This week we will be primarily focusing on the Psalms passages, although you can find some very interesting name ideas as you read through the lineage passages in 1 Chronicles 🙂
All of the Psalms we are reading today are said to be written of “the sons of Korah”. If you’re like me, you may not be completely aware of who these people are. Although there are multiple ‘Korah’s mentioned in Scripture, most scholars believe the Psalmists come from the line of Korah who led the rebellion against Moses, and as a result was swallowed up by the earth and his followers burned with heavenly fire (Numbers 16). BUT, Korah’s sons did not die as we see in Numbers 26:11. With this historical knowledge, it can be helpful to put some of these Psalms into perspective.
Starting off in verse 1 of Psalm 43, I am immediately resonating with the writers as I consider our own nation for the last decade (and then some). No matter what someone’s political perspective is, I feel confident we can all agree that this world, our nation, is in desperate need of God’s light and truth to lead us (v. 3). It can be easy to feel rejected or abandoned by God when we focus on the world around us. The Korahites express this very sentiment in chapter 44, calling an immortal, omnipotent Creator to Wake Up (v. 23) and remember them in their affliction. Interestingly, the writers here don’t ask for rescue because they are so holy, or because of their own personal status. Rather, they ask God to redeem them for the sake of His steadfast love (v. 26). Their motive in asking is based in an understanding of the love of a powerful Father. Despite their affliction, their feelings, and their very real enemy oppression, they are recognizing the love of God and praising His name, calling Him their greatest joy (43:4). They are acknowledging His power while also acknowledging that they are in a pretty sucky situation they didn’t actively pursue like generations past.
Of all people, the Korahites understood the power God had and what He could do to those who did not follow Him. They knew this because of what their own generational line experienced! They would have been painfully aware of Korah’s poor choices, and of God’s miraculous provisions for the Israelites throughout the years, because of their ancestors (44:1). Rather than lashing out at God for His decision with Korah, or living in crippling fear with the knowledge of His mighty hand, they instead tied themselves closely to a God they saw as loving, protective, and desiring to redeem them (49:15). They placed their trust in an Almighty authority with the capacity to bring eternal salvation, rather than the things of this world that wouldn’t follow them beyond the grave (49:17).
When we experience challenges in life, it’s easy to place blame outside of ourselves (sometimes rightfully so!), become angry, or focus on all of the sucky parts around us. During these moments, we can instead consider our greatest joy, remember our Sovereign God, and His redeeming love. This doesn’t mean we have to ignore or hide the situations we’re in – that isn’t what these Psalmists did at all! Instead, they placed their situations in perspective of a God they knew to be loving and eternal, worthy of praise no matter the circumstance. Do you?
-Sarah Johnson
Reflection Questions
What is your first response when you experience or observe injustice in the world? Does this reflect the knowledge you have of God?
How can you place your current situations into perspective of God’s power? How does this change your attitude about your situation?
Do you pull a different theme from the Psalms today? What was God speaking into your unique circumstance?
These are the sons of Israel: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, Dan, Joseph, Benjamin, Naphtali, Gad, and Asher. -1 Chronicles 2:1-2 (ESV)
If you’ve been reading along with me this week, you may have noticed I like lists. In fact, it’s kind of an obsession of mine. I have lists for pretty much everything – grocery lists, daily to-do lists, lists for upcoming birthdays and anniversaries, to-do lists of projects (for me and for my husband), packing lists for trips, lists of nursery helpers and teachers at church, so many lists.
Lists can be great as reminders. Yesterday and today we have read through the first two chapters in 1 Chronicles. I know the headings aren’t actually “Biblical”, but they are helpful. 1 Chronicles 1:1-24 is the genealogy from Adam to Abraham. Verses 28 – 34 is the genealogy from Abraham to Jacob (Israel). 1 Chronicles 2:1-15 is the genealogy of David. Now, I don’t particularly like to read the genealogies in the Bible, or anywhere, really. I usually skim through them and pause at the names of characters in the Bible I recognize.
But God wanted them in the Bible, in His Word, so they must have a purpose. I know God had special tasks for different tribes. I know that prophecies that tell of Jesus’ lineage rely on genealogies to prove he was the Messiah. So, don’t write them off too quickly, even if you don’t read every name.
A short devotion to make up for the long list of names you just waded through!
Amy Blanchard
Reflection Questions
Consider your own genealogy. There are people in your lineage who have shaped your life and your faith. Is there anyone you want to thank? Or thank God for?
