Sonshine's Journal

The psalmist is recalling the past and looking into the future. “Do good, O Lord, to those who are good.” Is this how we pray in our quiet time? Do we pray for those who are good that God provide goodness from the Lord? Jesus told the rich young ruler that no one is good except God alone. So how is that we can separate our worldly thoughts to those that are from God? God looks down on man and he sees men who are “good,” that is they are wise, thoughtful, kind, discerning and honor those in positions that protect us. We must remember our view of good is not what God sees as good. Without Christ, no one is good because we all sinners saved by the grace of God. 

So how is your prayer today about the “good” among men? Do we pray for God to bless those who are “good?” Think about it. 

The psalmist is in fear for his life yet he calls to God for the one thing no human can give him: protection. This is his situation: “For too long I have had to reside with those who hate peace.  I am committed to peace, but when I speak, they want to make war.”  That is our world today as well. We want peace but the adversaries around us seek war at any cost…the cost of themselves and their countrymen. It seems like the news of today is no different than long ago when David wrote those words. But, even in the darkest hour, God is there and He is our protector, in life and in death. That is David’s confidence and it is ours as well. Do you believe that? Or do you stand and allow the enemy to thwart your peace and confidence? The enemy looks for our weakness but in Christ we are strong and invincible because we wear the armor of God. Each piece protects the vulnerability of our person. [see Eph 6] 

In the next chapter David assess his situation and notes:”From where does my help come?  My help comes from the Lord, the Creator of heaven and earth.  May he not allow your foot to slip. May your Protector not sleep.“

That should be our question as well. Where  does your help come from when you are whether in physical or spiritual battles?  The Lord is our protector, call on Him today when you face the enemy in his tactics and in his words. 

Obey the Lord, that is the first and most important principle to be wise.  Each day we are given tasks to obey or not and it is a choice we must make. If we want to be wise and profitable in this world we must start with this principle. It seems like we are overwhelmed by the many do’s and don’t’s but in the end it simply means obey God and everything else fades in comparison. He has given us all we need and all He requires. We just finished the book of Leviticus and in it the people of God were given the principles and guidelines for life. How many of them are we following? One author said it like this: “I look for any doctrine, correction, instruction, or promise. Some passages come with application built in. These points of application often appear as commands, instructions, or encouragements. All that remains after I’ve found them is applying them. Sometimes the text makes it easy.”

Did you notice that the author reminded his reader that application is indeed the test of our obedience to God’s commands? Again this author noted: “It’s important to apply a text personally before you apply it corporately—“Woe is me” should come before “Woe to you.” Isaiah models this. He confesses to God, “Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips” (Isa. 6:5). Even though it’s a common sin, Isaiah doesn’t blame others first. He takes responsibility. He confesses specifically, “God, I’ve sinned with my lips.”

Today as you ponder this psalm, consider these thoughts of both the biblical writer and the secular writer. 

The psalmist offers his thoughts regarding the ones who call God Lord. First he reminds them that they are to hate evil! And secondly, You godly ones, rejoice in the Lord. Give thanks to his holy name.

Hate vs Love is a common theme in the psalms and this one psalm sums up what the writer wants the reader to ponder. So the question remains: how does one “hate” evil? Dig into the scriptures and read the lives of those who chose the attributes of Psalm 1. They willingly choose not to walk, stand or sit in the seats of those who mock God. Remember he who mocks God will suffer the consequences of their actions. God is near and He hears and sees all. Then, how does one “rejoice” in the Lord? We read, we ponder and then we act. 

This one note from one who has pondered this psalm wrote: Those who love Him should hate evil. By doing so, they become the objects of His blessing rather than partakers of His discipline.

Today, choose ye whom you will serve but for me and my house we will serve the Lord were the words of Joshua and they perfectly frame our question: whom will you choose to serve today? 

Psalm 91 Guardian Angels 
 

The author of this psalm knows God personally. In his culture, there was real fear, fear of the enemy, or fear in battle. He notes that God will rescue from the hunter’s snare. A snare is a trap of calamities, plots, a source or agent of calamity. Satan is our master snare builder, but the author has recognized this trait and trusts that God will rescue him from his traps.  The same truth is for us as well.  

Also, God will shelter us under his wings. Think of a mother duck or a bird who shelters her brood. We have been watching the eaglets who were sheltered in this way, in the nest high above the forest floor. They are ready to fledge soon, and we will be watching how the eaglets navigate this new experience. God watches over us just like the eagle parent. No matter where we are, we can trust God to shelter us. The author pointedly shares in vs 4: His faithfulness is like a shield or a protective wall. That is the reason God protects us from the snares and shelters us. 

