Tag: psalms

A Special Place for Trust

by Ms. Rita's Minute

Psalm 25:1

“In you, Lord my God, I put my trust.”

“Trust” is a very important word in the Christian life. Merriam-Webster defines trust as firm belief in the character, ability, strength, or truth of someone or something; a person or thing in which confidence is placed.

In Psalms 25:1, the Hebrew word for “trust” is a form of the verb “batach,” meaning to secure, be confident, or rely upon. It suggests refuge in God, implying a feeling of safety and security obtained from God’s steadfastness and protection.

Today, I’m pondering David’s talk with, or prayer to, the Lord in Psalm 25, highlighting his confidence in the Lord and his statements of supplication, faith, encouragement and remembrance.

When reading this chapter, I’m reminded of the blessing of receiving and believing One who can be relied upon for the utmost trustworthiness. Isn’t it wonderful that this actually exists?

This chapter begins with David reiterating his trust in the Lord while requesting that the Lord would not allow his enemies to win or triumph over him, humiliating him. He reminds the Lord (and us) that no one who trusts in the Lord will ever be put to shame, but those who are “treacherous without a cause” will incur it. This reminds me of Proverbs 17:13 that says, “Evil will never leave the house of one who pays back evil for good.”

David then declaring God as his Savior, requests God’s guidance into His truth, teaching him His ways and paths, as his hope is all day in God. We see David reiterating God’s mercy and love, asking him not to remember his rebellious ways or the sins of his youth. Citing the Lord’s goodness and uprightness, he recalls the Lord’s instruction toward sinners and his guidance and teaching of what is right, and His way, to the humble. In addition, stating that all the Lord’s ways are loving and faithful toward those who keep the requirements his covenant.

When we think of David’s story which is transparently provided for us all to read, we see some of the terrible mistakes he made in addition to his great successes. Now we see David praying, for the sake of the Lord’s name, that his iniquity (described as great) is forgiven.

David then highlights the blessings of those who fear the Lord:

  • God will instruct them in the way that they should choose.
  • They will spend their days in prosperity, and their descendants will inherit the land.
  • The Lord confides in them making His covenant known to them.

Regarding David’s enemies, he acknowledges that only God can release his feet from captivity and that his eyes were ever on the Lord, asking Him to turn to him and be gracious to him. He also confesses being lonely, afflicted, troubled and in need of freedom from the anguish in his heart. David again requests God’s removal of his sins, noting the number of his enemies and the fierceness of their hate, asking God to rescue him and guard his life, declaring the Lord as His refuge.

Because of David’s hope being in the Lord, he asks that integrity and uprightness protect him. Then, in conclusion, we see David asking for the deliverance of Israel from all their troubles.

This passage shows me the sincere transparency of a man with His God. He speaks freely of all his troubles, but also godly beliefs, putting his hope and trust in the only one with the power to save him. I’m sure God loves this about David and it’s graciously recorded for us to consider.

Regarding the Weak

by Ms. Rita's Minute

Psalm 41:1

“Blessed are those who have regard for the weak;
    the Lord delivers them in times of trouble.“

Psalm 41:1-3 reminds us of the blessing that comes to those who consider the weak. Weak in the first verse of this passage refers to those who are poor, needy, or helpless, rather than someone who is physically frail or lacking in intellect.

God promises to deliver those who consider the poor in their time of trouble. What comfort to realize that Almighty God will provide help when we are facing trials and tribulations. We are not left alone. In delivering us, he releases us from the pain and pressure of our troubles in his way and timing.

The Lord also protects and preserves those who regard the needy. There are many events we may never realize that God protects us from, and in preserving us, this passage indicates he guards and keeps us.

When one considers the weak, they are “counted among the blessed in the land”. Being counted is taken into account or considered, which means their blessing is evident; it can be seen. Also, thankfully, God doesn’t give them over to their foes. The Hebrew word translated as foes means enemies concerning those who wish them ill and do not want deliverance from trouble for the blessed.

