May 18: Psalm 26, 40, 58, 61, 62, 64

May 18, Psalm 26, 40, 58, 61, 62, 64

Psalm 26 David desired (in spite of his sin) to live above reproach. We are to strive for the same standards - let nobody have anything against you. God will honor and justify you if you walk in His righteousness and strive to live out the godly life that He has called you to. Never take your eyes off of Him or who He is, and you will live above reproach. Do not spend your time with those that are against God or are lovers of evil. Instead, walk in integrity unto the God who can and does redeem you through His Grace. Stand firm on God’s Word!

Psalm 40 This Psalm is a cry to God to answer you and draw near to you and it teaches us to thank Him for His grace and mercy in our life. When you have realized the goodness and grace of God, you will want to share it with others. As a side note, U2, back in 1983, released a song called 40. We are to wait patiently for God, not take matters into our own hands when we want answers NOW… God is the only one who saves, guides, secures, and truly answers… Praise Him for His awesome power and for taking care of you. We are blessed when we put all our trust in God and when we don’t rely on ourselves for what God is supposed to be doing.

God doesn't rejoice in our sacrifices (usually that is because we sinned and we are trying to make it right) as much as God wants our delight to be in Him. We are to delight in the laws of God and tell others about what He has done for us. I like how David ends it… “But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who love your salvation say continually, “Great is the Lord!” As for me, I am poor and needy, but the Lord takes thought for me. You are my help and my deliverer; do not delay, O my God!” We too, can and should pray this way. Praying for others, thanking God, knowing our place, petitioning God… All good stuff!

Psalm 58 We are to pray that God will make His leaders godly, and to wait on God for our deliverance. God will not be mocked, especially from leaders. But, the righteous will rejoice when God brings vengeance on His enemies - that is God’s gig and we must leave vengeance up to Him. Then the righteous will be rewarded by the true Judge, God. 

Psalm 61 Where are we to turn for help? God. Like I have said before, we are not to turn to vices, crutches or excuses, but to God. Ask Him to hear your prayers, and take refuge in Him - He is the only one who can protect us. Trust Him to help you and praise him day after day…

Psalm 62 Put your confidence in God’s loving care, especially when you are attacked by those attacking you have earthly power and influence. “Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us.” All times trust Him, He will not let you down, even when it may ‘feel’ like it. The power belongs to God and God will work it all out.

Psalm 64 Seems to be the recurring theme today (remember Absalom attacking David), but we are to believe in God’s deliverance when we are attacked (whether spiritually or physically). Ask God to hear you when you complain to him. He is the one who preserves your life from the enemy and hides you from the plots of the wicked. Remember, God has everything planned out and we are to trust Him, especially when life is hard. God will do what is best, even if that is shooting arrows at your enemy and wounding them bringing them to ruin. When this happens, all of mankind will be able to see what God has done. So, what are we supposed to do then? Glad you asked, “Let the righteous one rejoice in the Lord and take refuge in him! Let all the upright in heart exult!

To sum it all up:

• As much as it depends on you, always take the high road and fight the temptations that lead to sin.
• You think you are destined for a life of failure and sin? Well, you have to meet Yahweh and live in the resurrecting power of Jesus through the Holy Spirit. All things are truly possible with the power of God, not your own power. But you also have to pursue this and it can and does happen. You are not owned by anything besides God, therefore you need not succumb to the temptations presented to you. 
• If God is in your heart, God will be on your lips - meaning if you love Him you will want to share His greatness with others. 
• Is God your Rock? Your Salvation? Both stability and salvation only come from Him.