1st

• Strophe 1, is sung God's Victorious March, 1-6;
• Strophe 2, The Wilderness Life Is Described, 7-10;
• Strophe 3, The Victories Which Won The Land are recounted 11-14;
• Strophe 4, The Enviable Lot Of Zion is depicted 15-18, The battle is won, and the Conqueror enters Zion and the Sanctuary there to abide;
• Strophe 5, The Great Alternatives are presented 19-23, we see God as Burden Bearer and Deliverer, and then as Warrior and Destroyer;
• Strophe 6,The Song Of The Saved is sung 24-27, this is a description of a solemn procession of thanksgiving to the Temple;
• Strophe 7, The Prayer of The Procession is recorded 28-31, surely this Strophe is Messianic, and looks forward to a day when this dream shall be fulfilled;
• Strophe 8, is A Call to All Kingdoms, 32-35; It begins with Sing unto God, and ends with Blessed be God; and rests upon the declaration: Jehovah is the God of Israel, and is to become the God of all the earth by the acknowledgement of all peoples. The great truth and message of this Psalm is that God will be finally triumphant and be universally sovereign. The whole Psalm is a paean of praise; it throbs with exultation; in it we hear the roar of battle, melting into the song of triumph.” (Scroggie).
  
       

  Thought: 'Our names are written in the book of life by Christ's ATONEMENT, not by our ATTAINMENT.' (Daily Bread, 1980) ''

"This is one of the clearest of the Theocratic and Messianic Psalms. Of course it has an historical setting, and all its points cannot be introduced into the Messianic interpretation, but neither can all that is said be true of any other than Christ. David had predicted such a reign for Solomon as he here desires for himself. David as king of war laid the righteous foundation on which his son as king of peace built. But the furthest reach of fulfillment of David's prophecy left much of the vision unrealized, and what Solomon here prays for in his kingdom was never experienced, so that the prophecy of the father and the prayer of the son look on to a time still future when God's kingdom on earth shall be perfect and universal. This will be the fulfillment of the prayer Jesus taught His disciples, Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Matthew 6:10. (Scroggie)

      The Psalm has five stanzas, and a doxology; each of the stanzas emphasizes one feature of the King's Reign.

(1)Its Righteousness (1-4). Mark the occurrence of judge, judgment, righteousness, seven times; also the introduction of peace, so often associated in Scripture with righteousness. There can be no abiding peace where the kingdom is not based on righteousness.
(2) Its Perpetuity (5-7) Mark the phrases, as long as, generation after generation, till the moon be no more.
(3) Its Universality (8-11). The Psalmist's range of view is necessarily restricted, yet how wide it is.
(4) Its Humanity (12-15). Here the King's tenderness is in view rather than His might. He cares for the needy, afflicted, weak, oppressed.
(5) Its Felicity (16,17). Here is a picture of abundance and happiness. Quite plainly these words could not apply to any other than Christ, for no other could forever remain, nor could any other be acknowledged by all nations." (Scroggie) "Such a Psalm should be read in these days, to keep faith strong and vision clear. There is a great future for this world. Christ must triumph at last. Doxology (18-20)." (Scroggie).   

Thought: The Perfections of Heaven will more than reward us for the Privations on earth.(Daily Bread, 1979)

Pss.72
[1] Give the king thy judgments, O God, and thy righteousness unto the king's son.
[2] He shall judge thy people with righteousness, and thy poor with judgment.
[3] The mountains shall bring peace to the people, and the little hills, by righteousness.
[4] He shall judge the poor of the people, he shall save the children of the needy, and shall break in pieces the oppressor.
[5] They shall fear thee as long as the sun and moon endure, throughout all generations.
[6] He shall come down like rain upon the mown grass: as showers that water the earth.
[7] In his days shall the righteous flourish; and abundance of peace so long as the moon endureth.
[8] He shall have dominion also from sea to sea, and from the river unto the ends of the earth.
[9] They that dwell in the wilderness shall bow before him; and his enemies shall lick the dust.
[10] The kings of Tarshish and of the isles shall bring presents: the kings of Sheba and Seba shall offer gifts.
[11] Yea, all kings shall fall down before him: all nations shall serve him.
[12] For he shall deliver the needy when he crieth; the poor also, and him that hath no helper.
[13] He shall spare the poor and needy, and shall save the souls of the needy.
[14] He shall redeem their soul from deceit and violence: and precious shall their blood be in his sight.
[15] And he shall live, and to him shall be given of the gold of Sheba: prayer also shall be made for him continually; and daily shall he be praised.
[16] There shall be an handful of corn in the earth upon the top of the mountains; the fruit thereof shall shake like Lebanon: and they of the city shall flourish like grass of the earth.
[17] His name shall endure for ever: his name shall be continued as long as the sun: and men shall be blessed in him: all nations shall call him blessed.
[18] Blessed be the LORD God, the God of Israel, who only doeth wondrous things.
[19] And blessed be his glorious name for ever: and let the whole earth be filled with his glory; Amen, and Amen.
[20] The prayers of David the son of Jesse are ended.

      Many times, when we try to live the Christian life to be obedient and pleasing to God, we see many people who seemingly get by with all kinds of wickedness and it looks as if we have possibly chosen the wrong direction. It's just simply amazing that so many people can get by with so much sin and nothing seemingly happens to them at all. It causes believers to start to doubt what God has commanded Christians to do, doesn't it? We know of course that God will deal with all those wicked people in the end, but just getting through the things that this Psalm talks of, are quite difficult from our perspective. That's why we really need to learn from God's perspective, to trust and obey, for there really is no other way, to be happy in Jesus.