Finally, in this passage, we see that God sustains them on their sickbeds. This denotes to support, uphold, or provide strength to them when they are sick. He also restores them. How wonderful is that? This is the promise given regarding considering the helpless in Psalms 41:1-3.

The Bible offers a good picture of how God feels about those who are impoverished. It tells us, “Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done” (Proverbs 19:17). In addition, “The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor” (Proverbs 22:9). Moreover, “Those who give to the poor will lack nothing, but those who close their eyes to them receive many curses” (Proverbs 28:27).

Graciously, the Bible provides us with ample instructions on how to help the weak. We want to always choose ways that align with God’s Holy Spirit in the matter–wise and just ways that show compassion for the weak with wisdom in our procedure.

There are many methods and avenues to supply whatever help we’ve chosen to give the poor, (e.g., practical actions like sharing food or clothing or speaking up on their behalf). Key principles include being generous without showing off, treating the poor with dignity, and recognizing that aiding them is a way of serving God himself. 

Whether it be money, food, prayer, clothing, furniture, etc., God takes note and provides the benefits of one’s actions. Not to mention the joy one receives when they provide something of necessity to someone who could really use the help.

——————————

Psalm 41:1-3

“Blessed are those who have regard for the weak;
the Lord delivers them in times of trouble.
The Lord protects and preserves them—
they are counted among the blessed in the land—
 he does not give them over to the desire of their foes.
The Lord sustains them on their sickbed
 and restores them from their bed of illness.“

Random Thoughts on God

by Ms. Rita's Minute

Having the right perception of God is extremely important. Knowing his character and values influences one’s faith and confidence in him. What’s he really like? I’ve learned his spirit is one of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). These attributes are described in the Bible as the fruit of the Holy Spirit. So, we can measure any other traits by these to discern the authenticity of godliness in a person, place, or thing.

God is good and his thoughts are good. We know according to Jeremiah 29:11, his thoughts about us are of peace and not of evil, to give us a future and a hope. But how does the Bible tell us to think? We’re told to think about whatever things are true, noble, just, pure, lovely, good, virtuous, and praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8). Further, we are to think with renewed minds attained from reading the Bible, by which we aren’t conformed to this world but transformed. Also, per Romans 12:3, we are to think soberly (self-controlled, clear-headed, vigilant, free from the influence of intoxicants or other negative influences; in a serious, calm, and sensible manner); not more highly of ourselves than we ought.

We know that God protects us and cares that we are safe. Psalm 46:1 tells us that “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble; while in Luke 10:19, Jesus says, “I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.” Moreover, we should be encouraged by, “If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,” and you make the Most High your dwelling, no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent. For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways …” (Psalm 91:9-11). He’s even given us spiritual armor–the helmet of salvation, breastplate of righteousness, shield of faith, sword of the spirit, belt of truth, and feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace.

We should not forget that the earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof as described in Psalm 24:1. The earth was created and is owned by God. He hasn’t asked us to disregard or ignore the earth, but to pray that his kingdom would come and his will be done on the earth as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:10). Now can you imagine how his will is done in heaven? What on the earth might resemble that?

Obedience: After God’s Heart

by Ms. Rita's Minute

Acts 13:22

“… God testified concerning him: ‘I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do.’”

Often, we may have heard the Bible verse of God seeing David as a man after His own heart. We may ponder the reasons as to what would inspire such favor from the Lord. Many may attribute it to David’s worship, prayers, or boldness, among other things. Yet this verse gives us the answer so simply and clearly: David would do everything God wanted him to do.

This, as was proven later, didn’t mean that David was always perfect in his behavior before the Lord. However, God was well acquainted with his heart and knew he could count on him to do those specific things He desired of him.

What we may learn from Acts 13:22 is that obedience, even with other traits, good and not so good, gets God’s attention. Obedience can be more difficult to do in some instances than others, yet in any event, it remains a valuable discipline.

Though we find some instructions challenging, we are not alone in our endeavors to obey as Hebrews 13:21 speaks to God equipping us with everything good for doing his will, and that he may work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ.

