In a world of oppression, grudges, violence, strife, fraud, lies, and betrayal by friends, where do we turn for relief? Let’s look at Psalm 55.
How do we handle life when oppressed by wicked people? Do we pray?
Give ear to my prayer, O God, and hide not yourself from my plea for mercy! Attend to me, and answer me; I am restless in my complaint and I moan, because of the noise of the enemy, because of the oppression of the wicked. For they drop trouble upon me, and in anger they bear a grudge against me. (Ps 55:1-3 ESV)
What is our natural reaction when we are oppressed by the wicked? Is it to flee in fear?
My heart shudders within me; terrors of death sweep over me. Fear and trembling grip me; horror has overwhelmed me. I said, “If only I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and find rest. How far away I would flee; I would stay in the wilderness. Selah (Ps 55:4-7 HCSB)
When oppressed do we seek immediate escape? Do violence, fraud and lies happen in our cities?
I want to deliver myself quickly from this windstorm and tempest.” Confound them, Lord, and confuse their speech, because I have seen violence and strife in the city. Day and night they prowl around its walls; evil and iniquity are within it. Wickedness is at the center of it; fraud and lies never leave its streets. (Ps 55:8-11 ISV)
Do even friends betray friends in our world? Can we trust our guides and acquaintances?
For it was not an enemy that reproached me; then I could have borne it: neither was it he that hated me that did magnify himself against me; then I would have hid myself from him: But it was thou, a man mine equal, my guide, and mine acquaintance. (Ps 55:12-13 KJV)
What will happen to those who once walked with us into the house of God, yet betrayed us without repentance? Should we wish that upon them or not?
We who had sweet counsel together Walked in the house of God in the throng. Let death come deceitfully upon them; Let them go down alive to Sheol, For evil is in their dwelling, in their midst. (Ps 55:14-15 LSB)
Should we act like those who betrayed us, or be spurred to even greater devotion, placing our complaints and moaning before God?
As for me, I shall call upon God, And the Lord will save me. Evening and morning and at noon, I will complain and moan, And He will hear my voice. He will redeem my soul in peace from the battle which is against me, For they are many who are aggressive toward me. God will hear and humiliate them—Even the one who sits enthroned from ancient times— Selah (Ps 55:16-19a NASB)
How does God deal with those who betrayed us using smooth talk and deceptively soothing words?
he will hear them and humble them, because they have no fear of God. My companion attacks his friends; he violates his covenant. His talk is smooth as butter, yet war is in his heart; his words are more soothing than oil, yet they are drawn swords. (Ps 55:19b-21 NIV)
In a world where sadly such betrayal is all too common, who do we turn to?
Cast your burden on the Lord, And He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved. But You, O God, shall bring them down to the pit of destruction; Bloodthirsty and deceitful men shall not live out half their days; But I will trust in You. (Ps 55:22-23 NKJV)
Did even Jesus understand betrayal by a close friend, Judas?
But even as Jesus said this, a crowd approached, led by Judas, one of the twelve disciples. Judas walked over to Jesus to greet him with a kiss. But Jesus said, “Judas, would you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?” (Luke 22:47-48 NLT)
In a world of oppression, grudges, violence, strife, fraud, lies, and betrayal by friends, where do we turn for relief? You decide!
Rescue Me (Psalm 54)
Is salvation a rescue from dangers in this life as well as for eternity? Let’s look at Psalm 54.
Do we ever experience a need for God to rescue us from attacks in this life?
[For the choir director: A psalm of David, regarding the time the Ziphites came and said to Saul, “We know where David is hiding.” To be accompanied by stringed instruments.] Come with great power, O God, and rescue me! Defend me with your might. Listen to my prayer, O God. Pay attention to my plea. For strangers are attacking me; violent people are trying to kill me. They care nothing for God. Interlude (Ps 54:1-3 NLT)
Who repays our enemies in His time? What ultimately destroys evil plans?
Behold, God is my helper. The Lord is the one who sustains my soul. He will repay the evil to my enemies. Destroy them in your truth. (Ps 54:4-5 WEB)
Is giving thanks like a sacrifice? What are we thankful for?
I will sacrifice to you freely; I will give thanks to your name, Lord, because it’s so good, and because God has delivered me from every distress. My eyes have seen my enemies’ defeat. (Ps 54:6-7 CEB)
Will God rescue us from dangers in this life as well as grant us eternal salvation?
