Why do you worship?

1 Oh come, let us sing to the Lord;
let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!
2 Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving;
let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!
3 For the Lord is a great God,
and a great King above all gods.
4 In his hand are the depths of the earth;
the heights of the mountains are his also.
5 The sea is his, for he made it,
and his hands formed the dry land.

6 Oh come, let us worship and bow down;
let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker!
7 For he is our God,
and we are the people of his pasture,
and the sheep of his hand.
Today, if you hear his voice,
8 do not harden your hearts, as at Meribah,
as on the day at Massah in the wilderness,
9 when your fathers put me to the test
and put me to the proof, though they had seen my work.
10 For forty years I loathed that generation
and said, “They are a people who go astray in their heart,
and they have not known my ways.”
11 Therefore I swore in my wrath,
“They shall not enter my rest.”

- Psalm 95

Why do you sing songs of worship?  Why do you wake up and join other believers in corporate worship gatherings each week?  Think about how you would answer those two questions.  After you give me your answer, read Psalm 95.  It’s just 11 verses…shouldn’t take you long. 
 
This powerful Psalm hits at the core of our worship gatherings.  So much of this Psalm centers on the provision the Sovereign Lord gave to the Israelites in their wanderings.  So much of this Psalm reminds us of His refreshing provision in our lives daily.  We don’t have to stretch ourselves thin to think about, “waters of Meribah” in our own lives (read Exodus 17).  We have genuine worship and adoration in our souls simply by our true understanding of His nature.  This Psalm gives us a few of His wonderful and indescribable attributes.  Look at them with me:
 
1.  Rock of our Salvation v.1
2.  King above all gods v.3
3.  Hand holds the foundation of the earth v.4
4.  Formation of dry land was His work v.5
5.  Our Maker! v.6
6.  Our Shepherd v.7
7.  His justice over sin v.8-11
 
These are just some of many!  We gather to worship God…for who God is.  Come, let us worship Him together today.  Let us worship Him for the glory of HIs nature and for the grace He has given us to change ours.  Once we had a fallen and sinful nature…but thru the gift of Jesus; the rock of our salvation, we given the sweet gift of gazing in His pasture.  Don’t worship in just selfish routine or necessity.  Worship Him for what you know of Him.  Don’t know much, you may think?  Open His Word and read.  Make His attributes a divine priority to study and adore.  I’ll see you Sunday, friends.

Revival anyone?

To the choirmaster. A Psalm of the Sons of Korah.
1 Lord, you were favorable to your land;
you restored the fortunes of Jacob.
2 You forgave the iniquity of your people;
you covered all their sin. Selah
3 You withdrew all your wrath;
you turned from your hot anger.

4 Restore us again, O God of our salvation,
and put away your indignation toward us!
5 Will you be angry with us forever?
Will you prolong your anger to all generations?
6 Will you not revive us again,
that your people may rejoice in you?
7 Show us your steadfast love, O Lord,
and grant us your salvation.

8 Let me hear what God the Lord will speak,
for he will speak peace to his people, to his saints;
but let them not turn back to folly.
9 Surely his salvation is near to those who fear him,
that glory may dwell in our land.

10 Steadfast love and faithfulness meet;
righteousness and peace kiss each other.
11 Faithfulness springs up from the ground,
and righteousness looks down from the sky.
12 Yes, the Lord will give what is good,
and our land will yield its increase.
13 Righteousness will go before him
and make his footsteps a way.

- Psalm 85

Do you need revival?  What does revival even mean?  Here, we see a community desperately seeking God’s pleasure, forgiveness, and steadfast love to a people that have strayed from Him.  All of us are prone to wander at times.  We are prone to complacency.  I know I am.  Sometimes, I drive to my office with the thought of doing such a routine set of work…that my soul becomes a bit dry.  I seek revival in my life almost daily.  Let’s take just a moment and look at what this word really means.   

We see the word, “revive” in verse 6.  Take just a moment and look at that verse with me.  In the language, we get the word:  chayah .  This word literally teaches us, “to live again…”  We need to live again.  We need daily rebirth.  I believe our joy in the Lord should draw us to see areas in which we are dry…and seek His refreshment.  Psalm 85 is just 13 verses long.  My challenge for you today…before the weekend arrives, is to read this passage and allow the thought of revival to be on your mind.  Read Exodus 34:6 and see that the God Almighty, who is rich in steadfast love and faithfulness, is faithful to provide us the gift of rebirth.  Through Jesus, we are new creatures!  We have an everlasting joy that nothing can hidden.  Friend, don’t live for yourself.  Confess and repent of your sins daily and seek His gift of rebirth.  Enjoy Him forever.  See you next week.

the focus of restoration

To the choirmaster: according to Lilies. A Testimony. Of Asaph, a Psalm.
1 Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel,
you who lead Joseph like a flock!
You who are enthroned upon the cherubim, shine forth.
2 Before Ephraim and Benjamin and Manasseh,
stir up your might
and come to save us!

