PSALM PARAPHRASES

PSALM 1

To be envied is the man who does not make daily life decisions based on the advise of those who leave God out of their lives.  This man does not stand with, or stand up for people who act contrary to the character of God.  He does not throw in his lot with those who don’t believe there is a God, or those who don’t care.  

To be envied is the man who takes joy and pleasure in living in obedience to God.  Night and day he studies God’s Word, and communicates with himself in order to make decisions based on what he  knows is pleasing in God’s sight.  

This godly man shall flourish.  God Word will continually supply all the nutrition and support that he needs for spiritual growth.  His spiritual life will be healthy and he will bring forth fruit.  He will be able to withstand hard times.  He will not get weary in well doing and his efforts for the Lord will prosper.  

The opposite is true of the ungodly.  They are not to be envied.  If you choose to ignore or disobey God’s Word,  your life will produce nothing of value.  All your works and deeds will not only not count,  they will be blown away.

When judgment time comes, you will not have a leg to stand on.  You will be in a group completely separate from those who are anticipating reward.  

Don’t make a mistake…God knows the life and choices of both the godly and the wicked.  Those who choose to ignore God have nothing to look forward to for all eternity.

PSALMS  2

“Escaping God’s Authority”

Why do people think that they can ignore or get out from under the authority of God?  No matter how much they kick and scream, they are imagining something that can never happen.  No matter how many earthly kings and rulers decide that they will not submit to God’s authority, and try to break loose from His control,  it does not change anything.  Even if all the kings and rulers joined together against God, is it possible for them to win?

God is not threatened by man’s pathetic attempts to ignore His authority.  He is the sovereign Lord.  Because God is very displeased with the hardness of their hearts, they will one day, not only fear Him, they will hear and see His wrath.  

God will set up His king in Jerusalem.  This king will be God’s Son, Jesus, who was raised from the dead.  Because of Jesus’ humility and obedience to His Father, all He needs to do is ask and all people and lands will be under His authority.  The entire world will be His possession.  When He rules He will have supreme authority.  He will use His “rod of iron” to break the “clay pots” that rebel against Him.  

If you allow yourself to be instructed instead of stubborn rebellion, this would be a wise move.  If you serve Him and obey Him, you’ll find rejoicing at the end of the journey.  It is in your overall best interest to honor God and His Son.  Failure to honor God results in God’s anger and death.  A little portion of God’s wrath can do a lot of damage.  Trust Him instead of fighting against Him.  It’s a really good idea to be on God’s side.       

 Psalm 3

“David Running From Absalom”

Lord, the opposition is great.  There are many that have risen up against me.  They have surrounded me.  Escape seems unlikely.  People are convinced that I am done.  I have fallen out of favor with God.  They believe that God will not come to my rescue.  They say that God is not interested in my plight.  As I pause to think about that… “are they right?”

No, they are not right!  I know by experiences of the past that you are my full body shield.  If I have accomplished anything in my life, I owe it all to God.  If I become discouraged, God is the one who encourages me and lifts my head.   I pray to God from His temple here in Jerusalem, and He hears me from His throne in heaven.  The fact that God listens to our prayers…should make us pause and really think about how amazing that is.

I can sleep at night because I trust Him and I’m confidently resting in His care.  I can close my eyes knowing that I will wake up alive and safe the next morning.  You know, it really doesn’t matter how many take sides against me, even if 10,000 have totally surrounded me and it looks hopeless.  You’ve saved me before and you can do it again.  One punch from you,  in the mouth of my enemies, will knock their teeth out.  They will cease to be a threat.  If I am to be delivered, you are the one who will do it.  God takes care of His own.  It is God’s desire to pour out His blessing upon those who have a relationship with Him. 

Psalm 4

“How To Behave When In Distress”

Please hear me O God.  You know of my innocence, you know that I am righteous.  You know this is not what I want.  When I’ve been in tight places before, you broke down barriers and created space for me.  Again, I need your mercy, even though I don’t deserve it.  My life has many shortcomings.  Please hear me!

Listen, you friends of Absalom.  You might want to consider which side you are on.  How long will you continue to attack me when God is the one exalting me?  How long will you pursue selfish ambition?  How long will you continue to spread and follow lies?  You need to stop and think long and hard about your actions.

You need to know and understand that the Lord has set me apart for Himself.  This has been going on for a long time.  God has a purpose for my life.  I want to live a life that gives the right opinion of God.  He does and will hear my prayer.  You want to fight against that?

