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Psalm 8 begins and ends by proclaiming God’s majesty (some Biblical interpretations use “excellent” instead). Because it holds the important place of the start and finish to David’s song, let’s dig a little deeper to understand the meaning.

Psalm 8 claims the Lord’s name is majestic, or “addir” in Hebrew. This was the same word used to describe kings, nobles, and rulers – those who held authority over lands, nations, and people. Their words would determine the fate of countries and write the history of civilizations. So, when David proclaims that the Lord’s name is “addir,” we know the song will speak to the power and authority of God as creator and ruler.

In Psalm 8, we see David mirror Genesis 1, where God creates the heavens, the earth, and all its inhabitants. God breathed words and galaxies materialized, some of which we haven’t even discovered yet. He subdued the raging waters with earth to create land that bears fruit. He carefully designed each bird, animal, and sea creature for His specific purpose, and it began to fly, run, and swim at His command. Then, He created humans, which seem so small compared to the vastness of the universe, and yet, it all was created with us in mind. Not only do we get to be here, created and living in the midst of His glory, but then He bestowed on us the power and authority over all His creation. What an awesome responsibility we hold!

How often do we take a moment to recognize this? In the midst of our work, school, and schedules, we mistakenly can begin to think our lives revolve around our activities in our world. The truth is our lives were created to actively care for God’s activities in His world. We (humans) have been anointed His representatives on earth with “a crown of glory and honor” (verse 5) so that we might share in the joy of His majesty.

In Psalm 7, we read a cry of anguish from David. He cries to the Lord for deliverance from his enemy. In his opening words, David shares how he takes refuge in the Lord. He is not seeking shelter in distractions or people, but he is going first to his Savior. Distractions don’t save us from pain, sorrow, hurt, shame, or guilt. David knew that the Lord had to be his source of deliverance and protection.

Not only did David turn to the Lord in the midst of his pain, but he also prayed. David wanted justice. He wanted God to make things right. He prayed with faith knowing that the Lord could act on his behalf. But, even if the Lord didn’t answer his prayer in the way David desires, David still sings praise and worship to the Lord with a thankful heart. David’s faith and his relationship with God were not defined by his circumstances. He chose instead to thank God and trust Him despite not knowing the outcome.

God may not be answering our prayers how we want them to be answered right now, but we still can choose to praise the Most High. He is above our circumstances, and He is greater than enemies we are fighting. We can dwell with Him, our Refuge, in the waiting. Yet, do not just sit there stagnant in the waiting; follow David’s example and pray for wisdom, correction, and guidance. God is waiting to reveal more of Himself to us, are you listening for what He is trying to say?

Psalms 6 is categorized as the first of the Penitential Psalms–which is a big word that means an expression of repentance. The Psalmists in these particular psalms are expressing sorrow over sin and spiritual failure. King David is the writer of Psalms 6. He is in deep affliction and uses this opportunity to poetically express his weariness to the Lord.

Based on the language that is used, we can conclude that David is feeling not only helpless, but also hopeless in his situation. In verse 2, we learn that his circumstances have left him with physical ailments (“Heal me O Lord for my bones are in agony.”) Then in verse 3, he expresses that he is also agonizing spiritually (“I am sick at heart. How long, O Lord, until you restore me?”) And in verses 6 and 7, we feel the weight of the emotional toll that this is taking on him (“I am worn out from sobbing. All night I flood my bed with weeping, drenching it with my tears. My vision is blurred by grief; my eyes are worn out because of all my enemies.”)

Regardless of the details of the situation he is lamenting about, we can conclude that David is desperately appealing to God for relief. It’s important to point out, though, that David’s laments in this chapter are not complaints–he is not placing blame on God for the situation that he has found himself in. Instead, he is pouring his soul out to God and asking for mercy.

As we continue reading in verse 8, we see that David’s tone makes a sudden change from sorrow to a confident expression of joy “…for the Lord has heard my weeping. The Lord has heard my plea; the Lord will answer my prayer.” Despite his physical, spiritual, and emotional turmoil, David chose to not stay in that place. He turned his deep felt grief and weariness into a prayer to God and by the time he got to the end of his prayer, he found himself knowing with confidence that God had heard him and would answer him.

The natural human response to hopeless and helpless situations is to complain and to search for someone to blame. As Christians though, we should learn from the pattern that King David established here in Psalms 6. Express your sorrows to the Lord through prayer. Allow your honesty and vulnerability to be an appeal to God for mercy and relief. And then TRUST and know with confidence that God has heard your weeping and will answer your prayer!

In this chapter, we can see that David is urgent, sorrowful, and begging to be heard by God.  But realizing that his words might not be enough, that he might not be able to even form the words he needs, he asks God to consider his sighing and hear his cries. David knew that sometimes there are situations that are too difficult, too heart wrenching, too confusing, to even form words of prayer.

Perhaps it’s familiar to you what is happening in Psalm 5. Parents quickly learn to recognize their child’s cry, whether hungry, mad, sad, hurt, or simply tired. A young child doesn’t have to use words, because the parent recognizes and understands what is meant by the cry for help. The same is true with our Father! Jeremiah 29:12 tells us that when we pray, God listens. And Romans 8:26 further encourages us that in our weakness, when we don’t even know the words to use, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us. How awesome a thought that our cries reach the very heart of the Creator of the universe. He hears them, He understands them, and He takes delight in being the One to whom we cry out!

In return, God asks us to remember His faithfulness. In Joshua 4, as Joshua was about to lead the people into the Promised Land, God told them to set up stones as a memorial of all the ways He had taken care of them during their years of deliverance. He wanted those stones to be a sign to later generations that God kept His promises and provided for His people.

