Where do we live, in a proud land, one that arrogant nations look down their noses at, or do we live humbly in the Lord? Let’s look at Psalm 90.
A Prayer by Moses, the man of God. (WEB)
In a spiritual sense, do we live in this world or with God?
Lord, You have been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were born Or You gave birth to the earth and the world, Even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God. (Ps 90:1-2 NASB)
What is this mortal life? How quickly do we pass away from this life?
You turn people back to dust, saying, “Return to dust, you mortals.” A thousand years in your sight are like a day that has just gone by, or like a watch in the night. Yet you sweep people away in the sleep of death—they are like the new grass of the morning: In the morning it springs up new, but by evening it is dry and withered. (Ps 90:3-6 NIV)
What is one of the most important tasks in a short life of 70 to 80 years?
For we have been consumed by Your anger, And by Your wrath we are terrified. You have set our iniquities before You, Our secret sins in the light of Your countenance. For all our days have passed away in Your wrath; We finish our years like a sigh. The days of our lives are seventy years; And if by reason of strength they are eighty years, Yet their boast is only labor and sorrow; For it is soon cut off, and we fly away. Who knows the power of Your anger? For as the fear of You, so is Your wrath. So teach us to number our days, That we may gain a heart of wisdom. (Ps 90:7-12 NKJV)
Do we need God’s wisdom to fully experience the truly great things in life? Is God’s love, seeing Him work in our lives important to us?
O Lord, come back to us! How long will you delay? Take pity on your servants! Satisfy us each morning with your unfailing love, so we may sing for joy to the end of our lives. Give us gladness in proportion to our former misery! Replace the evil years with good. Let us, your servants, see you work again; let our children see your glory. And may the Lord our God show us his approval and make our efforts successful. Yes, make our efforts successful! (Ps 90:13-17 NLT)
Have we really considered how long our frail human lives are?
Yet you don’t know what your life will be like tomorrow. For what is your life? For you are a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. (Jas 4:14 WEB)
How does our lifespan compare with how God views time?
Don’t let it escape your notice, dear friends, that with the Lord a single day is like a thousand years and a thousand years are like a single day. (2 Pet 3:8 CEB)
Where do we live, in a proud land, one that arrogant nations look down their noses at, or do we live humbly in the Lord? You decide!
I Will Sing (Psalm 89)
In the midst of divine punishment for our sins, do we still praise God for His mercy? Let’s look at Psalm 89.
A contemplation by Ethan, the Ezrahite. (WEB)
Do we sing self-centered songs or songs about God?
I will sing of the Lord’s great love forever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations. I will declare that your love stands firm forever, that you have established your faithfulness in heaven itself. You said, “I have made a covenant with my chosen one, I have sworn to David my servant, ‘I will establish your line forever and make your throne firm through all generations.’” [Selah] (Ps 89:1-4 NIV)
Do the saints in heaven and on earth praise God? Does God scatter our enemies?
And the heavens will praise Your wonders, O Lord; Your faithfulness also in the assembly of the saints. For who in the heavens can be compared to the Lord? Who among the sons of the mighty can be likened to the Lord? God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, And to be held in reverence by all those around Him. O Lord God of hosts, Who is mighty like You, O Lord? Your faithfulness also surrounds You. You rule the raging of the sea; When its waves rise, You still them. You have broken Rahab [Egypt] in pieces, as one who is slain; You have scattered Your enemies with Your mighty arm. (Ps 89:5-10 NKJV)
How omnipotent is God? Who designed and created everything that is? Who provides us the ultimate protection?
The heavens are yours, and the earth is yours; everything in the world is yours—you created it all. You created north and south. Mount Tabor and Mount Hermon praise your name. Powerful is your arm! Strong is your hand! Your right hand is lifted high in glorious strength. Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne. Unfailing love and truth walk before you as attendants. Happy are those who hear the joyful call to worship, for they will walk in the light of your presence, Lord. They rejoice all day long in your wonderful reputation. They exult in your righteousness. You are their glorious strength. It pleases you to make us strong. Yes, our protection comes from the Lord, and he, the Holy One of Israel, has given us our king. (Ps 89:11-18 NLT)
Did God take a young man and anoint him as king over Israel?