For those of you who are on my side,  first, we need to stand in awe of our God.  We need to understand the moment, and see what God is about to do. Secondly, we need to live in obedience, make sure that sin has been taken care of.  Also don’t let your anger at the situation cause you to sin.  Thirdly, instead of worrying about what others are doing, we need to check out our own hearts.  As you lie down for the night, pray and ask God for wisdom.  Fourthly, and maybe the hardest, just be still.  Silence is a good plan…act don’t react.  At this point it might be a good idea to again, stop and think about all that is happening.  

The fifth thing that we need to do is live a righteous life.  Do the right things for the right reasons.  This kind of sacrifice pleases God.  Finally, we need to TRUST IN THE LORD.  The size and number of the enemy is insignificant to the Lord.     

If we follow and practice the six items above, God will show us His goodness and favor.  Man pleads for God to show some light at the end of the tunnel.  Is there any good that will come from this?  God’s smile, the light of God’s presence can change the darkness to daylight.  God will put gladness in our hearts that will be greater that the joy of a bountiful harvest.  The goodness of God and the gladness in our hearts will only be rivaled by the peace and safety He provides.  I can close my eyes and sleep in peace fully aware that God ALONE is the one who can rescue me.  

A Confident Cry For Help

PSALM  5

Dear Lord, when something is constantly going over and over in my mind, please pay attention to my words.  These thoughts may go from inward meditation to an outward cry for HELP because I am in great distress!  You are my king.  You are my God.  I’m counting on you and no one else to hear my petition.  If something is really troubling me, you can listen for me in the morning as soon as I rise.  Looking to you gives me hope for the day.  

There are some that cannot expect their prayer to be heard.  God is not pleased, nor inclined to help those who are wicked.  Those whose lives and choices run contrary to the nature and character of God.  God and evil cannot dwell together in the same house.  God doesn’t like or tolerate evil.  Some men are foolish. These men know what is right, but they chose to do what pleases them in the moment.  They have no respect for God’s opinion or God’s authority, as a result, they too cannot expect to stand before God and have their petitions answered.  God hates the stubborn and rebellious heart that will not acknowledge His existence, His authority or His gifts to mankind.  God not only doesn’t help liars, He destroys them.  Liars and false teachers lead people away from the true God and God’s plan for the salvation of mankind.  God also hates murder and deceit…two words that clearly describe Satan.  The Devil is a deceiver and a destroyer  (John 8:44).   

Now Lord I want you to know that I am different from those men.  I desire to approach God’s house and worship recognizing that its only possible because of your mercy.  My worship will be my awesome respect for your laws.  I will worship you by obeying your commands.  I want you to lead me.  I am ready to follow your path and plan for my life.  Show me where to walk safely.  Show me the clearly the path that I should take and I will follow it.

Again, the wicked man and his words cannot be trusted.  He has no loyalty to God.  His heart and mind are very wicked.  He has a filthy, deadly mouth that seeks to gain favor with God and others by issuing false loyalty and praise and saying what people want to hear to gain an advantage for themselves.  Let them work their schemes and plans until they lead themselves to destruction.  Their sins are many, but the main thing is rebellion against God and His authority.  They will NOT submit to God’s authority.

Lord, I know and am confident that you defend those who trust you and love you.  Knowing of your protection, causes your people to rejoice and shout for joy.  It is also awesome how you surround your people with blessings and favor.  

Psalm 6

“Let My Enemies Be Wrong”

Please Lord, when you seek to correct my activities, don’t do it in your anger.  If I don’t listen to your instruction and you need to discipline me, again, please don’t do it when you’re angry.  I need your mercy Lord.  This chastening, designed to restore me to fellowship with you, has been pretty hard on me.  I have become physically weak.  My bones even hurt.  I am in such a bad way, that my soul even hurts.  I need you to show your mercy by not delaying to come to my rescue.  I’m not claiming to be innocent.  I just really need to be restored to fellowship with you.  

This has gone on long enough.  I am weak, and at the point of death.  If I die, no one will ever again hear from me how awesome you really are.  If I’m dead,  people will never again hear me praise and thank you for all you’ve done for me.  If I live, I’ll be able to honor you better.  I’m weary from being weary.  I cry throughout the night.  I cry so much that my bed is soaking wet with tears.  I’m tired of being miserable.  I can’t see an end to this.  There seems to be no light at the end of the tunnel.  My enemies are enjoying my misery.  They are convinced that you won’t deliver me.  I’m struggling not to believe them.

