His steadfast love endures forever

Psalm 136:1–26 (ESV): 

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, 

for his steadfast love endures forever. 

 2  Give thanks to the God of gods, 

for his steadfast love endures forever. 

 3  Give thanks to the Lord of lords, 

for his steadfast love endures forever; 

 4  to him who alone does great wonders, 

for his steadfast love endures forever; 

 5  to him who by understanding made the heavens, 

for his steadfast love endures forever; 

 6  to him who spread out the earth above the waters, 

for his steadfast love endures forever; 

 7  to him who made the great lights, 

for his steadfast love endures forever; 

 8  the sun to rule over the day, 

for his steadfast love endures forever; 

 9  the moon and stars to rule over the night, 

for his steadfast love endures forever; 

 10  to him who struck down the firstborn of Egypt, 

for his steadfast love endures forever; 

 11  and brought Israel out from among them, 

for his steadfast love endures forever; 

 12  with a strong hand and an outstretched arm, 

for his steadfast love endures forever; 

 13  to him who divided the Red Sea in two, 

for his steadfast love endures forever; 

 14  and made Israel pass through the midst of it, 

for his steadfast love endures forever; 

 15  but overthrew Pharaoh and his host in the Red Sea, 

for his steadfast love endures forever; 

 16  to him who led his people through the wilderness, 

for his steadfast love endures forever; 

 17  to him who struck down great kings, 

for his steadfast love endures forever; 

 18  and killed mighty kings, 

for his steadfast love endures forever; 

 19  Sihon, king of the Amorites, 

for his steadfast love endures forever; 

 20  and Og, king of Bashan, 

for his steadfast love endures forever; 

 21  and gave their land as a heritage, 

for his steadfast love endures forever; 

 22  a heritage to Israel his servant, 

for his steadfast love endures forever. 

 23  It is he who remembered us in our low estate, 

for his steadfast love endures forever; 

 24  and rescued us from our foes, 

for his steadfast love endures forever; 

 25  he who gives food to all flesh, 

for his steadfast love endures forever. 

 26  Give thanks to the God of heaven, 

for his steadfast love endures forever. 

This account of the greatness of God, from being the creator to the God who saw Israel through every step, hurdle, and barrier in the wilderness, demonstrates that every success, every difficulty, every wonderful thing is because, ‘his steadfast love endures forever’. You could write your own version of your life in this style. For from the moment you took your first breath til your last, ‘his steadfast love endures forever’. 

I was unwell and people feared for my life, 

‘for his steadfast love endures forever’. 

Now i am restored and well, 

‘for his steadfast love endures forever’

At the times when i felt most alone and afraid, 

‘for his steadfast love endures forever’. 

As i became a wife, 

‘for his steadfast love endures forever’. 

We have moved to different places 

‘for his steadfast love endures forever’. 

At times, suffering terrible grief, 

‘for his steadfast love endures forever’. 

When there doesn’t seem to be enough,

‘for his steadfast love endures forever’. 

our needs have always been met,

‘for his steadfast love endures forever’

God sees, remembers and responds

‘for his steadfast love endures forever’

Why don’t you give it a go? Think about key themes or elements of your life and repeat to yourself that, ‘his steadfast love endures forever’ after each one. These things have happened and been experienced, but through them all, you can always know God’s committed adoration towards you. His love, power, protection, peace and presence are for eternity. He is in every moment, every challenge, trial and success of life. He wants to commiserate and celebrate with you throughout your life. Are you acknowledging His presence with you in every season? What moments has God been in with you? Think about it, allow yourself the opportunity to acknowledge God’s presence; past, present and future. No matter what you face, ‘his steadfast love endures forever’. How incredible is that! No wonder this psalm ends, ‘Give thanks to the God of heaven’. God deserves your recognition and praise for He has been through all that you have. He has rescued you, protected you, healed you, provided for you, and loved you through it all. His steadfast love certainly does endure forever.

Why choose God and not worldy things?

 Psalm 135:1–21 (ESV): 

1 Praise the Lord! 

Praise the name of the Lord, 

give praise, O servants of the Lord, 

 2  who stand in the house of the Lord, 

in the courts of the house of our God! 

 3  Praise the Lord, for the Lord is good; 

sing to his name, for it is pleasant! 

 4  For the Lord has chosen Jacob for himself, 

Israel as his own possession. 

 5  For I know that the Lord is great, 

and that our Lord is above all gods. 

 6  Whatever the Lord pleases, he does, 

in heaven and on earth, 

in the seas and all deeps. 

