Tag Archives: David

Built by the LORD

24 Tuesday May 2016

Posted by in Psalms, Tuesday's Truth

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Zion was built by the LORD
    on the holy mountain,
 and he loves that city
    more than any other place
    in all of Israel (Psalm 87:1-2, CEV).

Bleeding Hearts

Bleeding hearts – photo by David Kitz

Reflection

This week’s I Love the Psalms theme is cities.

A simple definition of a city is a large built up area inhabited by people and the enterprises they operate. Just as ants build anthills, people build cities. But today’s verse from the Psalms tells us that the LORD built a city.

Zion was built by the LORD on the holy mountain, and he loves that city more than any other place in all of Israel (Psalm 87:1-2, CEV).

Did King David build Zion and make it his capital, or did the LORD build the city? Elsewhere in  Psalms we read: Unless the LORD builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain (Psalm 127:1, NIV).

It would seem that the LORD wants to be involved in human society and He is the driving force behind everything good that we do. He is the Creator, the Builder and the Savior of the city.

Response: LORD God, open my eyes to see how you are building the city in which I live. Help me play an effective role in what you are doing. Jesus, you are Lord of all. Amen.

Your Turn: How is the God working in your city or community? What is He building?

You Love Me!

18 Wednesday May 2016

Posted by in Mid-Week Medtiation, Psalms

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I will sing your praises! You are my mighty fortress, and you love me (Psalm 59:7, CEV).

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The delicate dance of grass at sunset — photo courtesy of Donald Adam

Reflection

This week’s I Love the Psalms theme is the word fortress.

The most reassuring aspect of knowing that the LORD is our fortress is living in the knowledge that we are loved by God. The LORD is our fortress because He loves us. We can run to Him because He wants the best for us.

Today’s verse from the Psalms says just that:

I will sing your praises! You are my mighty fortress, and you love me (Psalm 59:7, CEV).

Rather than running from God, our heavenly Father calls us to run to Him and find our shelter and a place of rest in Him. David, the warrior king and author of many of the psalms, discovered that the LORD was his fortress. The fortress that David retreated to was built on the bedrock of God’s love for him.

The LORD who loves you, even as He loved David, welcomes you into His Fortress built on love.

Response: LORD God, I can’t thank you enough for loving me. You demonstrated that love by sending Jesus to die on a cross in my place. You are my fortress in the storms of life. Amen.

Your Turn: Do you sometimes doubt God’s love for you? How are you reassured of God’s continual love even when times are difficult?

You Put Down the Proud

10 Tuesday May 2016

Posted by in Psalms

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You rescue the humble, but you put down all who are proud (Psalm 18:27, CEV).

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Assiniboine River bridge at sunset — photo courtesy of Donald Adam

Reflection

This week’s I Love the Psalms theme is humility.

It would seem that God is not fond of human pride. If you respect the LORD, you will hate evil. I hate pride and conceit and deceitful lies (Proverbs 8:13). In fact, pride may be humanities greatest sin. The proud heart has no need for God—no room for God—no desire for God. But the LORD cares for the humble and He hears their prayers.

David declares:

You rescue the humble, but you put down all who are proud (Psalm 18:27, CEV).

When I become too proud, God has a way of reminding me that I am not all together wonderful. The world does not revolve around me. It revolves around the Creator of all things. He is at the center—not me, and He is worthy of all praise. He is the Lord of all things.

It is the LORD who puts down one and exalts another. I need to keep in mind that He favors the humble. How about you?

Response: LORD God, in my relationship with you, I need humility like a fish needs water. Remind me that there is no place for human pride in the household of God. Amen.

Your Turn: Why do you think God shows His favor to the humble? 

Leading the Humble

09 Monday May 2016

Posted by in Monday Meditation, Psalms

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You lead humble people to do what is right and to stay on your path (Psalm 25:9, CEV).

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Bridge across the Assiniboine River — photo courtesy of Donald Adam

Reflection

This week’s I Love the Psalms theme is humility.

It’s difficult, if not impossible to lead the proud. The proud refuse to be led because they know the way, and their way is always right in their own eyes. Unfortunately, Christians can be just as guilty of pride as the most unrepentant sinner. But James reminds us of an essential truth, “God opposes everyone who is proud, but he is kind to everyone who is humble” (James 4:6)

In the Psalms, David reminds us that God can only lead those who are humble.

You lead humble people to do what is right and to stay on your path (Psalm 25:9, CEV).

Are you willing to be led by the Lord? David became the leader/king of Israel, but he was not too proud to be led by the LORD. Doing right and staying on God’s path for our lives does not come naturally to the human soul. It requires humility and a listening ear.

Response: LORD God, grant me a humble heart. I can easily stray from your path. Help me to keep my eyes fixed on you. Help me to hear your voice daily. Amen.

Your Turn: Does humility come easily for you? How do you overcome pride?

You, LORD, are my Shepherd

04 Wednesday May 2016

Posted by in Mid-Week Medtiation, Psalms

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You, LORD, are my shepherd. I will never be in need (Psalm 23:1, CEV).

