Truth 101 Class

  Psalm 47 is an invitation to " all peoples" to praise God, because He is King "over all the earth."  It is not a psalm of quiet meditation and prayer.  It is an exuberant celebration of our awesome God and King, with clapping of hands, shouting with "loud songs of joy," and trumpet sounds!  "God sits on His holy throne" and "reigns over all the nations!"  He is worthy of all praise and worship!  Amen!  Amen! Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when meditating on this psalm: Verse 1 When gathered with the people of God, what effect does it have to clap, shout with joy, and sing praises loudly together? Verses 2-4 Why is God worthy of our worship? " Selah " pauses the song after verse 4, which recognizes God's sovereign choice and His love.  Take time now to pause and reflect on God choosing us and loving us. Verses 5-9 C.H. Spurgeon says of verse 5, "The words are fully applicable to th...

  Psalm 46 proclaims security in God's protection and help.  " Alamoth " in the title may refer to the sound of high-pitched instruments or voices as referenced in 1 Chronicles 15:20.  This song is structured in three parts ending with " Selah " and having verses 7 and 11 as refrains.  The words of the song declare that God is greater than all that could happen in nature (such as roaring waters or quaking mountains) or among nations (such as wars or upheaval).  In the midst of all this, God's voice breaks through, saying "Be still, and know that I am God."  Amen! Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when meditating on this psalm: Verses 1-3 What does it mean for God to be my "refuge," "strength," and "very present help in trouble"? How does this help me not to fear?  (Note that verse 2 begins with "Therefore") Verses 4-6 The "river ... streams ... in the city of God" (v....

  Psalm 45 is a royal wedding song that would have been applicable to any king in the line of David.  The psalmist begins with a preface and ends with a closing filled with joy and celebration.  Verses 2-9 describe the bridegroom, the king, while verses 10-16 address the bride.  Hebrews 1:8-9 quote Psalm 45:6-7, in reference to Jesus.  This reminds us that various Scriptures point to the future wedding feast of the Lamb and that the church is to be the Bride of Christ. Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when meditating on this psalm: Verse 1 How might my tongue be "like the pen of a ready scribe" expressing the joy in my heart for my King? Verses 2-9 What are the noteworthy characteristics and blessings of the king highlighted in these verses?  Verses 10-16 What are the beautiful characteristics and anticipated future blessings of the bride highlighted in these verses?   Verse 17 Based on the Hebrews 1 passage, we kn...