Truth 101 Class

  "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 5-6  What are t

        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 remembering that God is on His "