3 Restore us, O God;
let your face shine, that we may be saved!

4 O Lord God of hosts,
how long will you be angry with your people’s prayers?
5 You have fed them with the bread of tears
and given them tears to drink in full measure.
6 You make us an object of contention for our neighbors,
and our enemies laugh among themselves.

7 Restore us, O God of hosts;
let your face shine, that we may be saved!

8 You brought a vine out of Egypt;
you drove out the nations and planted it.
9 You cleared the ground for it;
it took deep root and filled the land.
10 The mountains were covered with its shade,
the mighty cedars with its branches.
11 It sent out its branches to the sea
and its shoots to the River.
12 Why then have you broken down its walls,
so that all who pass along the way pluck its fruit?
13 The boar from the forest ravages it,
and all that move in the field feed on it.

14 Turn again, O God of hosts!
Look down from heaven, and see;
have regard for this vine,
15 the stock that your right hand planted,
and for the son whom you made strong for yourself.
16 They have burned it with fire; they have cut it down;
may they perish at the rebuke of your face!
17 But let your hand be on the man of your right hand,
the son of man whom you have made strong for yourself!
18 Then we shall not turn back from you;
give us life, and we will call upon your name!

19 Restore us, O Lord God of hosts!
Let your face shine, that we may be saved!

- Psalm 80

This powerful Psalm focuses on the need for God’s people to be restored after several attacks from other nations.  The restoration is needed in order for the people to rejoice in their salvation.  19 verses, all aimed at a need for restoration.  I have a question for you today…do you need to be restored? 

In Acts 3, Peter preached a powerful sermon in Solomon’s portico.  One verse that jumps out to me is found in 3:20, when Peter says, “that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord.”  This verse really identifies the structure of Psalm 80.  The lament that the community cries out reveals the purpose of the plead; to receive joy in salvation.  Take a moment and read verse 3 in Psalm 80.  Do you see the purpose behind their restoration?  Perhaps it was a reminder of God’s saving grace? (Psalm 103).  Perhaps it was a gentle drawing of His beauty and glory? (1 John).  Now, go back to Acts 3 and look at the verses prior to verse 20.  Do you see how restoration focuses on the Gospel?

If you are having a rough week, a rough month…or even year; turn to God.  Rejoice in the Gospel; the good news of the Savior that took the Supreme wrath of the splendid Father for the purpose of giving us sweet restoration daily.  Realize that His sovereign reign draws us to answers to our many questions (Psalm 80 goes with questions I hear today…such as, “why does God do bad things to good people?).  Things happen, according to His purpose, and for His glory.  In Psalm 80 and Acts 3, we see that restoration comes out of the abundance of His grace.  Seek Him in times of desperation and praise Him for His divine favor.  All of us can see that favor daily restored in the empty tomb.

-from one who needs restoration daily.

Celebrating His Sovereign Justice

To the choirmaster: according to Do Not Destroy. A Psalm of Asaph. A Song.
1 We give thanks to you, O God;
we give thanks, for your name is near.
We recount your wondrous deeds.

2 “At the set time that I appoint
I will judge with equity.
3 When the earth totters, and all its inhabitants,
it is I who keep steady its pillars. Selah
4 I say to the boastful, ‘Do not boast,’
and to the wicked, ‘Do not lift up your horn;
5 do not lift up your horn on high,
or speak with haughty neck.’”

6 For not from the east or from the west
and not from the wilderness comes lifting up,
7 but it is God who executes judgment,
putting down one and lifting up another.
8 For in the hand of the Lord there is a cup
with foaming wine, well mixed,
and he pours out from it,
and all the wicked of the earth
shall drain it down to the dregs.

9 But I will declare it forever;
I will sing praises to the God of Jacob.
10 All the horns of the wicked I will cut off,
but the horns of the righteous shall be lifted up.

