I am poor and needy

 Psalm 86:1–17 (ESV):  

1  Incline your ear, O Lord, and answer me, 

for I am poor and needy. 

 2  Preserve my life, for I am godly; 

save your servant, who trusts in you—you are my God. 

 3  Be gracious to me, O Lord, 

for to you do I cry all the day. 

 4  Gladden the soul of your servant, 

for to you, O Lord, do I lift up my soul. 

 5  For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving, 

abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you. 

 6  Give ear, O Lord, to my prayer; 

listen to my plea for grace. 

 7  In the day of my trouble I call upon you, 

for you answer me. 

 8  There is none like you among the gods, O Lord, 

nor are there any works like yours. 

 9  All the nations you have made shall come 

and worship before you, O Lord, 

and shall glorify your name. 

 10  For you are great and do wondrous things; 

you alone are God. 

 11  Teach me your way, O Lord, 

that I may walk in your truth; 

unite my heart to fear your name. 

 12  I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart, 

and I will glorify your name forever. 

 13  For great is your steadfast love toward me; 

you have delivered my soul from the depths of Sheol. 

 14  O God, insolent men have risen up against me; 

a band of ruthless men seeks my life, 

and they do not set you before them. 

 15  But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, 

slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness. 

 16  Turn to me and be gracious to me; 

give your strength to your servant, 

and save the son of your maidservant. 

 17  Show me a sign of your favour, 

that those who hate me may see and be put to shame 

because you, Lord, have helped me and comforted me. 

This psalm written by David shows his humility. Even though he is a strong, powerful, blessed king, he describes himself as, ‘poor and needy….your servant’. As a young man in his father’s house we can see how this would relate to David, but when he wrote this psalm as the anointed king of the nation of God, it can seem odd to try to comprehend. Yet, ‘poor and needy’ is how David describes himself in several of the psalms. As David considers and praises God, i think he recognises how poor and needy he is in comparison with Him. No matter the earthly riches, authority and reputation he has on Earth, what is it when you compare it to God? It is ‘poor’ and insignificant in comparison, and the level of capacity and capability is ‘needy’ indeed. David acknowledged this in a way many of us miss. 

It is not encouraged or desired by society to be known as ‘poor and needy’. In fact, those who are can be looked down upon and pitied so David does not go to people in his poverty or neediness. The only one David wishes to show his lack to is God, for what could man do? God can get to the heart of the deprivation that David feels. It must have been hard for him to relate to being king. From the lowly, overlooked position of a shepherd to a throne, it is not surprising that David felt like he didn't belong, that he wasn't prepared and that he didn't have enough within himself to perform his duties. Yet he was king because he went to the place we all need to when we feel insufficient for the task ahead of us - he went to God. The only one who can give life, salvation, grace, forgiveness, love, courage, hope and joy. These are the things you really need when you feel ‘poor and needy'.

As well as acknowledging the poverty and need in his own life, this psalm also glorifies God. In fact, most of it is a psalm of recognition of how wonderful God is. David recalls how God is good and forgiving, and always loves him - you can see the genuine relationship and delight David has with God. Yet he does not, even as king, consider himself at all powerful or in control in comparison to God, when he thinks about God, he realises how poor and needy he is! As much authority as David has, or as much influence, as many people or wealth he has at his fingers, when you match it up to the wealth, authority, power and capacity God has it truly is ‘poor and needy'. David honours God as the Almighty King. The One who can change any circumstance, the only truly God because no-one and nothing else can compare with what God can do (v8-10). 

In his humility, David asks God to show him what His ‘way’ is. Sometimes we can be so confused and distressed that we do not know what way to go, or what God wants from us in a particular situation. So even in this time where David is in need, he seeks God to show him how to live right to, ‘unite my heart to fear your name’. David knew that his emotions were all over the place, but even so he wanted to honour and serve God well in this season. So he asked God to help unite his heart with obedience to God. What is your response when you are in distress? To you accept your feelings and allow yourself to be mastered by them or do you, even then, in the midst of overwhelming disappointment and sadness decide to subject your emotions to God? This is what David did, and this is powerful. In an age when people do what they feel and follow their emotions, the people of God are not to do that but instead to seek God first. Above thoughts, desires and feelings, they are to invite God to restructure their hearts so that they can live their lives in truth. Is your heart's cry to God in times of difficulty;  'Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name'?

You are poor and needy. You will encounter disappointment and heartache, but you are not to be led by those experiences or emotions. For in your need you have an Almighty God, and Everlasting Father and a Faithful Friend you can call upon to uphold, strengthen, love and guide you. Will you call upon God in your times of need? At the end of this outpouring of love, praise and recognition of the greatness of God David declares, 'Lord, have helped me and comforted me'. Just through spending quality time with God, David has felt comforted, listened to and helped. The situation has not radically changed in the moments of this prayer, but offloading to God and showing that you are willing to do things God's way, not your own, allows God to minister to you. Relying on God gives strength, purpose and unites your heart. I wonder what His way is for you. Are you prepared to ask God to show you, and trust God to unite your heart?

worshipping in the worst times

Psalm 71:1–8 (ESV): 

In you, O Lord, do I take refuge; 

let me never be put to shame! 

2  In your righteousness deliver me and rescue me; 

incline your ear to me, and save me! 

3  Be to me a rock of refuge, 

to which I may continually come; 

you have given the command to save me, 

for you are my rock and my fortress. 

4  Rescue me, O my God, from the hand of the wicked, 

from the grasp of the unjust and cruel man. 

5  For you, O Lord, are my hope, 

my trust, O Lord, from my youth. 

6  Upon you I have leaned from before my birth; 

you are he who took me from my mother’s womb. 

My praise is continually of you. 

7  I have been as a portent to many, 

but you are my strong refuge. 

8  My mouth is filled with your praise, 

and with your glory all the day. 

9  Do not cast me off in the time of old age; 

forsake me not when my strength is spent. 

10  For my enemies speak concerning me; 

those who watch for my life consult together 

11  and say, “God has forsaken him; 

pursue and seize him, 

for there is none to deliver him.” 

12  O God, be not far from me; 

O my God, make haste to help me! 

13  May my accusers be put to shame and consumed; 

with scorn and disgrace may they be covered 

who seek my hurt. 

14  But I will hope continually 

and will praise you yet more and more. 

15  My mouth will tell of your righteous acts, 

of your deeds of salvation all the day, 

for their number is past my knowledge. 

16  With the mighty deeds of the Lord God I will come; 

I will remind them of your righteousness, yours alone. 

17  O God, from my youth you have taught me, 

and I still proclaim your wondrous deeds. 

18  So even to old age and grey hairs, 

O God, do not forsake me, 

until I proclaim your might to another generation, 

your power to all those to come. 

19  Your righteousness, O God, 

reaches the high heavens. 

You who have done great things, 

O God, who is like you? 

20  You who have made me see many troubles and calamities 

will revive me again; 

from the depths of the earth 

you will bring me up again. 

21  You will increase my greatness 

and comfort me again. 

22  I will also praise you with the harp 

for your faithfulness, O my God; 

I will sing praises to you with the lyre, 

O Holy One of Israel. 

23  My lips will shout for joy, 

when I sing praises to you; 

my soul also, which you have redeemed. 

24  And my tongue will talk of your righteous help all the day long, 

for they have been put to shame and disappointed 

who sought to do me hurt. 

Although this psalm does not credit a particular person as the author, both psalm 70 and 71 seem to be similar in content. They both tell of a time that is troubled due to the persecution of others and the writers are asking God to intervene and rescue. When I first read this I thought it was a follow-on psalm from the previous one, however we do not know if David is the writer even though the themes and expressions are similar. As we consider the book of Psalms, there are many with a similar theme; of difficulty, petitioning God and trusting Him. So, whether or not this is written by David doesn’t really matter, as it just shows that we can all have similar struggles, and we need help to overcome them. People of the past as well as the present have encountered hardship and the psalms helpfully show us how to pray through it, trust God in it and worship throughout. 