I encourage you to read the Psalms for today as well. A great prayer for every moment of every day is Psalm 19:14, “May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.” In looking back over your day, at what time would you have been happy to say this prayer? When would you have wanted to hide your words and thoughts (meditation) from God? Praise God for His forgiveness!
There really isn’t a good enough word to describe how majestic God is, not even a list of words can do Him justice! The rest of verse one says, “You have set your glory above the heavens.” David points out in this Psalm that we can see God’s majesty in the work of His fingers (His creation)– specifically mentioned is the moon and the stars.
After looking to the vastness of God’s creation, David asks in 8:4, “what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him?” David goes on to say that God crowned us with glory and honor. We are such a small piece in God’s creation that it is hard to imagine that God cares so much for us. And even more than that, He gave us dominion (rule or control) over the rest of His creation.
Wow! So often I read a Psalm like this and don’t really take in its powerful message. God made the whole world and everything in it. That includes people. That includes you and me. Do you feel crowned with glory and honor? Do you feel watched over and cared for?
As the world turns further and further away from God’s path it is easy to become discouraged. To wonder, “How bad was it in Noah’s day that God ended most of mankind?”. Psalm 14:1a says, “The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” There seem to be fools aplenty – all you have to do is turn on the news, log on to Facebook, listen to the conversations around you in a restaurant or grocery store. Fools are everywhere. All of the Psalms from today’s reading offer great encouragement for those who follow God.
Amy Blanchard
Reflection Questions
What in God’s creation speaks of God’s majesty to you? Mountains, oceans, colors, wildlife, sunrises/sunsets, music, a newborn, etc.?
As you consider that God made – and makes – all people, consider that this statement includes you. Also consider, this includes your bossy sister, your nosy neighbor, your know-it-all relative, etc. Who might you need to start seeing through God’s eyes?
2 Samuel begins with Saul’s death. Chapter one tells of his death and David’s reaction. Chapter two shows David seeking God’s advice and being anointed king over Judah, the northern kingdom. Also, we see Abner anointing Ish-bosheth, Saul’s remaining son, king over Israel, the southern kingdom.
Both armies met at the pool of Gibeon. 2 Samuel 2:14 says, “And Abner said to Joab, ‘Let the young men arise and compete before us.’ And Joab said, ‘Let them arise.’” They arose, each sending 12 men to fight. They each caught their opponent by the head and thrust their sword in their opponent’s side. All 24 died. Not the brightest way to fight! A battle broke out after this and one of Joab’s brothers, Asahel, ran after Abner; Abner ends up killing him. That brings Joab and his other brother, Abishai, pursuing Abner. Joab ends up retreating, but David’s men won the battle 20 deaths to 360 deaths. Chapter three tells of Joab and Abishai getting their revenge on Abner and of Ish-bosheth’s death.
There you have the cliff notes version of the first four chapters of 2 Samuel.
There are two stories in these chapters that show David’s moral character. If you remember, there were a couple of times when Saul was chasing David when David could have killed him and did not because Saul had been anointed by God. Even though it would have been viewed as a proper response to the situation, David didn’t do it. In 2 Samuel 1 an Amalekite man comes to David to report Saul’s death. He tells how Saul, near death already, asks to be put out of his misery and how he honors that request. David kills him. In 2 Samuel 4 we read that after Abner was killed Ish-bosheth lost his courage. Two captains of raiding bands for Ish-bosheth realized they were on the losing side and wanted to find a way to show their loyalty to David. They killed Ish-bosheth and brought his head to David. They were proud of their actions, and thought David would be as well. Just like the Amalekite man, David has them killed.
One more side note…In chapter four we are also introduced to a character who doesn’t come into play until chapter 9. Verse 4 says, “Jonathan, the son of Saul, had a son who was crippled in his feet. He was five years old when the news about Saul and Jonathan came from Jezreel, and his nurse took him up and fled, and as she fled in her haste, he fell and became lame. And his name was Mephibosheth.” Just keep that mouthful in mind (muh·fi·buh·sheth).
Amy Blanchard
Reflection Questions
When you think of your own moral character, how would you rate yourself?
When the world says something is right and good do you consider if that is how God views it? Who do you choose to follow?
Keeping in mind 2 Samuel 1:14, what are some things that David – and God – would suggest we should be afraid of?
