Truth 101 Class

    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...