Read Psalms 81 -- 87
In Today's Reading:
God's goodness and Israel's waywardness; blessedness of living in God's presence; David's desire to walk in truth
The Holy Spirit guided David to unite the only two weapons of our spiritual warfare — prayer and the inspired Word of God. Psalm 86 expresses the power we have when these two become our way of life.
When David prayed: Bow down Thine ear, O L ord, hear me: for I am poor and needy (Psalm 86:1), he was acknowledging his dependence on God (see 86:2). He continued to pray: Be merciful unto me, O L ord: for I cry unto Thee daily (86:3). Although David was the king of Israel he recognized the lordship of God over his life (see 86:4). He often spoke of himself as the servant of the Lord in the Psalms.
David continued in worship to confess God's mercy and readiness to forgive. He expressed the utmost confidence that God listens to His people's prayers and delivers them from all harm regardless of our trouble (see 86:5,7,13,15).
David then asked God to teach him to obey Him. The godly person does not depend upon previous learning to continue a day-by-day walk in the way of truth, but upon God's continual daily guidance through His Word. Instruction is much more than just information; it is also the means to teach obedience, for it carries the thought of correction (see 86:11). The child of God never graduates from God's school of instruction; that is why all of us need to read His Word each day.
A sincere commitment to the Lord is essential. The Apostle Peter recognized this when he admonished us to diligently build upon our faith virtue (moral excellence), then knowledge, then temperance (self-control), then patience, then godliness , then brotherly kindness, which will produce in us genuine charity (love) to do the will of God (see II Peter 1:5-8). The God Who created us has made everything which pertains to life and godliness available to us. His power is made possible as we read His Word, for the Word of God is quick, and powerful (living and active) (Hebrews 4:12). We have the potential to live in obedience to His Word. But, we must take the initiative to build our faith. Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God (Romans 10:17).
Christ Revealed:
By Jerusalem, from where the psalmist declared all of the springs (source) of joy and happiness emanate (see Psalm 87:7). Jesus is the source of our joy as the angel announced at His birth (see Luke 2:10). Jesus also declared: These things have I spoken unto you, that My joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full (John 15:11).
Word Studies:
82:1 among the gods = earthly rulers and judges; 82:4 rid = rescue; 82:5 foundations . . out of course = administration of justice ignored; 82:6 Ye are gods = You are My representatives; 83:2 lifted up the head = exalted themselves.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for World Missionary Press · Government Officials: Rep. Dave Camp (MI), Rep. Scott Garrett (NJ), Sen. Lindsey Graham (SC), and Sec. Donald H. Rumsfeld (Department of Defense) · Country: Italy (58 million) in southern Europe · Major languages: Italian and German · Religious freedom · 81% Roman Catholic; .4% Protestant; .1% Eastern Orthodox · Prayer Suggestion: Rejoice that our Savior lives (John 20:15-18).
Optional Reading: II Thessalonians 3
Memory Verse for the Week: Romans 1:18