SCRIPTURE: Psalm 10:1-18 OBSERVATION: David faces head on the troubling question as to why God seems distant, silent, while the wicked seem to prosper and succeed. His faith is being tested through fire, but he affirms God’s goodness despite what He sees. He declares his confidence in God, then appeals to Him for action. This is…
Author: Norm
Aug 28 — Psalm 9:1-20
SCRIPTURE: Psalm 9:1-20 OBSERVATION: In the context of volatile political and personal crises, David affirms that the Lord is God (in control, sovereign) and is good (just, helps the oppressed). Can we even understand the world in which David lived, more like the instability of the Sudan, eastern Europe in the 90s, Afganistan, Palestine, Iraq, most of…
Aug 27 — Psalm 8:1-9
SCRIPTURE: Psalm 8:1-9 OBSERVATION: David is overwhelmed by the greatness of God, the smallness of humanity, and the wonder that God has chosen us to rule this world for Him. David marvels that God uses the meek (children and infants) to humble the proud and mighty (foe and avenger, v.2). God is greater than everything in…
Aug 26 — Psalm 7:1-17
SCRIPTURE: Psalm 7:1-17 OBSERVATION: David has been cruelly treated by Cush, a Benjamite, perhaps a supporter of the previous king Saul (also a Benjamite). Maybe at the same time as previous Psalm when David was fleeing Absalom’s coup, and he was cursed by Shimei, also a Benjamite (2 Samuel 16:5-12). Here David claims innocence, and we know that…
Aug 25 — Psalm 6:1-10
SCRIPTURE: Psalm 6:1-10 OBSERVATION: David is in physical and emotional/spiritual crisis, possible nearing death. His enemies are attacking him, perhaps like Job’s friends, blaming him for his own suffering. David is in agony, and pleads for mercy. He concludes his prayer with an expression of confidence, “the Lord has heard”. APPLICATION: This is a very graphic…
Aug 24 — Psalm 5:1-12
SCRIPTURE: Psalm 5:1-12 OBSERVATION: David is going through a tough time. He is pleading for the Lord to help him. In this time of waiting, he reminds himself Who the Lord is, what He is like, and that He can be trusted. The Lord will not tolerate wickedness forever, and those who cling to Him and…
Aug 23 — Psalm 4:1-8
SCRIPTURE: Psalm 4:1-8 OBSERVATION: David seems to be in the midst of a crisis, and the people who are troubling him are also mocking him, “turning his glory into shame”. Those with David are despairing, “who can show us any good?” David refuses to give up. He appeals to God for help (mercy) and declares his…
Bible Readings (September)
September 1. Daniel 5:1-16 2. Daniel 5:17-30 3. Daniel 6:1-16 4. Daniel 6:17-28 5. Daniel 7:1-14 6. Daniel 7:15-28 7. Daniel 8:1-14 8. Daniel 8:15-27 9. Daniel 9:1-19 10. Daniel 9:20-27 11. Acts 16:6-15 12. Acts 16:16-40 13. Acts 17:1-15 14. Acts 17:16-34 15. Acts 18:1-17 16. Acts 18:18-28 17. Acts 19:1-22 18. Acts 19:23-41 …
Aug 22 — Psalm 3:1-8
SCRIPTURE: Psalm 3:1-8 OBSERVATION: There is a bigger story behind this psalm, the sad relationship between David and his son, Absalom (2 Samuel 13-19). David shows amazing confidence in God’s help, even though it hasn’t come yet. David speaks with violent passion against his own son (v.7, “strike all my enemies on the jaw; break the teeth of…
Aug 21 — Psalm 2:1-12
SCRIPTURE: Psalm 2:1-12 OBSERVATION: This Psalm is written from King David’s perspective as he deals with neighbouring kingdoms under his rule, agitating for rebellion. David claims God’s backing, therefore the plots and schemes are in vain; their best bet is to surrender to and support God’s appointed ruler… or else. David’s rule is a prophetic anticipation…