Then you spoke in vision to your saints, and said, “I have given strength to the warrior. I have exalted a young man from the people. I have found David, my servant. I have anointed him with my holy oil, with whom my hand shall be established. My arm will also strengthen him. (Ps 89:19-21 WEB)
What did God ultimately do to David’s enemies, and what will He also do to ours?
No enemy will oppress him; no wicked person will make him suffer. I will crush all his foes in front of him. I will strike down all those who hate him. My faithfulness and my loyal love will be with him. He will be strengthened by my name. I will set his hand on the sea. I will set his strong hand on the rivers. He will cry out to me: “You are my father, my God, the rock of my salvation.” (Ps 89:22-26 CEB)
What legacy would David’s descendants carry with them? Is this hinting at his descendant Jesus Christ?
I have chosen David as my first-born son, and he will be the ruler of all kings on earth. My love for him will last, and my agreement with him will never be broken. One of David's descendants will always be king, and his family will rule until the sky disappears. Suppose some of his children should reject my Law and refuse my instructions. Or suppose they should disobey all of my teachings. Then I will correct and punish them because of their sins. But I will always love David and faithfully keep all of my promises to him. (Ps 89:27-33 CEV)
Which offspring of David and whose throne will endure forever?
I will not violate my covenant or alter the word that went forth from my lips. Once for all I have sworn by my holiness; I will not lie to David. His offspring shall endure forever, his throne as long as the sun before me. Like the moon it shall be established forever, a faithful witness in the skies. Selah (Ps 89:34-37 ESV)
Did God’s covenant of promise given to David, include punishment for sins which violated that same covenant? In the midst of such punishment, can we think that God has gone against His own promises?
But You have spurned and rejected him; You have become enraged with Your anointed. You have repudiated the covenant with Your servant; You have completely dishonored his crown. You have broken down all his walls; You have reduced his fortified cities to ruins. All who pass by plunder him; he has become an object of ridicule to his neighbors. You have lifted high the right hand of his foes; You have made all his enemies rejoice. You have also turned back his sharp sword and have not let him stand in battle. You have made his splendor cease and have overturned his throne. You have shortened the days of his youth; You have covered him with shame. Selah (Ps 89:38-45 HCSB)
Do we panic when God punishes us, or relax and repent of any guilt, trusting His grace?
How long, Lord, will you hide yourself? Forever? Will your anger continuously burn like fire? Remember how short my lifetime is! How powerless have you created all human beings! What valiant man can live and not see death? Who can deliver himself from the power of Sheol. Interlude (Ps 89:46-48 ISV)
When we are punished for our sins, are we still thankful to God, recalling that God’s covenants are always conditional?
Lord, where are thy former lovingkindnesses, which thou swarest unto David in thy truth? Remember, Lord, the reproach of thy servants; how I do bear in my bosom the reproach of all the mighty people; Wherewith thine enemies have reproached, O Lord; wherewith they have reproached the footsteps of thine anointed. Blessed be the Lord for evermore. Amen, and Amen. (Ps 89:49-52 KJV)
Even as we suffer for our sins, do we praise God for His mercy?
For I say that Christ has become a servant to the circumcision on behalf of the truth of God to confirm the promises given to the fathers, and for the Gentiles to glorify God for His mercy; as it is written, “Therefore I will give praise to You among the Gentiles, And I will sing to Your name.” (Rom 15:8-9 LSB)
In the midst of divine punishment for our sins, do we still praise God for His mercy? You decide!
A contemplation by Ethan, the Ezrahite. (WEB)
Do we sing self-centered songs or songs about God?
I will sing of the Lord’s great love forever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations. I will declare that your love stands firm forever, that you have established your faithfulness in heaven itself. You said, “I have made a covenant with my chosen one, I have sworn to David my servant, ‘I will establish your line forever and make your throne firm through all generations.’” [Selah] (Ps 89:1-4 NIV)
Do the saints in heaven and on earth praise God? Does God scatter our enemies?
And the heavens will praise Your wonders, O Lord; Your faithfulness also in the assembly of the saints. For who in the heavens can be compared to the Lord? Who among the sons of the mighty can be likened to the Lord? God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, And to be held in reverence by all those around Him. O Lord God of hosts, Who is mighty like You, O Lord? Your faithfulness also surrounds You. You rule the raging of the sea; When its waves rise, You still them. You have broken Rahab [Egypt] in pieces, as one who is slain; You have scattered Your enemies with Your mighty arm. (Ps 89:5-10 NKJV)
How omnipotent is God? Who designed and created everything that is? Who provides us the ultimate protection?