My husband used to be in sales and sometimes the leads he had were in the evening and a fair distance from home. To stay awake while driving, in addition to opening his windows and turning the radio way up, he sometimes made up songs. He’s quite clever and I thought some were pretty good. Creativity can be fun.
Psalms are poems. Songs are poems put to music. They are often used to help the Israelites remember their content. Only one of these Psalms is directly attributed to David. We don’t know who wrote the others, but they are all titled A Song of Ascents and were sung by travelers, likely on their way to Jerusalem for one of the yearly feasts. These musical poems prompted the Israelites to look at God from many perspectives.
121 – God is their helper and creator. He doesn’t sleep, so He is always watching out for them.
123 – They recognize God is in heaven and they look to Him for mercy.
124 – They acknowledge God as their protector.
125 – They see that God surrounds them – he sees everything, all the time. He brings peace to Israel.
128 – They understand that they need to fear the Lord, and that blessings come from His hand.
129 – They speak of God’s righteousness. They speak of those who hate Zion (are against Israel) that they will be put to shame.
130 – They talk of His forgiveness and the hope Israel has through God’s love. They know He will redeem them.
As they traveled, their focus was on God, whom they were going to worship. These songs would have prepared their hearts, minds and attitudes to come before God.
Get creative, and consider making up your own poem, set to music or not, to tell of what God means to you. Which of His characteristics do you want to tell about? Here’s an easy way to start – borrowing some of what we read today.
To you I lift up my eyes, O you who __________. As __________ surrounds my home, so the Lord surrounds me. Blessed is everyone who fears the Lord. Lord, bless me with __________ and __________. The Lord is righteous. May all who harm your people, Lord, be __________. O Lord, hear my voice; listen to my pleas for __________. I wait for the Lord; I wait for _________. My hope is in you, Lord!
Amy Blanchard
Reflection Questions
Before you head off to church, take some time to prepare your heart, mind and attitude to come before your amazing God. What will it look like for you to do that? Spend some time in God’s word, or in prayer? Sing some praise songs?
Which of God’s traits are you clinging to right now? Is there someone you can reach out to who can offer support?
Do you have good days? Days when you feel God’s hand moving in your life. Days when you feel protected. Days when you feel good about doing what is right.
David wrote this Psalm on a good day. On a day that God delivered him from his enemies. Here is a small sample of what David faced:
Vs 4 – the cords of death encompassed me
Vs 16 – he drew me out of many waters
Vs 17 – rescued me from my strong enemy, from those who hated me
Vs 18 – they confronted me in the day of my calamity
Vs 48 – my enemies, the man of violence
I’m guessing most of us don’t face literal enemies who are trying to kill us. However, we do face the enemy every day. Does that sound crazy to you? Do you consider that Satan is attacking you on every front every day?
Here are some ways Satan attacks each one of us: temptations, deception & lies, discouragement, fear, doubt, and the list goes on. But, as I often ask, what does that look/sound like? I believe it’s different, specifically, for each of us. What tempts me might not tempt you at all. Here are some examples:
A group of friends or co-workers are talking about someone you know. They are suggesting this person is doing some really bad things. You feel included when you are part of the conversation and you like that feeling. You feel important being “in the know” when you see others later and share the details discussed. Information is power and you like holding that power.
Things haven’t been going well for you. Maybe it’s being overlooked for a job promotion. Maybe it’s relationships falling apart. Maybe it’s an illness. You begin to be discouraged. You start to doubt God’s goodness and love for you. You listen to the voice telling you that you will always be a failure, you won’t ever get well, God doesn’t care, nobody cares….
So what did David do when he faced all of these enemies? He called out to God (vs 6 “In my distress I called upon the Lord; to my God I cried for help”). That should be our first response to any attack by the enemy.
In verses 20-24 David tells us how he made the right choices, followed God’s rules, and was blameless before him. I know I can’t say that about myself. But, looking at what we know of all people, and what we know about David later in his life, we know no one always does what is right (except Jesus, but this was long before his time…). David wanted to do what was right. I want to do what is right. David expresses in this Psalm that his strength to be blameless (forgiven?) comes from God; that his support comes from God; that God rescues him from his enemies. We, having the same God as David, can trust in God’s strength, in His support and in His deliverance.
Amy Blanchard
Reflection Questions
Do you call out to God FIRST when your enemies attack? Think of a time you called out to God for his help (even if it was as a last resort) and you saw His deliverance. Share that with someone who is struggling (maybe that’s you).