 7  He it is who makes the clouds rise at the end of the earth, 

who makes lightnings for the rain 

and brings forth the wind from his storehouses. 

 8  He it was who struck down the firstborn of Egypt, 

both of man and of beast; 

 9  who in your midst, O Egypt, 

sent signs and wonders 

against Pharaoh and all his servants; 

 10  who struck down many nations 

and killed mighty kings, 

 11  Sihon, king of the Amorites, 

and Og, king of Bashan, 

and all the kingdoms of Canaan, 

 12  and gave their land as a heritage, 

a heritage to his people Israel. 

 13  Your name, O Lord, endures forever, 

your renown, O Lord, throughout all ages. 

 14  For the Lord will vindicate his people 

and have compassion on his servants. 

 15  The idols of the nations are silver and gold, 

the work of human hands. 

 16  They have mouths, but do not speak; 

they have eyes, but do not see; 

 17  they have ears, but do not hear, 

nor is there any breath in their mouths. 

 18  Those who make them become like them, 

so do all who trust in them. 

 19  O house of Israel, bless the Lord! 

O house of Aaron, bless the Lord! 

 20  O house of Levi, bless the Lord! 

You who fear the Lord, bless the Lord! 

 21  Blessed be the Lord from Zion, 

he who dwells in Jerusalem! 

  Praise the Lord! 

If you are feeling down or powerless, low or uncertain, disappointed or lacking faith, or joyful and desiring to praise God - then this psalm will do you good. It is full of reason and encouragement to remember some of the facts as to why God is brilliant, and gives examples of how you know you can trust Him. So, as a reminder today, here are some reasons you should praise God, because He:

• Is good
• Has chosen you 
• Is great
• Is above all gods
• Does what He pleases
• Reigns in the heavens and earth
• Controls the weather
• Performed miracles in Egypt
• Has power over man and beast
• Performs signs and wonders
• Works for His people and against their enemies
• Has struck down many nations
• Has defeated many kings
• Provides dwelling places for His people
• Is famous throughout all time
• Lives forever
• Will vindicate His people
• Has compassion on His servants
• Lives amongst us

What or who else could you worship or praise that can do and has done all this?! Therefore do not get distracted by other things such as ‘the idols of the nations’ like 'silver and gold, the work of human hands’. Remember, instead the creator of those things! The one who hears and speaks, who works and never sleeps, who lives and breathes and even gives you breath! He is the one who is worthy of your attention, your full focus. Is your mind preoccupied with stuff or things that are material, not eternal? If so, take another look at this psalm and consider what is really worthy of your attention. For cars breakdown, houses crumble, money loses it's worth, and people are fickle. Live your life looking for and admiring the One who created all of these things and will outlive them.

There is an Almighty, Creator God who has; provided, heard, seen, performed wonders, who is in charge and ensures His will is done, who also lives forever and cares about your little life. In this psalm there is a promise that this same God, ‘will vindicate his people and have compassion on his servants’. Are you one of His people, are you living as His servant? If so, He will act on your behalf, showing you compassion and releasing you from false accusations and harm. Do you see God for who He really is and what He can do? This psalm holds some incredible reminders of the character of God and the amazing things He does. Are you giving God the opportunity to come through, trusting that He will vindicate and bring compassion, or are you trying to force your own way? This world and the things within it can be enticing and confusing. There are temptations, stuff and experiences that are appealing and offer solutions, but will they really fulfill their claims? Remember the things of the world have no ability to speak, see or hear, yet they seem to promise so much. Yet God, He promises much and delivers it - just take a look at His track record!

Is your help in the name of the Lord?

Psalm 124:1–8 (ESV):  

1  If it had not been the Lord who was on our side— 

let Israel now say— 

 2  if it had not been the Lord who was on our side 

when people rose up against us, 

 3  then they would have swallowed us up alive, 

when their anger was kindled against us; 

 4  then the flood would have swept us away, 

the torrent would have gone over us; 

 5  then over us would have gone 

the raging waters. 

 6  Blessed be the Lord, 

who has not given us 

as prey to their teeth! 

 7  We have escaped like a bird 

from the snare of the fowlers; 

  the snare is broken, 

and we have escaped! 

 8  Our help is in the name of the Lord, 

who made heaven and earth. 

You wouldn’t be where you are right now if it were not for God’s intervention. You wouldn’t have; survived, been as successful, as peaceful, as whole, or as strong as you are right now, if it were not for God’s hand upon your life. 

