by Donya Dunlap | Oct 31, 2016 | Bible Study, The Spiritual Life
This psalm is labeled a lament, but it also contains praise and prophecy. The passage is longer than most at 24 verses, but is worth the time and consideration.
Verses 1-5
David pleads with the Lord to protect and deliver him using language that has become quite familiar. He seeks refugee in the Lord, his Rock, Fortress, and Refuge.
But the most important part of David’s request is his concern for God’s glory. The world knows David trusts in God to deliver him, and while God can do as He pleases, David asks God to not allow him to be disgraced, but to be lead and guided by the name of the Lord.
God’s glory is not always our first concern when faced with difficult circumstances, but following David’s example in making it a part of our regular prayers can only make a positive difference in our outlooks.
Verses 6-8
God is a jealous God who despises idol worship. Such false religions have corrupted Israel in the past and will again after David’s reign. However, David trusts in the Lord and rejoices in God’s goodness to him. The road has not been easy, but David knows God was with him in the hard times. He is in a spacious place because God has worked in his life.
Verses 9-13
These words of David paint a vivid picture of his struggle and the future struggle of Jesus on the cross. He speaks of being exhausted from angry sorrow and grief. David’s strength has failed him because of his sinfulness—Jesus’ from carrying the sin of the world on the cross. Verse 5 is quoted by Jesus as His last words.
Father, into Your hands I entrust my spirit. – Luke 23:45
David made many mistakes, but there is no doubt the Holy Spirit was active in his life, often guiding his pen, and certainly using him for God’s glory.
Verses 14-18
David again asks the Lord to deliver him from his enemies. He asks that the wicked be disgraced and brought to the grave, but that he will be saved by the favor of the Lord.
Verses 19-22
There are times when we all feel cut off from the Lord. David was no exception. But he reminds us that God stores up goodness for His children. He is a generous father. Perhaps the most comforting thought David ever penned is verses 19-20.
How great is Your goodness that You have stored up for those who fear You and accomplished in the sight of everyone for those who take refuge in You. You hide them in the protection of Your presence; You conceal them in a shelter from the schemes of men, from quarrelsome tongues.
We may feel separated from God, but we are never alone. There is no safer place that the presence of the Lord.
Verses 23-24
It is a dangerous thing for a Christian to believe his own press. But shying away from success is an equally dangerous element of pride. David offers the right balance in his closing words. Love the Lord and be courageous in Him. God is to be our hope, our joy, and the source of our success. If we keep our eyes on Him, He is glorified by our success. Otherwise, we are in danger of a great fall.
This post is Day 31 of the 31 Days of Journaling through the Psalms series. If you would like to read the first post, Psalm 1: The Wise and the Wicked, click here. The introduction to the series can be found here.
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by Donya Dunlap | Oct 30, 2016 | Bible Study, The Spiritual Life
The inscription before Psalm 30 indicates it is a “dedication song for the house,” meaning the House of the Lord. We know David was prohibited from building the temple, but he could have written this song in anticipation of its being built. It is also possible that the song was written for a special dedication of the tabernacle. The information given is not sufficient to make any lasting conclusions.
Verses 1-3
This psalm of thanksgiving opens with an explanation of David’s praise. The Lord spared David from his enemies, brought healing, and spared David from death. These things remind us of other psalms where David specifically requested help from the Lord. Now David is thanking God for answering his prayers.
Verses 4-5
David encourages all of God’s people to sing His praises. He doesn’t sugar-coat the hard times. Verse 5 acknowledges tears and times when God must discipline His children. However, God’s anger is short and His favor is long.
There are times when we will weep through the night, but there is joy after mourning. This is so encouraging to me as I think of this season of grieving my family is walking through. Every reminder, every birthday, every holiday brings tears. Nothing will ever again be as it was. But it won’t remain as it is either.
God desires joy for our lives. Every night fades to morning eventually, and for the Christian, God promises our mourning will turn to dancing in time.
Verses 6-10
Verses 6 and 7 reveal David’s high and low in a nutshell. When God was showing him favor, David was unstoppable. He didn’t think he could ever fall. But fall he did. When God turned away from David in his sin, he was terrified. Everything changed for him.
This is a vital lesson for all of us. We must realize our success is God’s favor. Yes, we work hard and do right, but God gives the increase. When we think it’s all because of what we have done, God no longer receives the glory. We start taking shortcuts and lose favor just like David did. The result? Destruction.
Verses 11-12
Thankfully, God is eager to grant forgiveness and restore relationships.
You turned my lament into dancing, You removed my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness, so that I can sing to You and not be silent. Lord my God, I will praise You forever.