- Psalm 75

Psalm 75 is a rich body of text that radiates the very true character of God.  He gives us His Word and holds us accountable to obedience.  A great judge and ruler knows the law and makes sure the law is obeyed.  This Psalm begins with thanksgiving as Asaph focuses on the wonderful name of God (v.1) and the remembrance of God’s deeds (v.1).  His Name is Wonderful.  His deeds are wonderful.  We can see that in Psalm 8, 19, and 46.  We can see that in Luke 9, 24, and John 17.  I love the nature of God that reminds us that His Word is true, and He is true to His Word.  There is no inconsistency with God.  He acts and wills according to His divine Word. 

The Psalm continues with God’s promise to hold the wicked with His justice.  Last night, I preached a message to the middle school students out of Genesis 11, 50, and Revelation 20.  These three passages are a great reminder to us all that God is sovereign over all; including sin.  Sovereignty is a weighty word that shows us that God is the ruler and authority over all.  With that simple definition set, we see in Psalm 75 that at God’s appointed time, He will judge.  He holds humanity to His desire (v.2-6).  It’s beautiful.  Genesis 11 contains the story of the Tower of Babel.  In that passage, humanity wanted to make a name for themselves apart from the glory of God’s name.  In the process of building a tower to reach their view of heaven and fame, God stops the process.  They disobeyed His Word given in Genesis 1:28 and 9:1.  He remembered His Word.  In Genesis 50, at the end of Joseph’s life, God revealed to Joseph’s brothers that what they intended for bad; God’s sovereignty meant for good.  Finally, in Revelation 20, Satan is released from 1,000 years of captivity, to deceive many to go to war against God…only to be defeated in one verse.  God will be sovereign over His own adversary.  His Word promised us that in Genesis 3:15 and Romans 16:20!

So, my challenge today for you is to live your life with peace, to the God of peace (Romans 16:20), and rejoice in His sovereign grace and justice.  Be refreshed in His rule and reign.  Join Asaph in verse 9, in rejoicing over of the declaration of God’s eternal praise.  Enjoy Him today. 

From one who finds great rest in His sovereign grace and justice.

depend on Him daily

To the choirmaster. Of David, for the memorial offering.
1 Make haste, O God, to deliver me!
O Lord, make haste to help me!
2 Let them be put to shame and confusion
who seek my life!
Let them be turned back and brought to dishonor
who delight in my hurt!
3 Let them turn back because of their shame
who say, “Aha, Aha!”

4 May all who seek you
rejoice and be glad in you!
May those who love your salvation
say evermore, “God is great!”
5 But I am poor and needy;
hasten to me, O God!
You are my help and my deliverer;
O Lord, do not delay!

- Psalm 70

5 verses.  In just 5 verses, we see David offer up a short but yet powerful lament.  Before we continue with this devotional today, please permit me to remind you of the definition behind lament.  So often, we throw around words that don’t make sense to some.  If you are part of that number (and I was a few years ago); this is for you.
 
Lament = the function serves in a way that allows the writer to present a difficult situation before the presence of the Lord, pleading for His help.  This type of writing consumes about 1/3 of the entire book of Psalms!
 
OK, we have the definition laid down.  Lets look into Psalm 70 together,  In these verses, David seeks the Lord’s help, His rescue, from enemies nearby.  The plea comes out of quick need.  Take a moment and look at how verse one begins.  Here, we see David begin with, “Make haste, O God.”  In fact, the ESV translation uses this phrasing twice in just one verse.  So, when something is used more than once, we can quickly identify that as a great need, can we?  I’d like to submit to you three points from this text (I’m a baptist preacher, so I sometimes look at many things in life with 3 points…it is hereditary, I guess.)
 
1.  In His power and presence, we have the privilege of coming to Him with great despair.
 - Look at verses 1-3.
 - Here, we see that David is coming out of fear, out of desperation.  In verse two, he requests for the Lord to move the positioning, the movement of his enemies.  His concern moves from the Lord to making quick movement Himself (v.1), to moving the enemies (v.2).  This movement culminates in verse 3, when David pleas for their turning back and dwelling in their own shame. 
 -Why such strong language, you may ask?  It’s hard to fully understand what is going on here.  I believe it could very easily be a pagan army that was trying to impose false worship and immoral living to God’s people.  David, as God’s selected king, was in charge of protecting the people and leading them to the genuine worship of God Almighty, through faithful obedience.  His passion was for the nation.  His anger was toward those that would try to abuse the very character and holiness of God.  Do you have that anger in you?
 
