by Donya Dunlap | Oct 19, 2016 | Bible Study, The Spiritual Life
The second song of praise in David’s collection focuses on creation, much like the first, Psalm 8. This contemplation leads from praise to repentance and should be the same for us as it was for David.
Verses 1-4
The heavens repeat praise and the mighty works of God unceasingly day and night. There is no cloud or star remaining silent. The majesty of the universe speaks to every soul in their own language of the great and mighty Creator, calling attention to our humble flesh.
Verses 5-6
The sun rises, spreading its heat to all the same. Replenishing the needs of our bodies, energizing our spirits, and celebrating God’s genius. Who else could have designed a star, an ecosystem, and a human body to be so interconnected? Even our moods and mental states are connected to the sun’s rays. Only an Almighty, All-Knowing Creator could design such a complex system.
Verses 7-11
David transitions in this paragraph from the general revelation of creation to the specific revelation of God’s Word. The results from taking heed to the written Word has a similar effect as the sun, renewing one’s life, making the heart glad and the eyes light up. In verses 10 and 11, David compares the Word to an abundance of gold and as sweet as a honeycomb. God’s Word warns and rewards the people. It’s good to remember that at this point, the only written Word would be the five books of the law of Moses. Not exactly easy reading material.
Verses 12-14
As it should, the contemplation of God’s Word through creation and the Pentateuch lead David to consider his own words. He seeks forgiveness for unintentional sins and seeks protection from purposeful sin. He desires that both the words of his mouth and the motives of his heart be pure and acceptable before the Lord.
This post is Day 19 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 18, 2016 | Bible Study, The Spiritual Life
The introduction to this psalm reveals the occasion for which it was written. It is a celebration of thanks to God upon delivering David from Saul. It is a long psalm consisting of 50 verses, but the joy contained in them makes the reading fast.
Verses 1-3
David expresses his love for the Lord in metaphoric descriptions of His character. The Lord is his strength, rock, fortress and deliverer—all making reference to His power and stability. He is David’s God, his mountain refuge, shield, horn of salvation, and stronghold. All of the second list indicate protection and security. It was to this God David looked to in times of trouble and found deliverance.
Verses 4-6
As he continues to describe his situation, David explains he was afraid, trapped, and near death. He cried to God for help and God heard his cry. The next two sections describe God’s response.
Verses 7-15
God grew angry with David’s enemies so much so that it was as if the earth shook and smoke and fire were released from his mouth. The description painted of God soaring from heaven to come to the aid of his child is powerfully poetic and best left to the original author. The sight of Him in this condition would frighten even the boldest of foes.
Verses 16-19
David continues to write about his fearsome God who sweeps down to pull him from the waters threatening his life. He is rescued from the enemy and carried to a “spacious place” of safety.
Verses 20-24
This paragraph reinforces the idea of Old Testament saints that God loves the good and brings judgment to the evil—which of course is partially true. It is also true that God allows the righteous to endure horrible trials and the evil often have blessed, rich lives. Regardless, David attributes God’s deliverance to his own good works and obedience.
Verses 25-29
With the faithful, blameless, and pure, God reacts in kind. With the shrewd God is also shrewd. He rescues the afflicted, humbles the haughty, illuminates the darkness, and gives strength to those in need.
Verses 30-36
In this section, David offers praise to God whose way is pure, who is a shield to all who seek Him, who makes steady the feet who follow Him. The imagery is similar to the opening verses, repeating many of the metaphors and expounding upon them.
Verses 37-42
This stanza seems to take the focus off God and on to David, but I believe these verses are a continued thought from the previous stanza. Because God is David’s strength, refuge, shield, David is able to pursue his enemies and overtake them.
Verses 43-45
These verses speak of David’s rise to king, not only over Israel, but foreigners also submit to his leadership out of fear. What a drastic difference from his days of hiding in caves with a handful of men at his side!
Verses 46-50
David continues the celebration of his God as he did at the beginning and in verses 30-36. It seems this comparing God to the tangible is similar to a chorus we would have in a song today. His repeated passages are similar, but this section also summarizes the psalm as a whole too. David calls for God to be praised and exalted for His vengeance and the deliverance of His people. Because of what God has done, David offers praise and song to Yahweh. Amidst his celebration, he hints at the Messianic line in the last verse:
He shows loyalty to His anointed, to David and his descendants forever.