You may not feel strong, whole, mighty, free or at peace, but can you imagine what your life would be like if God wasn’t looking after you? Imagine what a mess you’d be in. You could be defeated, destroyed, in greater pain and distress, encompassed by sin, bound and swallowed up by anger. What kind of life would that be? Yet, ‘the snare has been broken’ and you have not been ‘swallowed up alive’! Not because of luck, your own quick thinking or actions, but because The Lord has been on your side. He has saved you from the ‘raging waters’, the full force of people’s anger, and you have escaped being prey ‘like a bird’ because your ‘help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth.’

Therefore, thank God! Thank Him that He is on your side, and that He helps you, and all of His followers. He has not allowed you to be overcome or defeated, He has facilitated your escape from trouble on this Earth, as well as rescuing you from the wages of sin for eternity - ‘the snare is broken and we have escaped’! What an incredible promise! It is God who has done this, all of it! It is not your own ideas or capability, strength or knowledge that has helped you out of trouble, but God has saved you. God has healed you, protected you, recused you, intervened for you and saved you from the wages of sin! He has helped you in more ways than you can count. 

So, simply and honestly, all you need to do is thank Him. Show your gratitude, sing praise, give to him, tell stories, shout and cry in triumph if you want to! Store up the stories. remember and tell others of the times you have ‘escaped like a bird’.  Acknowledge that God is the greatest help you have. You wouldn’t be the person you are today, having accomplished and survived what you have ‘if it had not been the Lord who was on our side’. Hallelujah!

The one leper

Psalm 116:1–19 (ESV): 

116 I love the Lord, because he has heard 

my voice and my pleas for mercy. 

 2  Because he inclined his ear to me, 

therefore I will call on him as long as I live. 

 3  The snares of death encompassed me; 

the pangs of Sheol laid hold on me; 

I suffered distress and anguish. 

 4  Then I called on the name of the Lord: 

“O Lord, I pray, deliver my soul!” 

 5  Gracious is the Lord, and righteous; 

our God is merciful. 

 6  The Lord preserves the simple; 

when I was brought low, he saved me. 

 7  Return, O my soul, to your rest; 

for the Lord has dealt bountifully with you. 

 8  For you have delivered my soul from death, 

my eyes from tears, 

my feet from stumbling; 

 9  I will walk before the Lord 

in the land of the living. 

 10  I believed, even when I spoke: 

“I am greatly afflicted”; 

 11  I said in my alarm, 

“All mankind are liars.” 

 12  What shall I render to the Lord 

for all his benefits to me? 

 13  I will lift up the cup of salvation 

and call on the name of the Lord, 

 14  I will pay my vows to the Lord 

in the presence of all his people. 

 15  Precious in the sight of the Lord 

is the death of his saints. 

 16  O Lord, I am your servant; 

I am your servant, the son of your maidservant. 

You have loosed my bonds. 

 17  I will offer to you the sacrifice of thanksgiving 

and call on the name of the Lord. 

 18  I will pay my vows to the Lord 

in the presence of all his people, 

 19  in the courts of the house of the Lord, 

in your midst, O Jerusalem. 

  Praise the Lord! 

Has God ever rescued you?

If you trust and believe in Him, have given your life to honour and worship Him, He has, and probably more than once. He first rescued you when He saved your life through the death and resurrection of His Son Jesus by rescuing you from sin. I am sure there are other situations when God has intervened, that you can look back on like this psalmist, and recognise that God ‘has heard my voice and my pleas for mercy’. 

It is important to acknowledge, accept and bring honour to God for the work He has done in your life. For the way He has broken through, for how He has sustained and rescued you, provided for you, delivered you from harm, transformed situations, and turned enemies away from you. Do not take His love and power for granted, but give God the praise and gratitude He deserves and has earned. Are you good at that? Thanking and praising God for what He has brought you through and saved you from? Or do you struggle to see His work and find yourself complaining to Him about the next thing? 

Be like the one leper out of the ten that was healed by Jesus and turned back to show gratitude. For, ‘he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; 16 and he fell on his face at Jesus' feet, giving him thanks’ (Luke 17:15-16). Be like that. Nine out of the ten people in that situation took their healing and left. Only one said thank you and acknowledged that God had done a great work in them, and thought to praise God for transforming his life. Be like that one, and this psalmist. It is easy to take God’s work and intervention for granted, to get on with life healed, situations resolved and provision given. Do not forget how those things changed. Honour God and reflect on this, ‘what shall i render to the Lord for all his benefits to me?’ For all that God has done in your life, He deserves your worship, your gratitude. When you do something well, or help someone out, you expect a thank you. God has not only helped you out, but He has saved your life and rescued you from hell as well as the everyday matters He intervenes in. How much more should you be chasing after Him like that one leper to show your gratitude! He ran to Jesus, was loud in his praise and fell at Jesus feet in honour. Is this how you respond when you see God has worked in your life?  

