psalm 103 begins with praising God for what He does, this section praises God for what He does not do (vv. 9-10). God does not treat us as our sins deserve. His love is immeasurable; He has removed our transgressions from us; He loves us like a father; and He knows we are mortal (vv. 11-15).

The psalmist contrasts the impermanence of humans with God’s everlasting love (vv. 15-18). God’s love and compassion are for “those who fear him” (vv. 11, 13, 17). They do not receive His love and compassion because they fear Him. Rather, they fear God because they have been forgiven through His love and compassion.

Psalm 103 begins and ends with seven references to “all” (vv. 1-3, 19-22), giving this song of praise a complete and all-encompassing tone. It closes with a cosmic perspective of God’s sovereignty over all.

APPLY THE WORD
Scripture teaches us how to pray and praise. Today, join the writer of Psalm 103 in praise of the Lord as you pray through verses 1 through 5 inserting your personal experiences. For example, pray the words “who forgives all your sins,” and then praise God for forgiving your specific sins. Next, pray “and heals all your diseases,” and praise Him for the ways He has healed you spiritually and physically. Continue in this way through verse 5.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Psalm 104
He himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else. - Acts 17:25
TODAY IN THE WORD
In 1968, Apollo 8 was the first human spaceflight to leave Earth’s orbit and successfully enter and leave the Moon’s orbit. Approximately 239,000 miles from Earth, the three-man crew was the first to see Earth as a whole planet. The crew gave a television broadcast from the Moon’s orbit on Christmas Eve and read Genesis 1:1-10. The famous Earthrise picture testifies to the crew’s extraordinary encounter with God’s creation and His majesty. Thousands of years earlier, the poet of Psalm 104 chronicled his encounter with the Creator and His creation.

Psalms 103 and 104 are intimately connected. The opening and closing phrase “Praise” or “Bless the LORD, my soul” only appears in these two psalms. Psalm 103 praises our Savior who forgives; Psalm 104 praises our Creator who provides and sustains.

God is “clothed with splendor and majesty” (vv. 1-4); His glory is reflected in the beauty of His creation. He is the creator of heaven and earth, and He maintains mastery over the powerful waters (vv. 5-9). God speaks, and it is so (v. 7). He orders creation to care for and nourish animals, birds, and people (vv. 10-18). God marks the day and night, which regulate the work of animals and humanity (vv. 19-23). People work, and the Lord works (vv. 23-24). This is one way that humans live in the image of God. The psalmist briefly admires the wisdom of God’s works (v. 24), then affirms the Lord’s sovereignty over the sea and marine life (vv. 25-26).

“All creatures” depend daily on God’s sustenance, breath, and renewal (vv. 27-30). The same Hebrew word can be translated as “breath” or “spirit” (vv. 29-30). God gives and takes away the breath of all creatures (v. 29). His divine breath, His Spirit, is the source of life and regeneration (v. 30). The psalmist praises God’s magnificent creation and His care and provision for all He has made. Verse 35 may seem out of place, but the psalmist knows that those who defy God’s sovereignty, deny their dependence on Him, and persecute those who praise Him do not fit within God’s shalom.

APPLY THE WORD
In our culture, worship of God is often relegated to music or singing, yet there are innumerable ways to praise God beyond the hymns and songs on Sunday morning. Ask God to stretch your worship muscles this month as you read through the Psalms. Like the writer of Psalm 104, take time this month to revel in God’s creation and provision and then praise Him for it. Try recording your praise through a journal entry, poem, song, photograph, or piece of art.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Psalm 145
Let every creature praise his holy name forever and ever. - Psalm 145:21
TODAY IN THE WORD
What do the Lone Ranger, the Mickey Mouse Band Concert, and the 2008 Honda Civic campaign have in common? The William Tell Overture. Originally composed as the instrumental introduction to the opera Guillaume Tell in the nineteenth century, the Overture has become absorbed into popular culture. Our psalm today was also well-known to worshipers, as it functions like an overture or introduction for the finale of the Psalter (Psalms 146-150).

Psalm 145 is the only psalm identified by its superscription as “a praise of David.” It is also an acrostic poem, meaning each line begins with the next successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet. Note also how the words “all” or “every” occur 17 times throughout the psalm. The psalmist uses both these devices to indicate completeness and com-prehensiveness. As one Bible scholar puts it, Psalm 145 declares that “The Lord is praised every day forever and ever, from one generation to another by all his works and all his faithful [ones] for all his words and deeds.”