Cross check your thoughts against God’s Word. We often “hear” what we want to hear when it is really the enemy speaking, not God. God will never tell you something or lead you somewhere that contradicts Scripture.
On your good days, don’t forget to thank God. Did you call out to God for help, clarity, protection, strength, etc. today? What can you thank Him for, even while you wait for other answers?
We all think that what we want, the way we think something should be, is a just cause. But is it, really? Lots of things can sound like noble causes, but would they be in God’s eyes? I have been known to think I’m right about something when I’m actually wrong. For example, because texts & emails don’t allow for any verbal cues or body language to help with interpreting the message, they are often misunderstood. I have made the mistake of assuming someone’s intent based on a few words I read on my phone. I have made the mistake of responding unbecomingly – by responding directly to the person with a bad attitude, or worse yet, talking to others about what they sent to me, pleading my “just cause”. I have found myself in the position of having to humble myself and apologize. Maybe you’ve been there, too.
David considered his cause to be just and he wanted God to be the one to vindicate him.
In Psalm 17, David calls on God
To hear him – verse 6b: incline your ear to me; hear my words.”
To show him His love – verse 7a: “Wondrously show your steadfast love,”
To protect him – verse 8: “Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings,”
David also takes a look at himself
Verse 3b: I have purposed that my mouth will not transgress.”
Verse 4b: “I have avoided the ways of the violent.”
Verse 5: My steps have held fast to your paths; my feet have not slipped.”
David tells God what his enemies are doing
Verse 9a: “the wicked who do me violence”
Verse 10: “they close their hearts to pity; with their mouths they speak arrogantly.”
Verse 12: “…like a lion eager to tear”
David asks God to stop the wicked
Verses 13: “Arise, O Lord! Confront him, subdue him! Deliver my soul from the wicked by your sword,”
David raises his just cause before God. He fully trusts God will see the good and right as well as the ugly and evil. He believes God will respond justly, because that is His character.
Amy Blanchard
Reflection Questions
Taking time to do a self-evaluation can help us see our “causes” (desires) in a more accurate light. When faced with a negative situation, before responding or reacting ask yourself some important questions:
Are my priorities what I want them to be?
Am I being self-centered?
Do I need to right a wrong?
Are you confident in your choices to welcome God’s testing of your heart? If not, what can you do to move in that direction?
A quick review of the story of how David and Abigail meet (if you haven’t already, I highly recommend reading 1 Samuel 25):
David has been running from king Saul for some time
David and his men camped in the wilderness near a rich man’s flock of sheep and their shepherds
When it became time to shear the sheep David sent some men to ask the owner (Nabal) for some sheep & food for his men
They went on a feast day – a day of celebrating the profits the owners of the flocks would make
David’s men tell Nabal how they had protected his shepherds and flocks and then ask for food to be shared with them in thanks for their efforts
Nabal, whose name means “fool”, sent David’s men away empty handed
David’s response was to command, “Every man strap on his sword!”
One of Nabal’s shepherds went to Nabal’s wife, Abigail, and told her what had happened – he understood that Nabal’s response to David would bring harm to the household
Here is where we meet Abigail. Abigail is one of my favorite Bible characters. She is brave, wise and humble. A great example of strength.
The first thing we learn about Abigail is in verse 3 where we are told she is discerning and beautiful. We then see her in action in verse 18, “Then Abigail made haste and took two hundred loaves and two skins of wine and five sheep already prepared and five seahs of parched grain and a hundred clusters of raisins and two hundred cakes of figs, and laid them on donkeys.”
And, it’s not just what she does, but how she does it! First, she reacts quickly. When we know the right thing to do we should “make haste” and get it done.
Reading on we see David ready to kill every male in Nabal’s household. But Abigail intervenes. Verses 23-24 say, “When Abigail saw David, she hurried and got down from the donkey and fell before David on her face and bowed to the ground. She fell at his feet and said, “On me alone, my lord, be the guilt. Please let your servant speak in your ears, and hear the words of your servant.” Again, we see her moving – she hurried and got down. Then, even though she had nothing to do with Nabal’s words and inaction, she offers David great respect by bowing before him. She asks that Nabal’s guilt be on her. Why would she do this? To save her whole household. So, after reacting quickly, Abigail humbles herself to make peace for her household.
Only after humbling herself does she offer the gifts of food she brought for David and his men. The tangible gifts are secondary to her words, posture/body language, and attitude.