I won’t lose my confidence in the Lord.  Enemies!  Get lost…go away; stay away.  I know God hears me!  He hears and knows about by tears.  He has heard all my petitions and prayers.  Not only has God heard my prayers, He has received them…He’s going to do something about it.  If you’re my enemy, you’re God’s enemy and you have chosen poorly.  

Lord, help them see that they are on the wrong side.  May there be some serious consequence for their actions.  May it be that the next time they see me, I’ll be restored and delivered.  Lord, I know that they are wrong.  Matter of fact, right NOW would be a good time for them to understand the relationship we have with one another.  

PSALM  7

Despite the attacks from others,  I will depend and trust in my God.  Lord, I need you to save and deliver me from those who persecute me without cause.  Just like the Devil, (I Peter 5:8), their plan is to attack and tear my soul apart as a lion tears his prey.  They are counting on no one coming to my rescue.  If I am guilty, if I have done wrong, if I have treated someone unfairly, or been deceitful and treacherous,  then I deserve the attack.  If I deserve it Lord, then let my enemy win.  Let him persecute my soul, let him tread down my life and remove all honor from my name.  However, none of this is true.  I saved the life of a man who without cause, is my enemy.

Lord, I need you to awake and arise to my defense.  You should wake up angry because of all the noise the enemy has created.  You promised, if they behaved badly that they would be punished.  Lord, if you show up, your people will rally around you.  They all need that encouragement.  When you show up to judge all mankind, I have nothing to fear.  Check it out, I am not guilty of what they are accusing me.  I have walked in integrity towards Saul and his entire family.  I would like the wicked behavior of the wicked to cease.  Please clear me of these charges.  Lord, you know my heart and inner thoughts.  I know you will come to the right decision concerning my heart and motives.  You are the rightful judge and your opinion is the only one that matters.  The wicked are in trouble because God hates sin and His wrath against the wicked can be seen every day.  If the wicked does not change his behavior, God will pursue him with His sword, with His bow and arrows and with other weapons ordained to destroy the wicked.  

Sometimes its hard to understand, but the wicked are their own worst enemy.  They work hard at doing wrong.  They continually give birth to mischief.  They originate and manufacture lies.  They have dug their own grave and fallen into it.  It is clear that they will eventually reap what they have sown.  All their evil thoughts, plans and deeds will fall violently upon their own heads.

I know all this and praise God because He is righteous.  I can sing this song because the name of God is worth praising.  His name is a reflection of His character and everything He is.  God can be trusted because He is always righteous.

HOW  EXCELLENT  IS  THY  NAME

Psalm  8

Lord, I am so glad that you are OUR LORD.  Your excellent character is known throughout the earth.  You are not just a tribal God for Israel, your name is universally known to be excellent.  Your glory is incomprehensible.  It is above and beyond the heavens.  

You show your awesome power by using helpless, nursing babies to fight against your enemies.  We can’t do much in our own strength.  We are so weak and so small, but with your power, you can use us to destroy large enemies.  I remember a time when a baby went to fight a giant.  Little children cry out perfect praise to you…The confidence and perfect faith of singing children silences the voices of your enemies.  

How amazingly creative are your hands, or should I say fingers.  By holy design and decree, you made the moon and the stars.  

How amazing is your plan for mankind!  What are we?   We have pride, but should we?  We are weak and frail.  We are children of the earth, or dust.  We are really no big deal.  You choose to include us in your plans.  Why do you even think about us?  Why do you make yourself known to us?  Why do you desire to spend time with us?  For some reason, you choose to honor us.  For now, we have been created a “little lower” than the angels.  They have better bodies and abilities.  They are not subject to death.  But still, we are higher than animals.  We are fearfully and wonderfully made.  Higher than animals, a little lower than angels, but one day, when we get our new bodies, we will judge and rule over angels 

(I Corinthians 6:3).  We will have dominion over all of the works of your hands.  Now it is earthly animals and such, but one day it will include heavenly bodies as well.  You have given us responsibility and dominion over all the land beasts, including sheep and oxen.  We also have dominion over the birds and the fish and whatever other sea beasts roam through the PATHS OF THE SEA.  

We are now back to where we started.   The God of the universe is interested in exalting frail men to positions of honor.  Lord, I am so glad that you are OUR LORD.  Your excellent character is known throughout the earth.

PSALM  9

“There Is A God And You’re Not Him”

I will praise thee with all of my being.  I will praise thee with all my heart, soul and mind.  I will take the time to point out to others all your marvelous works, everything from the creation of the world to how you show yourself in the daily affairs of our lives.  I am so glad that you are my God.  I am so filled with joy that I can’t help but sing to the God who is above all gods.