David brought his grief upon himself with sin. But sometimes, God brings us into seasons of grief and loss for no reason—or at least not for any sin on our part. People get cancer, economies crash, criminals steal and destroy. All of these things can rob us of our joy.
Grief is devastating, but it is not forever. It seems impossible at times, but you will discover joy after mourning. God will remove the sackcloth on your heart. He will cause you to sing once more. He will ensure laughter bubbles within you again. Keep your hope in God. He will sustain you and bring you through the darkness into His eternal sunshine.
He has promised to never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). He didn’t for David when he chose adultery and murder, and He won’t for us. No matter the sin, grace is enough.
This post is Day 30 of the 31 Days of Journaling through the Psalms series. If you would like to read the first post, Psalm 1: The Wise and the Wicked, click here. The introduction to the series can be found here.
To receive email reminders of new posts, please subscribe. As a thank you, you will receive a free ebook, The Wonder Woman’s Manifesto.
by Donya Dunlap | Oct 29, 2016 | Bible Study, The Spiritual Life
In this three part psalm, David gives instruction to the “heavenly beings.” Does he mean angels? Stars? Creatures made in the likeness of God? Regardless of the intended recipient, we will all do well to follow his lead.
Verses 1-2
As mentioned before, Yahweh is the personal name of God given to His people meaning “the eternal, self-existent one, the “I Am.” To this One we are to ascribe (or give credit to) glory and strength. He is due our praise. He deserves our worship for “the splendor of His holiness.”
Verses 3-9
David expounds on this “splendor” in the next six verses focusing only on the voice of Yahweh.
His voice is above the waters, reminding us of Creation when the earth was yet without form. His voice is earthquake like in its power, making the cedars of Lebanon break and mountains skip like a calf. The voice of Yahweh flashes fire, shakes the wilderness, and causes the deer to give birth and the seasons to change.
Our only response should be “glory” (verse 9). Not complaint. Not petition. Simply praise to God for who He is and all He does. If we are to serve Him and love Him, we must bow to Him.
Verses 10-11
The closing verses provide an interesting contrast. Breaking it down we begin with
The Lord sat enthroned at the flood.
The HCSB notes state the word for “flood” used here is used only when referring to the universal flood of Genesis 7-8. In creation and in destruction, God reigns supreme. Verse 10b says,
The Lord sits enthroned, King forever.
He is above all and controls all. As King, He has the right to do with His kingdom and His subjects anything He wishes.
We often think of a person with this kind of power as a tyrant, because power corrupts those with an already sin-bent nature. God is not a tyrant. He is a good and gentle King.
The Lord gives His people strength; the Lord blesses His people with peace.
God is Holy. He judges His creation rightly. And because of this, he wiped out the early generations with a flood. In the end, He will destroy all remaining evil with fire. His holiness demands purity. But His love thrills in doing good for His children. He gives those that love Him strength and peace.
Yahweh is not cruel. He is just and a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6).
This post is Day 29 of the 31 Days of Journaling through the Psalms series. If you would like to read the first post, Psalm 1: The Wise and the Wicked, click here. The introduction to the series can be found here.
To receive email reminders of new posts, please subscribe. As a thank you, you will receive a free ebook, The Wonder Woman’s Manifesto.
by Donya Dunlap | Oct 28, 2016 | Bible Study, The Spiritual Life
David comes to the Lord with another prayer of lament. Justice is on his mind—repaying the evildoers according to their wicked acts. This is a prayer we can all get behind.
Verses 1-2
David seeks an audience with the Lord. He knows that the Lord hears the righteous when they call to Him. And so he prays for God to hear him and not treat him as an unrighteous person destined for Hades.
Verses 3-5
The evildoers David has in mind are those who speak kindly but have malice in their hearts. They are hypocrites. David prays they will get the justice they deserve. They ignored God and the good things God had done. Therefore, David believes God should tear down these proud and arrogant souls so they cannot be rebuilt again.
Verses 6-7
As we all should, David praises God for hearing his prayer. He thanks God for being his strength and shield. Verse 7 says,
My heart trusts in Him and I am helped.
How many times have I lacked help because I haven’t trusted in God?
In the New Testament, Jesus did the healing, but the healed had to do their part too. Stretch forth your hand. Rise, pick up your mat. Wash in the pool.
Obedience leads to the miracle. It’s all mixed together. Just as destruction is the result of unbelief, blessing is the result of faith. We can’t receive the blessing without first acting in obedience.
Verses 8-9
Thankfully, God does not leave us on our own. He asks us to obey, but not in our own strength. He gives us His strength.
The Lord is the strength of His people; He is a stronghold of salvation for His anointed.
David uses the term stronghold again as he did in Psalm 27 to paint a picture. God calls us to obedience and then gives us the strength to obey through His very own salvation power in our lives. This is our every day Gospel.