The psalmist opens with his strong intention to praise God forever. He also identifies God as “the King” (vv. 1-2) and speaks of His everlasting kingdom (vv. 11-13). The remainder of Psalm 145 tells what kind of King is praised and what His kingdom is like. God is a powerful, majestic, and great king, abundantly good and righteous (vv. 3-7; cf. v. 17). The all-important quote from Exodus 34:6-7 confirms, “The LORD is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love” (v. 8). The King is trustworthy and faithful; He uplifts the humble; He provides for and satisfies His people; He is near, and He rescues those who call on Him; He watches over His flock (vv. 13-20). Indeed, this King is worthy to be praised (v. 3).

In Psalm 1, the righteous and the wicked co-exist. Here, toward the end of the Psalter, the wicked are destroyed, and only the righteous remain with God the King (v. 20). Psalm 145 ends with a call to worship: “Let every creature praise his holy name forever and ever” (v. 21).

APPLY THE WORD
God is King of all kings, the perfect King; there is no king like Him. Yet, the kings and rulers of our world hold power and influence that could be used to glorify God the King and bless the people He has made. Take time today to pray for world leaders as 1 Timothy 2:1-2 instructs us, remembering that the Lord holds kings’ hearts in His hands (Prov. 21:1). Pray they would reflect God and His kingdom in how they exercise their leadership.

[Soldier4Christ]

TODAY IN THE WORD
As the Pevensie children learn about Aslan in C. S. Lewis’s The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, they inquire of Mr. Beaver: “Is [Aslan] quite safe?” To which their friend replies, “Safe? . . .’course he isn’t safe. But’s he’s good.” The children also learn that when Aslan returns, “he’ll put all to rights.” Though he is not safe, his character is good, just, and redemptive. Therefore, he is trustworthy. Psalm 146 teaches that God is trustworthy, because of His character.

Psalm 146 is the first of five “Hallelujah Psalms” that conclude the Psalter, and each are framed by “praise the Lord” or “Hallelujah.” The psalmist opens with a call to praise the LORD and a response: “I will praise the LORD all my life” (vv. 1-2). The covenantal name of God, YHWH, appears 11 times as “LORD” in Psalm 146 (cf. Ex. 3:14-15). He is “the Maker of heaven and earth” and He is the King over all who reigns forever (vv. 6, 10).

Whereas human leaders are powerless to save and temporal and therefore can-

not be trusted, God is eternal Savior. It is not simply God’s power and permanence that make Him trustworthy. Psalm 146 praises God for His character (vv. 6-9). In contrast to human leaders, God “remains faithful forever” (v. 6). His reign is characterized by justice and provision (v. 7).

The five affirmations of verses 7 through 9 further describe God as help and hope for those in need. This portion of Psalm 146 is echoed in Isaiah 61 and later by Jesus in Luke 4:16-21. The LORD is the one who makes the blind see and sets prisoners free; He exalts the humble and cares for the vulnerable in society.

Once again we see the contrast of the righteous and the wicked from Psalm 1 (vv. 8-9). If God did not love the righteous and frustrate the plans of the wicked, He would not be trustworthy. The psalmist wants the people to grasp who the LORD, your God, is: He alone is trustworthy! Therefore,“Praise the LORD!”

APPLY THE WORD
“God is happy with me when I’m good and disappointed when I’m bad.” “If I would just try harder, God wouldn’t be angry with me.” “God seems capricious when it comes to suffering.” We all have wrong ideas about God’s character that distort our relationship with Him. God invites us to rediscover His true character and to know that He is indeed good and trustworthy. One devotional resource for doing this is James Bryan Smith’s The Good and Beautiful God.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Psalm 27
And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. - Matthew 28:20
TODAY IN THE WORD
If you could, what is the one thing you would request of God? What is your deepest heart craving? Would it be power or approval? Peace or contentment? What about freedom from suffering or comfort from grief? Today we’ll begin three days of looking at Lament Psalms. Our passage today gives us a glimpse into King David’s heart and the one thing he desired of God.

