Psalms

In this Psalm David speaks of God’s lovingkindness. David says, “Because Thy lovingkindness is better than life, my life will praise Thee.” God’s lovingkindness is mentioned throughout the Bible. What does lovingkindness mean? Lovingkindness is our English translation for the Hebrew word ‘chesed’ used in the original Bible text. There is no precise English translation. However, it can be closely defined as follows: Lovingkindness means God’s abundant and steadfast love for his children. God expresses this…

In this Psalm David again states that God is our only real hope in this world. God is our only real protection from harm and evil. God is the author of our Salvation and Eternal Life. Success and riches may provide comfort and ease. However, they will not protect us. In this regard David says, “If riches increase do not set your heart upon them.” Riches are insidious. They may satisfy us physically. They may also give…

In this Psalm the Holy Spirit speaks through David about the future Kingdom of Jesus Christ. He says, “Thou wilt prolong the King’s life; His years will be as many generations. He will abide before God forever. Appoint lovingkindness and Truth that they may preserve Him.” Jesus will be the best King the whole world has ever known. His rule will be characterized by lovingkindness and Truth.  Jesus will be merciful, and Truth will guide His…

In this Psalm, as in many Psalms, God speaks through David saying, “Judah is my scepter.” A scepter is a rod of sorts which a king holds in his hand. God was essentially saying that the tribe of Judah will be God’s implement to rule the world. The Bible says that Jesus will one day be King of the Earth.  Jesus is God’s Son.   However, Jesus became a human.  He was born into the tribe of…

David wrote this Psalm when King Saul had sent men to kill David. David was a threat to Saul’s rule, and Saul wanted to remove that threat. As always, David’s response was to rely on God’s protection and help. David said to God, “Thou hast been my stronghold, and a refuge on the day of my distress.” David knew that he couldn’t rely on his own strength to defeat his enemies. They were too numerous and…

In this Psalm, David speaks of those who are wicked. David says, “The wicked are estranged from the womb; those who speak lies go astray from birth.” We are all born with certain characteristics. All of us are unique. Our experiences around others tell us that people have different tendencies. We first recognize this when we are young. When I was in grade school I observed that some children seemed to be naturally mean and cruel. Whereas,…

In this Psalm David observes one of the methods that God uses in dealing with David’s enemies. David says, “This day they dug a pit before me. They themselves have fallen into the midst of it.” Those who plotted and schemed to destroy David would sometimes be caught or revealed in their devious plots. The harm they envisioned that would happen to David would happen to them. David would not be harmed. However, David’s enemies…

In this Psalm David affirms his trust in God to help David survive against his enemies. David says “When I am afraid, I will put my trust in God, whose Word I praise. In God I have put my trust. I shall not be afraid. What can mere man do to me?” David’s entire life was characterized by David’s belief and trust in God. God had helped David on numerous occasions. Even when David was a…

In this Psalm David finishes with the following words: “Men of bloodshed and deceit will not live out half their days.” This indicates to me that the length of our lives here on Earth can be affected by the way we think and live. The Bible says that living our lives according to the Word of God will enable us to live full lives. One good example is the Fifth Commandment. This Commandment says, “Honor your…

In this Psalm David says, “Behold, God is my helper; the Lord is the sustainer of my soul.” All of us have a soul. We also have a body and mind. The Bible says that our bodies will waste away as we age. Our bodies are temporary. However, our soul is eternal. Our soul defines who we are. Each soul is unique. As we live our lives, we make choices. Our minds direct our bodies as…