The Lord Is My Mighty Fortress, My Deliverer

Scripture: Psalms 62: 1-8

Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him.Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken. How long will you assault me? Would all of you throw me down— this leaning wall, this tottering fence? Surely they intend to topple me from my lofty place; they take delight in lies. With their mouths they bless, but in their hearts they curse.Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.

Scripture Commentary: God is the fortress that shields us from harm

David expressed his feelings to God and then reaffirmed his faith. Prayer can release tension in times of emotional stress. Trusting God to be our rock, salvation and fortress will change our entire outlook on life.

God values our faithful work for Him

No longer must we be held captive by resentment towards others when they hurt us. It can be tempting to us to use honor, power, wealth, or prestige to measure people. We may even think that such people are really getting ahead in life. But on God’s scales, we are all a “breath,” a puff of air.

Wealth, honor power, or prestige add nothing to our value in God’s eyes, but the faithful work we do for Him has eternal value. When we are resting in God’s strength, nothing can shake us.

Have you placed your life in God’s hands?

When you do, the so called burdens you carry will leave you because He will carry you through.

Read the Entire Chapter:
Psalms 62

The Chaff Blows Away, the Grain Bears Fruit

Scripture: Psalms 1: 1-2, 4, 6

Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.(1) But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.(2) The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.(4) For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.(6)

Scripture Commentary: Are you the chaff or the grain?

Which way is the wind blowing you? Are you like the chaff being carried in all directions or are you like the grain that’s planted and ready to bring forth fruit for Our Lord Jesus Christ?

The more you are in God’s presence, the more fruitful you are. On the other hand, the more you allow those who ridicule God to affect your thoughts and attitudes, the more you separate yourself from your source of nourishment.

You can have contact with unbelievers to witness to them, but you must not join in or imitate their ways. You are God’s child and by being so, you must do your best not only to live His way but also to show others how God lives in you.

There are only two paths. God’s path which is obedience, or the path of rebellion and destruction. The path you choose determines how you spend eternity.

Read the Entire Chapter:
Psalms Chapter 1

Blessed Is the Person Who Walks With God

Scripture: Psalms 1: 1-4

Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law^[b] of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away.

Scripture Commentary: Are you a person who walks in God’s path or in Satan’s?

There’s no middle ground. Are you taking counsel in God’s Word by studying and living what you read? The person who walks in God’s path is the person who takes the time to know and live His Word.

God’s wisdom guides you, giving your life meaning. After you study God’s Word, meditate and think about what you have read. Talk to God. He will answer you.

The more you delight yourself in God’s presence, the more fruitful you will be. In contrast, the more you allow those who ridicule God to affect your thoughts, attitudes, and actions, the more you separate yourself from your source of nourishment.

Your true friends will build up your faith in God, not tear it down. The more you study God’s Word, the more you will be closer to Him and He to you.

Read the Entire Chapter:
Psalms 1

God’s People Must Live Together in Unity

Scripture: Psalms 133: 1-3

How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron’s beard, down on the collar of his robe. It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there the Lord bestows his blessing, even life forevermore.

Scripture Commentary: Love binds us together in perfect unity*

David stated that unity is pleasant and precious. Unfortunately, unity does not abound in the church as it should.

Do you have the true love of Our Lord Jesus Christ in you and in your church?

Oftentimes we disagree and cause division over unimportant and ungodly issues. Some of us delight in causing tension by discrediting others.

Unity is important because it does 3 things:

Makes the church a positive example to the world and helps draw others in
Helps us cooperate as a body of believers as God meant us to be, giving us a foretaste of heaven
Renews and revitalizes ministry because there is less tension to sap our energy

Living in unity doesn’t mean that we will agree on everything. There will be many opinions just as there are many notes in a musical chord.

We must agree on our common purpose in life, to work together as Our Lord Jesus Christ taught us. We must love one another as He loves us.

Read the Entire Chapter:
Psalms 133

*Additional Reading:
Colossians 3

Into Thine Hand I Commit My Spirit

Scripture: Psalms 31: 1-5

(To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David.) In thee, O LORD, do I put my trust; let me never be ashamed: deliver me in thy righteousness. Bow down thine ear to me; deliver me speedily: be thou my strong rock, for an house of defence to save me. For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name’s sake lead me, and guide me. Pull me out of the net that they have laid privily for me: for thou artmy strength. Into thine hand I commit my spirit: thou hast redeemed me, O LORD God of truth.

Scripture Commentary: Trust God and commit to Him

We say we have faith in God, but do we really trust in Him? David called upon God to deliver him. “Into thine hand I commit my spirit…” This conveyed his complete trust in God.

When we place something in God’s hands, do we leave it with Him?

As Jesus was dying on the cross, He said, “Into your hands I commit my spirit.” This showed his absolute dependence on God, the Father. Peter also repeated these words as he was being stoned to death.

David, Jesus and Peter knew that in death they were simply passing from God’s earthly care to His eternal care.

We should commit our possessions, families and our very lives to God

Don’t be trapped by the false security of prosperity. Wealth, power and fame have an intoxicating effect on people, making them feel self-reliant and self-secure. They make themselves independent of God. Satan has a way of making us feel dependent upon earthly things. Don’t fall into his hands.

As Jesus and Stephen did, commit yourself to God by living and working in His name.