I have many reasons for my praise.  The first is that you rebuke my enemies.  They attack and have to retreat.  They think they are attacking me, but in reality they encounter you.  You are constantly at my side and on my side.  You continually show that I am in the right and that I am supposed to be the King of Israel.  You sit on your throne and rule everything in a righteous manner.  You have rebuked the heathen, time and time again…but they just don’t heed.  Their life, names and deeds will all be blotted out and forgotten.  All the things they considered to be accomplishments result in no eternal rewards or glory.  

A second reason for my praise is that you are a refuge for those who know you.  Enemies will come to an end, but God is not going anywhere.  He is the judge now and will be the final judge.  He is ready and capable to judge and whatever He decides will be right.  God is a refuge, a high and safe place.  He is an impenetrable stronghold.  You can run to him…his gates are open when you are oppressed or in times of trouble.  The more you know about God, the more you can trust Him.  I know by experience that God doesn’t forsake or turn His back on those that are seeking Him.  

The third reason for my praise is that God avenges the righteous and rights all wrongs.  God’s people need to know that He is present with us.  They need to know and be reminded of all His deeds.  He remembers all those who have served Him and lost their lives…their murders will be carefully investigated.  God will collect all the facts.  He will get to the bottom of the crime.  He will enquire with all diligence and care.  He hears every cry and does not forget the cry of the humble.  He show mercy when I am in trouble.  He comes to my rescue even when it appears to me that its too late.  

The final reason that I will praise Him is that He ALWAYS judges right.  I want to let all the people know.  I want God’s people to continually hear of God’s deliverance.  God not only is aware of the deeds of the wicked, he causes the plans and traps of the wicked to backfire on themselves.  They fall into the pit that they dug.  They get caught in the net that they hid.  God has a reputation for getting things right.  Again, the wicked reap what they sow and snare themselves in the traps they have set for the righteous.  Mankind should pause, stop and think seriously about how awesome our God is.

The wicked and all the nations that pay no attention to God or His laws, will have a horrible end.  The needy will be remembered.  The poor will have more than they ever could have imagined.  Oh God, its time to let the whole world see who you are.  Show the heathen that they are not winning…put them in fear and terror.  Help the nations to see and realize that they are just weak, frail, puny men attempting to go up against the great God of the universe.  God is almighty and men are just dust.  Now that is something that men should seriously pause to consider.  

PSALM 10

“OK…You Can Come Out Now”

Dear God, why are you standing so far away?  Why do you seem to be hiding when I need you most?  

The wicked take advantage of those less fortunate.  They are full of themselves.  They think they are superior to others.  Wouldn’t it humbling and embarrassing for them if they got caught in their own schemes and traps.  The wicked boast and brag about all their accomplishments and conquests.  It doesn’t matter to them how these accomplishments came about.  Matter of fact they praise others who selfishly take whatever they want.  They cheer and hold in admiration the very men and practices that God hates.  These wicked men will not seek after God.  They choose to ignore God.  Their pride does not allow them to recognize God’s role in their lives.  Who needs God?  They think they have accomplished everything on their own.  They don’t like to even think about God…He is far from their thoughts.  For these men, it is far too difficult and troublesome to do things God’s way.  They do not believe that they are accountable to God.  As far as they are concerned, God is out of sight and out of mind.  We don’t need to worry about consequences…there won’t be any.  These wicked men think they are invincible…nothing bad will ever happen to them.  They are not going to change or move from the self-confidence that blinds them.  

These wicked men have a mouth that does nothing but sin.  They are constantly cursing men and God.  Their mouths are filled with lies and deceit.  They will say and do whatever to gain the greatest advantage.  Their words give them away.  They cannot be trusted.  They foolishly choose to ignore God and do what pleases them.  Most of their words are empty, prideful and worthless.  Godless men are willing to do whatever they want to get what they want.  They plan and plot to pounce and kill.  Their eyes are always looking for an advantage.  They lie in wait as a hungry lion.  They set traps to take advantage of others.  They pretend to be a friend, just to give themselves an advantage.  They believe God doesn’t keep track of their wrongdoings.  They believe God doesn’t care, or that he is looking the other way.  They don’t believe God sees everything, so they feel free to do as they please.