Recently, I was in a bookstore by myself.  When I walked inside the main entrance, the first book that caught my eye was, “The Shack.”  Many Christians view this book as, “A great read for understanding God more…” or, “It helps you understand the Trinity.”  or, “It’s just fiction, so we shouldn’t freak out over it too much.”  Well, please permit me to share with you the anger I have toward books that lead people astray.  I believe it is the same anger and fear that David, Stephen, Peter, and Paul carried.  The holiness, the glory, the beauty of God is found in His truth, His grace, His Word.  We know of His Trinity by the way He revealed it to us.  We know of His character by the way He revealed it to us.  We must develop within us a deep desire to protect the Word, and to preach faithfully to those that are outside the camp (as Hebrews 12-13 refers to).  I believe our passion will lead us to praying prayers of lament; requesting the Lord’s help as we protect His bride from outside enemies.  Oh, may we rise up like the soldiers He calls us to be (Ephesians 6), and faithfully declare His full counsel (2 Tim 4), for the glory of His name (Isaiah 43:7).  Think about that today.  What is your greatest concern?   Is it your own health or prosperity?  Or is it for the salvation of lost souls and the elimination of false teachers that serve as wolves to His sheep; His very enemies?  (read John 8:44 to help with this point).
 
2.  In His power and presence, we have the privilege of rejoicing in His perfect joy.
  -Verse 4 is beautiful.  Take a moment and read it.
  - Here, we see a powerful display of His infinite worth.  I love what John Piper teaches throughout His ministry, “God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him.”  This simple statement is the backbone of his theology.  I enjoy it every time I quote it.
  - Here, we see an infinite and eternal God give us gladness in our souls.  Do you seek Him?  Do you view Him as the ultimate source of joy in your life?  Take a moment and read Jeremiah 29:13.  I memorized this verse as a teenager.  It first was a verse that put the attention on myself.  However, when I got older, I viewed it a bit differently.  The Lord gives us the privilege of being found.  The very fact that He tells us of His predetermined plan (Jeremiah 29:11, Ephesians 2:10), and that plan is to display the glory of Jesus (1 Peter 2:9), than seeking Him as our only source of hope and joy is the culmination of His power and presence working in us already!  Verses 1-3 show David, a guy that was wanting God to help in a time of trouble…this king was sought after by God, to lead God’s people.  You and I have the divine privilege today of His eternal fellowship, by His grace, through His power and presence.  Live out verse 4 today, friend.  Seek Him in all things (Matthew 6:33).  Rejoice and be glad in Him alone (Philippians 4).  Declare His greatness (Psalm 115).  Radiate His character (1 Peter 1:15).  Preach His salvation message (Mark 16:15).
 
3.  In His power and presence, we have the privilege of submitting humbly.
  - Finally, in verse 5, we can see humility.
  - David here shows his position in view of God’s position (my definition of humility). 
  - He declares to God that he is poor and needy…in need of God to come to His rescue.
  -So often, we rely too much on our own effort or decision making for each day.  How often do you approach the King in prayer?  Even in your own effort, your seeking of God in prayer is ushered by His Spirit! (Romans 8:9, 26).  Why would we think otherwise?  David places God as the subject of his need.  He doesn’t go to his friends or other kings…he sought after the Lord out of humility.  Do you walk in humility?  Do you come to Him daily in your own desperation and need?  I have no clue how to be a youth minister.  Every day that I wake up, I have to come to Him for help.  I have to seek His guidance, for my wisdom is foolish.  I’ve learned that the hard way.  I need His power and presence to lead me, even in the midst of enemies (yes, you can even have enemies inside the church…it is a tragedy.)  Seek Him today.  Go to Him in your need.  Trust in His great pleasure.  Remember Proverbs 3:5-6. 
 
So, today I want to challenge you to enjoy His power and presence.  Trust in Him alone when you feel attacked.  May His Spirit fill your soul with the sweetest song of true worship; birthed out of joy and humility in His eternal position. 
 
-From one who needs Him daily. 

How awesome is the Lord Most High

To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. A Song.
1 Praise is due to you, O God, in Zion,
and to you shall vows be performed.
2 O you who hear prayer,
to you shall all flesh come.
3 When iniquities prevail against me,
you atone for our transgressions.
4 Blessed is the one you choose and bring near,
to dwell in your courts!
We shall be satisfied with the goodness of your house,
the holiness of your temple!