Three images drive the strong declarations of verse 1. The Lord is our light; He dispels darkness. He is our salvation; He gives victory. He is a fortress and refuge when enemies mount their attack. Therefore, because of who God is, we shall fear no one (vv. 1, 3). In fact, when the wicked advance, they are the ones who should fear defeat (v. 2). Confident in this, the psalmist makes one request (v. 4). To dwell in the house of the Lord is to abide permanently in His presence where we find protection and joy (vv. 5-6).

The psalmist dedicates the first half of Psalm 27 to affirmation. Only then, after setting the proper context, does he lament and cry out to God (v. 7). God’s “face” is referenced three times in two verses (vv. 8-9). God’s “face” represents His full glory and presence (c.f. Ex. 33:18-23).

The psalmist pleads with God never to abandon him (vv. 9-10). There is a sense of intimacy between God and His children. Even if father and mother reject him, God will never leave nor forsake His son (cf. Deut. 31:6-8). This theme ties closely with dwelling in God’s presence forever.

Notice the psalm begins and ends with confidence based on who God is and the unwavering hope in seeing His goodness (vv. 3, 13). Thus, in the midst of lament, the proper action for the righteous is to “wait for the LORD” (v. 14), for it is the result of a combination of trust in God and prayer. The message of Psalm 27 is clear: the counterpart to fear of human beings is trust in the Lord.

APPLY THE WORD
Waiting patiently for the Lord may seem impossible in our culture of speed and efficiency, addiction to busyness, and inner hurriedness. The spiritual habit of slowing down is a healing balm for busy souls. Begin looking people in the eyes and enjoying time with them (instead of thinking of your next “to do”), creating margins between meetings, and getting more rest. Becoming more peaceful will enable you to wait for and hear from God as He leads you each day.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Psalm 42
Why, LORD, do you stand far off? - Psalm 10:1
TODAY IN THE WORD
After hearing yet another death threat, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. cried out to God: “Lord, I’m down here trying to do what’s right. . . . But Lord, I must confess that I’m weak now, I’m faltering. I’m losing my courage. . . . I’ve come to the point where I can’t face it alone.” Dr. King understood the practice of lament. Like the writer of Psalm 42, even when he felt most alone, perhaps abandoned by God, he turned to God for solace.

Imagine the scene: thirsting and longing for God’s presence; weeping in solitude, aching to fall asleep; pouring out a downcast and disturbed soul. This is the picture the psalmist paints in Psalm 42. Those on the outside say: “Where is your God?” (vv. 3, 10). The psalmist himself wonders: “Why have you forgotten me?” (v. 9).

Psalm 42 opens with deep spiritual thirst. The psalmist craves the refreshment of God’s presence (vv. 1-2), but knows only his bitter tears instead (v. 3). He remembers the former days of festivity and protection in God’s presence (v. 4), yet faces a dark present reality (v. 5). In the midst of the torrent, he summons himself to hope in God. The future is different. “I will yet praise him,” the psalmist declares confidently (v. 5). Though he weeps day and night (v. 3), God also ministers to him day and night (v. 8).

Observe all the names of God in Psalm 42: my God, living God, the Mighty One, my Savior, the LORD, the God of my life, and God my Rock. The psalmist is anchored in who God is. Disheartened, he trusts in the Living One who gives life, in the Mighty One who protects and fights on his behalf, in his Savior who keeps His promises.

In one sense the psalmist feels very far from God; yet in another very real sense he is intimately connected with God throughout this psalm as he pours out his soul in lament. Psalm 42 ends by repeating the refrain of verse 5. The contrast to the psalmist’s downcast soul is hope in God, hope in salvation, and hope that he will praise again.

APPLY THE WORD
The psalmist’s agony is palpable, perhaps because we ourselves face disturbance in our souls. When you do, like the psalmist, remember other times when you experienced God’s presence. Hope in the future; it will not always be this way. Trust in God’s coming redemption, and finally, do not despair alone. Seek support in friends, family, and other believers as you face dark times; and remember, Jesus promises to be with us always (Matt. 28:20).

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Psalm 139
Come near to God, and he will come near to you. - James 4:8
TODAY IN THE WORD
Some intellectuals throughout history have argued that God is like a clockmaker who designed creation like a complex clock, wound it up, and walked away. Others believe God is present and powerful, but not personal. Each of these ideas about God is false. Rather than a passive creator or distant sovereign, Psalm 139 presents an opposite view of God, one that affirms God in intimate relationship with His people.

