Bible Pathways - July 10, 2009

Psalms 88

Highlights In Today's Reading:

Have you ever despaired in the long hours of night, calling out to God in your darkest hours like the psalmist in today's reading? Or, have you experienced the answer of God breaking forth in the dawn bringing light through His wonderful mercy as in this magnificent Psalm 89? Don't miss the 91st — one of the best-loved psalms in today's reading, pledging amazing promises of blessings.

Life is filled with both spiritual and physical dangers and the psalmist regarded God as a refuge and a fortress (91:1-2). The godly recognize the need of a refuge during bodily pain, mental perplexities, sorrows, and struggles. The very nature of trials and testing involves the idea of possible failure. Bodily pain may result in bitterness. Mental perplexities sometimes lead to unbelief.

Since many spiritual conflicts can end in defeat, Christians must recognize their need for a refuge and fortress. They need to remember their adversary, the Devil, as a roaring lion, (who) walketh about, seeking whom he may devour (I Pet 5:8).

Christians are hated by this world's system because they are not of the world (John 17:14). The spirits behind the principles of the world system, many of its practices, many of its amusements, and much of its literature, are opposed to the interests and the spiritual life of the disciple. Moreover, the child of God finds that in himself, there are fleshly lusts, which war against the soul (I Pet. 2:11). The Apostle Paul warned: The carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the Law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God (Rom. 8:7-8).

Powerful forces and seductive influences are brought to bear upon the believer to deceive him and lead him astray. We need a fortress (a protective wall). The psalmist expressed the utmost confidence in the loving care of God when he said: Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day (Ps. 91:5).

The victorious Christian has no confidence in the flesh (Phil. 3:3). His trust is revealed in the Word of God: Be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the Devil. . . . that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the Gospel (Eph. 6:10-19). We have no assurance of the Lord's protection if we choose "ways" that serve self or misapply His Word. But what is there to fear when one remains near the Most High, for His shadow falls constantly upon him.

The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished (II Pet. 2:9).

Thought for Today:

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind (II Tim. 1:7).

Christ Revealed:

By the seed (descendants) of David (Ps. 89:3-4). Concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed (descendants) of David according to the flesh (Rom. 1:3; also Matt. 1:1; Luke 3:31-32).

Word Studies:

88:13 prevent Thee = come before You; 89:10 Rahab = in this context is a symbolic name for Egypt and the world's greatest power (see 87:4; Is. 51:9); 89:24 shall his horn be exalted = he will rise to power; 89:41 spoil = plunder; 90:13 let it repent Thee concerning = take pity on Thy servants; 91:13 dragon = serpent, a reference to Satan. And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years (Rev. 20:2; also 12:3-4,7,9,13,16-17;13:2,4,11).

Prayer Needs:

Pray for English International Shortwave Broadcasts sponsored by Lt. Col. Walter & Penelope Swanson • Government Officials: Rep. Russ Carnahan (MO), Rep. Phil Gingrey (GA), Rep. Ron Klein (FL), and Rep. Tom McClintock (CA) • Country: Switzerland (7 million) in central Europe • Major languages: German and French • Religious freedom • 53% Roman Catholic; 41% Protestant • Prayer Suggestion: Lift up your prayers to the Lord as incense before God (Rev. 8:3-4).

Optional Reading: 1 Timothy 1

Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 7:21