Truth 101 Class

  Psalm 36 carries the common theme in Wisdom literature of the contrast between wickedness and righteousness.  At the center of the psalm is a focus on the steadfast love of the LORD that "extends to the heavens" and is immeasurable.  God's love, faithfulness, righteousness, and justice affects all creation.  He provides protection and abundant blessing; for He is the "fountain of life" and the light.  The psalm closes in prayer in response to the lovingkindness of God contrasted with the wickedness of man. Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when meditating on this psalm: Verses 1-4 What do these verses tell us about the sinful nature of man?  (For example, verse 4 says that the wicked person "plots trouble while on his bed," indicating that they are continually plotting evil, not resting even when it is time to sleep) The Apostle Paul quotes Psalm 36:1b in Romans 3:18 as he describes the depravity of mankind, leading to...

  Psalm 35 is one of the Imprecatory Psalms (7, 35, 55, 58, 59, 69, 79, 109, 137, 139), praying for God's judgment and justice.  The psalm begins with David asking God to be his advocate against accusers and to be his deliverer against attacks from enemies.  Judgment against the wicked is a common theme in wisdom literature, reminding us of God's ultimate justice.  Our appropriate response is to rejoice and to praise the LORD. Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when meditating on this psalm: Verses 1-3 In verse 1, contend , plead , argue or strive are legal terms.  What does it mean for me that Jesus is my Advocate against Satan the Accuser in a court where God is Judge? These verses pray for God not only to defend (i.e. " take hold of shield and buckler ") but also to take the offensive (i.e. " draw the spear and javelin ").  What battles am I fighting in which I need to remember that I don't have to fight them alone? Ve...

  Psalm 34 is also an acrostic, similar to Psalm 25, with each verse beginning with a letter in the Hebrew alphabet. The historical background of this psalm is narrated in 1 Samuel 21:10-15, when David pretended to be insane in order to escape from Abimelech at Gath.  In this psalm, David praises God, particularly for His deliverance.  We are encouraged to "taste and see that the LORD is good" (vs 8). Also consistent with wisdom literature, we are to fear the LORD and the live the life of the righteous, in contrast to the wicked. Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when meditating on this psalm: Verses 1-3 What do these verses show me about praising, boasting in, magnifying, and exalting the LORD? (e.g. take into consideration the words like "continually," "humble," and "together") Verses 4-7 What do these verses show me about the LORD when I am facing troubles? These verses use various pronouns (e.g., I, me, their, ...

  Psalm 33 is a call to give praise and thanksgiving to the LORD.  Reasons to praise Him include His character, His power as Creator, His plans, and His watchful eye.  May the trust and hope of every generation be upon the LORD, as we "sing to Him a new song!" Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when meditating on this psalm: Verses 1-3: When we sing a "new song" to the LORD, it is not so much that the song is new, but that we continually have new reasons for singing praise to Him!  What do I praise God for today? Verses 4-19: Why does the righteousness and truth of God's character and His word inspire praise? (vs. 4-5) Why is the Creator worthy of awe?  (vs. 6-9) Why does knowing that God's plans endure forever bring blessing? (vs 10-12) Why is it praiseworthy that God sees all and watches over those who fear Him? Verses 20-22: Because God is so worthy of praise and thanksgiving, how should we respond? If you would like to medi...

  Psalm 32 is another one of the Penitential Psalms (6, 32, 38, 51, 102, 130, 143).  David begins by acknowledging that blessed are those whose transgressions, sins, and iniquities are forgiven, covered, and not counted.  He recounts physically wasting away until he has confessed his transgressions and received forgiveness.  We are assured that God is our hiding place, protector, and deliverer, so that we should not be like a stubborn horse or mule that needs curbing.  This psalm closes with a reminder of the contrast between the wicked and the righteous; in that while the wicked are full of sorrows, the righteous can be glad in the LORD, rejoice, and shout for joy! Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when meditating on this psalm: Verses 1-2 Three common words for sin used in verses 1-2 & 5 are transgression (i.e. rebellion or crossing a line), sin (i.e. failure or falling short of God's will), and iniquity (i.e. crooked or per...

  " Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, 'Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!' And having said this he breathed his last ." (Luke 23:46).  Psalm 31:5 includes Christ's last words on the cross.  However, Psalm 31 may also apply to anyone who has ever felt abandoned, alone, attacked, or physically wasting away with grief.  Prayers expressing trust (vv. 1-8 and 14-18) surround the central prayer of distress over the death schemes of the enemies (vv. 9-13). Then, the psalm closes with blessings offered to the LORD, who hears the cries of faithful ones who wait for Him (vv. 19-24). Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when meditating on this psalm: Verses 1-4 How does God's "righteousness deliver me" from shame? In what ways has the LORD been a "rock of refuge" and "strong fortress" for me? Verse 5 Take time in prayer, to surrender all to the LORD and to give thanks for redemption throug...

  Whether David wrote Psalm 30 to dedicate his own palace dwelling (2 Samuel 5:11-12), the tabernacle when he brought the ark of the LORD back to Jerusalem (2 Samuel 6:17), or the temple yet to be built (1 Chronicles 21:1-22:6); this psalm begins and ends with praise.  However, it also includes many contrasts, such as pit vs life, moment vs lifetime, weeping vs joy, night vs morning, prosperity vs favor, mourning vs dancing, and sackcloth vs gladness.  These reflect the HOPE of the truth found in Scripture that " this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison " (2 Corinthians 4:17). Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when meditating on this psalm: Verses 1-3 Just as God has delivered David from physical death, He has lifted us up from spiritual death.  Give God praise for His help, healing, and restoration. Verses 4-5 These verses encourage all the saints to join in singing praise an...