We should hold dear that the Lord cares about us and helps us fulfill His will as “… the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love” (Psalm 33:18). “The blameless spend their days under the LORD’s care, and their inheritance will endure forever” (Psalm 37:18).

The Holy Spirit guides, strengthens and empowers us to live according to His will. Per John 14:26, “The Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.”

In Acts 4:8, 31; 6:10; and 1 Thess. 1:5, the Holy Spirit empowered the disciples to be effective witnesses of the Gospel. At Pentecost, He empowered them to boldly preach the Gospel to all nations.

Ephesians 3:20 tells us God “is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.” This should inspire confidence in us to exercise the discipline necessary to carry out the Lord’s will for our lives. The fact that his ability and strength reside on the inside of us is remarkable.

In 2 Samuel 6:12-15, we find David using wisdom when he recognizes the error in the transportation of the Ark of the Covenant, and follows God’s commands, properly bringing the Ark to Jerusalem. God’s instructions specified that the Ark should be carried on poles by Levites and not touched. We, too, can humbly correct our mistakes and do what’s right as God has instructed.

David prayed for God’s leading and encouraged himself with the facts of God’s word in Psalm 27:11-14. It is to our advantage to speak God’s faith-building words over our lives for success in being obedient. Our words can also be testimonies to others experiencing the same challenges, as David’s words are to us today.

Psalm 40 shows David’s example of obedience during difficult times. We see David’s experience with danger and rescue. David recounted how God delivered him from his enemies, and we see his gratefulness and commitment to doing God’s will and telling others about his deliverance.

While expressing his desire to do God’s will, David trusted in the Lord’s plan and strength. Knowing and keeping God’s word in our hearts, along with trusting Him, and having a desire to carry out what He wants us to do, is a great start in accomplishing His will and representing the family of God after His heart.

Near to God

by Ms. Rita's Minute

Psalm 73:28
“But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds.”

Being near to God, the Sovereign Creator of heaven and earth and all it encompasses is a wonderful place to be. “For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him” (Colossians 1:16).

To think upon His greatness and His mercy in loving and relating to His own creation is awe-inspiring. In perhaps our sheepishness to draw near to Him, James 4:8 tells us to “Come near to God and he will come near to you. …”

We don’t have to try to be anyone other than ourselves but we should “…draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water” (Hebrews 10:22).

Moreover, the possibility of having His actual Holy Spirit living and breathing on the inside of us is beyond figuring out. To be so grand, yet grant us the privilege of access to Him at any time gives me great comfort.

It seems the Father’s love and care for us can not be measured with human minds, but we have a demonstration in His giving the life of His precious Son to reconcile men to Himself.

To know that we have this kind of Father who cares for us is mindboggling. “This is what the Lord says— your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: ‘I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go’ (Isaiah 48:17).

God’s holiness can be quite difficult to comprehend, yet the Bible helps us in speaking of it in marvelous terms: “…“‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty,’ who was, and is, and is to come” (Revelation 4:8). Psalm 104:1-2 tells us of our God, “… Lord my God, you are very great; you are clothed with splendor and majesty. The Lord wraps himself in light as with a garment; he stretches out the heavens like a tent.”

Another awesome scripture is, “Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, or with the breadth of his hand marked off the heavens? Who has held the dust of the earth in a basket, or weighed the mountains on the scales and the hills in a balance” (Isaiah 40:12)?

In all that He is, He is also our refuge. A refuge is a place where we find shelter and safety from danger. “Whoever fears the Lord has a secure fortress, and for their children, it will be a refuge” (Proverbs 14:26). ““Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him” (Proverbs 30:5). “The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him” (Nahum 1:7).

As we’re coming to know the Lord more and more, of course, we’d want to tell of his wonderful works. If we don’t, all of nature does. “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands” (Psalm 19:1). Perhaps it takes a lifetime to mention them all. Yet they’re delightful to see, hear, and tell.