Truth 101 Class

  David's prayer in verse 1 is for God to preserve or protect him as he takes refuge in the LORD.  In the rest of the psalm, David says that he has "no good apart from [God];" and that he delights in the saints, but has no association with the idolaters.  He blesses the LORD for his inheritance, the LORD's counsel even in the night seasons, and his stability.  In the closing, David rejoices in his eternal future.  In Acts 2:25-28, the Apostle Peter quotes Psalm 16:8-10 in reference to the resurrection of Christ. Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when meditating on this psalm: Verse 1-2  Take some time to praise God for His preservation and goodness in our lives. Verses 3-4  In what ways do I delight in the fellowship of the saints? How do I protect myself from being influenced by those who run after other gods? Verses 5-6  What is my "inheritance" in the LORD? Verse 7   How has the "counsel" of the LORD bl...

Psalm 15, in contrast to the previous psalm, focuses on the righteous.  In verse 1, David asks the question of who may enter the holy presence of the LORD, both temporarily by abiding in His tabernacle or more permanently through dwelling on His holy hill.  The rest of the verses answer this question, listing characteristics of the righteous related to living, doing, speaking, and treatment of others.  The psalm ends with the assurance that the righteous will "never be moved!" Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when meditating on this psalm: Verse 1 During David's time, only the priests were able to to enter God's presence and to dwell in the tabernacle; but we now "have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus" (Hebrews 10:19).  Spend time in prayer, giving thanks for the privilege of being able to enter God's presence and for the glorious hope of being able to dwell in the house of the LORD forever! Verses...

 Psalm 14 laments the deplorable state of human depravity.  It is essentially the same as Psalm 53 and is quoted in Romans 3:10-12.  The "fool," as consistent with Wisdom literature, refers to morality rather than intellect.  The foolish wicked person denies the existence of God despite the evidence; and as a result is corrupt, does abominable deeds, does not have knowledge or understanding of divine things, does not seek after God, has turned away, and oppress God's people.  Yet, as much as they try to deny God, the wicked shall be gripped "in great terror," because God is a refuge and will provide salvation for His people.  We can look forward with hope to when God's people can fully rejoice and be glad! Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when meditating on this psalm: Verses 1-3  What additional insights does Romans 3:9-26 give, regarding the depravity of man? Verses 4-6  In what ways do evildoers "have no knowled...

  "How Long?"  In the anguish of his soul, David asks this question four times as he struggles with God's seeming hiddeness, wrestles with his own sorrowful thoughts, and considers his enemies.  He asks God to give "light" to his eyes, for whether the "sleep of death" that he is facing is physical or spiritual, dark emotions can cloud perspectives. At the end of the prayer, darkness has turned to light, as David trusts in God, rejoices in His salvation, and sings praises for the LORD's bountiful blessings! Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when meditating on this psalm: Verses 1-2:  When are times we have asked God "How Long?"  Was it because God seemed to be distant or hidden?  Was it because we were going through so much personal struggle that we couldn't wait to get through it?   Was it because our enemies were gloating over our lowly state?  Was it because there seemed to be no end in sight? Spend t...

 In this psalm, we once again see that as David cries out to God, he gains perspective for his situation through prayer to the LORD.  He starts by asking for God's help because he feels like all the godly and faithful have vanished, and only the wicked who are boastful and spreading lies prevail on earth.  Yet, God responds with the assurance that He will protect the oppressed.  A sharp contrast is made between God's pure words, as opposed to the lying words of the wicked.  The psalmist closes with a more realistic perspective, that though the wicked are still exalted by men on earth; yet, the LORD will protect the godly. Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when meditating on this psalm: Verse 1-2  When are times that we see so much wickedness around us (e.g., lies, flattering lips, double hearts) that we wonder where all the godly and faithful have gone? Verses 3-4  Pray for God to be at work to "cut off" all evil. Verses...

        In this psalm, David declares his confident trust in the LORD as he takes refuge in Him; despite those around him giving advice to flee and hide from the wicked who are shooting at him, in an environment where moral foundations have been destroyed.  David's confidence is because God is on the throne in His heavenly temple and He sees everyone.  While the righteous may be refined through the fire, but the wicked will be judged by the consuming fire.  The psalm closes with assurance that the righteous who have found favor with the King may enter His presence and behold His face. Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when meditating on this psalm:  Verses 1-3: In what ways might the environment around us be similar to that in the psalm - fearful, life endangering, lacking moral foundations? Is there anything causing me to run and hide, instead of facing my fears through trusting in the LORD? Verses 4-6: How does re...