Because of these traits and more, we need not fear the terrors of the night or the arrow that flies by day. Those who trust in the Lord can rely on His protection. “He will commission angels to watch over and protect His own. This is one of the passages in Scripture that reveals the existence and activity of “guardian angels” (cf. Matt. 18:10; Heb. 1:14). The writer was using hyperbole when he wrote that the believer will not even stub his or her toe (v. 12). Verse 13 also seems to be hyperbolic. It pictures overcoming dangerous animals. God has given some believers this kind of protection occasionally (e.g., Dan. 6; Acts 28:3-6), but the writer’s point was that God will protect His people from all kinds of dangers.” [Dr C. quote] 

Today a man 100 yrs old has passed from this earthly life to eternity. To the men of earth, he was considered to be very wise but; true wisdom is this: to know God and obey His commandments.  Did he know God personally? God knows. Was he wise or foolish in terms of God? God knows. Where is he now? God knows. Such is the way of men and God.  Did he observe the ways of God? God knows. Listen to the wisdom of Leviticus: “You must not profane my holy name, and I will be sanctified in the midst of the Israelites. I am the Lord who sanctifies you,” Was he sanctified? God knows. 

Again the wisdom of Proverbs: “A shrewd person saw danger and hid himself, but the naive passed on by and paid for it.” God knows the path each man takes. 

So how can we be both wise and live a life of honor before men and God? Paul told Timothy: All scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, reproof, correction and training in righteousness. Did this 100 year old man know these words and apply them to his life? God knows. If today were to be the day God called you to Himself, what would the world say but more importantly, what would God say about you? 

This past weekend ushered in the World Cup series and if you are like me, it is ho hum response because in the USA it isn’t soccer, but football that draws our attention.  In both sports, we take sides and we want our side to win and their side to lose. It is dividing point and sometimes it becomes challenging to know who we should support. In the Christian walk it is similar in that we want our side, the God team, to win and their polar opposite, the Devil team to lose. In the midst of this we find the psalms of David reflecting these same refrains in poetic form. 

The first five verses of psalm 64 reflect this as David recognizes the bad team’s words: “They encourage one another to carry out their evil deed, They plan how to hide snares, They devise unjust schemes; and more.” At the time, it seems as if they are winning but then David reflects:  “But God will shoot at them; suddenly they will be wounded by an arrow, their slander will bring about their demise.” 

Here’s the truth: one day Jesus will return and this will be the end for the “bad guys.” Until then, we, like David, remind ourselves that even in the bad times,  the good guys, the believers in Christ, will be the winners and the bad guys reign will be ended. 

Which team are you on? 

David reviews his life and the experiences he has seen. He notes that men are wicked but God is just. He records these words: “Yes indeed, there is a God who judges in the earth.” It is because of this character quality that David can stand in His presence and voice his thoughts. Dr. Constable reflects: “In this case, the statement reflects the polytheistic mindset of pagan observers who, despite their theological ignorance, nevertheless recognize divine retribution when they see it.”

We see it even today as we read the news, experience those who reject God and His Word. All at one time or another recognize this truth: God is God and men give recognition to Him even if they do not accept Him as Lord and Savior. We hear it when there is a disaster and men offer their thoughts of prayers offered. 

Who is God to you today? Is He Lord and Savior or just a God who stands afar off? What do our prayers echo about our relationship with Him?

As we continue to follow David as he flees from Saul, his life hinges on today and tomorrow. David is beside himself and echoes what many face when between a rock and a hard place. Do you sit and moan or do you do as he did, call out to God and remind yourself of who God is. 

Put yourself in his shoes and listen how he faces the many thoughts that come to mind. David is asking: How did I get here? What is happening God? So David begins with his call out to God in  prayer: “Do not ignore my appeal for mercy.  Pay attention to me and answer me. I am so upset and distressed, I am beside myself, because of what the enemy says, and because of how the wicked pressure me,for they hurl trouble down upon me…”  Can you relate to him? Have you ever been where there seems no way out of this problem you find yourself in?

David is telling us the solution is to cry out to God and seek His comfort. He knows humanly speaking, he has no solution, but then….God. God is listening to our heart’s cry. God’s heart hurts just as ours does. God is listening. Trust God in times and seasons of life when this what we face. Trust Him, but also cry out to Him with passionate words and then do as Isaiah said:wait on Him and His answer. It may come today or tomorrow or in eternity but we are called to wait on Him.

Vs 17: “During the evening, morning, and noontime I will lament and moan, and he will hear me.  He will rescue me and protect me from those who attack me, Psa 130:5 “I rely on the Lord. I  rely on him with my whole being; I wait for his assuring word.”  

We have many thoughts and ideas about God and we use these in prayer to Him who holds the universe in the palm of His hands. Over and over David echoes those thoughts as he pens these psalms for us to read and meditate upon. One psalm we recently read said that our tongue is like a pen ready to write these words. Today as we enter the quiet room of David’s thoughts we are once again brought to the throne room of God and see His power and majesty. He protects, He guides, He looks down upon man to see his needs which He provides. 

David notes: “Why do you boast about your evil plans, O powerful man? God’s loyal love protects me all day long.” Men have evil hearts but God’s love for His own is front and center and what we can cling to in times we find ourselves held fast by words and actions of the evil ones about us. Paul noted that in the first chapter of Philippians when he was imprisoned. Paul wrote to the Philippians not to be frightened but those who know God can trust that no matter what comes our way, His love is stronger and present because He rescues His own. 

Is He your rescuer? What frightens you today. One of the ladies at the Assisted Living answered that she is frightened by being alone even though she has many about her. Perhaps you can relate, if so, tuck this psalm in your diary for today. His love is loyal and stronger and protects all day long.