For a full description of the (Y3) reading plan, see the “About” page.
- What attributes of God’s character does this passage reveal?
- How does the passage point to Jesus?
- How should the truth of this passage change me?
- How do the events of today’s reading help you better understand the grand narrative of Scripture?
Ps. 7
What to do when we are in distress? Remember who God is and trust in Him.
Ps. 27
The last verse of this Psalm says, “Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart be courageous. Wait for the LORD.” (Ps. 27:14). That immediately triggered two thoughts. The first is from back in the book of Joshua. It occurred to me there that God doesn’t so much tell us to be strong and courageous against our enemies as He does to be strong and courageous in being faithful to Him. Though the latter obviously results in the former, the focus is different. I see that same sentiment in this verse. It is often fear that causes us to grow impatient with God and take matters into our own hands.
Which brings me to the second thought, because that is exactly what happened with Saul. When he faced the Philistines at Gilgal, he waited seven days for Samuel to come, but Samuel was late. Saul’s men were afraid and began deserting him. So Saul became impatient and took matters into his own hands by offering the sacrifices in Samuel’s place. David, on the other hand, did what Saul did not do. He reminded himself to be brave, remain faithful, and wait for the LORD. And because he used poetry and music to help him in that, we can now use his experience to do the same.
Ps. 31
There it is again. “Be strong, and let your heart be courageous” ({s. 31:24a). Why? Because, “The LORD protects the loyal, but fully repays the arrogant.” (Ps. 31:23). It is yet another call for those who love God to stand fast in faith because, “the one who endures to the end will be saved.” (Matt. 24:13).
Ps. 34
“The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, and rescues them.” (Ps. 34:7). What an awesome thought! God is literally a shield around us. Beautiful! Does that mean that nothing can touch us? Not so much. Verse 19 of this same Psalm says, “One who is righteous has many adversities”. This is a truth that I see absolutely everywhere throughout the Bible. This walk through life with God is not an easy one! However that same verse goes on to conclude, “…but the LORD rescues him from them all.” That is our hope and our confidence. And it is the reason that David also says, “Those who look to [the LORD] are radiant with joy” (Ps. 34:5a).
Ps. 52
David took his anger toward his enemy, Doeg, to God and left it there. Then, as his cursing of Doeg turned to praising of God, he was able to say, “I will praise You forever for what You have done.” (Ps. 52. 9a). Doeg struck down essentially an entire family of priests without good cause and God let it happen. David could have easily looked at that horrible situation and shook his fist at God for what He didn’t do. Instead, David chose to focus on all that God has done. We may not understand the evil God allows. But no amount of evil changes what God has mercifully and graciously done. Nor does it change or nullify God’s good promise to make everything right in the end.