This psalm then, although about a tough time, focuses on the ‘Holy One of Israel’. The author is continually reminding themselves that they are coming to a loving, mighty God. There is worship from beginning to end.  Most of the verses mention something great about God, so this cry for help and petition is enwrapped in praise - how incredible! The psalmist has come to God for rescue and relief and considers that God is; a refuge, One who does not put to shame, a listener, rock, always available, fortress, rescuer, hope, trust, One you can lean on, One who brings life, strong, glorious, close, a helper, righteous, mighty, bringer of salvation, doer of wondrous deeds, teacher, constant, powerful, reviver, lifter, empowering, comforter, Holy, redeemer. That is a lot of recognition of who God is for someone who is in trouble.When life is difficult and despairing do you pray like that? 

My daughter read something recently that said 'if you don't feel like praying, pray harder, if you don't feel like worshipping, worship harder.' This seems to be what this psalmist does. He petitions and praises God whilst persevering through this trouble. The writer acknowledges God’s active presence from even before he was born up til now, their old age (v17-18), and they know God’s love, comfort and greatness hasn’t finished yet. The same is true for you. No matter your age or experience, God desires to show you His love, comfort and greatness. God has not finished working in your life either.

Thanking and praising God in the midst of hardship takes strength, and doing so builds strength, resilience and faith. It is about looking upwards to God and His kingdom rather than looking around and inward at the trouble, persecution and demoralising activities that can surround you. So, do not focus on the things that get you down and that seem to defeat you. Acknowledge them and put them into prayer, like this psalmist does, so that you are putting them into the hands of the One who can do something about it! 

This psalmist says, ‘my tongue will talk of your righteous help all the day long’. Is that how you tackle your problems? By remembering God and how awesome He is, thinking about His amazing deeds? Do you make an effort to remind yourself, and others, of where your help comes from? Take inspiration from this person who has lived a life of faith - Practice gratitude when life is troublesome, and praise God through every difficulty. For trouble should not diminish your understanding of the previous works of God, in fact, they should inspire you with the great things God can do now! Hold onto the truth of who God is, His love for you and His strength, then let your ‘lips shout for joy’!

ALL people

 Psalm 68:28–35 (ESV):  

28  Summon your power, O God, 

the power, O God, by which you have worked for us. 

29  Because of your temple at Jerusalem 

kings shall bear gifts to you. 

30  Rebuke the beasts that dwell among the reeds, 

the herd of bulls with the calves of the peoples. 

Trample underfoot those who lust after tribute; 

scatter the peoples who delight in war. 

31  Nobles shall come from Egypt; 

Cush shall hasten to stretch out her hands to God. 

32  O kingdoms of the earth, sing to God; 

sing praises to the Lord, Selah 

33  to him who rides in the heavens, the ancient heavens; 

behold, he sends out his voice, his mighty voice. 

34  Ascribe power to God, 

whose majesty is over Israel, 

and whose power is in the skies. 

35  Awesome is God from his sanctuary; 

the God of Israel—he is the one who gives power and strength to his people. 

Blessed be God! 

The glory, beauty, power and magnificence of God is now celebrated all across the world! Once, Israel were the chosen nation, the people God led through the wilderness into the promised land. Now, all people flock to God. We are living in the days that this psalm foretold! When; kings, nobles, young and old, people from war torn countries, previous enemies and even those deemed wicked can ‘ascribe power to God’ and ‘sing praises to the Lord’. These days were prophesied and hoped for, and the people of Israel saw glimpses of what it could be like, but they could not see the fullness of what it meant for 'kingdoms of. the earth' to. be praising God. 

We have the privilege of living in the days when this is happening, when the good news that we can be forgiven and free from sin when we believe in and follow Jesus, is available to all people. Every person, no matter how lofty or lowly, no matter their language or culture, how old or young, where they are from or what they have done - all people can be forgiven, restored and brought into the family of God! What a joy it should be to each of us to live in such times. These are the days foretold in the Bible! We can eat together, sing together, enter a place of praise together and see salvation in all people. The gospel is for every man, woman and child, freely available with the great news that each one can have a relationship with God if they want it!

When I look at the group of people that i worship with, i see such beautiful variety, this was not something that the Israelites at the time of the psalm would have experienced. They were all one nation, all Israelites, (with very few exceptions like Rahab and Caleb), who journeyed together, lived together and worshipped God together. So when they heard scripture say things like, ‘kingdoms of the earth, sing to God’, I wonder what they imagined. It must have seemed impossible, that even those who God told them were enemies, would one day have access to praise Him. That worship would come from ‘his people’ could mean anyone, not just the Jews. It must have seemed inspiring, confusing and pretty impossible. Impossible in the sight of man anyway. Yet this was something the Israelites were being shown again and again through scripture, that God had a different plan. Although in their day, they alone were His people, a day was coming when God’s people would come from all nations! Wow! 

When God speaks, at the time, it does not always make sense or seem possible, but holding onto His words is important, as our situation in this context proves. The nation of Israel were told things like the fact that one day worshippers would be from all nations. Thankfully, it is documented so that we can see and be witnesses to the fact that God keeps His word. For now, anyone and everyone can worship God and be considered His people - joined through the love, forgiveness, compassion, and might of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. Not only that, but we are also made family through him - we are now brothers and sisters to a vast people group, greater than the nation of Israel! How could those Israelites of Old  Testament times imagine that?

This shows that God’s plan is always greater than we can understand. God does ‘far more than we can ask or imagine’ (Ephesians 3:20). Even when He has told us what He will do, it is hard for us to comprehend it as it is beyond our ability to visualise. Those living in Old Testament times had a hope, an idea and a vision of what faith in God would look like, but it was blurry and exciting and not something that could easily be grasped or fully understood. We too, live with such things. There are things that we know and see in part, but one day will see fully (1 Corinthians 13:12). We have no idea what the future holds. You can listen to and hear from God, be given something of His vision and hear prophecies, but you do not know what the fullness of His promises look like. They are far greater than you can suppose, because God is just so big and awesome His imagination outstrips yours! Just know, that when God speaks, He will do it and do it brilliantly.

Why you should ask God to bless you

 Psalm 67:1–7 (ESV):  

1  May God be gracious to us and bless us 

and make his face to shine upon us, Selah 

2  that your way may be known on earth, 

your saving power among all nations. 

3  Let the peoples praise you, O God; 

let all the peoples praise you! 

4  Let the nations be glad and sing for joy, 

for you judge the peoples with equity 

and guide the nations upon earth. Selah 

5  Let the peoples praise you, O God; 

let all the peoples praise you! 

6  The earth has yielded its increase; 

God, our God, shall bless us. 

7  God shall bless us; 

let all the ends of the earth fear him! 

In this psalm, the people of God are asking that God blesses them, not for their own benefit, but so that others see that God blesses His people and will praise Him as a result. Have you ever considered that you being blessed is an opportunity to witness about God’s goodness and favour?

God’s blessings are a great way to share God’s goodness with others, to those that follow God and those that don’t. It shows that you recognise where the good things in your life come from, and is a chance to share some great truths about what living a life with God is like. Through receiving, recognising, appreciating, and sharing the wonderful things God has done in your life, you can impact individuals, people and nations (v3-4) and inspire them to consider and honour God - isn’t that cool?! 