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Quiet waters at Kingfisher Bay Retreat Centre — photo courtesy of Ruth Waring

Reflection

This week’s I Love the Psalms theme is shepherding.

The most endearing thought in all the scriptures may well be the thought of the LORD’s precious care for the sheep of His pasture. The Good Shepherd supplies all our needs. When we are in His care there is no need for worry.

David, the shepherd king, makes this bold declaration:

You, LORD, are my shepherd. I will never be in need (Psalm 23:1, CEV).

Our needs for food, clothing, shelter and loving companionship are constant. They are ever present with us. At some point I’ll be hungry today, and though I will eat well, tomorrow, I’ll be hungry again.

The only thing more constant than our neediness is our Shepherd’s ample provision. What wonderful assurance we can draw from Jesus’ care! He will supply all we need.

Response: LORD God, help me to live in the calm assurance that you are my provider. You have provided abundantly in the past and will continue your care into the future. Thank you. Amen.

Your Turn: Are you under the Good Shepherd’s care? Are you resting in His provision?

Like Sheep with our Shepherd

02 Monday May 2016

Posted by in Monday Meditation, Psalms

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We are like sheep with you as our shepherd, and all generations will hear us praise you (Psalm 79:13, CEV).

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Violets in green pastures — photo by David Kitz

Reflection

This week’s I Love the Psalms theme is shepherding.

Often when people think of the Psalms, their thoughts immediately turn to images of David, the young harpist, on the green hills of Judea surrounded by his flock of sheep. It’s a beautiful idyllic image that is frequently combined with these words, “The LORD is my shepherd.”

That idyllic image stirs our hearts because of our deep longing for peace—the shalom of God pronounced over our lives.

We are like sheep with you as our shepherd, and all generations will hear us praise you (Psalm 79:13, CEV).

We want to know and fully experience the peace of God in our lives. Of course that peace and enduring love only come through companionship with the shepherd—Jesus, the Good Shepherd. But following Him means setting aside our own agenda and walking in the path that He has chosen for us.

He is our shepherd when we allow Him to lead.

Response: LORD God, I want your shalom—your blessed peace to fill my life. Give me ears that are quick to hear and follow the Shepherd’s voice. I want to be your constant  companion. Amen.

Your Turn: Are there times when you find it difficult to hear or follow the shepherd’s voice? 

The Conclusion of Solomon’s Prayer

08 Tuesday Mar 2016

Posted by in Psalm 72, Psalms

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Reading:                                     Psalm 72

Verses 12-20

For he will deliver the needy who cry out,
the afflicted who have no one to help.
He will take pity on the weak and the needy
and save the needy from death.
He will rescue them from oppression and violence,
for precious is their blood in his sight. Long may he live!
May gold from Sheba be given him.
May people ever pray for him
and bless him all day long.
May grain abound throughout the land;
on the tops of the hills may it sway.
May the crops flourish like Lebanon
and thrive like the grass of the field.
May his name endure forever;
may it continue as long as the sun.

Then all nations will be blessed through him,
and they will call him blessed.

Praise be to the LORD God, the God of Israel,
who alone does marvelous deeds.
Praise be to his glorious name forever;
may the whole earth be filled with his glory. Amen and Amen.

This concludes the prayers of David son of Jesse (NIV).

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More glorious than Solomon — photo by David Kitz

Reflection

This is the concluding portion of Solomon’s prayer. Many scholars view this as David’s prayer for Solomon, rather than a prayer written by Solomon. In either case, it is a prayer calling for God’s blessing on the king and the nation. This brings us to a question. What is the purpose of God’s blessing? Is it only for personal benefit?

The answer can be found in the first few lines above. The righteous king is blessed and given wealth and authority so that he can be a blessing to others. He will take pity on the weak and the needy and save the needy from death. He will rescue them from oppression and violence, for precious is their blood in his sight.

The great danger for any of us is that when blessings come, we accumulate these blessings for ourselves alone. Along with God’s blessings comes a responsibility to share and identify with those in need within our borders and beyond. We serve a God with a big heart. His love extends far beyond our narrow interests. God blesses His people abundantly, so that we can in turn bless others.

What a privilege we have to reflect the LORD’s character in a hurting world!

Response: LORD God, help me to see my many blessings as a gift from you. Show me today how I can be a blessing to others. You are my source. Amen.

Your Turn: Are you tempted to keep all of God’s blessings for yourself?

Resurrection Restoration

23 Tuesday Feb 2016

Posted by in Psalm 71, Psalms

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Reading:                                      Psalm 71

Verses 19-24

Your righteousness, God, reaches to the heavens,
you who have done great things.
Who is like you, God?
Though you have made me see troubles,
many and bitter,
you will restore my life again;
from the depths of the earth
you will again bring me up.
You will increase my honor
and comfort me once more.

I will praise you with the harp
for your faithfulness, my God;
I will sing praise to you with the lyre,
Holy One of Israel.

