Tag Archives: David

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?

Despite Affliction and Pain

26 Tuesday Jan 2016

Posted by in Psalm 69, Psalms

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Reading:                                      Psalm 69

Verses 29-36

But as for me, afflicted and in pain—
may your salvation, God, protect me.

 I will praise God’s name in song
and glorify him with thanksgiving.
This will please the LORD more than an ox,
more than a bull with its horns and hooves.
The poor will see and be glad—
you who seek God, may your hearts live!
The LORD hears the needy
and does not despise his captive people.

Let heaven and earth praise him,
the seas and all that move in them,

for God will save Zion and rebuild the cities of Judah.
Then people will settle there and possess it;

 the children of his servants will inherit it,
and those who love his name will dwell there (NIV).

Reflection

The word ‘despite’ does not appear in this final reading from Psalm 69, but despite its absence it’s at the core of what David is saying here.

But as for me, afflicted and in pain—may your salvation, God, protect me. I will praise God’s name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving.

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National Gallery of Canada, Ottawa, ON — photo by David Kitz

Despite affliction and pain David resolves to praise God and give Him thanks. David decides to rise above his circumstances. He does not give into his troubles and sorrows. He does not yield to the complaints of his body. Not by the flesh, but in the Spirit, he rises above his afflictions.

Often I would rather wallow in my difficulties and coddle my discomforts. But the LORD calls us to live on a higher plane. It takes praise, thanksgiving and a song in our heart to lift us to that higher level. But before the song comes and the praise begins to flow, we determine our response. We must decide. We have a ‘but-as-for-me’ moment.

Despite opposition from our flesh, despite the doubts and misgivings of our peers, we determine that God is worthy of our praise. He is the God of the afflicted—not just the God of the feel-good set—so let the thanksgiving begin and praise burst forth.

Often God sees our heart and He intervenes and our situation changes. But if not, He is still worthy of whole hearted praise. Take time to praise and thank Him now.

Response: LORD God, in my difficulties I praise you. This pain-prone human flesh praises you. Thank you for this life you have given me. Your goodness and mercy never end. Amen.

Your Turn: Is praise difficult for you at times?

Carry Us

20 Wednesday Jan 2016

Posted by in Mid-Week Medtiation, Psalms

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Come save us and bless us. Be our shepherd and always carry us in your arms (Psalm 28:9, CEV).

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Lake Ontario sunset – photo by Eric E. Wright

Reflection

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

It’s a long, long time since I have been carried, but it remains as a pleasant childhood memory. I recall falling asleep in the car on the way home from a visit to some distant relatives. I remember slowly waking as my father carried me into the house.

David, the shepherd king penned the words of this prayer: Come save and bless us. Be our shepherd and always carry us in your arms.

Undoubtedly, as a young shepherd David remembered carrying lambs in his arms, but surely he also remembered being carried as a boy.

We may be adults now, but there are still days when we want to be carried—need to be carried. We are too big. Human arms aren’t strong enough. We need the LORD, the good shepherd, to carry us.

Response: LORD, my shepherd, when I am weary carry me in your arms. At the close of the  day, I want to feel your warmth and rest next to you. Come save and bless me. Amen.

Your Turn: Do you still long to be carried?

Vinegar for my Thirst

19 Tuesday Jan 2016

Posted by in Psalm 69, Psalms

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Reading:                                     Psalm 69

Verses 19-28

You know how I am scorned, disgraced and shamed;
all my enemies are before you.
Scorn has broken my heart and has left me helpless;
I looked for sympathy, but there was none,
for comforters, but I found none.
They put gall in my food

and gave me vinegar for my thirst.

May the table set before them become a snare;
may it become retribution and a trap.
May their eyes be darkened so they cannot see,
and their backs be bent forever.
Pour out your wrath on them;
let your fierce anger overtake them.
May their place be deserted;
let there be no one to dwell in their tents.
For they persecute those you wound
and talk about the pain of those you hurt.
Charge them with crime upon crime;
do not let them share in your salvation.
May they be blotted out of the book of life
and not be listed with the righteous (NIV).

Reflection

Vinegar is not the first thing I would reach for, if I wanted to quench my thirst. Vinegar sets my teeth on edge. It curdles milk. It crinkles the stomach. Why? Because it’s acid, a naturally occurring acid.

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Photo by Robert S. Schemenauer

You don’t give your friend acid to drink. But at his crucifixion that’s what the soldiers gave Jesus to quench his thirst. The soldiers also came up and mocked him. They offered him wine vinegar (Luke 23:36).

Like many of David’s psalms, there is a prophetic element in them and in this portion of Psalm 69; we see that prophetic element vividly portrayed. Jesus experienced the rejection described here. His friends deserted him. There were none to comfort him. He was scorned, disgraced and shamed. As he hung dying, he was given vinegar for his thirst.