You too can say to God, ‘you have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling’. Think about it, God has delivered you from eternal death to eternal life, He has saved you from some heartbreak and there are times when He has intervened when you could have got hurt or gone wrong. Acknowledge those times and give glory to God for His work, do not keep your testimony and praise private - the leper ran and was loud! He didn’t care who saw or heard him, he just needed to show how grateful he was, and he was honoured by Jesus for it. Let your praise and gratitude be loud because you are not trying to bring attention to yourself but to the God who has done so much for you. He has transformed your life, given you hope, so show your gratitude.

Through demonstrating your praise and thankfulness, who knows who you could encourage or inspire. Your stories of hope, breakthrough, healing or provision can influence others simply by expressing joy about God’s power in your life. God has given you salvation, He has delivered you, poured out blessings upon you, loosed your bonds, given you salvation, healed you, protected you, exalted you, forgiven you and saved your life! Therefore thank Him. Honour Him and give to Him. Then tell others about how great He is. He deserves your thanksgiving. 

Are you like the one leper who went out of his way to turn back and show gratitude, or are you like the 9 who accepted God's blessing and just got on with life? Be like the one to whom Jesus says, “Rise and go your way, your faith has made you well” (Luke 17:19).

Praise the Lord!

 Psalm 113:1–9 (ESV): 

113 Praise the Lord! 

Praise, O servants of the Lord, 

praise the name of the Lord! 

 2  Blessed be the name of the Lord 

from this time forth and forevermore! 

 3  From the rising of the sun to its setting, 

the name of the Lord is to be praised! 

 4  The Lord is high above all nations, 

and his glory above the heavens! 

 5  Who is like the Lord our God, 

who is seated on high, 

 6  who looks far down 

on the heavens and the earth? 

 7  He raises the poor from the dust 

and lifts the needy from the ash heap, 

 8  to make them sit with princes, 

with the princes of his people. 

 9  He gives the barren woman a home, 

making her the joyous mother of children. 

Praise the Lord! 

When should you worship?

It can be easy to think that worship is for a gathering of believers, and it is often associated with singing, but here we are told, ‘From the rising of the sun to its setting, the name of the Lord is to be praised!’ God certainly deserves to be worshipped all day long, so what is this form of praise that we can continue all day, for surely no-one can be expected to sing to God all day?! 

To praise something means to express approval or admiration for. So praise can take many forms. It can be in the way you; talk about others/God, express gratitude, read the Bible, dance, play music, listen to teaching, think about God, pray, behave, and the way you carry out tasks. As you can see there are many ways that you can praise God. It involves what your mind is doing, and what your motivation is for what you are doing. You can wash dishes and be admiring God, or take out the rubbish and be considering God’s words. You can even be doing something that you don’t like doing, but you know that it will bless others, so you do it as a sacrifice of praise because that is your motivation. This is how it is possible to praise God throughout the day. You can display your admiration and approval of God in your workplace, community, area of study, at home, around family, friends and strangers, from the moment you wake up til you go to sleep. For true praise means that you carry the concern of honouring God in your life in every area of it. So, during your daily life, are you praising God? It is normal to think of other things too, not every thought will be directed to Him, the dishes do need washing and the rubbish needs dealing with, work needs to be done and people cared for. Yet you can carry out these activities with an attitude of praise to Almighty God. For this psalm doesn't just invite or encourage God's praise, but it commands it. For someone who follows God, worshipping Him is not optional, this psalm tells you to; Praise the fact He is Lord, praise His name, praise His glory, praise Him because He is above all things, praise Him as He transforms lives of poverty and barrenness to honour and fruitfulness. However you do it, praise Him. God deserves it. Even if you consider one aspect of God, one verse, or one thing He has done, it will lift your spirit and you will be directing praise to where it is due, to The Lord. How about considering that, ‘The Lord is high above all nations’ or, ‘who is like the Lord our God’ throughout your day? I wonder what will be revealed to you in the process and how grateful and in wonder you will be of Him. 