 My lips will shout for joy when I sing praise to you—
I whom you have delivered.
My tongue will tell of your righteous acts all day long,
for those who wanted to harm me
have been put to shame and confusion (NIV).

Reflection

Typically Christians view resurrection as a New Testament concept, but here in the conclusion to Psalm 71, we can see that the Old Testament psalmist had a solid grasp of resurrection truths. Consider his words. Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again; from the depths of the earth you will again bring me up.

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Landestreu Cemetery, Landestreu, SK. — photo courtesy of Donald Adam

That sounds like resurrection to me. Jesus fulfilled the prophetic words of the psalmist when he stepped out of the tomb on resurrection morning. Elsewhere David spoke prophetically of Christ and his resurrection when he wrote, “I am your chosen one. You won’t leave me in the grave or let my body decay” (Psalm 16:10).

Peter sited this verse as proof of Jesus’ resurrection when he preached to the crowd that gathered on the Day of Pentecost. See Acts 2:22-36.

The resurrection filled the psalmist with hope and it should do the same for us. Because Jesus is alive now, we too will be raised to life. That thought should buoy us on tough days. When we lose a loved one, whose faith was rooted in God’s redeeming love, we can rest assured that our farewell is not forever. We will see them again at the resurrection. On that great day we can join with the psalmist and declare, “My lips will shout for joy when I sing praise to you—I whom you have delivered.”

Response: LORD God, thank you for the promise of resurrection. Thank you for the hope we have in Jesus. Through Jesus’ shed blood we have redemption and forgiveness. Hallelujah! Amen.

Your Turn: Why is the resurrection meaningful to you?

Always Patient

17 Wednesday Feb 2016

Posted by in Mid-Week Medtiation, Psalms

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Please, LORD, remember, you have always been patient and kind (Psalm 25:6, CEV).

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Red Sunrise – photo courtesy of Donald Adam

Reflection

This week’s I Love the Psalms theme is patience.

Let’s be honest. While I may not always be patient with others, I certainly want them to be patient with me. That’s why I find today’s verse from the Psalms so interesting. It’s really David’s prayer. Please, LORD, remember, you have always been patient and kind (Psalm 25:6, CEV).

The unspoken side of David’s prayer might go something like this, “Though I have been impatient with you, Lord, and I’ve blown my cool, please don’t be impatient with me.” 

We really need God to be patient with us. If God responded to me in the same way, I have reacted to others, I might be reduced to a cinder in the blink of an eye. My need for God’s patience is extreme. 

I am so thankful the LORD is a patient God.

Response: LORD God, you have been so good to me. You have shown me undeserved kindness. Please continue to be patient with me and help me to become more like Jesus every day. Amen.

Your Turn: Are you impatient with God sometimes?

Are You Poor and Needy?

02 Tuesday Feb 2016

Posted by in Psalm 70, Psalms

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Reading:                                     Psalm 70

For the director of music. Of David. A petition.

Verses 1-5

Hasten, O God, to save me;
come quickly, Lord, to help me.

May those who want to take my life
be put to shame and confusion;
may all who desire my ruin
be turned back in disgrace.
May those who say to me, “Aha! Aha!”
turn back because of their shame.
But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you;
may those who long for your saving help always say,
“The LORD is great!”

But as for me, I am poor and needy;
come quickly to me, O God.
You are my help and my deliverer;
LORD, do not delay (NIV).

Reflection

When I consider my situation—my station in life—I would not call myself poor, but neither would I say I am rich. I live in a comfortable suburban home. It’s no mansion, but we are mortgage free. I have income that covers our expenses with a little left over at the end of the month. We can afford one major trip each year, as long as we do a little penny pinching along the way. Our eight-year-old car will need to be replaced at some point, but for now it’s doing just fine. I have no worries about retirement.

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Our modest suburban home — photo by David Kitz

Many in this world would see me as rich. On the other hand, I’m a pauper in the eyes of the super wealthy. I’m in the comfortable middle.

David did not see himself that way. Hear his confession—his desperate prayer: But as for me, I am poor and needy; come quickly to me, O God. You are my help and my deliverer; LORD, do not delay. 

We don’t know at what point in his life David penned this humble petition. We know that the Shepherd-King of Israel was a man of humble origin, but he also ruled as King of Judah for seven years and for all of Israel for another thirty-three years. From the midpoint of his life onward, he was a man of wealth and power, but his humility remained. Like authoritarian rulers throughout the ages, he could have had his personal history cleansed of such self-effacing pleas for mercy, but David chose a different path. He let the record stand. Perhaps he was looking for a better kingdom.

Jesus said, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:3). Some poverty and humility of spirit might be fitting for me as well. How about you?

Response: LORD God, I don’t want to live the life of the self-satisfied. You are my treasure and my very great reward. I am needy—in constant need of you. Come quickly to me, O God. Amen.

Your Turn: Are you poor in spirit? How do we remain that way even when we are blessed?