The retribution that this psalm calls for fell on Judas. In Acts 1:20 Peter references this psalm as he speaks of the judgment that fell on Judas for his betrayal of Jesus. Yet in his moment of weakness even Peter denied knowing the Lord.

When our time of testing comes will we stand true to the Lord?

Response: Lord Jesus, you suffered rejection on my behalf. Help me be faithful to you when the world mocks you. Help me stand true. Give me your Holy Spirit. Amen.

Your Turn: Have you always stood true, aligning yourself with Jesus?

In the Time of Your Favor

12 Tuesday Jan 2016

Posted by in Psalm 69, Psalms

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Reading:                                       Psalm 69

Verses 13-18

But I pray to you, LORD,
in the time of your favor;
in your great love, O God,
answer me with your sure salvation.
Rescue me from the mire,
do not let me sink;
deliver me from those who hate me,
from the deep waters.
Do not let the floodwaters engulf me
or the depths swallow me up
or the pit close its mouth over me.

Answer me, LORD, out of the goodness of your love;
in your great mercy turn to me.
Do not hide your face from your servant;
answer me quickly, for I am in trouble.
Come near and rescue me;
deliver me because of my foes (NIV).

Reflection

I have a confession to make and here it is: I don’t understand God.

Maybe a better way of putting this is to say that I have a limited understanding of God. Yes, I have studied a lot about God, and I have written a lot about Him, but my understanding is small—miniscule beside an all-knowing God of infinite wisdom.

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Prairie Frost—photo by Donald Adam

In particular I do not understand God’s timing. When I pray, I want prompt answers. I run my life by a clock and a schedule, but God seems quite unimpressed by my propensity for planning. He’s been known to show up when I least expect Him. Furthermore, when I desperately want Him to put in an appearance, He usually keeps me waiting.

He’s like a bad date. Speaking of a date, dear God, is that answer I want coming tomorrow, next week or next year?

I’m in good company. David seemed to have the same problem with God. Hear his plea, “But I pray to you, LORD, in the time of your favor; in your great love, O God, answer me with your sure salvation.“

There’s one thing I know. Amazing things happen in the time of God’s favor. So like David, I’ll call out to Him. I’ll wait for Him. He is well worth waiting for, because when the LORD shows up everything changes. I change; the world changes.

Response: LORD God, favor me. Show up in your perfect timing. I need you now. I need you always. You know best. Answer me with your sure salvation. Amen.

Your Turn: Do you sometimes get impatient with God?

With All My Heart

06 Wednesday Jan 2016

Posted by in Mid-Week Medtiation, Psalms

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I will praise you, LORD, with all my heart and tell about the wonders you have worked (Psalm 9:1, CEV).

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Skaters, Rideau Canal, Ottawa, ON — photo by Karen Kitz

Reflection

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

There is something both attractive and compelling about giving your all. A half-hearted effort draws no applause. But we stand and cheer when we see someone give their very best, whether it’s in sports, art or music.

The psalmist, David, gave his all in praise. He declares, “I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.”

God notices when we give our best to Him in praise.

Response: LORD God, I want to praise you with my whole heart. You are an awesome God, who hears and forgives. Thank you. Amen.

Your Turn: Have you been guilty of half-hearted praise?

Zeal for Your House

05 Tuesday Jan 2016

Posted by in Psalm 69, Psalms

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Reading:                                           Psalm 69

Verses 6-12

Lord, the LORD Almighty,
may those who hope in you
not be disgraced because of me;
God of Israel,
may those who seek you
not be put to shame because of me.
For I endure scorn for your sake,
and shame covers my face.

 I am a foreigner to my own family,
a stranger to my own mother’s children;
for zeal for your house consumes me,
and the insults of those who insult you fall on me.
When I weep and fast,
I must endure scorn;
when I put on sackcloth,
people make sport of me.
Those who sit at the gate mock me,
and I am the song of the drunkards. (NIV).

Reflection

The start of a new year is a time when many of us set goals and consider our progress over the past year. Our personal goals spring from those things we value and hold dear. So what did David, the author of this psalm, value and hold dear? According to his own words, David was motivated by his zeal for the house of God. He longed to be in God’s presence and to seek His face. He placed his love for God ahead of his love for even his family.

Ashley River Baptist Church

Ashley River Baptist Church, Charleston, SC – photo by David Kitz

I am a foreigner to my own family, a stranger to my own mother’s children; for zeal for your house consumes me…

Many of us would call that misplaced zeal, even fanaticism. But Jesus called for precisely this kind zeal from his disciples.  

“Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it” (Matthew 10:37-39).

After Jesus cleansed the temple, his disciples recalled the words from this psalm. His disciples remembered that it is written: “Zeal for your house will consume me” (John 2:17).

Response: LORD God, give me a zeal for your house and your presence. As the year unfolds, I want my values to be reflected in my actions and my passion for you. Replace my lukewarm heart with a burning desire to know and love you. Amen.

Your Turn: Where does the house of God rate on your zeal meter?