Read the Entire Chapter:
Psalms Chapter 31

Lead and Teach Me Your Ways, O Lord

Scripture: Psalms 25: 1, 4-7

Unto thee, O LORD, do I lift up my soul.(1) Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths.(4) Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day.(5) Remember, O LORD, thy tender mercies and thy lovingkindnesses; for they have been ever of old.(6) Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions: according to thy mercy remember thou me for thy goodness’ sake, O LORD.(7)

Scripture Commentary: Teach me how I should be; lead my life according to your ways, Lord

David asked God to keep his enemies from overcoming him. He asked God to lead, teach, and show him mercy.

Your enemies not only oppose you. They also oppose God and how He wants you to live.

You are opposite to God’s laws when you place money, success, prestige, and lust in your life. When you let these things overcome you, then you are living as Satan wants. If you begin to live this way, then you’re lost. And your family and friends may think that living for God is futile.

You must keep the Lord Jesus Christ in your life at all times so that your enemies will not succeed

Pray for guidance. Place yourself in His hands. Let God guide you in the path of righteousness.

Your first step is to want to be guided and to realize that God’s primary guidance is in His word. Read Psalms 119. It tells of the endless knowledge found in God’s Word.

Do not be tempted to demand answers to all of your questions. You should be prepared for direction and guidance.

Seek and you will find the path that God has prepared for you.

Read the Entire Chapter:
Psalms Chapter 25

Additional Reading:
Psalms Chapter 119

Lord, Cleanse Me for I Have Sinned

Scripture: Psalms 51: 1-4

Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest.

Scripture Commentary: We have all sinned against God

Although David sinned with Bathsheba, David said that he had sinned against God. When someone slanders, steals, or murders, it is against someone. There is a victim.

Like David, our sinful actions can and do hurt many people, but most of all, our actions hurt our Lord. Sin offends God because sin in any form is a rebellion against how God wants us to live. David repented for his sins, and God mercifully forgave him.

No sin is too great to be forgiven!

God can and will forgive you of any sin. While God forgives us, He does not always erase the natural consequences of our sin. David’s life and family were never the same as a result of what he had done.

When Satan tempts you to do wrong, remember that you will be sinning against God. Ask God to strengthen, protect and guide you. God is here to protect you from harm with His love.

Read the Entire Chapter:
Psalms Chapter 51

Lord, Keep My Soul and Deliver Me

Scripture: Psalms 25: 10-11, 18-21

All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies. For thy name’s sake, O LORD, pardon mine iniquity; for it is great.(10,11) Look upon mine affliction and my pain; and forgive all my sins. Consider mine enemies; for they are many; and they hate me with cruel hatred. O keep my soul, and deliver me: let me not be ashamed; for I put my trust in thee. Let integrity and uprightness preserve me; for I wait on thee.(18-21)

Scripture Commentary: God, deliver me from evil

We can’t lose when we stay on the path God has set for us. But we know we’re weak, and we fall in times of weakness. This is when we need the Lord to deliver us from ourselves and help us stay on the right road.

We are bombarded with relentless appeals to go in various directions but when you read The Bible, you will find God and help is on the way.

Recognize God for Who He Is

To fear God is to love Him. Recognize God for who He is: Holy, Almighty, Righteous, Pure, All Knowing, All Powerful, and Wise.

When we regard God correctly, we gain a clearer picture of ourselves: sinful, weak, frail, and needy.

We need two powerful forces to preserve us: integrity and uprightness

Uprightness makes us learn God’s requirements. Integrity keeps us from claiming to be upright while living as if we don’t know God.

Vow to consistently walk in the Shepherd’s way.

Read the Entire Chapter:
Psalms Chapter 25

God Is A Very Present Help in Trouble

Scripture: Psalms 46: 1-3

(To the chief Musician for the sons of Korah, A Song upon Alamoth.) God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.

Scripture Commentary: Don’t be afraid because God is always present

The fear of mountains or cities suddenly crumbling into the sea as the result of a nuclear blast haunts many people today. But the psalmist says that even if our present day world ends, we need not fear.

In the face of utter destruction we can have a quiet confidence in God’s ability to save us if we have accepted Jesus Christ as our savior. It seems impossible to consider the end of the world without becoming consumed by fear, but the Bible is clear.

God is our refuge even in the face of total destruction. He is not merely a temporary retreat; He is our eternal refuge and can provide strength in any circumstance.

Take time each day to be still and exalt God

War and destruction are inevitable, but so is God’s final victory. At that time all will stand quietly before the Lord Almighty. How proper it is then for us to be still now, reverently honoring Him and His power and majesty.

Read the Entire Chapter:
Psalms Chapter 46

Open Your Heart and Be Blessed By God

Scripture: Psalms 117: 1-2

Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.

Scripture Commentary: God has blessed you in every way

This psalm says a lot, using few words; however the message is to praise the Lord, let the world hear your praise, and lift up the Lord, your God. Be blessed!

Not only is Psalms 117 the shortest chapter in the Bible, it is also the middle chapter. Are you at the mid-point in your life? If so, ask yourself the following questions:

Have I accepted God?
Have I, at any time, given God the praise?

Have you ever said , “I can’t think of anything that God has done for me.”

If you are reading this, then God has given you another day. You aren’t in the grave. If you have a place to stay, if you’ve had a meal today, then give God the praise.

God has given you His love, and His faithfulness endures forever. You probably cannot say that you have been faithful to God all of your life but God has been faithful to you always.

If God did nothing else for you, He would still be worthy of your highest praise. Praise the Lord!

Read the Entire Chapter:
Psalms Chapter 117