Lord, we need you to awake, arise and spring into action.  Don’t forget those who humbly rely on you.  Raise your hand to smite down the wicked.  Please prove to the wicked that they are wrong.  They are not afraid.  They hold you in contempt.  They believe that they are going to get away with everything.  Lord, I know you know what they are saying and what they are doing.  You’ve seen their mischief.  You’ve heard their spite.  I know you can do something about it.  The poor are counting on you…they have no one else.  Break the power and control of the wicked.  Render them incapable to hurting anyone.  Uncover all their evil deeds and put a stop to all of it.  Let them know that you are the boss.  You are the king, and you’re not giving up your throne anytime soon.  When you establish your kingdom on earth, there will be no room for wickedness.  Please act on what you have heard…I know you have heard us…give us something to look forward to…We know your love and character.  You are incapable of ignoring our humble cry.  Please decide in our favor so that frail, puny men of dust will recognize your authority and stop oppressing others.  

 “How Dare You Tell Me To Run”

PSALM  11

My friends and enemies alike are telling me to “head for the hills”.  I’m trusting in the Lord, and somehow they are convinced that that is not enough.  “It is in your best interest to flee and not take a stand”.  There is no question that there is some danger.  Those who mean to do me harm have grabbed their bow…they have placed an arrow on the string, and have pulled the string back…ready to launch.  It certainly doesn’t seem like a bluff…I think they intend to do me harm.  Their plan involves an ambush, or some kind of an attack when I least expect it.  Their goal is to eliminate everyone who has an interest in pleasing God.  They also want to attack, discredit, ignore and destroy the foundation of morality…the Word of God.  If God’s laws are thrown out and ignored…the righteous really have no choice but to run…right?

I have every reason to be afraid, but then again I have reasons why I should not be afraid.  The Lord is in His holy temple…He hasn’t gone anywhere.  The Lord is on His throne.  From His vantage point in heaven, He sees everything.  He tries, measures, examines and seriously studies everything.  He examines even the righteous.  He chastens and disciplines in order to improve and approve us.  Even though He tests the righteous, He detests the wicked.  It is fairly strong language, but God’s soul hates the wicked.  God will judge the wicked.  He will rain snares, fire and brimstone upon them…not to correct, but to destroy.  These storms and tempests are exactly what the wicked have coming for their deeds.

God loves the righteous.  His presence and countenance shadows over us every day.  One day we will be in His presence for all eternity.  Tell me again, WHY SHOULD I RUN?

“LOOKING  FOR  A  FEW  GOOD  MEN” 

PSALM  12

Lord we definitely are going to need some help.  We are looking for godly men and godly leaders.  We are having a bit of trouble finding any.  There are less and less godly men.  There are less and less faithful men.  They are vanishing or seem to have disappeared completely.  This places us in somewhat of a crisis.

The problem is heightened because there seems to be quite a number of ungodly men.  They are somewhat easy to recognize.  Their words are self-serving, deceitful and empty.  They speak flattery.  They complement and appear to favor others so that they can gain an advantage or receive something in return.  They speak with mixed motives.  The hearer has one thing in mind, while the speaker is practicing deceit.  The wicked disguise their motives through hypocrisy.  Their heart is not interested in blessing your heart.  God is going to put a stop to all of this, but the wicked continue to speak proudly.  They think “what we say goes”. 

“We will win others over to our side”.  “We can say whatever we want!”  “We have the right to our opinion!”  “No one rules over us; no one tells us what to do!”  “We don’t care what God thinks or hears!”  “We will not submit to God’s authority over our lives!”  

These ungodly men also oppress the poor and needy.  The poor sigh, begging for relief or justice.  The wicked don’t care.  They ignore the cries of the poor.  They consider the poor and needy insignificant.  They take advantage of others because they can.  

Fortunately, even though godly men are disappearing and wicked men appear to be everywhere, God is still protecting His own.  God will set the poor and needy in a safe place where the wicked can’t get to them.  God means what He says…He will keep all His promises.  He won’t go back on His word…you can consider and count on His word as being extremely valuable.  God will preserve His people from the attacks of this generation.  God will preserve His people for all eternity.  

Don’t allow the circumstances of this world to cause you to lose trust in God.  Remember, you’re not counting on men.  In this world, when wicked leaders rise to power…when we as a society honor the wrong “heroes” and elect ungodly men and women, then other wicked people will come out of the woodwork.  Wicked people have nothing to fear from wicked leaders.  There is no consequence for wickedness when wicked men rule.

PSALM  13

“I Believe…Help My Unbelief”

How long will it be before you come to my rescue?  It feels like you have forgotten me.  Are you ever going to help me?  If I had some idea of how long it would be, maybe I could be more patient.  How long are you going to look the other way and ignore my problem?  How long am I going to be left to my own thoughts and doubts?  This daily sorrow causes me to wrestle with my own thoughts.  How long shall the enemy hold the upper hand?