The purpose of the requested blessing in verse 1 is that God’s ‘way may be known on earth, your saving power among all nations’. It is not about the comfort or wealth of the individual or the people of God, but so that they can witness that God loves and cares for His own. Showing that God fulfils His purposes, lovingly leads His people and has the power to save. The people of this world, your nation, town and household need to hear that. They need to see the power God has to save and that God is living and active on Earth through your life. So, when you are blessed, when you see good things in your life, do you openly give credit to God for them to others around you? The purpose of receiving a blessing from God is to show others who God is. Therefore, when you are blessed you should share the; joy, peace, contentment, breakthrough, healing, gifts, and deliverance that God has brought. As the reason for the blessing is not for your own comfort and enjoyment, but for God’s way to be known and His saving power released to others.

Almost every verse of this psalm starts with asking God to ‘let’ His people do something. They are requesting His favour, His help and permission to praise, be glad and be joyful. Have you ever asked God for those things? The people of Isreal clearly realised that it is pretty easy to find things to moan about - there are always things we can be disgruntled about, annoyed with, upset by, it doesn’t take a lot to find things you'd like to improve in life. So, instead of focussing on those things, ask God to 'let' you be joyful, and full of praise. Ask for gladness and joy in your life, and then you will be delighted to share about God’s favour, and you can invite others into it. What a difference that would make in this world where there is increasing depression, anxiety and fear. You can be cross-cultural, you can be happy, peaceful, glad, and joyful - just ask God to bless you. 

When you are blessed, when you are happy, don't you share the good news with others? When good things happen, when we are excited about it, we tell people don't we? Well, when you ask God to bless you, and He does, you can do the same - tell people about His goodness. By doing so you will have a part in inspiring people to follow God, changing the life of a person, many people and even the nations! That's what this psalm shows. By simply sharing about the blessings God has brought you, you can be a witness. By letting people know the impact God has in your life you will be sharing about God's saving power and encouraging people to ‘praise you, O God’. What a great privilege!

In order for this to happen, you need to ask God to bless you. It may seem a bit odd especially if you are someone who is grateful for the great things you already have, but if you want to have opportunities to demonstrate God's love, power and salvation to others, then you need to ask God to bless you so that you have stories to share. I already have many things to be grateful for, yet even so, I want to be a part of inspiring people to praise God, So I am going to start asking God to bless me. I do not know what that looks like, but I do know God can and will do it. Then I will have more stories to share about how wonderful God is and trust that the Holy Spirit will use these things to show His way on Earth and release His ‘saving power among all nations’. Are you with me? Will you start asking God to bless you so that, ‘all the people praise’ Him?

Praise is due

 Psalm 65:1–13 (ESV):  

1  Praise is due to you, O God, in Zion, 

and to you shall vows be performed. 

2  O you who hear prayer, 

to you shall all flesh come. 

3  When iniquities prevail against me, 

you atone for our transgressions. 

4  Blessed is the one you choose and bring near, 

to dwell in your courts! 

We shall be satisfied with the goodness of your house, 

the holiness of your temple! 

5  By awesome deeds you answer us with righteousness, 

O God of our salvation, 

the hope of all the ends of the earth 

and of the farthest seas; 

6  the one who by his strength established the mountains, 

being girded with might; 

7  who stills the roaring of the seas, 

the roaring of their waves, 

the tumult of the peoples, 

8  so that those who dwell at the ends of the earth are in awe at your signs. 

You make the going out of the morning and the evening to shout for joy. 

9  You visit the earth and water it; 

you greatly enrich it; 

the river of God is full of water; 

you provide their grain, 

for so you have prepared it. 

10  You water its furrows abundantly, 

settling its ridges, 

softening it with showers, 

and blessing its growth. 

11  You crown the year with your bounty; 

your wagon tracks overflow with abundance. 

12  The pastures of the wilderness overflow, 

the hills gird themselves with joy, 

13  the meadows clothe themselves with flocks, 

the valleys deck themselves with grain, 

they shout and sing together for joy. 

What do you praise and admire in life?

This psalm is full of the glory of nature, the peace that doesn’t make sense, provision, beauty, the joy of day and night, satisfaction, goodness and strength. The writer, David, attributes all these everyday things that we can admire and appreciate, to God. Every day each person can find things they appreciate and value, yet many do not recognise that the source of these marvellous things is God. If you think the mountains or trees are wonderful, the sunset and flocks of sheep beautiful, then consider how awesome the One who created and sustains those things is. 

What do you praise and admire - the creator or the created? 

David starts this psalm saying that to God ‘praise is due’. Nothing else on Earth should inspire praise like God does, but do you direct praise to Him, or do other things get your words of worth and wonder? It is easy to admire the fragrance and beauty of a flower, and wonder how it was put together and is held in place as it is both delicate, yet strong. Does your admiration stop there, or does your joy extend to give praise where it is due - to God? He is the one that deserves it. The flower did nothing to be there, nor did the sheep, mountains or trees, or even us as human beings. but there One who made and provides everything! To Him alone, praise is due. So, how do you praise, worship or honour such a God? Praise comes in different forms; thanksgiving, admiration, singing, dancing, music, prayer, and keeping your promises. Praise can be shown through living a noble, godly and grateful life, where you keep your word as well as through a joyful outpouring of lyrics. Praise is not just expressed through a verbal outpouring, but also a quiet spirit and a determination to be a worshipper through living life in a way that honours God no matter where you are or who you are with. Your behaviour, speech, attitude and activities can give God praise, and show the extent of your gratitude to Him, or not. So, are you giving God praise through your promises, lifestyle, words and actions?

God deserves to be praised and worshipped. You can see His goodness, power and love in all of the marvellous things He has made - these in themselves inspire awe, yet God hasn’t stopped there in His wonderful deeds. For this Almighty, majestic, powerful and delightful God, takes time to listen and speak to you! This busy, prevalent, masterful, creative, Lord and King deigns to listen to and answer you (v5). Don’t you think that is incredible?! When you speak with God, He responds. For God answers with, ‘awesome deeds’ and ‘righteousness’. How wonderful is that?! 

Yet, how often do you miss out on God responding? 

When you talk to God, particularly when you are asking something, what kind of response do you expect? It is good to consider this as you can miss His answer if you are not alert. God responds to you, He is not ignorant or too busy to reply, yet He answers in righteousness and awesome deeds - are you looking out for these things? God does not always do what you expect or what you want - sometimes you may not even like His answer. God sees beyond what you seek Him for and will do what is right no matter how you pray (He answers in righteousness remember?). Bear in mind that God may not always agree with you on the best course of action, so are you willing to see things God’s way instead of insisting on your own? For God’s response, if you are willing to wait for it, will be awesome and righteous (v5)! 

David is a great example for how to talk to God, and for waiting for God to respond. He got it right sometimes, and sometimes he got it wrong, just like the rest of us. He prayed about what was concerning him and He extolled the character of God whilst doing so. he always honoured God whether he understood what was going on or not, and he always had hope beyond his circumstances. As David set his mind to worship God even in trouble, difficulty, pain and unanswered prayer. Sometimes your answers, or what you need, can come by simply remembering the beauty of who God is. He has established mountains, He stills seas and calms the chaos inside of people, He has created morning and evening and keeps it all going, He waters the Earth and provides food and beauty and strength through it (v5 - 13). Just pondering about these things and imagining the strength, love, security and power that this takes can put your life and the issues you face into perspective. Surely, following a God like that is worth waiting for and depending upon. 

Therefore, today consider; how do you praise God? Do you praise God in your lifestyle and choices? Do you wait and listen for God’s response? Are you holding on for God's awesome deeds and righteousness, and watching out for them? 

God is ‘the hope of all the ends of the earth’ and to Him, 'praise is due'

Is your love steadfast?

Psalm 57:1–11 (ESV):  

1  Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me, 

for in you my soul takes refuge; 

in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge, 

till the storms of destruction pass by. 

2  I cry out to God Most High, 

to God who fulfils his purpose for me. 