The heavens are yours, and the earth is yours; everything in the world is yours—you created it all. You created north and south. Mount Tabor and Mount Hermon praise your name. Powerful is your arm! Strong is your hand! Your right hand is lifted high in glorious strength. Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne. Unfailing love and truth walk before you as attendants. Happy are those who hear the joyful call to worship, for they will walk in the light of your presence, Lord. They rejoice all day long in your wonderful reputation. They exult in your righteousness. You are their glorious strength. It pleases you to make us strong. Yes, our protection comes from the Lord, and he, the Holy One of Israel, has given us our king. (Ps 89:11-18 NLT)
Did God take a young man and anoint him as king over Israel?
Then you spoke in vision to your saints, and said, “I have given strength to the warrior. I have exalted a young man from the people. I have found David, my servant. I have anointed him with my holy oil, with whom my hand shall be established. My arm will also strengthen him. (Ps 89:19-21 WEB)
What did God ultimately do to David’s enemies, and what will He also do to ours?
No enemy will oppress him; no wicked person will make him suffer. I will crush all his foes in front of him. I will strike down all those who hate him. My faithfulness and my loyal love will be with him. He will be strengthened by my name. I will set his hand on the sea. I will set his strong hand on the rivers. He will cry out to me: “You are my father, my God, the rock of my salvation.” (Ps 89:22-26 CEB)
What legacy would David’s descendants carry with them? Is this hinting at his descendant Jesus Christ?
I have chosen David as my first-born son, and he will be the ruler of all kings on earth. My love for him will last, and my agreement with him will never be broken. One of David's descendants will always be king, and his family will rule until the sky disappears. Suppose some of his children should reject my Law and refuse my instructions. Or suppose they should disobey all of my teachings. Then I will correct and punish them because of their sins. But I will always love David and faithfully keep all of my promises to him. (Ps 89:27-33 CEV)
Which offspring of David and whose throne will endure forever?
I will not violate my covenant or alter the word that went forth from my lips. Once for all I have sworn by my holiness; I will not lie to David. His offspring shall endure forever, his throne as long as the sun before me. Like the moon it shall be established forever, a faithful witness in the skies. Selah (Ps 89:34-37 ESV)
Did God’s covenant of promise given to David, include punishment for sins which violated that same covenant? In the midst of such punishment, can we think that God has gone against His own promises?
But You have spurned and rejected him; You have become enraged with Your anointed. You have repudiated the covenant with Your servant; You have completely dishonored his crown. You have broken down all his walls; You have reduced his fortified cities to ruins. All who pass by plunder him; he has become an object of ridicule to his neighbors. You have lifted high the right hand of his foes; You have made all his enemies rejoice. You have also turned back his sharp sword and have not let him stand in battle. You have made his splendor cease and have overturned his throne. You have shortened the days of his youth; You have covered him with shame. Selah (Ps 89:38-45 HCSB)
Do we panic when God punishes us, or relax and repent of any guilt, trusting His grace?
How long, Lord, will you hide yourself? Forever? Will your anger continuously burn like fire? Remember how short my lifetime is! How powerless have you created all human beings! What valiant man can live and not see death? Who can deliver himself from the power of Sheol. Interlude (Ps 89:46-48 ISV)
When we are punished for our sins, are we still thankful to God, recalling that God’s covenants are always conditional?
Lord, where are thy former lovingkindnesses, which thou swarest unto David in thy truth? Remember, Lord, the reproach of thy servants; how I do bear in my bosom the reproach of all the mighty people; Wherewith thine enemies have reproached, O Lord; wherewith they have reproached the footsteps of thine anointed. Blessed be the Lord for evermore. Amen, and Amen. (Ps 89:49-52 KJV)
Even as we suffer for our sins, do we praise God for His mercy?
For I say that Christ has become a servant to the circumcision on behalf of the truth of God to confirm the promises given to the fathers, and for the Gentiles to glorify God for His mercy; as it is written, “Therefore I will give praise to You among the Gentiles, And I will sing to Your name.” (Rom 15:8-9 LSB)
In the midst of divine punishment for our sins, do we still praise God for His mercy? You decide!
You Keep Me Safe (Psalm 88)
Is despair the end or is there hope in God beyond our darkest moments? Let’s look at Psalm 88.