Don't worry about anything, but pray about everything. With thankful hearts offer up your prayers and requests to God. Then, because you belong to Christ Jesus, God will bless you with peace that no one can completely understand. And this peace will control the way you think and feel. (Phil 4:6-7 CEV)
Is salvation a rescue from dangers in this life as well as for eternity? You decide!
Do we ever experience a need for God to rescue us from attacks in this life?
[For the choir director: A psalm of David, regarding the time the Ziphites came and said to Saul, “We know where David is hiding.” To be accompanied by stringed instruments.] Come with great power, O God, and rescue me! Defend me with your might. Listen to my prayer, O God. Pay attention to my plea. For strangers are attacking me; violent people are trying to kill me. They care nothing for God. Interlude (Ps 54:1-3 NLT)
Who repays our enemies in His time? What ultimately destroys evil plans?
Behold, God is my helper. The Lord is the one who sustains my soul. He will repay the evil to my enemies. Destroy them in your truth. (Ps 54:4-5 WEB)
Is giving thanks like a sacrifice? What are we thankful for?
I will sacrifice to you freely; I will give thanks to your name, Lord, because it’s so good, and because God has delivered me from every distress. My eyes have seen my enemies’ defeat. (Ps 54:6-7 CEB)
Will God rescue us from dangers in this life as well as grant us eternal salvation?
Don't worry about anything, but pray about everything. With thankful hearts offer up your prayers and requests to God. Then, because you belong to Christ Jesus, God will bless you with peace that no one can completely understand. And this peace will control the way you think and feel. (Phil 4:6-7 CEV)
Is salvation a rescue from dangers in this life as well as for eternity? You decide!
The Fool (Psalm 53)
Is it foolish to disregard God in life and suffer the consequences of atheism? Let’s look at Psalm 53.
What is the primary cause and what is the natural result of atheism?
[For the choir director: on Mahalath {perhaps a mournful musical instrument}. A Davidic Maskil.{perhaps a contemplation}] The fool says in his heart, “God does not exist.” They are corrupt, and they do vile deeds. There is no one who does good. (Ps 53:1 HCSB)
Does Romans 1 say something similar about the real motive behind atheism, the denial of the obvious in the face of ubiquitous evidence?
For God’s wrath is being revealed from heaven against all the ungodliness and wickedness of those who in their wickedness suppress the truth. For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God himself has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God’s invisible attributes—his eternal power and divine nature—have been understood and observed by what he made, so that people are without excuse. (Rom 1:18-20 ISV)
As God observes humanity, is He disappointed in what He finds?
God looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, that did seek God. Every one of them is gone back: they are altogether become filthy; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. (Ps 53:2-3 KJV)
Are there disgusting people in our world who consume people’s lives like bread?
Do the workers of iniquity not know, Who eat up my people as they eat bread And do not call upon God? (Ps 53:4 LSB)
Does sudden terror overwhelm those who camp in siege against God? Will God eventually put atheists to shame?
They were in great fear there, where no fear had been; For God scattered the bones of him who encamped against you; You put them to shame, because God had rejected them. (Ps 53:5 NASB)
Despite all our human failure will God eventually restore His people?
Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion! When God restores his people, let Jacob rejoice and Israel be glad! (Ps 53:6 NIV)
Did Paul write to the Romans quoting this Psalm, that none of us can really brag about how perfect we are? Do we all need God’s gracious mercy?
As it is written: “There is none righteous, no, not one; There is none who understands; There is none who seeks after God. They have all turned aside; They have together become unprofitable; There is none who does good, no, not one.” (Rom 3:10-12 NKJV)
Is it foolish to disregard God in life and suffer the consequences of atheism? You decide!
What is the primary cause and what is the natural result of atheism?
[For the choir director: on Mahalath {perhaps a mournful musical instrument}. A Davidic Maskil.{perhaps a contemplation}] The fool says in his heart, “God does not exist.” They are corrupt, and they do vile deeds. There is no one who does good. (Ps 53:1 HCSB)
Does Romans 1 say something similar about the real motive behind atheism, the denial of the obvious in the face of ubiquitous evidence?