3  He will send from heaven and save me; 

he will put to shame him who tramples on me. Selah 

God will send out his steadfast love and his faithfulness! 

4  My soul is in the midst of lions; 

I lie down amid fiery beasts— 

the children of man, whose teeth are spears and arrows, 

whose tongues are sharp swords. 

5  Be exalted, O God, above the heavens! 

Let your glory be over all the earth! 

6  They set a net for my steps; 

my soul was bowed down. 

They dug a pit in my way, 

but they have fallen into it themselves. Selah 

7  My heart is steadfast, O God, 

my heart is steadfast! 

I will sing and make melody! 

8  Awake, my glory! 

Awake, O harp and lyre! 

I will awake the dawn! 

9  I will give thanks to you, O Lord, among the peoples; 

I will sing praises to you among the nations. 

10  For your steadfast love is great to the heavens, 

your faithfulness to the clouds. 

11  Be exalted, O God, above the heavens! 

Let your glory be over all the earth! 

This passionate psalm overflows with worship and appreciation of who God is even though David is pursued and in hiding. David focuses on how great God is, ‘above the heavens’ and ‘over all the earth’ as he realises that the present situation is no reflection of the character, power or kindness of God. God remains glorious, worthy and steadfast so David chooses to dwell on these facts rather than the fear and pain that he feels. David sets his mind to consider God because He is greater than the heavens and the Earth, and so is definitely greater and more trustworthy than the dangerous position he is in and his own emotions. 

Even when you feel like you’re ‘in the midst of lions’, you can praise God. Even in darkness and despair, God is there and is still a merciful refuge. David knew this - he chose to see beyond the cave and trouble that he was in to the refuge and glory of God. He set his mind to focus on the One who was keeping him safe and whose, ‘steadfast love is great to the heavens….faithfulness to the clouds’. 

David never dwells on the negativity. He has some awful experiences, as well as some great ones and his writings display the emotions he feels. He doesn’t deny that he feels; pain, fear, disappointment, joy, love, hurt or grief yet David does not let these emotions direct him or influence him other than by being felt. David accepts and acknowledges his reactions to whatever is happening and brings them to God. Then he considers God. You see, the situation and your emotions should not be the overriding factors in your life. God should be. Therefore David expresses how he feels and then moves onto what is more reliable and true - He reminds himself of God’s steadfast love and that He is; good, loving, powerful, steadfast, strong, purposeful, caring and full of mercy. 

The truth of God never changes. David is certain that he can trust in Him even in the terrible trials of life. In this psalm, David is enduring a life-threatening situation, but you wouldn’t guess it from the way it is written would you? David is full of praise for the ‘God most High’ saying, ‘I will give thanks to you’, ‘For your steadfast love is great to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds’. David has put both the trial and God in their rightful places - God being far higher and more important than the problems he is facing. The focus for David is to continue to honour and worship God. He does not deny the pain and suffering that he is going through, but he does submit it to his knowledge of who God is.

So, how do you respond when you're in trouble, afraid or persecuted?

What do you focus on when life is difficult? 

What do you think about God when you are in pain and suffering? 

Do you allow the truth of God to inspire you and overwhelm you rather than your own fears and emotions?

Do you remember to extol and worship God? 

Even when life gets tough David does not stop worshipping or praying. In fact he makes sure that he is still doing these things. David does not turn his back on God or walk away, he goes towards God, talks to Him and honours Him even in the difficult times. David knows that God’s power, influence, greatness and love are worth being grateful for no matter what else is going on. God is worthy of praise whether today and tomorrow are good days or not. God is still steadfast in His love for you whether you experience it or not. God is still majestic, powerful and in control even when you are not. God never changes even when situations do. Therefore you can depend upon Him and praise Him in the cave as well as at the party. God is always above all things and He will always have His way, and His love will always be steadfast. Is yours?

God is the King of all the earth

 Psalm 47:1–9 (ESV):  

1  Clap your hands, all peoples! 

Shout to God with loud songs of joy! 

2  For the Lord, the Most High, is to be feared, 

a great king over all the earth. 

3  He subdued peoples under us, 

and nations under our feet. 

4  He chose our heritage for us, 

the pride of Jacob whom he loves. Selah 

5  God has gone up with a shout, 

the Lord with the sound of a trumpet. 

6  Sing praises to God, sing praises! 

Sing praises to our King, sing praises! 

7  For God is the King of all the earth; 

sing praises with a psalm! 

8  God reigns over the nations; 

God sits on his holy throne. 

9  The princes of the peoples gather 

as the people of the God of Abraham. 

For the shields of the earth belong to God; 

he is highly exalted! 

When you recall the works of God and His character, how can you not get excited?! 

What has God done in your life, family, amongst your friends, in your country, or even in history that you celebrate and are joyful about? If the answer is nothing, then look again. For God has been there and working throughout, ask Him to show you what He has been doing, allow yourself to become joyful at what God has done and believe Him for whatever circumstances may come. 

In this short palm we read how God has; made himself King over all the Earth, he has quieted oppression, caused the nation of Israel to be victorious, he gives a secure future, an inheritance, plus He loves and owns everything on Earth! This God spoken about in this psalm is the same God we worship today. He is still victorious, loving, blessing his people, and He continues to promise a secure and certain future for those who become His people. Are you rejoicing in the character and nature of God today? 

This psalm reminds us that God is ‘our King’. Wherever you are, God is King. He is not a king that is confined to a specific area or time, but He is an eternal, omnipresent king and so is king of all creation, every area, throughout all history, in the present and future. It does not matter of what generation or earthly kingdom you are a part of, you can know God as king of your place, time and situation. 

Kings are powerful, have authority and are responsible for leading their kingdom in safety, justice and freedom. Some earthly kings do that better than others, but God always leads His kingdom in truth, love and justice. You may not always understand what He is up to nor understand His tactics, but He is always working for His kingdom to be victorious, for that is the best thing for His people. ‘God is King of all the earth’ - there is no place, situation or person that He is not king of, He ‘reigns over the nations’. God is always in authority and in control and is working for His kingdom to expand. So, take comfort and assurance in all situations that God is present and reigning even if it doesn’t look like it to you. See how God has changed nations before, how He has transformed people and places and thank God that He can do it again. Remember just what it means for God to be King and allow your praises to overflow to Him. He is worthy of worship so; rejoice, be glad, sing, hope, worship, adore and extol God as King today. He deserves it! He deserves to hear us clapping, singing and shouting in adoration as, 'he is highly exalted'.

‘Sing praises to God, sing praises! 

Sing praises to our King, sing praises!’

Do not let situations dictate your faith, but let your faith dictate how you handle any situation!

 Psalm 43:1–5 (ESV): 

1 Vindicate me, O God, and defend my cause 

against an ungodly people, 

from the deceitful and unjust man 

deliver me! 

2  For you are the God in whom I take refuge; 

why have you rejected me? 

Why do I go about mourning 

because of the oppression of the enemy? 

3  Send out your light and your truth; 

let them lead me; 

let them bring me to your holy hill 

and to your dwelling! 

4  Then I will go to the altar of God, 

to God my exceeding joy, 

and I will praise you with the lyre, 

O God, my God. 

5  Why are you cast down, O my soul, 

and why are you in turmoil within me? 

Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, 

my salvation and my God. 

This psalm is rather similar to the previous one and ends with exactly the same verse therefore it is reasonable to assume that they have the same author, most probably David. As both of these psalms also reference sorrow, harassment and a desire to be in God’s presence it makes sense for them both to be attributed to the same circumstances and author.