5 By awesome deeds you answer us with righteousness,
O God of our salvation,
the hope of all the ends of the earth
and of the farthest seas;
6 the one who by his strength established the mountains,
being girded with might;
7 who stills the roaring of the seas,
the roaring of their waves,
the tumult of the peoples,
8 so that those who dwell at the ends of the earth are in awe at your signs.
You make the going out of the morning and the evening to shout for joy.

9 You visit the earth and water it;
you greatly enrich it;
the river of God is full of water;
you provide their grain,
for so you have prepared it.
10 You water its furrows abundantly,
settling its ridges,
softening it with showers,
and blessing its growth.
11 You crown the year with your bounty;
your wagon tracks overflow with abundance.
12 The pastures of the wilderness overflow,
the hills gird themselves with joy,
13 the meadows clothe themselves with flocks,
the valleys deck themselves with grain,
they shout and sing together for joy.

- Psalm 65

This Psalm was written during the occasion of a fruitful harvest season.  The Psalmist writes out of a deep heart of thanksgiving.  Take a minute and read it.  Within the 13 verses, do you catch the adoration of the writer toward the faithfulness of Almighty God?  Can you for a moment, sit back and see His faithful provision over you?  What season are you in right now?
 
In the opening verse, we see Zion mentioned.  This was the name of the city that David captured and eventually turned into the capital.  This name brings power, victory, and authoritative trust.  When the Psalmist writes, “O God in Zion,” it entails the God that is powerful, victorious and the sole source of authority for our lives.  We see in the first four verses a beautiful reminder of: God’s powerful word (v.1), His grace to hear prayer (v.2), His provision of atonement for sins (v.3), and His gift of…Himself (v.4).  I wonder, do you approach Him with thanksgiving over these same four reasons?  Do you enter His courts with thanksgiving for He has given you the gift of His pleasure? 
 
In verse 5, we see a declaration to the awesome deeds of God most High.  It reminds me of the song that we sing often called, “How awesome is the Lord Most High” by Chris Tomlin.  Think about the words of that song for a moment.  Sing it if you must.  Do you declare that song not just with your lips, but out of a heart full of thanksgiving? 
 
His powerful work of creation is in verses 6-8.  He is the Wonderful Maker!  I declare that truth, for His glory outshines my frailty.  Take a moment and contemplate the riches of His creation.   Read Genesis 1:28-30, 2:7, and Psalm 139; and begin with you.
 
Verses 9-13 close with the celebration of His abundance.  He provided a very fruitful harvest to a faithful people that delighted in Him alone.  They see the land they own as a blessing from His provision.  They acknowledge His boundaries and proclaim His possession; His covenantal people. 
 
What a beautiful Psalm of Thanksgiving.  Take time today to thank Him for His Word, His provision, His grace, and His presence.  We don’t aimlessly wander this earth.  We walk, guided by His marvelous light, for His glory, because of our souls saturated in thanksgiving. 
 
Thanksgiving = its not just a time to eat a dead bird.  It’s a daily meditation on the riches of our Lord.  When we think of Him, we naturally respond with thankfulness.  How awesome is the Lord Most High!
 
- From one whose soul is enraptured with thanksgiving

joy during suffering

To the choirmaster: according to Shushan Eduth. A Miktam of David; for instruction; when he strove with Aram-naharaim and with Aram-zobah, and when Joab on his return struck down twelve thousand of Edom in the Valley of Salt.
1 O God, you have rejected us, broken our defenses;
you have been angry; oh, restore us.
2 You have made the land to quake; you have torn it open;
repair its breaches, for it totters.
3 You have made your people see hard things;
you have given us wine to drink that made us stagger.

4 You have set up a banner for those who fear you,
that they may flee to it from the bow. Selah
5 That your beloved ones may be delivered,
give salvation by your right hand and answer us!

6 God has spoken in his holiness:
“With exultation I will divide up Shechem
and portion out the Vale of Succoth.
7 Gilead is mine; Manasseh is mine;
Ephraim is my helmet;
Judah is my scepter.
8 Moab is my washbasin;
upon Edom I cast my shoe;
over Philistia I shout in triumph.”

9 Who will bring me to the fortified city?
Who will lead me to Edom?
10 Have you not rejected us, O God?
You do not go forth, O God, with our armies.
11 Oh, grant us help against the foe,
for vain is the salvation of man!
12 With God we shall do valiantly;
it is he who will tread down our foes.