A Song. A Psalm by the sons of Korah. For the Chief Musician. To the tune of “The Suffering of Affliction.” A contemplation by Heman, the Ezrahite. (WEB)
Where is ultimate safety in this dangerous world to be found?
You keep me safe, Lord God. So when I pray at night, please listen carefully to each of my concerns. (Ps 88:1-2 CEB)
Have we ever been so discouraged that we felt like God has forgotten us?
I am deeply troubled and close to death; I am as good as dead and completely helpless. I am no better off than those in the grave, those you have forgotten and no longer help. (Ps 88:3-5 CEV)
Have we ever felt like God was so angry with us that we were already in our grave, that waves of sorrow are drowning us?
You have put me in the depths of the pit, in the regions dark and deep. Your wrath lies heavy upon me, and you overwhelm me with all your waves. Selah (Ps 88:6-7 ESV)
Have we ever been ostracized by friends, gossiped about and all alone?
You have distanced my friends from me; You have made me repulsive to them. I am shut in and cannot go out. My eyes are worn out from crying. Lord, I cry out to You all day long; I spread out my hands to You. Do You work wonders for the dead? Do departed spirits rise up to praise You? Selah (Ps 88:8-10 HCSB)
Do we sometimes feel like we are heading to an early grave?
Can your gracious love be declared in the grave or your faithfulness in Abaddon [destruction]? Can your awesome deeds be known in darkness or your righteousness in the land of oblivion? (Ps 88:11-12 ISV)
Do we ever feel like God has cast off our lives, and hidden His face from us?
But unto thee have I cried, O Lord; and in the morning shall my prayer prevent thee. Lord, why castest thou off my soul? why hidest thou thy face from me? I am afflicted and ready to die from my youth up: while I suffer thy terrors I am distracted. (Ps 88:13-15 KJV)
Do we ever feel like God is angry with us and removed people from our lives?
Your burning anger has passed over me; Your horrors have destroyed me. They have surrounded me like water all day long; They have encompassed me altogether. You have removed lover and friend far from me; My acquaintances are in darkness.(Ps 88:16-18 LSB)
How did the apostle Paul deal with despair in his life?
For we do not want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, of our affliction which occurred in Asia, that we were burdened excessively, beyond our strength, so that we despaired even of life. Indeed, we had the sentence of death within ourselves so that we would not trust in ourselves, but in God who raises the dead (2 Cor 1:8-9 NASB)
Is despair the end or is there hope in God beyond our darkest moments? You decide!
A Song. A Psalm by the sons of Korah. For the Chief Musician. To the tune of “The Suffering of Affliction.” A contemplation by Heman, the Ezrahite. (WEB)
Where is ultimate safety in this dangerous world to be found?
You keep me safe, Lord God. So when I pray at night, please listen carefully to each of my concerns. (Ps 88:1-2 CEB)
Have we ever been so discouraged that we felt like God has forgotten us?
I am deeply troubled and close to death; I am as good as dead and completely helpless. I am no better off than those in the grave, those you have forgotten and no longer help. (Ps 88:3-5 CEV)
Have we ever felt like God was so angry with us that we were already in our grave, that waves of sorrow are drowning us?
You have put me in the depths of the pit, in the regions dark and deep. Your wrath lies heavy upon me, and you overwhelm me with all your waves. Selah (Ps 88:6-7 ESV)
Have we ever been ostracized by friends, gossiped about and all alone?
You have distanced my friends from me; You have made me repulsive to them. I am shut in and cannot go out. My eyes are worn out from crying. Lord, I cry out to You all day long; I spread out my hands to You. Do You work wonders for the dead? Do departed spirits rise up to praise You? Selah (Ps 88:8-10 HCSB)
Do we sometimes feel like we are heading to an early grave?
Can your gracious love be declared in the grave or your faithfulness in Abaddon [destruction]? Can your awesome deeds be known in darkness or your righteousness in the land of oblivion? (Ps 88:11-12 ISV)
Do we ever feel like God has cast off our lives, and hidden His face from us?
But unto thee have I cried, O Lord; and in the morning shall my prayer prevent thee. Lord, why castest thou off my soul? why hidest thou thy face from me? I am afflicted and ready to die from my youth up: while I suffer thy terrors I am distracted. (Ps 88:13-15 KJV)
Do we ever feel like God is angry with us and removed people from our lives?