As mentioned, this psalmist is suffering. Due to this they have considered their predicament, evaluating his own heart and actions in the process and wondered if he has erred or sinned.  After examining himself, he clearly finds nothing deserving of discipline or punishment and so his first words of this psalm are 'vindicate me'. Only someone who is innocent can be vindicated as this word means to prove righteousness, and so the author must have reason to be assured of their integrity and innocence. Yet what this person is experiencing right now seems punishment. Have you ever encountered a time when you have felt unfairly treated? Or when you are punished for something you haven't done? It is easy in those times to fight back and become adamant and indignant in your self-righteousness, and who can blame you? It is unjust and unfair. However this writer, although he knows he does not deserve this discomfort and pain, he calls upon God to support and clear his name. He does not blame God or take matters into his own hands, but trusts and relies on God to, 'defend my cause'. This in itself must have been painful! To not retaliate, to not fight his own corner, the internal conflict is real. Instead this psalmist has considered and concluded that this battle is not his, but God's. As a man of God who has done his best to live right, he calls upon God to vindicate and rescue him. The author knows that God can work out things better than he can. They know God can give; vindication, refuge, rescue, restoration, joy, truth, guidance, hope and salvation. What could they do that would offer a better result?! When you are caught in a battle, or in a situation in which you are an innocent suffering party, assess your own actions first, then know and trust can and will vindicate and defend you too. If you need; refuge, rescue, salvation, joy, truth, guidance and hope, you can call upon and trust in Him to redeem the situation in a way that cannot be achieved any other way, and it is worth waiting for. 

It is horrible to have to go through and endure these things, this psalmist understands, and seems to be reminding himself that he is alright with God and can rely on him even when he is surrounded by difficulty, feels stuck and ‘cast down’. Have you ever felt like that? If so, then you, like this writer, probably need to remind yourself of the truth of who God is and what He can do.

Difficult times can cloud over your heart and mind and cause you to start to believe in the lies and disaster around you rather than continuing to hope in God. Once you start to remember the truth of who you are and who God is as well as what you can expect from Him - you have already won! Changing your mindset is half the battle. This psalmist has begun to walk in victory already by trusting in the character and nature of God. You have the opportunity to do the same when you meet trials. When circumstances can no longer dictate your mental or emotional state. and you learn to depend on and honour God no matter what, you are victorious! You are just waiting for the final triumph and vindication to come, for restoration to arrive and light and truth to reveal the reality. You are already victorious and vindicated so you can live with that mindset even as suffer. During the tough times continue to praise and honour God. Be inspired to hope when everything feels oppressive, disastrous and difficult. Remember who you are to God, and who He is and what He has done already. 

You have God on your side even if everyone else around you abandons you or turns against you. You can, along with David encourage yourself to, ‘Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God’. Do not let situations dictate your faith, but let your faith dictate how you handle any situation!

Hope in God

 Psalm 42:1–11 (ESV):  

1  As a deer pants for flowing streams, 

so pants my soul for you, O God. 

2  My soul thirsts for God, 

for the living God. 

When shall I come and appear before God? 

3  My tears have been my food 

day and night, 

while they say to me all the day long, 

“Where is your God?” 

4  These things I remember, 

as I pour out my soul: 

how I would go with the throng 

and lead them in procession to the house of God 

with glad shouts and songs of praise, 

a multitude keeping festival. 

5  Why are you cast down, O my soul, 

and why are you in turmoil within me? 

Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, 

my salvation 6 and my God. 

My soul is cast down within me; 

therefore I remember you 

from the land of Jordan and of Hermon, 

from Mount Mizar. 

7  Deep calls to deep 

at the roar of your waterfalls; 

all your breakers and your waves 

have gone over me. 

8  By day the Lord commands his steadfast love, 

and at night his song is with me, 

a prayer to the God of my life. 

9  I say to God, my rock: 

“Why have you forgotten me? 

Why do I go mourning 

because of the oppression of the enemy?” 

10  As with a deadly wound in my bones, 

my adversaries taunt me, 

while they say to me all the day long, 

“Where is your God?” 

11  Why are you cast down, O my soul, 

and why are you in turmoil within me? 

Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, 

my salvation and my God. 

Can you imagine a time when you are prevented from being in the presence of God and amongst His people? The author of this psalm, likely to be David, has experienced such a time as do many persecuted christians across the world. This writer, whether they are David or not, has been physically prevented from attending the temple. Today, some people may be able to relate as they have restrictions imposed on them which mean that they cannot fully participate in a life of faith as they wish. So they can appreciate this psalmists cries due to the danger of meeting together, the pain of being apart, and being unable to get close to God’s house. Have you ever had such an experience or can you even begin to imagine what it must be like?

The reality is that for us, we find it hard to completely relate even if we live in a country that restricts the celebration of faith, as we know that we can enjoy God’s presence and His people anywhere. No matter if you’re imprisoned, on the run, at work, in hiding or in bed, you can still meet with God and experience the Holy Spirit. However, for those living in Old Testament times, God had promised that He would be present in the holy of holies within the tent of meeting (later the temple). That was the only place the presence of God was known to be. At the time of David, there was a Tabernacle that was set up which contained the Ark of the Covenant signifying the presence of God. A place that caused people to praise and worship God as the Ark signified God's presence, not just in the here and now, but throughout the generations of Israelites since. No wonder this writer wanted to be there - to be inspired and reminded of God's holiness, faithfulness and awesome presence!

I think it is difficult for us to fully understand this longing - the pain of separation from God expressed in this psalm - as we never need be apart from Him. We are privileged to have access to God whenever and wherever because of Jesus and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Therefore we cannot truly appreciate the depth of thirst and hunger that is experienced by this person. Grief over the fact that they cannot go before God, that they cannot be in His presence or amongst those that worship Him, that they have not got access to His word and cannot partake in the celebrations of faith as they once did. Can you even imagine what that must be like? Total separation and disconnection from God. The extent of heartache is well expressed in verses 3-5; tears being food, somehow sustaining this separation. Even the distress is feeding the remembrance of the relationship once enjoyed and so keeps it alive. People taunt at the apparent absence of God’s presence, yet their mocking does not prove the lack of God’s existence, just tugs at the heart even more allowing the writer to recall the joy of being with God. Reminding him to keep trusting in the fact that he always has, ‘Hope in God’. No matter what occurs, no matter what others do or say, no matter how near or far God seems, you can always hope in God! Even when you feel alone, separated and in danger, you can always remind yourself of the former times of joy as they are not just days of old, but the day is approaching when you again will celebrate and join in praise and worship with other God followers. Even if your soul seems 'cast down', consider why your soul is in turmoil. Then consider what the truth really is. For this psalmist the truth was that he was so upset and disturbed because he could not be in God's presence or with His people. It was less to do with the actual situation and danger he was in, it was about the reality of the grief of separation from God. Yet the writer also knew this time of separation was not forever, it would come to an end, and he could look forward in hope to again celebrating in God's presence.

Now consider the privilege you have. Of the opportunities you have to meet with God, to hear and read His Word, to meet with those who love and honour Jesus, plus you can be filled with the Holy Spirit! This writer could not, but you can! Yet sometimes in this privilege do you neglect these things? There are people of the past that have yearned and cried in despair when they have been unable to do so. There are still people in this world that do not have the freedom to meet in God’s name, for whom it would be too dangerous or difficult. Would you still read the Word and meet with believers if you had the threat of imprisonment or death? Would you still hold onto faith, hope and salvation? Many people do in the midst of persecution and restriction. They understand the value of relationship with God and the hope and salvation He gives even when they live through the toughest experiences of life. They understand that having connection with God is of far greater value than any other treasure, any other promise and even greater than freedom and life itself! If you are not in a position where it is difficult or dangerous to worship God, rejoice and keep your hope in Him consider; Are you showing the worth that God has in your life? Are you making the most of the opportunities you have to meet with Him and with others who worship Him? 