Please consider and think about responding to me.  You are my Lord and my God.  I am trusting in no one else.  Things are so bad that I am tired, depressed and losing hope.  I need some encouragement lest I give up all together.  I don’t want my faith in you to die.  I don’t want my enemies to think that they have succeeded.  They rejoice when it appears that I am moved from my confidence in God.  The enemy, including the Devil, rejoices when it appears the God has let his people down, or God’s people lose hope in God.  The enemy is pretty good at getting us to doubt God’s knowledge and love.

But I have learned from my past to trust God.  I have and will continue to trust in God’s loyal and unfailing love for me.  I know down deep inside God will eventually deliver me.  It’s not a matter of “IF He will”…it’s a matter of “WHEN He will”.  I am already prepared to rejoice in what God is going to do.  When this is all over, I will sing praise to His name.  God has always treated me far above what I deserve.  Truth be told God has showered blessing upon me and allowed me to experience an abundant life.  

PSALM  14

“The  View From Heaven”

When God looks upon the earth and man in particular, He doesn’t just see our actions, He sees our hearts.  Many “foolish” people have said in their hearts that there is no God.  They might pretend to acknowledge His existence.  They would probably never claim to be atheists.  But their actions and behavior betray their heart.  They live and conduct their lives as if there “IS NO GOD”.  Sad as it may sound, we live in a world full of fools.  God also sees the corrupt sinful thoughts and deeds.  All sin is an abomination to God.  It seems that there is NO ONE SEEKING TO DO RIGHT IN GOD’S SIGHT”.  As God scans the earth, His observation is correct, He finds no one who really understands and desires to seek God.  Many are trying to ignore or hide from God.  They can’t hide because not only are their deeds filthy in God’s sight. They stink as well.  There is none that doeth good, no, not one.       

Have the sinful people not heard of God?  Don’t they know that there are consequences for their actions?  They seem to be unconcerned about the judgment.  They take advantage of others less fortunate than themselves.  They are self-sufficient and never pray or seem to need God’s assistance.  However much of this is just surface behavior.  They appear to be somewhat carefree and without conscience, when in reality they are extremely fearful from within.  If there is no God then no one is in control.  Everything is left to chance and happenstance.  The world has no order or laws.  God is not with them, and they know it.  Maybe those who believe in God and desire a relationship with Him are correct.  They should also be aware that the very people they are trying to take advantage of, are the very people God has promised protection and refuge.  

Wouldn’t it be great if the world was different.  Wouldn’t it be great if Jesus would come to earth and set up His kingdom.  “THY KINGDOM COME, THY WILL BE DONE, ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN”.  Israel will be exalted, and the people will return to their land.  Christ will rule in Jerusalem.  The people of the world will know that there is a God…no more corruption, no more stinking filthiness, no more taking advantage of others and no more disregard for things that are important to God.  When this new world comes, both Israel and Jacob shall rejoice.  

PSALM  15

“WHO GET’S TO DWELL IN GOD’S HOUSE?”

Lord, I have a question for you.  Who gets to live with you in your dwelling place?  When you come to dwell in Jerusalem on Mt. Zion, who will feel right at home with you?  

The Lord’s response was, “those who walk uprightly”.  Those who believe Jesus is God’s Son and show it by their godly manner of life.  These folks have a strong backbone and desire blameless conduct.  The folks that will dwell with the Lord are those who work righteousness.  People who not only do the right thing, they do it with the right motivation.  They are genuine believers.  The truth is within their hearts.  They are not interested in backbiting, slander or gossip.  They do not want to cause harm with their tongue.  They desire to treat people right.  They are not interested in taking advantage or spreading nastiness about their neighbor.  Those who please the Lord will be those who hate what God hates.  They will speak out against sin and ungodly men.  They will not envy, honor, tolerate or approve of wicked men and their behavior.  They will honor and respect everyone who seeks to live in obedience to God and His Word.  These dwellers with God are men and women of character.  They will keep their promises and agreements even if circumstances have changed to their detriment.  They are resolved to keep their word.  They will not be moved from their original promise.  Again, they will not financially or in any way take advantage of others problems or misfortune,

I have just listed ten of many different ways to live in obedience to God.  Those who have trusted Christ, and live in obedience will have inner assurance that their relationship with Christ and his closeness to them will never be in question.  Even though works is not essential for salvation, living in obedience to God guarantees consistent fellowship with Him…and you will know it.