Abigail boldly tells David he should accept her gift and not continue with his plan to attack. She reminds him that he doesn’t want to have that blood on his hands/conscience when he becomes ruler over Israel. David accepts her gift and blesses her for her cautionary words of advice.
Abigail’s strength does not stop with this one encounter with David. She continues to exhibit strength when she goes home and courageously faces her husband, telling him she went against his directives. She even bravely waits until he has sobered up from celebrating before approaching him. This news kills Nabal.
In verse 31 Abigail asks David to remember her. In verses 39-42 we see David hearing about Nabal’s death and sending for Abigail to be his wife. The strength of character she demonstrated to David wound up providing for her at a time when she would have likely had nothing left and no one to take care of her.
Amy Blanchard
Reflection Questions
Do you consider yourself to be strong? Discerning, acting quickly, being humble, being a peace-maker, bold, courageous, brave…this is strength. True strength comes from God; ask Him to help you grow in these areas.
When faced with conflict or a negative situation, whether involving your own choices or not, what do your words, posture/body language, and attitude reflect is in your heart?
Like Psalm 34, which we highlighted yesterday, Psalm 56 for today was also written when the Philistines had seized David in Gath. And just like yesterday’s psalm, this one starts with David begging God for help.
Then, in verses 3 and 4, David says this, “When I am afraid, I will trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me?”
I see a pattern here that David liked to repeat:
He acknowledged his fear, “When I am afraid.” Fear is a natural reaction when in danger – either real or perceived.
David then made a deliberate decision to trust God. This is not a normal reaction, it is an intentional decision, flying in the face of the natural fear.
David praised God for delivering him – before he had been delivered. (In this case, David praised God’s word, but often, he just praised God.) When David did this, he was stepping out on faith, believing God would answer his prayers.
Finally, in the assurance God would help him, David banished his fear, “I will not be afraid.”. Notice he chose to not fear what mortal man could do to him.
This reminds me of Jesus’ words in Matthew 10:28, “Don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell.”
This is a pattern I have also tried to follow in my own life. Many times, I have cried out to God, confessing my fear. I have then made a deliberate decision to trust that whatever God has for me is best, whether I know it (or like it) or not. Then praise God for his promise that all things work together for my good – because I love God. Finally, with God’s help, I let Him lift my burden off my shoulders, whether it is fear, or whatever else it is.
With the fears swirling around now, whether Covid-19, or unemployment, or difficulty finding what you want at the grocery store, or … You have a choice. You can succumb to fear, or you can follow David’s example.
I challenge you to try this pattern with whatever makes you fearful today. Then you can say, like David wrote in yesterday’s reading from Psalm 34:8, “Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.” And from today’s reading in 56:11, “In God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?”
–Steve Mattison
(originally posted April 15, 2020 for SeekGrowLove)
Reflection Questions
What have you been afraid about in the past? What has God already successfully brought you through?
When is fear helpful? Do you have a healthy fear of God? Do you fear only God?
What makes you fearful today (besides God)? Would you like to conquer this fear? Write out David’s steps to replace fear with faith and keep them in a place you will see often and practice working through the steps – over and over again.
This week we are choosing past devotions to repost, but I had a hard time choosing just one – so here are 3 for you! SeekGrowLove today!
ON PSALM 27 –
(from 2021) You may have noticed that the SeekGrowLove blog features a key verse: “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart” from Jeremiah 29:13. The LORD confirms that our seeking is worth it, because ultimately, we will find Him. However, there is an important requirement; we need to seek with all our heart. What does this phrase “with all our heart” really look like? How can we seek “with all our heart”? Perhaps “with all our heart” seeking is completely and sincerely devoted. Maybe determined and enthusiastic. This type of seeking is relentless, full of passion for what is right. It can’t be stopped. Psalm 27:4 states, “The one thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple.” Verse 8 continues, “My heart says of you, ‘Seek His face!’ Your face, Lord, I will seek.’” You can hear the determination in that statement. The writer wants to be in the presence of the LORD. They are completely and sincerely devoted. Enthusiastic for the presence of the LORD. They are pursuing him ‘with all their heart.’