That is the same God that we worship today. For thousands and thousands of years, God has remained available, consistent, and faithful.  It does not matter what we say, how we say it, or if we can even “say” it. We can speak, we can sigh, or we can cry. It does not matter. All that matters is that we show up, that we trust Him, and that we remember to testify about His faithfulness to the generations after us. Whatever it is that we need, God hears it. He knows us, He loves us, and He is listening. Take time today to let Him know what you need.

Have you ever considered what it would be like to be mindful of God with every breath? So often we’re mindful of Him for a few moments but then our thoughts drift and we forget about God. Maybe a phone call or text distracts you, or in the midst of your prayers, you start getting anxious about a work meeting or a struggle with your spouse or friend. We start off with the best of intentions but our mind and heart quickly drift to the worries and concerns of the world.

In Psalm 4, King David describes a life that is constantly focused on God. In his rest, in his day to day decisions, in his sleep at night, and everywhere in between, the Psalmist remains focused on the Lord. He’s in constant communication with God, and he’s not afraid of being honest with the Lord about his worries and concerns. With honesty and courage he seeks the Lord’s help in trouble and asks the Lord to fill him with joy. Because of his intimate relationship with God, the Psalmist is confident God hears him when he calls out (v.3).

In his book Respectable Sins, Jerry Bridges describes the sin of ungodliness where we live life as though God doesn’t exist. We may know the gospel and be saved, but we don’t live life in a dependent, mindful posture. We go about our daily lives in our own power and strength and we don’t acknowledge our need for the Lord. In Psalm 4, David shows us what it’s like to live a godly life in constant communication with and mindfulness of the Lord. The result of David’s mindfulness is peace and safety. We would all benefit from a Psalm 4 type of life.

In Psalm 3 we see a transformation take place. David begins by explaining his current circumstances: he has many foes, many are rising up against him, and many are saying that God will not deliver him. From the outside looking in, David has every reason to be terrified—he is totally alone, with no ally in sight, enemies surrounding and encroaching in from all directions. But then something happens. He remembers who he’s talking to. David says “but You… are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high.” After remembering who God is and setting his mind on truth, David’s perspective changes. He declares that he will not fear no matter how many thousands go against him. David’s circumstances didn’t necessarily change, but his mindset did. The transformation wasn’t external, but internal.

The process we see David go through in this Psalm is something we see taught and modeled throughout the Bible. Scripture encourages us often to take every thought captive and to think on whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable. We’re directed to set our minds on things above. Focusing on truth allows us to view our circumstances here on earth with a Christ-centered perspective. When we do that, while our circumstances may not change, our attitude about them does. 

Maybe we need to take a lesson here from David. What are your foes? Who is rising up against you today? What situation are you in that seems downright impossible? Take it to God. Give your circumstances proper perspective, frame them in the lens of truth, and allow God to remind you of who He is and what He can do. Your situation may not change overnight, but perhaps you’ll be changed in the process. 

There is great power in knowing the truth of God’s Word. It should be the filter through which all of our life experiences flow. Although troubling, it comes as no surprise to those familiar with Scripture that nations rage and people plot against the Lord and His anointed. In fact, Peter recalls the truths found in Psalm 2 to encourage himself and his companions in the face of great adversity. How many times have we found ourselves frustrated because some conflict arose when we were following Jesus with all of our heart? It can be easy to become offended by our life circumstances. Jesus Himself did only what the Father told Him to do and He was faced with great opposition, even death on the cross. Without the truth of Scripture to light our way, we may become discouraged and lose hope in this life. Time and time again God’s Word declares that He is sovereign and He is good.

Psalm 2 tells of people who are raging and plotting against not only their Maker but the very One who has sacrificed everything to save them. Can we declare ourselves innocent from this hopeless attitude? Mankind momentarily thrives in the illusion of control and when we feel it slipping from our grasp we begin to plot and scheme for ways to hold on to it. Fear becomes the motivating factor in our lives rather than faith. Our thoughts and vision become blurred and we lose sight of the truth of Scripture that Jesus is enthroned in the heavens. Hebrews 12:2 reminds us that the road is not easy but we have an example of victory in Jesus Christ.

No, this life of following Jesus is not going to feel safe. But those of us who have made the Lord our refuge can live in peace knowing our destiny is secure. We don’t have to spin our wheels plotting for ways to retain “control.” God tells us, “Fear not for I am with you, be not dismayed for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10). This psalm ends with the charge to “serve the Lord with fear and rejoice with trembling.” Fear of God doesn’t rob us of joy but instead it should drive us to Christ where there is safety. The reality of the Scriptures truly can set us free and embolden us to live a life full of joy in Christ.

Since the book of Psalms is written by a variety of authors over different parts of their lives, we’ll read many emotions throughout these 150 books. Some chapters are filled with joy, others with pain, others with gratitude, and even some with anger. Since the book contains such a variety, it can be difficult to notice the common thread.  However, chapter 1 serves almost like a preface to the entire book of Psalms. If we’re going to understand the diversity in the other 149 chapters, we need to first understand the simplicity of Psalm 1. The lesson in this chapter is true for every stage of life. There are two paths we can take: one that leads to God, and one that leads to destruction. For all the complexity that life will bring, this truth is our reality in each and every season.  There is a way that leads to life and a way that leads to death.  

Everyday we get to stand at this crossroads and choose what we actually believe. And the choices that we make are consequential. The psalmist paints a picture of a life that thrives in every season, and pairs it with a life that is progressively fading. The difference between these two lives is a connection with God, who is our ultimate life source. While many times the way of the wicked may look better, the reality is it’s much more dangerous. The way to find life isn’t to drink deeply from all this world has to offer, but to instead dig deeply into the faithfulness of God. When we are planted near Him, He’ll guide us through the ever changing emotions of life.