When you set your mind to admire God in your day, you are joining with people all over the Earth in praising Him, as well as the hosts of heaven to consider the greatness of God! You are not alone in your praise. God is getting approval and admiration from across the World and beyond. There are many who are lifting Him up, extolling Him and honouring Him, remembering Him and enjoying thinking about Him. From princes to the poor, the childless to parents - they all praise the Lord and have reason to be joyful because of Him. Are you joining with them in praising God, 'from the rising of the sun to its setting'?

Wondrous works

 Psalm 111:1–10 (ESV): 

1 Praise the Lord! 

 I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart, 

in the company of the upright, in the congregation. 

 2  Great are the works of the Lord, 

studied by all who delight in them. 

 3  Full of splendour and majesty is his work, 

and his righteousness endures forever. 

 4  He has caused his wondrous works to be remembered; 

the Lord is gracious and merciful. 

 5  He provides food for those who fear him; 

he remembers his covenant forever. 

 6  He has shown his people the power of his works, 

in giving them the inheritance of the nations. 

 7  The works of his hands are faithful and just; 

all his precepts are trustworthy; 

 8  they are established forever and ever, 

to be performed with faithfulness and uprightness. 

 9  He sent redemption to his people; 

he has commanded his covenant forever. 

Holy and awesome is his name! 

10  The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; 

all those who practice it have a good understanding. 

His praise endures forever! 

If you find it too much to consider God and His character, why not start by considering His works? This psalmist repeats the fact that God has performed works which demonstrate who He is and what He cares about. For the things that you; do, give your time to, and put effort into, show what you care about, and something of who you are. If someone were to study what you do and how you do it, they would get a good sense of who you are and what you value. The same is true for the works of God. If you study them, then you will get a good idea of who God is and what He is concerned about. 

This psalm shows us that the things God does are wonderful, great, and are sources of delight for those who consider them. The works of God are ‘full of splendour and majesty’, ‘faithful and just’. When you think about them you cannot fail to see power, love, consideration and perfection in them. Consider; healings, breakthroughs, miraculous provision, overthrowing of evil practices, unmasking of deception, defeated powers that quash the people of God, both in the past and in the present. What do these things show of who God is? For me, it shows that God is powerful, He can overrule any power of nature, interrupt any process and perform incredible, mighty acts of restoration and destruction that no-one could foresee. It shows me that I can trust God with the big and small things because He has influence and can do greater things than i can imagine. God is reliable, kind, and cares about the long-term for His people. He is not interested in short-term gains like we often are. God is not concerned with our comfort but our faith and the benefit of His people as a whole.  These are just some of the conclusions i can draw from the works of God that i have seen and read about. What do you see of God from what you have seen or heard Him do?

When we contemplate and talk about the deeds of God, they inspire praise and awe of Him amongst His people for ‘He has shown his people the power of his works’. It is important that we remind ourselves and others of His works, even sharing the same stories as they help us see God’s nature. By so doing we can help others realise that God is trustworthy, faithful, good, wise, noble, fair, righteous, caring and has great foresight. So, when was the last time you shared a joyful story about what God has done? It can be your story or someone else's or one from scripture that has inspired you. God, 'has caused his wondrous works to be remembered', these stories and experiences are not just for you, but to be shared in order to encourage and build up other brothers and sisters of faith. Recalling what God has done will build faith, joy, hope and bring a natural overflow of praise. It does us good to look at and consider His works. This psalmist tells us that God’s works cause His people delight so that they overflow with gratitude - are you thankful today for the things God has done? For His works are; great, splendid, incredible, majestic, righteous, wonderful, powerful, faithful, just and upright!

This psalm concludes, ‘The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever!’ Considering the works of God should fill you with awe of Him. The fear of the Lord is a wonder at how great and mighty He is. So as you consider God and the things He does, allow awe and wonder build, as you see and share His wondrous works. Then you will begin to taste what wisdom is.

Praying for revenge

 Psalm 109:1–31 (ESV): 

Be not silent, O God of my praise! 

 2  For wicked and deceitful mouths are opened against me, 

speaking against me with lying tongues. 

 3  They encircle me with words of hate, 

and attack me without cause. 

 4  In return for my love they accuse me, 

but I give myself to prayer. 

 5  So they reward me evil for good, 

and hatred for my love. 

 6  Appoint a wicked man against him; 

let an accuser stand at his right hand. 

 7  When he is tried, let him come forth guilty; 

let his prayer be counted as sin! 

 8  May his days be few; 

may another take his office! 

 9  May his children be fatherless 

and his wife a widow! 