This is what the LORD desires for us. “The Lord looks down from heaven on all mankind to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God.” (Psalm 14:2) He wants us to seek him wholeheartedly. Passionately. Relentlessly. In life, we can be distracted with many pursuits, desires, and distractions. However, we can choose to refocus on the one who matters. We can choose to seek “with all our heart.” The benefits of this type of “with all our heart” seeking is great. Matthew 6:33 says, “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.” This desire to be close to God will be rewarded. We are rewarded today with our close loving relationship with God and later when we see Him face to face. So, if you start to feel discouraged or distracted, remember who our seeking will lead to: “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” (Revelation 21:3,4)
-Rebecca Dauksas (originally posted February 25, 2021 for SeekGrowLove)
ON PSALM 34 –
In yesterday’s lesson, I neglected to point out a story from 1 Samuel 21 that is relevant to today’s reading. When David ran away from Saul, he escaped to Gath (enemy territory) so Saul wouldn’t keep chasing him. The king’s servants pointed out that David was the man about which they sang, “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands.”
David took these words to heart and was very much afraid, so he pretended he was insane – scratching on the doors, and letting his saliva run down his beard. When the king saw this, he thought David was crazy, and sent him away.
David wrote Psalm 34 after this experience. Here are some verses that stand out to me.
V 3, “Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt his name together.”
V 4, “I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.”
V 6, “This poor man called, and the Lord heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles.”
V 7, “The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.”
V 8, “Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.”
V 12-14, “Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days, keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies. Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.”
V 15, “The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their cry;”
V 19, “A righteous man may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all’
We need to be quick to praise God for whatever he does for us, just like David did. It’s easy to cry out to God when times are tough, but sometimes it’s harder to remember to praise Him and let others know what He has done for us. This is important too.
What I really like about this chapter are the multiple times that David points out that we will experience difficult times, but God sees us through those times. I like the image conveyed by verse 7. When I’m going through a hard time, it’s comforting to imagine God sending an angel to protect me. This doesn’t mean I won’t have difficulties, but God sees me through. God is attentive to the righteous.
In verse 8, I picture David saying, “I’ve been through some hard times, but I’ve remained faithful to God, and God has pulled me through. I want to encourage you to develop a close relationship with the Lord. Once you experience that relationship and experience His helping you through those difficulties, then you too can understand how good God is.”
I have to echo David’s words, because I’ve been there. So I encourage you too, “Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.”
–Steve Mattison (originally posted April 14, 2020 for SeekGrowLove)
ON PSALM 52 –
For the Christian it is considered a “no brainer” that our trust is supposed to be found in God. But so often the stresses and worries of the world come against us, and we may forget that we serve a mighty God who cares deeply for us.
Here in Psalm 52 we are shown a great contrast between David here and his enemy. David wrote this Psalm during the time when he was constantly on the run from Saul, who was chasing him down to kill him, out of jealousy. David lost many years of his life running from Saul but he never lost his trust in God. At this time David had amassed a group of strong men who were ready to fight for him, but Saul, having the armies of Israel behind him, had the greater strength. David had support from people who gave him food and supplies as he ran from place to place, but Saul had all the riches of Israel behind him. But the important thing is that David had God with him, and God had promised him the throne of Israel that Saul currently sat on.
David was able to stay strong in his faith because he had seen God help him against overwhelming odds again and again, the most notable time was when he took on the nine foot tall giant, Goliath all on his own. There were actually two times during David’s years of running, that we are told about, where David had the chance to rely on his own strength to defeat Saul. Once was when Saul went to relieve himself in a cave, not knowing that David was hiding in the cave. The other time, the Bible says that God caused the entire army that was with Saul to go into a deep sleep and David was able to sneak right up next to Saul. Both times the man who was with David encouraged him to kill Saul and take the throne. But each time David refused, saying that he would not harm the Lord’s anointed. It would have been so easy for David to trust in his own strength in that moment, and no longer have to keep running for his life, but just like when David faced Goliath, David put his trust in God and not in himself. And because David did trust God, he never had to draw his sword against Saul or anyone in his family. In one single battle, Saul and all of his sons were taken out by the Philistines. God provided David the throne without David having to shed blood. David’s faith in what probably seemed like the hopeless situation of being relentlessly chased down by King Saul, paid off in the end. Years later after David had become king, he penned another Psalm, in which he said, “Some trust in chariots and some in horses but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.” I hope and pray each day to have the kind of faith and trust in God like David had, and I hope you do as well.
-Jonny Smith (originally posted February 22, 2023 for SeekGrowLove)
Reflection Questions
Is there a time you have trusted in God through a tough situation? What was the result? Who have you seen trust God through a tough situation and emerge with an even stronger faith in God?
What do you sometimes put your trust in instead? How does that work? Why?
What has God shown about Himself in your reading today?
Seek Grow Love 