    The psalmist, in verse 1, felt as if God was far away and hidden, because of the arrogance and oppressive actions of the wicked that he describes in verses 2-11.  So, he prays for God to take action in verses 12-15; and he closes in praise in verses 16-18; because he recognizes that God indeed hears the cries of the afflicted, and that He will justly judge the wicked and their actions. Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when meditating on this psalm: Verse 1 When are times in which I have felt like God was far away or hidden? How can this psalm help me to gain the right perspective on God and my situations? Verses 2-11 How does the psalmist describe the wicked? Verses 4, 6, and 11 show that God does know what the wicked think in their hearts; yet the wicked are mistaken in thinking that God "has hidden his face."  Is it possible that in verse 1, when the psalmist thought God was "hidden," that the psalmist was being influenced by w...

  This psalm is a wonderful reminder to give praise and thanksgiving to God for that He has done!  In verses 1-2, David begins with four "I will ..." statements, demonstrated his exuberance in praising God.  In the verses following that, whether David is praising God for what He has already done or what He will assuredly do, David refers to God's righteous judgment of the wicked (vs 3-8 & 15-17) and His being a refuge for the oppressed and avenger of the afflicted (vs 9-14 & 18).  The psalm ends with a prayer (vs 19-20), bringing to mind themes from Wisdom literature as reflected in Psalms 1 & 2; that the wicked will be judged and all nations will one day bow to the LORD! Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when meditating on this psalm:  Verses 1-2 What are the "wonderful deeds" that God has done that I can that give thanks for, recount, rejoice in, and sing praises about? Verses 3-18 In what ways have I seen God demons...

        Psalm 8 is a wonderful psalm of praise!  The repeated praise in the beginning and end of the psalm points us to our personal relationship with our covenant LORD, but also to our reverence for His sovereign Lordship.  His majesty is glorious, excellent, great, and wonderful; not only on earth but also "above the heavens!"        Jesus quoted verse 2 in Matthew 21:34 to rebuke the chief priests and scribes when they complained about children saying "Hosanna to the Son of David!" during His Triumphal entry into Jerusalem.  This illustrates the contrast being made, that God can "...chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong" (1 Corinthians 1:27).      As David gazes upon the glory of the Creator revealed in creation, he wonders how God could care for man, who is insignificant in comparison.  Yet, God created man in His image and gave him dominion over the earth and all the cr...

   In this psalm, David references many names and attributes of God:  LORD, my God, refuge, savior, deliverer, judge, righteous God, shield, righteous judge, warrior, and Most High.  David is in so much anguish about this situation in which his life is in danger because he has been wrongly accused, that he even swears an oath on his innocence.  But, he is able to give thanks at the end of the psalm because he knows that God is a righteous judge. Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when meditating on this psalm:  Verses 1-2 All of us have at least one Enemy who pursues us like a lion.  Spend some time in prayer for refuge and deliverance for the Church, globally and locally, from the Enemy's attacks. Verses 3-5 During a time of self-evaluation, consider whether there is "wrong in my hands" (vs 3) or "if I have repaid my friend with evil" (vs 4)?   If so, what can I do to "right the wrong"? Verses 6-16 If God were ...

 Psalm 6 is one of the Penitential Psalms (6, 32, 38, 51, 102, 130, 143).  In this psalm, David is in deep anguish and grief, seeking for God's gracious healing and deliverance.  He is so troubled to his bones and soul, he is asking how long God will continue to rebuke him in His wrath against sin.  He wants to be able to praise God again, though he weeps so much that he floods his bed with tears.  At the end of the psalm, because of God's answer to prayer, David is able to tell his evil enemies to "Depart!" Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when meditating on this psalm: Verses 1-7 What attributes of God are referenced in these verses? Sin can affect our relationship with the LORD, cause physical and spiritual troubles, bring weariness, and cause tears of grief.   What are the effects of sin in my life? In light of this, what would I say to God in my prayers? Verses 8-10 God hears our prayers; and through Christ, we hav...

    In this morning psalm, David once again begins by crying out to God in prayer.  And as he looks to God his King, he waits expectantly for God's answer.  David recognizes that God abhors sin, and gives indication that his enemies are wicked, evil, boastful, liars, bloodthirsty, and deceitful.  In contrast, David bows in humility, knowing that he is only able to enter God's presence because of His great love and mercy.   He prays that God will guide his path in righteousness.  Verse 9 is actually quoted in Romans 3:13 to illustrate that there is none righteous because of the depravity of all mankind.  Verse 10 is what puts this psalm in the category of imprecatory psalms, as David calls for God's judgment upon his enemies.  However, it is because they have rebelled against God; so David is just speaking truth about God's righteous judgment, points to future destruction of the wicked, and in context of the psalm hopefully motivates repe...