You can thank God that because of the death and resurrection of Jesus, the tearing of the veil, and the pouring out Holy Spirit, that God’s presence is now available to you wherever you are. There is no restriction to the presence of God as to where or how you commune with Him. You can know, appreciate and enjoy His presence right now. So thank God for the freedom He has given you to know Him and His people, and pray for those who have restrictions upon them, asking God to reward their faith.

This psalmist recalls the joyous times when he has been able to worship, lead praise and been amongst others glorifying God. Yet he is disappointed with himself for being disheartened, asking himself, ‘why are you cast down, O my soul’? I think from what has been described we can see why he is ‘cast down’! We can all feel the same at times. Yet this author still sees no reason to be so distressed and disturbed. He knows that God still remains. That God still sustains and cares for Him. So he makes himself remember other times when he has experienced God’s love, His presence and the joy and power of fellowship with other believers. He does not allow his present situation or condition alter the reality that God exists and is good. Some people crumble away in fear and disappointment when bad things happen or when life doesn’t go the way they want or expect it to. This writer does not. They are a great example of the steadfastness of faith and seem to have written this psalm as an encouragement to themselves, to remind them that they have reasons to not be ‘cast down’ as they always have hope and salvation. The author is keen to reinforce this to himself that he repeats this twice (v5 and 11). Even if all of life is turned upside down, you can still hold onto the fact that there is still hope in God, your salvation is secure, God is still good and you can still praise Him as He never changes. Just as this psalmist reminded himself of these things, you can do the same. So take time to remember the goodness of God in your life; the joy of His presence, the joy of worship, the value of the community of believers, the certainty of hope and salvation. Even if you cannot enjoy worshipping with other believers in person right now, let your previous experiences help fuel your faith and instil hope in you for the future.

Are you trusting in what is temporal or eternal?

 Psalm 33:1–22 (ESV): 

Shout for joy in the Lord, O you righteous! 

Praise befits the upright. 

2  Give thanks to the Lord with the lyre; 

make melody to him with the harp of ten strings! 

3  Sing to him a new song; 

play skilfully on the strings, with loud shouts. 

4  For the word of the Lord is upright, 

and all his work is done in faithfulness. 

5  He loves righteousness and justice; 

the earth is full of the steadfast love of the Lord. 

6  By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, 

and by the breath of his mouth all their host. 

7  He gathers the waters of the sea as a heap; 

he puts the deeps in storehouses. 

8  Let all the earth fear the Lord; 

let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him! 

9  For he spoke, and it came to be; 

he commanded, and it stood firm. 

10  The Lord brings the counsel of the nations to nothing; 

he frustrates the plans of the peoples. 

11  The counsel of the Lord stands forever, 

the plans of his heart to all generations. 

12  Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, 

the people whom he has chosen as his heritage! 

13  The Lord looks down from heaven; 

he sees all the children of man; 

14  from where he sits enthroned he looks out 

on all the inhabitants of the earth, 

15  he who fashions the hearts of them all 

and observes all their deeds. 

16  The king is not saved by his great army; 

a warrior is not delivered by his great strength. 

17  The war horse is a false hope for salvation, 

and by its great might it cannot rescue. 

18  Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear him, 

on those who hope in his steadfast love, 

19  that he may deliver their soul from death 

and keep them alive in famine. 

20  Our soul waits for the Lord; 

he is our help and our shield. 

21  For our heart is glad in him, 

because we trust in his holy name. 

22  Let your steadfast love, O Lord, be upon us, 

even as we hope in you. 

Are you righteous and full of thanks and praise? 

If you love God and follow Him, then joy and gratitude should be what you display. It does not matter how you do it, what instrument you use, or the method or quality of your worship. Use whatever you can to praise Him; sing, shout, play music, speak, just ensure you are giving gratitude and praise to God. This is the encouragement David gives. No matter your circumstances, where you live or what is happening in your nation, God still deserves the glory. You can worship because you know that, ‘The counsel of the Lord stands forever’. Rather than reading the news and becoming afraid, or looking around and seeing desperation, danger and disaster, relying on world powers and their armies or clever plans to sort out the events of the world, let your security rest in the One who, ‘stands forever’. For He, ‘spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm.’ What God says goes. He is secure, enduring and capable so He can be relied upon and trusted in when other people and things can't. He is firm and stable and has out-smarted any worldly intelligence. He knows what He is doing and why. This world adapts and changes, succeeds, inspires, rises, falls and can depress and demotivate. However, God’s words and actions stand firm and endure forever. Therefore consider what you are spending your time looking into and believing. Things of the world are temporal, things of God, eternal. 

The world and its views and values are fleeting, sometimes unsubstantiated and silly. God’s are unchangeable, reliable, considered and true. What views, values and events are you concerned with and focussed on? Are you more reliably researching the latest news story or the truths of the Bible? Don’t get me wrong, I am not saying that people should not be aware of what is going on around them, what I am saying is do not let the things of this world out-trump the things of God in your life. Do not become persuaded, afraid, or despondent about the things going on around you, but rest in the power, majesty, capability and eternity of God instead! This psalm reminds us that kings, armies and war horses are powerless to alter; salvation, personal conflict, famine and starvation. No world power, or authority can resolve these issues. Only God can (v16-19). Therefore do not expend much of your time and energy on the things that really cannot help you, instead look to God. As He alone can provide the solution. He offers you salvation, forgiveness, internal peace and comfort and will provide and sustain you. Other sources may make big promises but they cannot alter the state of your soul let alone provide sustenance for the body. Trust in God, He can give you whatever you need. 

Strength, power, land, possessions and riches cannot do much to cause a nation to stand - consider the Roman Empire, Babylon or even the British Empire - all have once been considerable, powerful, strong world influencers, and now they are History. World influence and power exist for but a short time, but God’s will, His plans, influence, power and riches last forever! So why trust in temporal things?! Consider what you are building your life upon. Relying on and investing time and mental energy in world issues can be a distraction from worshipping God. Do you have a good balance? What are you influenced by and what develops your views and values?

When you delight and revel in the splendour of God you will learn that His strength, influence, power and love will never tire, run out or fade. God is the One that can sustain and protect as well as diminish and destroy. Therefore, ‘stand in awe of him’. Do not let other things blind you to His power and majesty, but stand firm in your faith in the One who ‘stands forever’. Set your mind to not be overcome by the things of this world, but in all ways and experiences, in every way, worship God. Remind yourself of who He is, what He has done and what He has promised and your fears and concerns will melt away as you realise the beauty and enormity of the Lord your God. 

Therefore; shout for joy, praise, give thanks, make melody, sing, play and shout to God, ‘For the word of the Lord is upright, and all his work is done in faithfulness’.

Share your stories

 Psalm 34:1–22 (ESV):  

1  I will bless the Lord at all times; 

his praise shall continually be in my mouth. 

2  My soul makes its boast in the Lord; 

let the humble hear and be glad. 

3  Oh, magnify the Lord with me, 

and let us exalt his name together! 

4  I sought the Lord, and he answered me 

and delivered me from all my fears. 

5  Those who look to him are radiant, 

and their faces shall never be ashamed. 

6  This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him 

and saved him out of all his troubles. 

7  The angel of the Lord encamps 

around those who fear him, and delivers them. 

8  Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! 

Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him! 

9  Oh, fear the Lord, you his saints, 

for those who fear him have no lack! 

10  The young lions suffer want and hunger; 

but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing. 

11  Come, O children, listen to me; 

I will teach you the fear of the Lord. 

12  What man is there who desires life 

and loves many days, that he may see good? 

13  Keep your tongue from evil 

and your lips from speaking deceit. 

14  Turn away from evil and do good; 

seek peace and pursue it. 

15  The eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous 

and his ears toward their cry. 

16  The face of the Lord is against those who do evil, 

to cut off the memory of them from the earth. 

17  When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears 

and delivers them out of all their troubles. 

