That's a lot of psalms. While I can’t go over all of them, I am going to focus on a few key thoughts. Be on the lookout for them as we continue in Psalms.
I would love to hear your thoughts on the psalms we're reading. Any one or two that stand out for you? Specific ideas or encouragements you garnered from your reading? Questions?
Drop me a note and let me know.
Blessings,
Steve
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We are reading The One Year Chronological Bible (New Living Translation - Tyndale). The best way is with your own copy of this Bible translation. Or, copy and paste this link to the daily reading schedule:
http://www.oneyearbibleonline.com/readingplan/oneyearchronologicalbiblereadingplan.pdf
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May 7: Who are your heroes?
Do they know? Do you enjoy them?
“The godly people in the land are my true heroes! I take pleasure in them!”
Psalms 16:3
May 8: Who are your enemies?
Do they see you at God’s banquet?
“You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies.”
Psalms 23:5a
May 9: What is your victory song?
Do you hear it? Do you sing it?
“For you are my hiding place; you protect me from trouble. You surround me with songs of victory.”
Psalms 32:7
May 11: What sparks your joy?
“Oh, the joys of those who are kind to the poor! The Lord rescues them when they are in trouble. The Lord protects them and keeps them alive. He gives them prosperity in the land and rescues them from their enemies. The Lord nurses them when they are sick and restores them to health.”
Psalms 41:1-3
May 13: What is your encouragement?
“The humble will see their God at work and be glad. Let all who seek God’s help be encouraged. For the Lord hears the cries of the needy; he does not despise his imprisoned people.”
Psalms 69:32-33
FORGIVING YOUR ENEMIES ... DAVID-STYLE!
One theme that stands out for me this week: enemies! Seems like almost every psalm references David's enemies. They are chasing him, gossiping about him, trying to kill him, lying to him, trying to steal the kingdom from him. And David is not shy about what he would like for God to do to/with his enemies.
For example-
Psalm 12, May 7th: "cut off their flattering lips"
Psalm 28, May 9th: "Give them the punishment they so richly deserve!"
Psalm 35, May 10th: "Let sudden ruin come upon them!"
Psalm 55, May 11th: "Let the grave swallow them alive!"
Psalm 68, May 13: "Melt them like wax in a fire!"
All of this seems to run counter to the teaching of Jesus: to love our enemies and to pray for them. But does it? Keep in mind that, while Psalms are poems and songs, they are also prayers, conversations between the Psalmist and God. Yes, David wishes all these horrible things to befall the enemies of himself, enemies of Israel, enemies of God. But take note: Instead of actually doing these things, himself, David brings it all to God in prayer!
Forgiving our enemies does not mean we have to like them, and it does not mean we have to pretend we do not desire revenge for all the bad they have done to us or those we love. What it does mean is that we have to bring all of that —the attacks, our anger and frustration, and, yes, our vengeful thoughts— to God. We must turn it all over to Him; release it all to Him. Then, and only then, can we truly forgive our enemies.
CHRISTOLOGIES IN THE PSALMS
God sent the Holy Spirit onto David in his youth and that spiritual anointing remained throughout his life. One of the most interesting things to result are the prophetic glimpses we see in some of the psalms.
At least two psalms were quoted by Jesus on the cross: Psalm 22:1 ("My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?!" ) and Psalm 31:5 ("Into your hand, I commit my spirit."). But there are others that reference His life, death, and resurrection.
Do any these ring a bell?
Psalm 16:10, May 7th
Psalm 22 (all of it), May 8th (Note: quoted on the cross)
Psalm 31, May 9th
Psalm 69:21, May 13th
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