Though the concept of grace is not clearly stated, it is certainly displayed in God’s treatment of David. Though David did many good things, he did many bad things as well. The fact that God delivers him, promotes him to power, and sends the Messiah through his family line—this is all due to the greatness and goodness of God, and not David, the recipient of His grace.
This post is Day 18 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 16, 2016 | Bible Study, The Spiritual Life
This psalm is deeply convicting to me personally. If you have felt a lack of joy in your life—keep reading!
Verses 1-6
David opens this psalm of thanks by expressing his complete dependence and loyalty to God. He asks for protection, claiming God as his refuge. Then David speaks of the holy people in the land and how he delights in them. David also mentions the idolaters of the land, affirming he will not take part in their offerings and predicting the multiple sorrows they bring upon themselves by placing their affection on other gods.
Verses 5-6
David uses several interesting words in verse 5. The Lord is his portion and cup of blessing. The “cup” and “portion” imagery is used elsewhere to describe an allotment given to someone or the solidification of a contract such as in marriage. The most significant example is Jesus’ prayer in the garden of Gethsemane when He asks the Father to “let this cup pass from me.” (Matthew 26:36-39)
Again, David’s cup is one of blessing and a stark contrast to both the cross and the cup of blood spilt in idol worship mentioned in verse four. The concept of “portion” expands in verse 6 to include the idea of land given as an inheritance. This may possibly refer to the Promised Land as it was divided among the people some time before.
Verses 7-8
Verses 7 and 8 speak of the continual presence of the Lord as counselor, conscience, and comforter.
I keep the Lord in mind always. Because He is at my right hand I will not be shaken.
There is an active element to verse eight. David chooses to keep God at the front of his mind. I wonder how much more secure in Christ I would feel if He was at the front of my mind instead of social media?
Verses 9-11
Therefore is a connecting word. Verse 9 gives three benefits to having the Lord with you always as mentioned in verse 8.
- Heart is glad
- Spirit rejoices
- Body rests
How different this is from the American Way! With self as our focus, we see:
- Heart is anxious
- Spirit is depressed
- Body is restless.
This is so convicting!
Verses 8-11 are both a praise regarding David’s future standing and a messianic prophecy regarding the resurrection. We see them echoed in Peter’s sermon at Pentecost. Peter called David a prophet and uses the passage as proof that Jesus is the Messiah.
I have often thought I had less joy than others because my personality is more serious than others. I’m wondering now if the problem is personality or proximity? If I truly trust God’s best for me, I should not be concerned about the path ahead. If I am walking in His presence, I should have abundant joy and eternal pleasures. The obvious conclusion is, if I am not full of joy, I am not walking in the presence of God!
Granted, my joy-filled praise may be manifested more inwardly than a naturally extroverted person, but I should still be quick to thanks, quick to share His love, and quick to express His goodness to me.
Father, please forgive me and draw me to your side.
This post is Day 16 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 15, 2016 | Bible Study, The Spiritual Life
This psalm is unlike any of David’s other psalms to this point. In fact, it does not fall into any of the seven classifications for psalms listed in the HCSB study notes. It seems most like a proverb in its description of the godly person. Although no one is worthy of dwelling with the Lord apart from the saving grace of Christ, these verses are still a good guide for holy living.
Verses 1-5
The chapter is one unit of verses, undivided by stanza. David begins by asking who can live in the tent of the Lord or on His holy mountain? Essentially, who is worthy of spending time in the place where God is worshipped? He answers with both positive and negative statements.
Who is worthy
- One who lives honestly
- A practicer of righteousness
- Someone who acknowledges truth
- One who despises those rejected by the Lord and honors those who fear the Lord
- A person who keeps his word no matter what
Who is not worthy
- One who slanders
- A person who harms his friend or discredits his neighbor
- One who lends money at interest or takes a bribe against the innocent
It is important to note these Old Testament psalms are expressions of personal thought and not commandment or theology. Especially verse four that reads:
Who despises the one rejected by the Lord but honors those who fear the Lord.