 10  May his children wander about and beg, 

seeking food far from the ruins they inhabit! 

 11  May the creditor seize all that he has; 

may strangers plunder the fruits of his toil! 

 12  Let there be none to extend kindness to him, 

nor any to pity his fatherless children! 

 13  May his posterity be cut off; 

may his name be blotted out in the second generation! 

 14  May the iniquity of his fathers be remembered before the Lord, 

and let not the sin of his mother be blotted out! 

 15  Let them be before the Lord continually, 

that he may cut off the memory of them from the earth! 

 16  For he did not remember to show kindness, 

but pursued the poor and needy 

and the brokenhearted, to put them to death. 

 17  He loved to curse; let curses come upon him! 

He did not delight in blessing; may it be far from him! 

 18  He clothed himself with cursing as his coat; 

may it soak into his body like water, 

like oil into his bones! 

 19  May it be like a garment that he wraps around him, 

like a belt that he puts on every day! 

 20  May this be the reward of my accusers from the Lord, 

of those who speak evil against my life! 

 21  But you, O God my Lord, 

deal on my behalf for your name’s sake; 

because your steadfast love is good, deliver me! 

 22  For I am poor and needy, 

and my heart is stricken within me. 

 23  I am gone like a shadow at evening; 

I am shaken off like a locust. 

 24  My knees are weak through fasting; 

my body has become gaunt, with no fat. 

 25  I am an object of scorn to my accusers; 

when they see me, they wag their heads. 

 26  Help me, O Lord my God! 

Save me according to your steadfast love! 

 27  Let them know that this is your hand; 

you, O Lord, have done it! 

 28  Let them curse, but you will bless! 

They arise and are put to shame, but your servant will be glad! 

 29  May my accusers be clothed with dishonour; 

may they be wrapped in their own shame as in a cloak! 

 30  With my mouth I will give great thanks to the Lord; 

I will praise him in the midst of the throng. 

 31  For he stands at the right hand of the needy one, 

to save him from those who condemn his soul to death. 

As you read this psalm, you see that David does not hold back. He tells God exactly what he thinks should happen to those who are ‘wicked and deceitful’! He wants them to; be accused and found guilty, lose their job and influence, others to benefit from his work but not him, even that they should die and their children become poor, for generational sin to be counted against them, and for their name to be obliterated from memory! You can easily hear the anger and frustration of David as he lets God know exactly what he thinks of these people and their spiteful actions! Yet David did not act, for if he took vengeance, this would be what it looked like, and he might not know where to stop. At what point would he be then acting in a similar vane to how these people had treated him? So instead of making his own plans for retribution, David approaches God. He did not take revenge or try to argue with those speaking against him. Instead, he did the harder thing of showing great restraint and leaving it in God's hands. 

You too can bring all your fears, frustrations and emotions to God. David determined that the best revenge he could get, and the best output for these destructive thoughts and emotions was to ‘give myself to prayer’. This is the most powerful thing you can do when you feel beaten down, unfairly accused or treated, give yourself to prayer. Don't hold anything back in outpouring to God, David doesn't and you don't need to either - look at what he says! Many of us would be afraid to speak such harshness over anyone, even those who have become enemies. Yet expressing this to God (not to others) is a safe outlet for He alone knows your heart and your pain. He alone knows how best to deal with you and the others involved, so you can trust Him to do what is needed and appropriate. David was wise in this, He went to the only One who will not just react emotionally, but to the One who sees the long view. David knew that God cares for him, is just, powerful and righteous. Therefore He is the best person to deal with injustice, oppression and harm. David trusts that God will do something about this person/people, ‘because your steadfast love is good’. God loves and supports His people. Plus He probably already has a solution and plan worked out, so why get in the way of God sorting the situation out?

David held back his response, choosing to give himself in prayer instead of giving himself to revenge. Is this your response? 

David knew that God can respond in the right way and shut the mouths of his accusers one way or another. If David did it, he might cause more of a mess, so instead he entrusts the outcome to God. David is so convinced of God’s love and response that he ends this petition with praise. Once David has got all then anger and angst of his chest and given it all over to God, he praises Him. God hasn't even responded yet David worships! What a way to end an outpouring of wrath and frustration! To remember who you are talking to, and remember to be grateful for who God is, and the fact that He listens and loves you. Once you have handed over your situation and the people to God in prayer, you too can rejoice that God is going to act in response to the prayer of His beloved child. The outcome may not be imminent, and it may not be what you expect, but you can be assured that God will deal with whatever you bring to Him.

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!