  Psalm 4 is another wonderful psalm of trust in God.  Some think that this is connected to Psalm 3, because of the similar references to "glory" or "honor" (verses 3:3 & 4:2) and sleeping in peace (verses 3:5 & 4:8).  However, whether or not these are about the same circumstances, David starts in both by crying out to God about his distress; but by the end of his prayers, he closes with peace and trust in the LORD.  In the middle of Psalm 3 (verse 2-6a), David addresses his enemies; and encourages them to not sin, to restore a right relationship with God through offering sacrifices, to put their trust in the LORD, and to not doubt God's goodness.  David prays that God would lift up the light of His countenance upon them, and rejoices in God's favor and blessing! Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when meditating on this psalm: Verse 1 How does knowing that God is the "God of my righteousness", and remembering...

  This is a wonderful psalm of trust in God, even though the background circumstances as told in 2 Samuel 15-18 are devastatingly heartbreaking.  King David's own son Absalom, whom he loves, has amassed followers who have turned against him.  Absalom is seeking to kill his father, and is leading a rebellion with those who are even saying that David is beyond help from God.  So, in Psalm 3, David cries out to God about the "many" who rise up against him.  Yet, David has assurance in God's protection and answer to prayer.  His faith that God will sustain him, enables him to sleep peacefully and not be afraid.  He closes by praying for deliverance, knowing that God is able to save both physically and spiritually; and that God blesses His people. Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when meditating on this psalm: Verses 1-2 David responded to his heartbreaking and life-threatening circumstances by crying out to God.  Durin...

   Psalm 2 is a Messianic psalm pointing to Jesus as King; and it is one of the most referenced psalms in the New Testament.  It can be viewed in four parts: Verses 1-3 Rebellion of the Nations Verses 4-6 God's Rule in Heaven Verses 7-9 Promise of Messiah's Reign Verses 10-12 Counsel to the Nations Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when meditating on the sections of this psalm: Verses 1-3 Why do the nations rebel against God and what is ironic in verse 3 about their desire to break bonds?  In what ways might I be vainly rebelling against God in my own life? Verses 4-6 How does God's response demonstrate His sovereignty?  How do these verses give me assurance in the midst of the anger and rebellion in the world? Verses 7-9 How are these verses fulfilled in Christ?  How should Christ's kingdom reign affect my life? Verses 10-12 What is God's counsel to the nations? Based on this passage, how can we be praying for the leaders an...

     Psalm 1 can be considered an introduction to the Book of Psalms, reflecting a theme common to Wisdom literature:  righteous living leads to life and blessings, in contrast to wicked living which leads to destruction and curses.  Verse 2 is a key verse focusing on meditating day and night on God's Word. (NOTE: "the law of the LORD" is "Torah," which can specifically refer to the Pentateuch, but more generally to God's instructions and thus, to what He has revealed in His Word)   To "meditate" is to mutter, contemplate, and ponder, so that God's Word enters our hearts and minds; and is then lived out in our actions.   It is like chewing and digesting, in order to internalize, nourish, and then bear fruit. Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider while meditating upon this psalm: Verse 1:  What does being "Blessed" indicate? What temptations and sins do I need to address in my life?   Of the sins that th...

 We are embarking on a journey through the Psalms.  As we meditate together on the Psalms, may our reflections on Scripture guide our prayers and turn our eyes upon the LORD.  The psalms are like songs of prayer and praise to God.   In poetic style, the psalms are able to express deep emotions from the heart. The Book of Psalms is comprised of 5 Books (I - Psalm 1-41; II - Psalm 42-72; III - Psalm 73-89; IV - Psalm 90 - 106; V - Psalm 107-150); and parallels have been made to the Pentateuch.  The psalms were written through inspiration of the Holy Spirit by various authors (e.g. David ~73, Asaph 12, Solomon 2, Moses 1, Sons of Korah 11, Anonymous ~40) spanning about 1000 years.

Hello! We are a community of believers in Jesus Christ who love to worship God, study His Word, fellowship with one another, pray together, and serve in ministry.   "And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers." (Acts 2:42)