Psalm 139 is arguably the most personal psalm in the Psalter. Only 3 lines in the entire psalm do not contain a personal pronoun like “you,” “your,” “me,” “my,” or “I.” Psalm 139 is about the psalmist’s intimate relationship with God. It demonstrates that it is not enough to know about God, that He is omniscient, omnipresent, and omnipotent. Rather, the God of the Bible desires that His people know Him and realize they are known, created, accompanied, and sustained by Him. Words like “know” and “knowledge” and synonyms like “perceive” and “discern” appear more than ten times throughout Psalm 139 and center the focus on God who assesses the heart and knows His people in the innermost places.

The psalmist is aware of the Lord in every dimension of his existence. God knows what he thinks and does (vv. 1-6); God is present wherever he is (vv. 7-12); and God was present before his life and orchestrated it (vv. 13-16). The psalmist repeats: you are with me, and I am with you (vv. 7-8, 18). There is no place he could go where God would not be.

Verses 19 through 22 may seem jolting. Like Psalm 104, Psalm 139 affirms that the wicked who oppose God are antithetical to the kind of relationship with humanity God desires. The psalmist desires to be far from the wicked and close to God. Therefore, he petitions God to search him, test him, and expose the sin of his inner self in order that he could walk in God’s way (vv. 23-24). He knows that God cannot be his shepherd without also being his judge.

APPLY THE WORD
When we pray Psalm 139, we open ourselves to God’s Spirit to expose and unearth deeply rooted sin in our lives (cf. Rom. 8:13-14; John 3:19-21). John Owen, the seventeenth-century Puritan theologian, is known for his desire to combat sin in his life and in his congregation. Overcoming Sin and Temptation, edited by Kapic and Taylor, is a compilation of Owen’s writings to aid you as you invite God to search and cleanse you.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Psalm 34
I love the LORD, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy. - Psalm 116:1
TODAY IN THE WORD
When Renee recounts the birth of her firstborn son to friends, she describes it as the most painful, wonderful, beautiful experience she has ever had. “It was euphoric!” Renee exclaims. “The hours of pain and exhaustion gave way to the greatest joy.” We shall see how the movement from sorrowful lament to unbridled thanksgiving is like birth as we turn now in our month’s study from Lament Psalms to Thanksgiving Psalms.

Psalm 34 is a song of thanksgiving for God’s salvation. To those who fear the Lord, thanksgiving follows lament (v. 7). Psalm 34 opens with a call to worship the LORD. The psalmist declares his dedication to praise God without ceasing and invites the congregation to join him (vv. 1-3). The essence of his praise is boasting in what the Lord has done. When the psalmist cried out to the Lord, God answered and delivered him. Verses 4 through 7 illuminate why the psalmist worships the Lord. The remainder of Psalm 34 expands the psalmist’s invitation in verse 3. Notice thecommands: “taste and see,” “fear,” and “come” (vv. 8-11). The psalmist is saying in effect, “Come experience what I have experienced!”

The fear of the Lord is repeated four times (vv. 7-11). To those who fear the Lord, three promises are made: protection, deliverance, and provision. The fear of the Lord manifests itself in words and deeds that glorify God (vv. 13-14). Fear of the Lord is not terror in the face of threat. It is a recognition of God’s holiness and majesty and humanity’s sinfulness and frailty. As one Bible scholar puts it, “Fear grows from the respect and honor of which God is worthy.”

The contrast between the righteous and the wicked reappears (vv. 15-22). The righteous are the brokenhearted and those crushed in spirit. The Lord hears their cries and rescues them from “all” their troubles. The Lord is against the wicked; they will be found guilty; evil will slay the wicked. They will be defeated by their own doing.

APPLY THE WORD
Psalm 34 dispels the myth that the righteous will have an easy life. In the midst of troubles the righteous may face, the Lord is near and ready to save. If you are facing trials today, take refuge in the Lord. Cry out to Him, and trust that He hears you. Find courage in the hope of His nearness and deliverance. The prayer of St. Patrick, the missionary to Ireland, might minister to you: “Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ beside me, Christ in me.”