Truth 101 Class

  As David begins Psalm 28, he is once again in a dark place.  In other psalms, he has talked about God's hiddenness; and here, he feels God's silence, as he asks God not to be deaf to his prayers. Maybe David felt this way because he was weighed down by his own sin.  We see that he pleas for mercy, contemplates the actions and fate of the wicked, and talks about not wanting to "go down to the pit" nor to be dragged "off with the wicked."   However, toward the end of this prayer, David gains perspective, and recognizes that the LORD indeed hears and answers.  So David is able to close in praise and thanksgiving, for God is his strength, shield, refuge, and shepherd. Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when meditating on this psalm: Verses 1-2 Whenever I have felt like God is silent and not answering my prayers, what might be some of the reasons I felt that way, in spite of the truth that God does hear and answer? Just as David l

  In Psalm 27, David is unafraid, because of his confidence in the LORD; and especially in God's protection from all his enemies.  The greatest place of security and shelter is in the presence of the LORD.  David seeks "to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD" (vs. 4), to see His face (vs 8), and to walk in His ways (vs 11).  Because of the "goodness of the LORD" (vs 13), the people of God are encouraged to "wait for the LORD" (vs 14), and to be strong and courageous. Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when meditating on this psalm: Verse 1 What are my fears?   How does knowing that the LORD is my light, my salvation, and the stronghold of my life, help me not to be afraid? Verses 2-3 When I consider the troubles that encamp around me, what can help give me confidence in the LORD? Verses 4-10 Take time in prayer and quiet reflection to seek God's face, "to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD," and to rejoice that H

  In Psalm 26, David asks God to vindicate him, and to examine, prove, and test his integrity.  His confidence is in the redemption and grace of God (v. 11), through the cleansing at the altar (v. 6), which ultimately points to the shed blood of the Lamb of God.  The theme from Psalm 1, of the righteous contrasted with the wicked, is seen throughout this psalm.  Also, similar to Psalms 15 and 25, David reflects on entering the presence of the LORD (v. 8).  Overall, similar to Psalm 7, David appeals to God as Judge; and his trust in the LORD enables him to "stand on level ground" (v. 12) without slipping or wavering (v. 1). Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when meditating on this psalm: Verses 1-3 Take time for self-examination and self-reflection, to see if there are areas in which I may not have "walked in my integrity" nor in God's truth and faithfulness. When you are ready, pray for God's vindication, examination, testing,