18  The Lord is near to the brokenhearted 

and saves the crushed in spirit. 

19  Many are the afflictions of the righteous, 

but the Lord delivers him out of them all. 

20  He keeps all his bones; 

not one of them is broken. 

21  Affliction will slay the wicked, 

and those who hate the righteous will be condemned. 

22  The Lord redeems the life of his servants; 

none of those who take refuge in him will be condemned. 

'Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together!' Corporate worship is good. We should be inspiring others into praising and honouring God. Throughout this psalm David is testifying about God, sharing something of what has done, not because he is boasting but because he wants others to be caught up in the excitement of who God is. So he tells them of God’s goodness to himself, specific ways God has come through motivating those around him to praise God with him. What a great example of how we should share breakthroughs, God’s provision, sustenance and power even in small things, as God is working there as well as in mighty miracles and dramatic turnarounds. David tells how God; hears the poor and humble, releases from fear, saves those who fear God, sends angels, provides, gives life, brings good, delivers, comes close to hurting people, and protects. David has experienced these things and he is telling us about it because he wants to inspire us to worship God. It doesn't matter if you feel like it, or are having a good or bad season, God is still doing these things and deserves your praise. David invites you to celebrate in the goodness of God to others, are you? And, are you sharing stories from your life with others to inspire them to worship God? 

When you consider your life, there are probably a fair few instances where you wonder where God was or what He was up to. You can reflect on all of the trauma, all of the blessings, or a fair mix of both. If you do the first two then your stories of celebration or commiseration will not inspire others to develop their relationship with God. Your stories of your life can and should inspire worship, faithfulness and obedience to God. 

If your stories are all of a depressing nature then you are certainly not testifying about the goodness of God in your life. You are probably failing to see it or appreciate it and you are not inspiring yourself or anyone to worship. If that is your circumstance then I encourage you to ask God where He is in those things. I guarantee that He is present and working, you just need to see it. It is trues that, 'Many are the afflictions of the righteous'. However the promise is that, 'the Lord delivers him out of them all.'! So, even if you feel stuck in a rotten situation, you can know that firstly, it is not surprising it is actually quite normal for someone who is following God, so you're clearly going right there. Secondly, that God can and will deliver you out of it as you are one of His children. So even in the difficulties and hardest times of your life God is seeking to do good to you, do you see it? If not, ask God to show you what He is doing and then you can thank God like David did, thank Him even for the small things like a new day, a kind word and provision. I am not saying that you should deny your troubles, certainly not, but, 'At all times' God is worthy of praise. Are you worshipping Him in every situation? 

On the other hand, if you are only saying how wonderful God is and how blessed your life is and not being real about the hardships, then how can anyone relate? Life is tough. People know that and are ok with that, you should be ok with that too and and able to admit it. It is not unrighteous to say life is hard. You can do that without losing faith as you know that God is always present and working. It is just you are suffering, 'the afflictions of the righteous' and life is not very pleasant right now. Don’t downplay your disappointment, grief, or frustration. You can be real and still honour God and inspire others to know Him and worship Him too. David strikes the balance brilliantly. He experienced much hardship, disaster and fear. He told God about his afflictions and prayed for relief, provision, guidance and salvation. When he was going through the tough times he had a rant and prayed hard without forgetting who he was or who God is. Then when the trials ended, which he knew they would, he praised God. He did not hide his shame, sin or difficulties, but shared his experiences to encourage others to worship. David knew that when God helps one of us out He helps us all, and so we should all be celebrating with joy together as we see the beautiful way God interacts in our lives. We can honour God with our stories, inspiring others to dig in, to breakthrough and to worship. We also should be motivated to worship God for His work in others’ lives too.

So, next time you are with a group of believers, how are you going to inspire worship?

Have you learnt from past victories?

 Psalm 9 (ESV): 

A Psalm of David. 

1  I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; 

I will recount all of your wonderful deeds. 

2  I will be glad and exult in you; 

I will sing praise to your name, O Most High. 

3  When my enemies turn back, 

they stumble and perish before your presence. 

4  For you have maintained my just cause; 

you have sat on the throne, giving righteous judgment. 

5  You have rebuked the nations; you have made the wicked perish; 

you have blotted out their name forever and ever. 

6  The enemy came to an end in everlasting ruins; 

their cities you rooted out; 

the very memory of them has perished. 

7  But the Lord sits enthroned forever; 

he has established his throne for justice, 

8  and he judges the world with righteousness; 

he judges the peoples with uprightness. 

9  The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed, 

a stronghold in times of trouble. 

10  And those who know your name put their trust in you, 

for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you. 

11  Sing praises to the Lord, who sits enthroned in Zion! 

Tell among the peoples his deeds! 

12  For he who avenges blood is mindful of them; 

he does not forget the cry of the afflicted. 

13  Be gracious to me, O Lord! 

See my affliction from those who hate me, 

O you who lift me up from the gates of death, 

14  that I may recount all your praises, 

that in the gates of the daughter of Zion 

I may rejoice in your salvation. 

15  The nations have sunk in the pit that they made; 

in the net that they hid, their own foot has been caught. 

16  The Lord has made himself known; he has executed judgment; 

the wicked are snared in the work of their own hands. Higgaion. Selah 

17  The wicked shall return to Sheol, 

all the nations that forget God. 

18  For the needy shall not always be forgotten, 

and the hope of the poor shall not perish forever. 

19  Arise, O Lord! Let not man prevail; 

let the nations be judged before you! 

20  Put them in fear, O Lord! 

Let the nations know that they are but men! Selah 

Have you learnt from past victories?

At the start of this psalm we read an outpouring of thanksgiving to God for His past work (v1-12). David recalls how God is; just, wonderful, powerful, triumphant, eternal, king, orchestrator of the past and present, righteous, strong, protective, safe, and invested in those who follow Him. David remembers the truth of who God is, the miraculous ways He has worked, His character and His care for those that follow Him. All of this at a time when David is imploring God to, 'lift me up from the gates of death'! Before David asks God to intervene and help him, he ensures that he reminds himself who God really is and what He has already done. Do you do the same? Before you pour out the pain you feel and complain to God, do you take time to remember who God is and what He has already done for you? Past victories that you have seen, heard of or experienced should impact your faith and your life. Your witnessing of the past; triumphs, protection, breakthroughs, power and might of God should influence the way you pray. 

David prays from this acknowledgement of whom God has proved himself to be - he remembers with gratitude, warmth and growing strength that God is a winner and that God has prevailed many times before. David praises God for what He has done already, and reminds himself that this same God is with him right now in this 'affliction'. Is this how you pray into difficult circumstances? What have you learnt about the character of God from past victories that can equip and empower you as you pray now? Your previous experiences should inform your prayers of the present. God is the same now as He was then, and you can learn and grow in strength and faith by changing your mindset from one of despair and angst to one of hope and security. You do this by doing as David did - remembering the victories already won by God, and then recounting what is happening in life right now. How often do you pray the other way round - problems first, praise later (if at all)?

More often than not the current crisis swamps anything else. That is why it is important to remind yourself that there have been troubled times previously that you have survived. That you have come through because of God's; protection, strength, and righteousness. It is important to remember. It builds your faith and hope. As you read this psalm, you can hear David's hope, joy and faith building before he lets God know he is suffering. Do you want to know hope, joy and faith in the midst of turmoil? Then recall the past victories and thank God for what He has done in your life and in the lives of others. Do not let your state of mind be dictated to by your current circumstances, instead let your understanding of God dictate your state of mind and your circumstances by doing something different - praising and glorifying God in the midst of hardship. 