- Psalm 60

Again, we find our friend David writing a Psalm in response to war.  In this scene, we see the community of Israelites under attack from the Gentiles that surround them.  In 12 verses, David expresses a sorrowful and fearful lament to the Holy God (v.6), and seeking His valiant victory over the enemies (v.12).  In many ways, they were in a valley.  They were experiencing a season of unknown.  Perhaps in moments of great fear, they were on their faces in the presence of the Holy God of this world; desperately wanting His pleasure and not their coward defense.  Ever been in a position in which you can’t really see light at the end of the tunnel (for a lack of a better pun)? 

This Psalm hits home with me today.  I spent a few hours this morning with a 15 year old boy named Weston who is fighting leukemia.  Weston is a bit weak today because of the 2nd round of chemo that was being poured into his sick body.  After a few minutes of casual conversating, I asked Weston if he knew Christ Jesus as His Savior.  I normally use this type of language with teenagers for their response will tell me their genuine passion.  Weston’s response was overwhelming.  He has joy in Christ during suffering.  He told me, “oh yeah, I accepted my Savior years ago…and even more now than ever, I’m living for Him.”  What passion.  He is in a valley.  I’m sure he has many sleepless nights.  However, Weston has the peace to know that the Holy King of Kings will draw Him to the throne room of grace one day (Hebrews 4:15-16).  Where is your trust?  Where is your hope?

I love the joy of David.  He loved the Lord.  Even here in the midst of a lament, he trusts the Lord with an everlasting joy.  He declares His holiness, authority, and salvation.  There was a great war.  In fact, I’d imagine a strong season of war within several Psalms here.  God is sovereign.  God is Holy.  God is worthy to be trusted, even when our enemies and foes try to convince us of the opposite.  As the great Proverbs states, trust in the Lord and lean not on your own understanding today…acknowledge Him (Proverbs 3:5-6).

From one who refuses to allow his enemies and foes to point Him away from the glory of God Almighty

Burden Casting

To the choirmaster: with stringed instruments. A Maskil of David.
1 Give ear to my prayer, O God,
and hide not yourself from my plea for mercy!
2 Attend to me, and answer me;
I am restless in my complaint and I moan,
3 because of the noise of the enemy,
because of the oppression of the wicked.
For they drop trouble upon me,
and in anger they bear a grudge against me.

4 My heart is in anguish within me;
the terrors of death have fallen upon me.
5 Fear and trembling come upon me,
and horror overwhelms me.
6 And I say, “Oh, that I had wings like a dove!
I would fly away and be at rest;
7 yes, I would wander far away;
I would lodge in the wilderness; Selah
8 I would hurry to find a shelter
from the raging wind and tempest.”

9 Destroy, O Lord, divide their tongues;
for I see violence and strife in the city.
10 Day and night they go around it
on its walls,
and iniquity and trouble are within it;
11 ruin is in its midst;
oppression and fraud
do not depart from its marketplace.

12 For it is not an enemy who taunts me—
then I could bear it;
it is not an adversary who deals insolently with me—
then I could hide from him.
13 But it is you, a man, my equal,
my companion, my familiar friend.
14 We used to take sweet counsel together;
within God’s house we walked in the throng.
15 Let death steal over them;
let them go down to Sheol alive;
for evil is in their dwelling place and in their heart.

16 But I call to God,
and the Lord will save me.
17 Evening and morning and at noon
I utter my complaint and moan,
and he hears my voice.
18 He redeems my soul in safety
from the battle that I wage,
for many are arrayed against me.
19 God will give ear and humble them,
he who is enthroned from of old, Selah
because they do not change
and do not fear God.

20 My companion stretched out his hand against his friends;
he violated his covenant.
21 His speech was smooth as butter,
yet war was in his heart;
his words were softer than oil,
yet they were drawn swords.

22 Cast your burden on the Lord,
and he will sustain you;
he will never permit
the righteous to be moved.

23 But you, O God, will cast them down
into the pit of destruction;
men of blood and treachery
shall not live out half their days.
But I will trust in you.

- Psalm 55

As a follower of Jesus and an adopted child of the Living God, I’ve come to the realization that I will have burdens in my life.  The burdens often come because of the cost that is required in following the Savior of the World (see Mark 8:34).  In this Psalm, we see David writing in response to those that hated him for his faithfulness.  Simply put, David loved the Lord and was responsible for leading the Lord’s people; which resulted in his enemies hating him.  Take a moment and read all 23 verses.  After you read this text, I want to challenge you to consider some in your life that you may consider enemies (i.e. some that hate you or despise you for your faith perhaps).  After you consider those people in your life, read the Psalm again.  Cry out to the Lord and trust in His greatness (which is how the Psalm ends in verse 23).