For God’s wrath is being revealed from heaven against all the ungodliness and wickedness of those who in their wickedness suppress the truth. For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God himself has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God’s invisible attributes—his eternal power and divine nature—have been understood and observed by what he made, so that people are without excuse. (Rom 1:18-20 ISV)
As God observes humanity, is He disappointed in what He finds?
God looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, that did seek God. Every one of them is gone back: they are altogether become filthy; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. (Ps 53:2-3 KJV)
Are there disgusting people in our world who consume people’s lives like bread?
Do the workers of iniquity not know, Who eat up my people as they eat bread And do not call upon God? (Ps 53:4 LSB)
Does sudden terror overwhelm those who camp in siege against God? Will God eventually put atheists to shame?
They were in great fear there, where no fear had been; For God scattered the bones of him who encamped against you; You put them to shame, because God had rejected them. (Ps 53:5 NASB)
Despite all our human failure will God eventually restore His people?
Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion! When God restores his people, let Jacob rejoice and Israel be glad! (Ps 53:6 NIV)
Did Paul write to the Romans quoting this Psalm, that none of us can really brag about how perfect we are? Do we all need God’s gracious mercy?
As it is written: “There is none righteous, no, not one; There is none who understands; There is none who seeks after God. They have all turned aside; They have together become unprofitable; There is none who does good, no, not one.” (Rom 3:10-12 NKJV)
Is it foolish to disregard God in life and suffer the consequences of atheism? You decide!
Dishonest Wealth (Psalm 52)
There are honest business people whose customers trust them, but how many others build wealth on lies instead of honesty? Let’s begin in Psalm 52.
Do people in our world boast about their crimes, plot destruction, and tell lies?
[For the choir director: A psalm of David, regarding the time Doeg the Edomite said to Saul, “David has gone to see Ahimelech.”] Why do you boast about your crimes, great warrior? Don’t you realize God’s justice continues forever? All day long you plot destruction. Your tongue cuts like a sharp razor; you’re an expert at telling lies. You love evil more than good and lies more than truth. Interlude (Ps 52:1-3 NLT)
What is the ultimate end of those who speak destructive words, all deceivers unless they repent?
You love all devouring words, you deceitful tongue. God will likewise destroy you forever. He will take you up, and pluck you out of your tent, and root you out of the land of the living. Selah. (Ps 52:4-5 WEB)
Who is our true refuge? What substitute do people often seek refuge in?
The righteous will see and be in awe; they will laugh at those people: “Look at them! They didn’t make God their refuge. Instead, they trusted in their own great wealth. They sought refuge in it—to their own destruction!” (Ps 52:6-7 CEB)
What happens to those who stay in God’s house, where His people meet?
But I am like an olive tree growing in God's house, and I can count on his love forever and ever. I will always thank God for what he has done; I will praise his good name when his people meet. (Ps 52:8-9 CEV)
What is perhaps the biggest lesson that the rich in this world need to learn?
As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. (1 Tim 6:17 ESV)
There are honest business people whose customers trust them, but how many others build wealth on lies instead of honesty? You decide!
Do people in our world boast about their crimes, plot destruction, and tell lies?
[For the choir director: A psalm of David, regarding the time Doeg the Edomite said to Saul, “David has gone to see Ahimelech.”] Why do you boast about your crimes, great warrior? Don’t you realize God’s justice continues forever? All day long you plot destruction. Your tongue cuts like a sharp razor; you’re an expert at telling lies. You love evil more than good and lies more than truth. Interlude (Ps 52:1-3 NLT)
What is the ultimate end of those who speak destructive words, all deceivers unless they repent?
You love all devouring words, you deceitful tongue. God will likewise destroy you forever. He will take you up, and pluck you out of your tent, and root you out of the land of the living. Selah. (Ps 52:4-5 WEB)
Who is our true refuge? What substitute do people often seek refuge in?
The righteous will see and be in awe; they will laugh at those people: “Look at them! They didn’t make God their refuge. Instead, they trusted in their own great wealth. They sought refuge in it—to their own destruction!” (Ps 52:6-7 CEB)
What happens to those who stay in God’s house, where His people meet?
But I am like an olive tree growing in God's house, and I can count on his love forever and ever. I will always thank God for what he has done; I will praise his good name when his people meet. (Ps 52:8-9 CEV)
What is perhaps the biggest lesson that the rich in this world need to learn?