Taking this verse out of the context of Scripture as a whole results in ungodly speech and actions such as those displayed by Westboro “Baptist Church.” These divisive groups spread hate and do not embody the two greatest commandments Jesus gave in Matthew.
Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and most important command. The second is like unto it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets depend on these two commands. – Matthew 22:37-40
David is right. We should live honestly and righteously before the Lord, but also humbly, not comparing ourselves to others.
This post is Day 15 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 14, 2016 | Bible Study, The Spiritual Life
Psalm 14 picks up the well worn theme of Psalm 12 for another round. But in repetition there is learning. Examining David’s lament of sinners and saints in his day can benefit our lives today.
Verses 1-3
On the surface, this psalm appears to have conflicting thoughts. David begins by describing sinners. He is a fool who says, “God does not exist.” The sinner is corrupt and does vile things. He turns away from God.
As Christians, we may be tempted to exempt ourselves from this description because we do believe in God and we try to do good things. So why then does David say the Lord cannot find a single person who does good? There are two explanations that come to my mind.
- David lived during a time when the Holy Spirit did not permanently indwell most people. He would come upon people, but mostly to enable them to prophecy or fulfill an important task. In David’s day, the blood of Jesus had not yet defeated sin. Therefore, sacrifices had to be made to make forgiveness possible. Since this was a temporary remedy, it meant many people were walking as slaves to the flesh much of the time. Praise the Lord this is no longer the case! The blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from all sin.
- The second consideration is we can believe in God and still act as if He doesn’t exist. Anytime we willfully sin, we are acting as the fool does when he says, “God does not exist.” We must take care not to live our lives by the motto, “better to ask forgiveness than permission.”
What shall we say then? shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? God forbid! – Romans 6:1-2
Verse 4
David continues his complaint in verse 4 with a question.
Will evildoers never understand?
The answer is a resounding no. Apart from God’s miraculous intervention at salvation, sinners will continue to act in opposition to God. They consume the people of God. ISIS immediately comes to mind. God may allow His people to endure great grievances, but He will always allow a remnant to endure. He will always provide a refuge and comfort to the spirit of the afflicted who turn to Him for strength.
Verses 5-6
The result of the sinners actions is given in verse 5.
Then they (the evildoers) will be filled with terror.
The end of verse 5 provides balance. God is with the righteous. Even though evil people try to thwart the plans of the saints, and often succeed, the righteous have the Lord as their refuge.
Verse 7
David closes with a heart cry for deliverance. He prophecies that when the Lord restores the fortunes of Israel, the nation will rejoice and be glad. The idea presented is not one of Israel escaping her enemies by the skin of her teeth, but God bringing about a reversal of destiny. Instead of going to the grave in torment, they will be delivered and greatly blessed. God will restore the splendor of the people He so greatly loves. His favor is undeniable! Israel will sit resplendent in the glory of God once more.
This post is Day 14 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 13, 2016 | Bible Study, The Spiritual Life
Once again David pens a lament, bringing his concerns to the Lord. Crying out for deliverance.
Verses 1-2
David begins by questioning God’s attention and favor. This opening is especially interesting from a psychological point of view as it connects the emotional to the physical and spiritual. David asks God how long he must endure anxious thoughts and the agony of the mind. As a person who has struggled with an overactive mind, panic attacks, fear, and anxiety, I understand his particular torment.
Verses 3-4
What’s interesting is David’s solution. Part of the plan is the removal of his enemies, the source of his distress. This would be my plan too, and likely where my prayer would end. But this is not the emphasis of David’s prayer. He asks for God to “restore the brightness to his eyes.” He desires for God to look upon him in favor and return joy to his spirit. David recognizes his emotions are interwoven with his spiritual state.
Verses 5-6
Verses 5 and 6 close with a hopeful proclamation for the future. This assumes an answer to his prayer. The verses are in a modified if/then format. Because he has put his trust in God, then he will rejoice in his deliverance. He will sing to the Lord. Why? Because the Lord has treated him generously.
To David, the situation was a done deal He trusted his past experience to inform his present circumstance. God had been faithful to David in the past. He would be faithful to him in the future as well.
This post is Day 13 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.
