Psalms 1:1 – 24:10
Overview
Today we begin to read the book of Psalms. The Psalms are a collection of poetry and prayers that were put to music. The majority were written by King David. As we learned in Kings & Chronicles, music was an important part of worship. Levits were assigned jobs playing instruments at the temple. The Psalms were not only written for worship, but for instruction too. The poems take the reader through an emotional wave of praise, joy, confession and petition over and over. Many of the Psalms clearly reflect times in the authors life that correlate with narratives we learned about in the books of Kings & Chronicles.
Scripture Psalms 3
1 LORD, how many are my foes!
How many rise up against me!
2 Many are saying of me,
“God will not deliver him.”3 But you, LORD, are a shield around me,
my glory, the One who lifts my head high.
4 I call out to the LORD,
and he answers me from his holy mountain.5 I lie down and sleep;
I wake again, because the LORD sustains me.
6 I will not fear though tens of thousandsassail me on every side.
7 Arise, LORD!
Deliver me, my God!
Strike all my enemies on the jaw;
break the teeth of the wicked.8 From the LORD comes deliverance.
May your blessing be on your people.
Observation
David Write Psalms
David wrote this psalm as he reflected on a difficult situation. His son Absolom had been scheming ways to overthrow David. He began to spread rumors and was even able to turn some of David’s loyal followers over to his side. Absolom finally proclaims that he is king and David runs from Jerusalem in fear. This psalm shows how David first reflects on his situation but quickly gives it over to God. His worrisome cries turn into confident praise. David’s knows that God is with him and will provide & sustain him!
Application
Even kings like David have bad things happen to them. Rather than dwelling on the problems and worrying, God wants us to give over our discouragement and problems to Him. He will put his shield around us and his love will strengthen us. When we call out to Him, He will hear us and provide. We don’t have to fear that we are alone. Jesus experienced difficult trials when he was chased from towns, almost stoned, abandoned by his friends and left alone to be crucified. We should have confidence knowing that God understands our feelings and doubts when we undergo trials in our lives. Know that through all of this, He is with us, loves us and cares about us.
Prayer
Lord, help me to be like David who looked passed his problems to find confidence in you. Thank you for the scriptures of the Psalms.