PSALM 16

“HE  IS  ALL  I  NEED”

When it comes to getting through the trials of life, God, you are the one I chose to trust.  I need you to deliver me when I’m in trouble and to keep me safe daily.  From deep down within my heart and soul, I am trusting in you and you alone.  There is nothing that I can add to this equation.  My goodness or efforts add nothing to your help and assistance.  Matter of fact, I am no good apart from you.  I cannot do this on my own.  However, God has asked me to use my efforts to help and assist other godly men.  I enjoy being with and assisting godly men and women.  These people are set apart unto the Lord.  They are truly noble ones deserving of honor.  On the other hand, I will have no part in participating, helping or assisting men who serve themselves or some other god.  I will not permit them to sway me.  I will not associate with them.  Things will not end well for those you do not worship the true God.  Their sorrows will be multiplied.     

I need nothing else.  When rewards are handed out…all I really want is to be with the Lord.  I really don’t care much about the other stuff.  The Lord is looking out for me.  He fills my cup.  He satisfies my soul.    He takes care of every need I have.   When I think about my life, and how things have been handed out by God, I’m doing pretty well.  I have receive a good lot.  I have no complaints.  I have so much to be thankful for.  God gives me counsel and direction.  He guides me from within when troublesome times come.  He speaks to my heart at night, when the cares of this world have been silenced.   The Lord is always the one I will turn to, He is right next to me.  I choose to always be in His presence.  Because of this, the storms won’t move me.  Keeping Him close, keeps me from sin.  

Because you are right at my side when trouble comes, my heart is glad and even my flesh is at rest because of the hope of eternal life.  No matter what the difficulty or how difficult the circumstance may be, God will not leave me.  Its important to Him that I am protected.  Even in death, the grave will not separate me from God‘s presence.  I have that assurance because of Jesus‘ resurrection.   God will show me the right path every day for my life.  Walking with God in this life and knowing His presence with me brings great joy.  The future will find me at God’s right hand where there are pleasures for all eternity.  

PSALM  17

“ASKING  FOR  GOD’S  HELP”

Lord, I’m asking for your help.  I’m trying my best to do right.  Please hear me.  Attend to my cry and give ear to my prayer.  I invite you to examine my heart and motives.  I speak and pray with genuine honesty and sincerity.  You check it out and see for yourself that my righteousness is not fake or pretend.  I’m not looking for favoritism.  I know you will be fair once you look at my heart.  You’ve tested my heart before…you visited me in the darkness to see if I was still doing right.  I’m pretty sure I’ve passed your tests…I’m not sinless…but I am blameless on this occasion.  Even my words have been without blame.  I have purposed and worked pretty hard to make sure even my tongue is under control.  The temptation to do wrong has been pretty great.  The works and deeds of men have certainly pushed me to react.  But it’s your words and promises that keep me on the straight and narrow.  If I followed the Devil’s path and yielded to temptation, it would only lead me to destruction.  I’ve done my best to stay on your path…I’m glad you’re around to hold me up and keep me in place when the path gets a little slippery and difficult.  

  Lord, I’m asking for your help because you are the only one who can help.  You are the only one I trust.  I know you will hear me.  I am asking the all powerful God of the universe to bend down, incline your ear and hear my prayer.  I know you are capable.  I would like to witness again one of your marvelous acts of loving kindness and deliverance.  Many times I have witnessed the strength of your right hand as it delivers those who are trusting in you.  When God is fighting for us, the enemies of God’s people are crushed.  Keep loving me.  Keep treating me as the “apple of your eye”.  Keep me close to you, under the shadow of your wings.  

Lord, I’m asking for your help because the enemy wants to harm me.  They not only oppress me, they want to kill me.  The enemy has me surrounded.  I can’t talk my way out of this because their hearts are fat, and they won’t listen.  They are self-serving.  They are not interested in the truth or what plans you may have for Israel’s future.  They brag on themselves.  They boast of their past accomplishments as well as boasting concerning my future fate.  I can’t get away.  They have my path blocked.  They are looking at me the way a lion looks at food.  They are lurking, waiting in secret, looking for the right opportunity to pounce.  I know that sometimes you allow the enemy to be successful in order to chasten or to teach a lesson.  Please Lord, don’t let this be one of those times.  Please, cause THEM to be disappointed.  

Lord, I’m asking you for your help because we are going to spend eternity together.  The wicked have their portion in this present world.  Some wicked men prosper greatly.  They seem to have an abundance of this world’s goods.  They are lacking for nothing.  Their bellies are satisfied with the treasures of here and now.  For them, the best this world has to offer is for them to get gain and to pass these earthly treasures on to their children.  But as for me, I’m looking forward to seeing your face.  After my death, I will awake in thy presence.  It will be extremely satisfying to stand before you knowing that everything is right.  Wickedness and sin will no longer be a problem as I will be conformed to the image of your Son.  