Here are some other passages that I’ve found that have helped me cope with the fact that some burdens I carry are a result of the attacks from my enemies.  I have found these passages to be very helpful:

Psalm 27:9 Do not hide Your face from me, Do not turn Your servant away in anger; You have been my help; Do not abandon me nor forsake me, O God of my salvation!

Psalm 54:2 Hear my prayer, O God; Give ear to the words of my mouth.

Psalm 61:1 For the choir director; on a stringed instrument. A Psalm of David. Hear my cry, O God; Give heed to my prayer.

Psalm 86:6 Give ear, O LORD, to my prayer; And give heed to the voice of my supplications!

Now, think with me for a moment on the joy that you have deep in your soul…you have a Father in heaven through our Lord Jesus, that cares enough to listen to your cry!  We have the God of this universe to cry out to and to trust in His good care.  If you and I aren’t careful, we can allow our enemies to devour us.  However, when I feel that the burdens in my soul are heavy, I’m reminded of my Savior when He gloriously said, “For My yoke is easy and My burden is light” (Matthew 11:30).  And when the Apostle Paul wrote, “For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison,” (2 Corinthians 4:17).  Our God saves.  Our God protects.  Our God leads.  Our God is alive.  Cry to Him.  Cast your burdens onto him.  Pray for those that you may deem as enemies.  Love them as Jesus would.  May today you experience the joy of trusting in the only One that is faithful to hear you cry.

-from one who finds comfort in crying to the Lord.

A Love Song to His Majesty

To the choirmaster: according to Lilies. A Maskil of the Sons of Korah; a love song.
1 My heart overflows with a pleasing theme;
I address my verses to the king;
my tongue is like the pen of a ready scribe.

2 You are the most handsome of the sons of men;
grace is poured upon your lips;
therefore God has blessed you forever.
3 Gird your sword on your thigh, O mighty one,
in your splendor and majesty!

4 In your majesty ride out victoriously
for the cause of truth and meekness and righteousness;
let your right hand teach you awesome deeds!
5 Your arrows are sharp
in the heart of the king’s enemies;
the peoples fall under you.

6 Your throne, O God, is forever and ever.
The scepter of your kingdom is a scepter of uprightness;
7 you have loved righteousness and hated wickedness.
Therefore God, your God, has anointed you
with the oil of gladness beyond your companions;
8 your robes are all fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cassia.
From ivory palaces stringed instruments make you glad;
9 daughters of kings are among your ladies of honor;
at your right hand stands the queen in gold of Ophir.

10 Hear, O daughter, and consider, and incline your ear:
forget your people and your father’s house,
11 and the king will desire your beauty.
Since he is your lord, bow to him.
12 The people of Tyre will seek your favor with gifts,
the richest of the people.

13 All glorious is the princess in her chamber, with robes interwoven with gold.
14 In many-colored robes she is led to the king,
with her virgin companions following behind her.
15 With joy and gladness they are led along
as they enter the palace of the king.

16 In place of your fathers shall be your sons;
you will make them princes in all the earth.
17 I will cause your name to be remembered in all generations;
therefore nations will praise you forever and ever.

- Psalm 45

Psalm 45 contains a rich song pointed to an unknown or uncertain king at the time.  Evidently, the Sons of Korah were composing a love song to authority, recognizing their leadership, but even above that; giving glory to God who sits on His throne (Psalm 45:6).  It’s a great Psalm and I believe great way to kick off a weekend that is soon approaching.
 
Some claim this Psalm to be a Messianic (tying to Christ) in nature.  For example, Hebrews 1:8-9 cites Psalm 45:6-7.  There are evidences of Revelation 19 in here as well as we read about the glorious return of Christ.  From these 17 verses, I want to give you a challenge.  Today, sing or write a love song to His Majesty; the majesty of Christ.  Since I view Christ as my Savior King, I want to take this Psalm and apply it in a sense of composing a love song to Him.
 
Love songs are everywhere on the radio.  They seem to sell more than other types of songs because of the way they draw out the emotional side of people.  There’s just something about a new love song that hits the charts on itunes that draws people’s interest.  I can’t explain it, other than the fact that we are emotional creatures!  I know I don’t hold much stock in love songs for they don’t communicate to me a TRUE love, but rather a superficial love that will soon fade away.  I see such rubbish at times impact my students as they quickly use the words, “I love you” without realizing the impact of the words.  Do you really love that person?  Do you really love King Jesus?  Have you told Him?
 
