A Psalm of David

Psalm 51:1-10

Guilt has both positive and negative aspects. It is painful, but serves a purpose because it tells us something is wrong. It’s kind of like a warning light on our dashboard. The problem is that many of us don’t like heeding that warning because of the trouble involved so we ignore it. We prefer to deny or run away from our guilt rather than face up to it and deal with it.

That’s what David did, but when Nathan was sent to confront David, he finally confessed his sin. After admitting his wrongdoing, David wrote this Psalm and humbly poured out his heart to God. In his prayer we find insights that will help us deal with our own guilt.

David began by recounting God’s merciful, unfailing love

as he reflected on the severity of his sin and asked to be cleansed.

Then he frankly admitted his sin and did not excuse or downplay his actions. He also asked God to help him address the core issues that produced his actions; his inner thoughts and feelings.

David wanted his heart purified. He knew that only God could do that kind of “heart surgery.”

When we feel that pain of guilt, perhaps God is trying to tell us something is wrong. It may be our warning light and is not to be ignored. Admission of guilt can be a scary thing, but the after effects are worth the risk.

Forgiveness is a beautiful and freeing act of love when it is given as well as when it is received.

Read/Listen to Psalm 51:1-10

Know God

John 17:1-5

Someone drops a name and you say, “Oh sure, I know him.” I’ve done that many times, but what I really mean is “I know of him,” or “I know who he is.”

The Encarta Dictionary has a multitude of definitions for the word know, including words and phrases like; acquainted, become aware of, familiar with, recognize and have information in the mind. The one closest to what knowing God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit means is: to have a thorough understanding of something through experience or study

Though we cannot experience our Lord in the flesh, we can absorb His spirit and become what he wants us to be through consistently striving to grow in Him.

We have been offered the framework for doing just that, through His Word;

 “Be still, and know that I am God.”  Psalm 46:10

“Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 3:18

“I love those who love me, and those who seek me diligently find me.” Proverbs 8:17

"I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep an my sheep know me." John 10:14

Getting to truly know and understand someone can be life changing. For example, if you

keep your distance from your superior in the workplace, speculate about his character, 

and talk with others who do the same it leads to distance and mistrust. On the contrary, if 

you pursue a relationship with him, take time to talk with him and try to understand who he 

really is and why he does what he does, you may become a key employee, instrumental in 

carrying out the company’s mission.

With God as well, the key is understanding. It’s all GRACE, yet we cannot understand Him 

unless we consistently attempt to understand just what Grace is and learn God’s nature and 

character as revealed in His works and word.

When we make time to listen to what the Bible has to tell us and humbly open our hearts to 

receive it, the Holy Spirit will assist us with applying it to our lives, offering us peace and 

wisdom to carry on. And one day be glorified in His presence.

Read/Listen to John 17:1-5

Coming Before Our God

Psalm 95:1-7

What does coming before God mean and what does it look like?

At times it may be on your knees, head in your hands and tears in your sorrow filled heart.

Another time it could look more like grateful hands raised upward for all God has offered you.

Possibly the first thing in the morning in the quiet of your favorite room, you engage in silent conversation with the Savior.

We present ourselves before the Lord in many ways and for numerous reasons, but let us be reminded that regardless of our location or stance, we are to preface our prayer and petitions with praise.  

Psalm 95:1-7 reminds us;

“Let us come before Him with thanksgiving.”

“”Come let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker; for He is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under His care.”

No matter what our prayer may be addressing, when we go to Him, we are acknowledging God as our Maker and caretaker.

Throughout the Bible, references are made to the importance of worshiping in spirit and truth.

Hebrews 12:28-29 “Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.”

Lord, we praise and worship you for all that you are and always will be. We honor your unconditional love for us, and unending faith in this world. Glory to you, oh great and mighty one!

Read/Listen to Psalm 95:1-7 

Proverbs 16:9 and Psalm 37: 5-6

Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, and the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.

These words do not say our journey will be filled with sunshine and happiness, or that our ways and beliefs will be readily accepted by those around us as our life evolves into a series of joyous events.

What these verses do communicate, is that when we truly commit to living as the Lord commands, our righteousness (being “in the right” in relation to God) will be what is most important, and what makes us stand out among men in the eyes of God.

“Commit your way…” “Trust in Him…” 

This “shining” may never look or feel like a bright, beautiful experience to us because of the earthly burdens we bear. We might never reap the benefits of our labors directly. The one who matters most however, will be well aware of our heart’s intentions and the steps we have taken to follow HIS course. To live our lives daily, for His glory. As we were reminded last Sunday:

“The fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control.” Galatians 5:22-23

amen

Read/listen to Proverbs 16:9

Read/listen to Psalm 37:5-6

Prayer is Crying -- For Direction and Clarity

Psalm 71:1-4 (NIV) In you, O LORD, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame. Rescue me and deliver me in your righteousness; turn your ear to me and save me. Be my rock of refuge, to which I can always go; give the command to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress. Deliver me, O my God, from the hand of the wicked, from the grasp of evil and cruel men.

Day to day living can be a struggle. In fact we are told in the Scriptures to expect it will not be easy. We are also told over and over that it is through these trials and difficult times that we grow. We gain wisdom, we acquire experience to share with others. It is during these times our faith grows. I would not mature like this if everything in life was simple.

• Rescue me - hear me out, save me 
• Deliver me - protect me from evil and cruel men 
• Be my rock - my safe place I can always turn to 

That just about sums up my prayer requests of late. While my prayer requests some days border on the needy type, God understands. Every day is a new adventure or a new challenge. Either way I have to talk it over with God. I was convicted recently about prayer. I know I journal each day, read from the Word and a devotional, but do I truly lay it all out there in prayer. Do I go to God before beginning a new project and ask for His guidance, or do I go to him when it starts to fall apart. There is such a difference.

Deliver me, O my God.

Psalm 71, 72, 73