Your burning anger has passed over me; Your horrors have destroyed me. They have surrounded me like water all day long; They have encompassed me altogether. You have removed lover and friend far from me; My acquaintances are in darkness.(Ps 88:16-18 LSB)
How did the apostle Paul deal with despair in his life?
For we do not want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, of our affliction which occurred in Asia, that we were burdened excessively, beyond our strength, so that we despaired even of life. Indeed, we had the sentence of death within ourselves so that we would not trust in ourselves, but in God who raises the dead (2 Cor 1:8-9 NASB)
Is despair the end or is there hope in God beyond our darkest moments? You decide!
The Holy Mountain (Psalm 87)
Does Zion picture a humble God, our eternal hope, our rebirth, our true citizenship, the springs of our heavenly blessings? Let’s begin in Psalm 87.
A Psalm by the sons of Korah; a Song. (WEB)
Why did God choose Zion, a humble hill, to love more than the highest mountains? Are we born from Zion above, our heavenly city?
He has founded his city on the holy mountain. The Lord loves the gates of Zion more than all the other dwellings of Jacob. Glorious things are said of you, city of God: [Selah] (Ps 87:1-3 NIV)
Will sinners and former enemies one day be reborn in heavenly Zion?
I will make mention of Rahab and Babylon to those who know Me; Behold, O Philistia and Tyre, with Ethiopia: ‘This one was born there.’ (Ps 87:4 NKJV)
Is there an eternal citizenship far more valuable than any worldly citizenship we may have?
Regarding Jerusalem it will be said, “Everyone enjoys the rights of citizenship there.” And the Most High will personally bless this city. When the Lord registers the nations, he will say, “They have all become citizens of Jerusalem.” Interlude (Ps 87:5-6 NLT)
Are the springs of all our blessings in heavenly Jerusalem?
Those who sing as well as those who dance say, “All my springs are in you.” (Ps 87:7 WEB)
How did the writer of Hebrews use Zion as a symbol of our hope?
But you have drawn near to Mount Zion, the city of the living God, heavenly Jerusalem, to countless angels in a festival gathering, to the assembly of God’s firstborn children who are registered in heaven, to God the judge of all, to the spirits of the righteous who have been made perfect, to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks better than Abel’s blood. (Heb 12:22-24 CEB)
Does Zion picture a humble God, our eternal hope, our rebirth, our true citizenship, the springs of our heavenly blessings? You decide!
A Psalm by the sons of Korah; a Song. (WEB)
Why did God choose Zion, a humble hill, to love more than the highest mountains? Are we born from Zion above, our heavenly city?
He has founded his city on the holy mountain. The Lord loves the gates of Zion more than all the other dwellings of Jacob. Glorious things are said of you, city of God: [Selah] (Ps 87:1-3 NIV)
Will sinners and former enemies one day be reborn in heavenly Zion?
I will make mention of Rahab and Babylon to those who know Me; Behold, O Philistia and Tyre, with Ethiopia: ‘This one was born there.’ (Ps 87:4 NKJV)
Is there an eternal citizenship far more valuable than any worldly citizenship we may have?
Regarding Jerusalem it will be said, “Everyone enjoys the rights of citizenship there.” And the Most High will personally bless this city. When the Lord registers the nations, he will say, “They have all become citizens of Jerusalem.” Interlude (Ps 87:5-6 NLT)
Are the springs of all our blessings in heavenly Jerusalem?
Those who sing as well as those who dance say, “All my springs are in you.” (Ps 87:7 WEB)
How did the writer of Hebrews use Zion as a symbol of our hope?
But you have drawn near to Mount Zion, the city of the living God, heavenly Jerusalem, to countless angels in a festival gathering, to the assembly of God’s firstborn children who are registered in heaven, to God the judge of all, to the spirits of the righteous who have been made perfect, to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks better than Abel’s blood. (Heb 12:22-24 CEB)
Does Zion picture a humble God, our eternal hope, our rebirth, our true citizenship, the springs of our heavenly blessings? You decide!
Protect Me (Psalm 86)
In a dangerous and selfish world where do we find ultimate protection? Let’s begin in Psalm 86.
A Prayer by David. (WEB)
Do we recognize how poor and helpless we are in reality? Do we recognize that God is our only real protection?