David does. He remembers, he thanks and praises and it helps him put his current situation into context. He knows that this current, 'affliction' will pass with God's help, but it is only a short space of time when considering his whole life. The same is true for whatever you are facing. Considering your whole life, this time of affliction will one day cease, but you need help getting through it. It is but a short time considering the expanse of life and eternity, so who better to assist you than the all-powerful and all-loving, eternal creator of life? Invite Him into your situation, remembering how God has shown his love power, grace and sufficiency for you before. He has not changed, you may have, but He has not and He loves, cares for and desires to protect and strengthen you in this current season. Are you depending on Him as you have before? 

Have you learnt from past victories?

Praying through the pain

Ever felt like the world is against you? That everything is going wrong, and no matter what you do there’s injustice, persecution, hardship and pain? Be assured, you are not alone. You are not the only one that has felt this way, and you won’t be the last. Many people from all walks of life, from ordinary men and women to great kings like David have felt peril, confusion, heartache and terror. Take a read of Psalm 3;

Psalm 3

A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son. 

1  O Lord, how many are my foes! 

Many are rising against me; 

2  many are saying of my soul, 

“There is no salvation for him in God.” Selah 

3  But you, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head. 

4  I cried aloud to the Lord, and he answered me from his holy hill. Selah 

5  I lay down and slept; I woke again, for the Lord sustained me. 

6  I will not be afraid of many thousands of people who have set themselves against me all around. 

7  Arise, O Lord! Save me, O my God! 

For you strike all my enemies on the cheek; you break the teeth of the wicked. 

8  Salvation belongs to the Lord; your blessing be on your people! Selah 

In this Psalm, David is suffering due to the actions of his own child. Anyone who has experienced the rebellion of a child, their wilful disobedience and purposeful destruction of relationship may understand something of what David is feeling as he writes this. Not only has his son rebelled, but he has gathered others to his side so that now there’s a sizeable, threatening army from which David needs to run and hide. Not because he has been a bad father or done anything wrong, but because of the sin, impatience and recklessness of his son. At times you too may suffer due to the sin of others and it can feel unfair, unjust and as if the whole world is against you. You can be threatened and chased down, not because of any error on your side, but because the world does not want men and women of faith to succeed and Satan is after you. It's a harsh truth, but it is the reality. 

If you are chasing after God, then do not be surprised if others are chasing after you - for your downfall and destruction. Yet do not despair, you are not alone and never will be. Psalms and Biblical teaching such as this can help you. Like David, you can pour out your emotions to God. Look at how David does it- he tells God how it really is; frustration, fear, pain, hurt, confusion - It is ok for you to do the same. To admit how hard your situation is and how terrified, worried and heartbroken you are. David does, so do many others in the Bible. I too have had many a rant to God about how hurt, upset, concerned, angry and disappointed I have been when I have felt threatened, persecuted, heartbroken and afraid. I have learnt to pray honestly to Father God by reading about how others in the Bible, like David, have prayed. I have implored God to intervene and turn things around, to help me, to sustain and guide me. You can too. It is ok to do that. Sometimes we need to be reminded that God is big enough and cares enough to see and hear our pain. He can take it - in fact He is the only one who can.

You can speak to God honestly about any situation and about the condition of your heart because God cares, protects and saves. David knows, even through this heart-rending experience that God is, 'a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head'. David knows the extent of the circumstances and the intent of his son yet he also knows and clings onto the intent and power of Almighty God. Even in the midst of life-threatening disaster David remembers the truth about God. He recalls that God gets to choose every outcome of every situation. He reminds himself that God is a shield - He protects and fights for His people, He is magnificent and beautiful, and transforms sorrow to joy. Do you, in times of trouble also call to your mind the truth of God? Do you, along with David, understand that when you rely and depend on God He can keep you going and give you what you need? 

As you cry out to God, know that He hears you and is working even when you do not see it. He is your shield, glory and lifter-upper too. God does and will sustain and protect you like He did David. When you consider these truths about God, it can easily lead into thanksgiving, like it did for David. From feeling despairing and desolate, David has poured out his emotions then made himself remember the truth about God which then led to praise and gratitude. When you also pray when you are in despair, don't stop there, don't stop once you have had your rant and let out your emotions, but also but call to mind your understanding and experience of God and see how your prayer also transforms into gratitude. Even in the darkest moments of life you have a Heavenly Father who cares and hears you, you are never alone or forsaken. When you consider what David was experiencing in these moments it is inspiring to see how in times of torment he continues to find reasons to praise. 

In the midst of turmoil what do you see God doing for you? Are you looking out for how God supports, loves, protects, sustains and is generous to you even when life is chaotic and disastrous? Do you look for the small, everyday blessings that you can be thankful for, like the rest David was grateful for? 

You may be in a season of suffering or turmoil, and it may not be your fault - do not despair, but do cry out to God - let your pain be known to Him and remind yourself who God is. When you do, you will be able to see that God is with you and is looking out for you, and remember that, 'Salvation belongs to the Lord'

Doxology - a word of praise to God

The final couple of verses from Jude are entitled ‘doxology’. This basically means that it is a word of praise to God. There are several doxologies throughout the Bible, we will look at a few of them today to compare them with this one from Jude;

*24*Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, *25*to the only God, our Saviour, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen. 

Jude 24–25.

As you can see these verses are no longer addressed to the reader of Jude’s letter, but are aimed towards God, like a prayer of praise. They serve as a reminder to those that read this that God is worthy of worship because of who He is and inspire further praise from those that read these verses.  This is common for the other doxologies in the Bible, here are a couple more for us to consider today;

*10*Therefore David blessed the Lord in the presence of all the assembly. And David said: “Blessed are you, O Lord, the God of Israel our father, forever and ever. *11*Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all. *12*Both riches and honour come from you, and you rule over all. In your hand are power and might, and in your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all. *13*And now we thank you, our God, and praise your glorious name.

1 Chronicles 29:10-13

*25*Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages *26*but has now been disclosed and through the prophetic writings has been made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith— *27*to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen.

Romans 16:25-27

What inspiring verses! All three of these examples give glory to God which means that they hold God in high honour, they esteem Him and declare His majesty. All of these doxologies, although written thousands of years apart, by different authors, have similarities. They all honour the majesty, power, dominion, glory and eternal nature of God. These qualities of God have always been present, and are always worth praising. It doesn’t matter what culture you’re in, the state of your country, or your life; God still is majestic, powerful, in charge, glorious and eternal! That will never change. That will be true beyond our graves. This is God’s nature, and He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow as these different texts prove. This one God is surely worthy of praise, of recognition, of extolling, of trusting in. It doesn’t matter if you’re having a bad day, week, month, or life, God is still the same. It doesn’t matter if you’re sick or well, rich or poor, God is still the same. God is still the same to you and everyone else - have you taken some time to look at Him rather than your circumstances? 

When you look at God, which these doxologies encourage us to do, rather than what’s going on around you, you cannot fail to be inspired to hope. These words of truth give strength and inspire awe. Even as mere humans, we can appreciate something of the; magnificence, power, might, glory, significance, and never-ending nature of Father God. He surely deserves an outpouring of us declaring ‘glory’ to Him as these other writers have done. It is too easy to get caught up in the day to day routines, trials and temptations that they carry. That is why we need verses like these to remind us of what this life is all really about. The letter of Jude for example has spent most of the content warning its readers of the perils of living a life not wholly dedicated to God, and helps us look out for the danger of not living a life set apart for God and being swallowed by sin. Therefore these words at the end that remind us who God is, and encourage us to extol Him are a welcome reminder to put into context what is really happening, who we really are, and who God really is. If you want to live a life honouring God, you do need to get your life straight, you do need to be aware of what you are doing, but it is all in the context of knowing who God is.;

‘the only God, our Saviour, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.’

‘Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all.’ 

‘to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ!’

As you consider your life, don’t neglect to consider who God is in it and the place you have given Him in your life.

How does that inspire you to express your praise and worship today?