PSALM  18

“GOD IS MY  ________ !”

BACKGROUND:  II Samuel 21:12-22

Lord, I love thee with the most sincere love that a man can possess.  Lord, you are my STRENGTH.  As far as protection is concerned, you are my rock, you are my fortress, you are my deliverer and my God, you are my shield and strength…if I’m looking for a safe place, you are my high tower.  Your care for me is praise worthy.  Every time I call on you, you save me from the attacks of my enemies.  

Lord, you are my CURE FOR FEAR.  I have every right to be afraid.  The thoughts and sorrows of death have me all tangled up.  There are lots of ungodly men that would love to see harm come to me.  I am surrounded by thoughts of dying and the grave.   I find myself in great distress as the enemy has set traps for me.  I don’t know which way to move or turn.  You cure my fears because my cry can be heard by you no matter where I am, or what the troubling circumstance may be.

Lord, you are the one I count on for DELIVERANCE.  I have seen it before, when God’s anger is directed at those who seek to injure his children, the earth moves.  Not just a little, the earth quakes violently.  The foundations of the hills are moved.  Steam and smoke flow from God’s nostrils and fire comes out of his mouth.  Not just a little fire, but a sustainable fire that can ignite coals.  It’s quite a sight when God arrives on the scene.  The heavens bow down and darkness is under his feet.  Sometimes he rides upon angels, other times he just flies on the wings of the wind.  God’s appearance is so awesome that he has to hide his glory in the dark thick clouds.  These clouds appear to be storm clouds.   His brightness is veiled, but his arrival is accompanied by thunder, hailstones and coals of fire.  He is the MOST HIGH GOD.  He is the extremely exalted sovereign God.  He issues orders and they are obeyed.  He arrives with an arsenal of weapons to fight His enemies.  He shoots arrows of lightning that scatter and cause chaos amongst the enemy.  With just a breath of his nostrils he can part the oceans to the point where you can actually see the ocean floor.  Speaking of water, the Lord has many times pulled my out of troubled waters.  I was sinking and in dire straights because my enemy was stronger than me.  The good news is that God is stronger than my strongest enemy.  There have been times when the enemy has had me “dead to rights”.  I was trapped with no where to go…I thought I was a goner.  But the Lord, as always, gets me out of a very tight spot.  He relocates me in a large place without enemy threats.  I’m pretty convinced that I enjoy this favor because the Lord likes me.      

Lord, you are my REWARDER.  I sincerely believe that it pays to do right.  To the best of my knowledge, my hands are clean.  I have kept your words.  I have not ignored any of your laws.  I have made a conscious effort to keep my eyes fixed on pleasing you.  If the action seemed crooked or twisted, I stayed clear of it.  Please look for yourself to see if my hands are indeed clean.  I also anticipate a reward because you are merciful.  Your treatment of me has always been just and with my best interest at heart.

Lord, you are my RESCUER.  You target afflicted people to come to their aid.  Many a time when I am in a dark place, you have lighted my candle.  You have given me the strength to fight my through many men and then find safety after leaping over a wall.  Your plan always works.  I know cause it has worked before…Your plans for my welfare are rock solid and perfect for me.  When the way is difficult and mountainous…you keep my feet from slipping.  Every time I pull back my bow, I know that you are the one giving me the strength to do it.  When I feel weary, I hold the shield that you have provided, but more important is that your right hand holds me up.  I think sometimes you have provided me with special non-slipping tread on my feet.  If I have success in battle you are the one who gives me the courage to relentlessly pursue my enemies.  You cause them to be subdued and fall under my feet.  You’ve allowed me to put my feet on their necks.  No one came to their rescue…some even cried out to you for help.  You did not answer their prayer.  With your help, my enemies are but dust under my feet.  Now that the conflict among ourselves is over, other nations will fear no matter how secure they think their defenses are.  These heathen nations will obey and submit.

Lord, you are my ROCK.  You are a living rock, worthy of praise.  I have no problem letting people know what you have done for me.  You are an avenging rock; a supporting rock and a praise worthy rock.  You pay back those who harm me.  You lift me above my enemies giving me a huge advantage.  I will let all the heathen know that you are the secret to my success.  If they know the secret…they can’t stop you anyways.  You are an everlasting rock.  You cannot be defeated, and you never stop delivering or showing me your mercy.