Please listen, Lord, and answer my prayer! I am poor and helpless. Protect me and save me because you are my God. I am your faithful servant, and I trust you. Be kind to me! I pray to you all day. Make my heart glad! I serve you, and my prayer is sincere. (Ps 86:1-4 CEV)
Will an evil world protect us, or do we trust the One who is truly good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love?
For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you. Give ear, O Lord, to my prayer; listen to my plea for grace. In the day of my trouble I call upon you, for you answer me. (Ps 86:5-7 ESV)
In a world of stupid wars, senseless oppression of the poor, and corruption at the highest levels, is there anyone like God?
Lord, there is no one like You among the gods, and there are no works like Yours. All the nations You have made will come and bow down before You, Lord, and will honor Your name. For You are great and perform wonders; You alone are God. (Ps 86:8-10 HCSB)
Have we spent years being indoctrinated by people highly educated in the ways of the world, but none of it has solved our troubles? What if we spent time learning the truth of God’s ways instead?
Teach me your ways, Lord, that I may walk in your truth; let me wholeheartedly revere your name. (Ps 86:11 ISV)
Do we praise politicians, theologians, celebrities, the wealthy, the powerful or God?
I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart: and I will glorify thy name for evermore. For great is thy mercy toward me: and thou hast delivered my soul from the lowest hell. (Ps 86:12-13 KJV)
Do we live in a world where ruthless people try to scam us, steal from us, cheat us or hurt us in other ways, and do we need divine protection from their schemes?
O God, arrogant men have risen up against me, And a band of ruthless men have sought my life, And they have not set You before them. But You, O Lord, are a God compassionate and gracious, Slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness and truth. Turn to me, and be gracious to me; Oh grant Your strength to Your slave, And save the son of Your maidservant. Show me a sign for good, That those who hate me may see it and be ashamed, Because You, O Yahweh, have helped me and comforted me. (Ps 86:14-17 LSB)
In a dangerous world, should we be anxious, or pray, learn to trust God, and let His peace guard our hearts and minds?
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and pleading with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. (Phil 4:6-7 NASB)
In a dangerous and selfish world where do we find ultimate protection? You decide!
A Prayer by David. (WEB)
Do we recognize how poor and helpless we are in reality? Do we recognize that God is our only real protection?
Please listen, Lord, and answer my prayer! I am poor and helpless. Protect me and save me because you are my God. I am your faithful servant, and I trust you. Be kind to me! I pray to you all day. Make my heart glad! I serve you, and my prayer is sincere. (Ps 86:1-4 CEV)
Will an evil world protect us, or do we trust the One who is truly good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love?
For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you. Give ear, O Lord, to my prayer; listen to my plea for grace. In the day of my trouble I call upon you, for you answer me. (Ps 86:5-7 ESV)
In a world of stupid wars, senseless oppression of the poor, and corruption at the highest levels, is there anyone like God?
Lord, there is no one like You among the gods, and there are no works like Yours. All the nations You have made will come and bow down before You, Lord, and will honor Your name. For You are great and perform wonders; You alone are God. (Ps 86:8-10 HCSB)
Have we spent years being indoctrinated by people highly educated in the ways of the world, but none of it has solved our troubles? What if we spent time learning the truth of God’s ways instead?
Teach me your ways, Lord, that I may walk in your truth; let me wholeheartedly revere your name. (Ps 86:11 ISV)
Do we praise politicians, theologians, celebrities, the wealthy, the powerful or God?
I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart: and I will glorify thy name for evermore. For great is thy mercy toward me: and thou hast delivered my soul from the lowest hell. (Ps 86:12-13 KJV)
Do we live in a world where ruthless people try to scam us, steal from us, cheat us or hurt us in other ways, and do we need divine protection from their schemes?
O God, arrogant men have risen up against me, And a band of ruthless men have sought my life, And they have not set You before them. But You, O Lord, are a God compassionate and gracious, Slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness and truth. Turn to me, and be gracious to me; Oh grant Your strength to Your slave, And save the son of Your maidservant. Show me a sign for good, That those who hate me may see it and be ashamed, Because You, O Yahweh, have helped me and comforted me. (Ps 86:14-17 LSB)
In a dangerous world, should we be anxious, or pray, learn to trust God, and let His peace guard our hearts and minds?
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and pleading with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. (Phil 4:6-7 NASB)
In a dangerous and selfish world where do we find ultimate protection? You decide!
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