What a wonderful God we serve! He will be our Stronghold. Our Shepherd. He will carry us on His shoulders every step of the way. We only need to be willing to go.
This post is Day 28 of the 31 Days of Journaling through the Psalms series. If you would like to read the first post, Psalm 1: The Wise and the Wicked, click here. The introduction to the series can be found here.
To receive email reminders of new posts, please subscribe. As a thank you, you will receive a free ebook, The Wonder Woman’s Manifesto.
by Donya Dunlap | Oct 27, 2016 | Bible Study, The Spiritual Life
This psalm of thanksgiving reminds us of our confident security in God who is our stronghold.
Verses 1-3
Merriam-Webster defines “stronghold” as a place of security or survival; a fortified place. David understood military strongholds. Even if we were unfamiliar with his history as a soldier, his language in verses 2 and 3 makes this apparent. However, verse 1 should not be overlooked.
The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?
In the darkness, in a battle, in a life and death situation, God keeps us warm, protected, and peaceful. We can be confident in Him.
Verses 4-6
David makes a connection in this stanza to a truth we often ignore. To have true communion with God, we must be where He is, love what He loves, and seek relationship with Him.
It is true that God pursues us. And He answers us when we call on Him. But if our only connection to Him is asking for help when we need it, we have reduced God to nothing more than a genie in a bottle. Instead, we must spend time with Him, praise Him, and enjoy Him.
Verses 7-10
You can sense David’s desperation for the Lord in these verses. He has promised to seek God’s face, but he wants to be sure God will be there when he does. He praises God for being a help in the past and reminds himself God will still love him even if his close earthly relationships fail.
Verses 11-12
David seeks direction in the midst of his enemies. He understands one misstep will set him up for failure. He asks for God to make a way before Him, guiding him with each step.
Verses 13-14
The closing verses are both a declaration of confidence, and a self-direction to be patient.
I am certain that I will see the Lord’s goodness in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and courageous. Wait for the Lord.
David believes he will endure his current trial and rejoice at its completion. This will not end in death, but in joyful living. Even still, he is anxious to see progress. He reminds himself to wait on the Lord’s timing and not to give in to doubt.
We must also trust God will move when the time is right in our trials and times of waiting. If we rush ahead of God, we can lose our footing and stumble or walk into a trap. But if we wait on His guidance, He will prepare the path before us, remove the land mines, and lead us into success.
This post is Day 27 of the 31 Days of Journaling through the Psalms series. If you would like to read the first post, Psalm 1: The Wise and the Wicked, click here. The introduction to the series can be found here.
To receive email reminders of new posts, please subscribe. As a thank you, you will receive a free ebook, The Wonder Woman’s Manifesto.
by Donya Dunlap | Oct 26, 2016 | Bible Study, The Spiritual Life
David pens another lament requesting vindication from his enemies based on the righteousness of his heart.
Verses 1-3
David opens with a general request based on previous action.
Vindicate me, Lord, because I have lived with integrity.
He asks God to test his heart to prove what he says is true. He is confident he will pass all scrutiny because he lives according to God’s truth.
Verses 4-7
David expounds upon the opening verses, laying out his good works before the Lord.
- David is careful who he spends time with
- He is worthy to approach the altar due to clean hands innocent of wrongdoing
- David praises God and tells others about Him
Verses 8-10
Verse 8 seems a little out of place unless you know the stanza is repeating elements of the previous section.
Lord, I love the house where you dwell, the place where your glory resides.
This is a powerful verse. It reflects the Old Testament understanding that God met with His people at the tabernacle or temple. Rarely did the Spirit indwell a believer.
Thankfully, today the Holy Spirit indwells all believers. We are where the gory of the Lord resides. This brings up two very important questions.
- Am I treating myself and my body as the dwelling place of God?
- Am I treating fellow believers with the respect worthy of the dwelling place of God?
David continues his request for vindication in verses 9 and 10. He requests he not be destroyed along with those who have committed evil works.
Verses 11-12
David reminds the Lord that he lives with integrity and actively pursues praise to the Lord. This says to me it’s okay to remind the Lord that you are living rightly. But keep in mind, God will show you if you’re bluffing. He knows the thoughts and intents of the heart. You cannot come to Him with one open hand while clinging to sin in the other closed fist.
If we are to be people of integrity, we must be willing to confess our sin and live in obedience to God.
This post is Day 26 of the 31 Days of Journaling through the Psalms series. If you would like to read the first post, Psalm 1: The Wise and the Wicked, click here. The introduction to the series can be found here.
To receive email reminders of new posts, please subscribe. As a thank you, you will receive a free ebook, The Wonder Woman’s Manifesto.