As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. (1 Tim 6:17 ESV)
There are honest business people whose customers trust them, but how many others build wealth on lies instead of honesty? You decide!
Have Mercy (Psalm 51)
Do we confess our sins to God? Let’s look at Psalm 51.
Is this David’s confession after adultery? Do we acknowledge our sin or pretend it doesn’t exist?
To the Director: A Davidic Psalm. When the prophet Nathan came to him, after he had gone in to Bathsheba. Have mercy, God, according to your gracious love, according to your unlimited compassion, erase my transgressions. Wash me from my iniquity, cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgression; my sin remains continuously before me. (Ps 51:1-3 ISV)
How far back does sin go in the human family? Are we truthful inwardly or do we lie even to ourselves?
Against you, you only, have I sinned, and done what was evil in your sight. As a result, you are just in your pronouncement and clear in your judgment. Indeed, in iniquity I was brought forth; in sin my mother conceived me. Indeed, you are pleased with truth in the inner person, and you will teach me wisdom in my innermost parts. (Ps 51:4-6 ISV)
Symbolically using a cleansing plant, how thoroughly do we want to be cleansed from our sins?
Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice. Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. (Ps 51:7-9 KJV)
Where does repentance truly occur, inside or outside? When is a person ready to teach others?
Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation And sustain me with a willing spirit. Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, And sinners will be converted to You. (Ps 51:10-13 LSB)
Are we guilty of bloodshed, by practices that put other lives in danger? What sacrifices does God really want in spirit and heart?
Save me from the guilt of bloodshed, God, the God of my salvation; Then my tongue will joyfully sing of Your righteousness. Lord, open my lips, So that my mouth may declare Your praise. For You do not delight in sacrifice, otherwise I would give it; You do not take pleasure in burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; A broken and a contrite heart, God, You will not despise. (Ps 51:14-17 NASB)
When will God be pleased with Jerusalem? What would turn any religious sacrifices into something that truly pleases God?
May it please you to prosper Zion, to build up the walls of Jerusalem. Then you will delight in the sacrifices of the righteous, in burnt offerings offered whole; then bulls will be offered on your altar. (Ps 51:18-19 NIV)
As David confessed to God and was cleansed, is this proper for us today?
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9 NKJV)
Do we confess our sins to God? You decide!
Is this David’s confession after adultery? Do we acknowledge our sin or pretend it doesn’t exist?
To the Director: A Davidic Psalm. When the prophet Nathan came to him, after he had gone in to Bathsheba. Have mercy, God, according to your gracious love, according to your unlimited compassion, erase my transgressions. Wash me from my iniquity, cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgression; my sin remains continuously before me. (Ps 51:1-3 ISV)
How far back does sin go in the human family? Are we truthful inwardly or do we lie even to ourselves?
Against you, you only, have I sinned, and done what was evil in your sight. As a result, you are just in your pronouncement and clear in your judgment. Indeed, in iniquity I was brought forth; in sin my mother conceived me. Indeed, you are pleased with truth in the inner person, and you will teach me wisdom in my innermost parts. (Ps 51:4-6 ISV)
Symbolically using a cleansing plant, how thoroughly do we want to be cleansed from our sins?
Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice. Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. (Ps 51:7-9 KJV)
Where does repentance truly occur, inside or outside? When is a person ready to teach others?
Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation And sustain me with a willing spirit. Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, And sinners will be converted to You. (Ps 51:10-13 LSB)
Are we guilty of bloodshed, by practices that put other lives in danger? What sacrifices does God really want in spirit and heart?
Save me from the guilt of bloodshed, God, the God of my salvation; Then my tongue will joyfully sing of Your righteousness. Lord, open my lips, So that my mouth may declare Your praise. For You do not delight in sacrifice, otherwise I would give it; You do not take pleasure in burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; A broken and a contrite heart, God, You will not despise. (Ps 51:14-17 NASB)
When will God be pleased with Jerusalem? What would turn any religious sacrifices into something that truly pleases God?
May it please you to prosper Zion, to build up the walls of Jerusalem. Then you will delight in the sacrifices of the righteous, in burnt offerings offered whole; then bulls will be offered on your altar. (Ps 51:18-19 NIV)
As David confessed to God and was cleansed, is this proper for us today?
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9 NKJV)
Do we confess our sins to God? You decide!
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