Why can’t we pour out our emotions to Christ?  Why can’t we take an approach of writing love songs to our Savior?  Follow me with this thought.  Take Psalm 45:2, for example.  Here, the sons of Korah could easily be writing to a king of their time.  However, when I read Revelation 19 and see the amazing worship service that takes place when Christ returns, I can see these words, “You are the most handsome of the sons of men; grace is poured upon your lips therefore God has blessed you forever” (Psalm 45:2), applied to the Son of Man who valiantly returns; fully clothed in majesty.  Take a look at Psalm 45:3-4, and see how they connect with Revelation 19 as well!  It seems to me that we can take a love song approach and praise our Wonderful Maker for the gift of His beautiful and marvelous Son.
 
Today, write a love song to your Savior.  Sing to His Name.  Sing of His infinite worth.  Allow your emotional creativity draw you to sweet worship and fellowship of His unchanging love for you.  Above any relationships you may have on this side of glory, pour even more emphasis and admiration to the King of Kings today.  May by His grace, you enjoy Him forever.
 
- From one who loves the Savior King.

do you long for God?

To the choirmaster. A Maskil of the Sons of Korah.
1 As a deer pants for flowing streams,
so pants my soul for You, O God.
2 My soul thirsts for God,
for the living God.
When shall I come and appear before God?
3 My tears have been my food
day and night,
while they say to me all the day long,
“Where is your God?”
4 These things I remember,
as I pour out my soul:
how I would go with the throng
and lead them in procession to the house of God
with glad shouts and songs of praise,
a multitude keeping festival.

5 Why are you cast down, O my soul,
and why are you in turmoil within me?
Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,
my salvation 6 and my God.

My soul is cast down within me;
therefore I remember You
from the land of Jordan and of Hermon,
from Mount Mizar.
7 Deep calls to deep
at the roar of Your waterfalls;
all Your breakers and Your waves
have gone over me.
8 By day the Lord commands His steadfast love,
and at night His song is with me,
a prayer to the God of my life.
9 I say to God, my rock:
“Why have You forgotten me?
Why do I go mourning
because of the oppression of the enemy?”
10 As with a deadly wound in my bones,
my adversaries taunt me,
while they say to me all the day long,
“Where is your God?”

11 Why are you cast down, O my soul,
and why are you in turmoil within me?
Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,
my salvation and my God.

- Psalm 42

In this rich Psalm, we see from the writer the great need to long for God.  I wonder if people in churches today truly long for God?  Do you long for God?  Lets take a look at just one word in the 11 verses here. 
 
Psalm 42:1 is beautifully stated, “As a deer longs for streams of water, so I long for You, God.”  I’m using the Holman Christian Standard version with this verse because I agree with their wording.  The word `arag  (aw-rag’), meaning to long for — cry, pant, is used.  This animal is obviously on a tired journey that is in desperate need for refreshment.  His desire for satisfaction is found in the fact that his cry is heard, his panting is refreshed, his longing is found.  It’s not a once a week idea.  I believe this is a daily longing for survival.  We even see in verse 2 that the writer so boldly states, “I thirst for God, the Living God.”  What do you thirst for?  What do you long for?
 
I see much complacency today in the life of believers.  It seems that we have sold a Gospel that gives heaven but not God.  We offer the riches of heaven rather than the riches of God alone.  This deer wasn’t looking for a place that contains water… this deer was looking for water.  I see such a beautiful connection to what we are faced with today.  I’m about to say something that may shock you…but please read it a few times and allow it to process.  Are you ready?  Here it goes.  If you don’t want God, if you don’t long for God, if you don’t cry out and pant for God; than you will not experience the riches of heaven.  Does the deer want the location or the substance?  Does the deer want the location or the need? 
 
My challenge for you today is to live each step with a need and longing for God.  Treasure Him and praise Him for the riches of His grace found through Christ (read Ephesians…all of it).  Cry out to Him for mercy and steadfast love if depression is near (look at Psalm 42:6).  Praise Him for the love that He sends (look at Psalm 42:8).  As you need water to satisfy your thirst, you need living water to satisfy your eternal longing.
 
I pray today you will plunge into Emmanuel’s blood, taste His living water, and enjoy the gift of His Father…forever.  May your longing be satisfied today. 
 
- From one whose longing has arrived by the grace of God.

« Previous Page — Next Page »