Truth 101 Class

    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...