      Asaph, who is the writer of this Psalm, learned this truth too. He was a Levite, who led one of the temple choirs. He became depressed when he contrasted the seeming prosperity of the wicked people with the difficulties of living a righteous life, but his attitude changes completely in vs. 15-17, as he then looks at life from the perspective of being under the control of a sovereign and holy God and he correctly concludes that it is the wicked, not the righteous, who have really made the mistakes.

      Seriously, it really is the wicked who lose in the end, who will spend an eternity without God, who will be repaid for their foolish ways and who will receive their just recompense. God will see to it because He is a just God and He must punish sin. He even states, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, saith the Lord." Question is: Are we ready and willing to accept and believe that He will? We should answer unequivocally: Yes! As believers, we trustingly can begin to take heart in God and take our eyes off the worldly turmoil of this life, the inequities and injustices and instead, focus our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

      Dear Lord God, my Creator, thank You for the victory over sin and death that has already been won because of Christ. Help me to focus my heart and my life on Jesus as my Savior, who knows my hurts and sees my needs and is able to meet them. Help me to trust You. Amen.

      "The singer celebrates a great victory, recognizing it as the work of God."(Morgan). The Psalm tells of a deliverance of Zion from her foes "and the occasion," with a probability which approaches certainty," is the destruction of the army of Sennacherib in the reign of Hezekiah."(Scroggie) "Both 2 Kings 18:13-19; 37 and Isaiah 36-37 record the attack on Judah by the Assyrian king, Sennacherib. That threat to Jerusalem ended when the angel of the Lord struck down 185,000 enemy soldiers in one night and Sennacherib retreated to his capital in Nineveh on the upper Euphrates."(Robert Alden). Here he was slain by his two sons in the house of his god. "Archaeologists have uncovered verification of this biblical account."(Alden).

      The "Psalm is in four strophes of three verses each. The first two strophes describe the act of deliverance, and the last two describe the results.

1. The Revelation of God as Deliverer of Zion, in Zion. (1-3) By His acts is He made known.The scene of this particular act…is made emphatic by the words, ln Judah, in Israel, in Salem, in Zion, there. God is with His people, He is in their midst, so that when enemies assail the true Church they challenge Jehovah to a test of strength.

2.The Utter Overthrow of the enemy. (4-6) How brief and vivid is this description! They came up in hordes with chariots and horses: now they lie prone, their stout hearts are cold, the hands of war are stiff, they are sleeping their last long sleep.

3. The Anger of God and The Awe of The Earth. (7-9) Here, the result of the victory is described. In His great act, wrath and mercy mingled. 4. The God Of Judgment Shall Be Praised. (10-12) The wicked are to be pitied rather than feared.”(Scroggie) We are also dependent upon God as Israel was. The Psalm has value for us today. We are all beset by enemies, within and without, the devil, the world, the flesh, and we are dependent upon God for victory. I John 2:15-17; I Cor. 15:57

Thought: To be on God's side is victory. (Scroggie)

Pss.76
[1] In Judah is God known: his name is great in Israel.
[2] In Salem also is his tabernacle, and his dwelling place in Zion.
[3] There brake he the arrows of the bow, the shield, and the sword, and the battle. Selah.
[4] Thou art more glorious and excellent than the mountains of prey.
[5] The stouthearted are spoiled, they have slept their sleep: and none of the men of might have found their hands.
[6] At thy rebuke, O God of Jacob, both the chariot and horse are cast into a dead sleep.
[7] Thou, even thou, art to be feared: and who may stand in thy sight when once thou art angry?
[8] Thou didst cause judgment to be heard from heaven; the earth feared, and was still,
[9] When God arose to judgment, to save all the meek of the earth. Selah.
[10] Surely the wrath of man shall praise thee: the remainder of wrath shalt thou restrain.
[11] Vow, and pay unto the LORD your God: let all that be round about him bring presents unto him that ought to be feared.
[12] He shall cut off the spirit of princes: he is terrible to the kings of the earth.

      Depression and self centered focus has become an ever-increasing problem with many folks who don't know the Lord. It has even spilled over into the ranks of the people who do profess Christ as Savior. This Psalm shows some interesting details that happen when we go through different problems and it also shows us some very interesting cures in helping us to overcome the depressions and self-centeredness that tends to occupy our lives, especially those without God.

      The psalmist was in a gloomy state and was irritated and depressed. Interestingly, he does something that we, too, can use as we also go through these times. He starts to make an evaluation of what is the matter. Maybe there is sin in his life and God has to use some discipline to correct it. Maybe God is just allowing a refining trial or problem to help him to focus on God and His Word, rather than on self and self's very limited resources. A very useful acronym for daily godly focus is this: ECoPE. Evaluate-Confess-Plan-Execute. E-valuate your life daily before God and His Word. Be willing to C-onfess sin as needed and daily meditate on and memorize His Word in personal devotions. Make a P-lan each day for what God would have you spiritually focus on for that specific day. Obediently E-xecute that plan. Follow through with what God has shown you through His Word to live your life in obedience to Him. This has helped a lot of God fearing Christians to live their lives in a way that is different from the world. They begin to experience the awesome power of God, as His Word is put into practical and daily use. They begin to focus on their Creator and their Savior rather than on the problems and difficulties. They begin to experience the sanctified, fulfilled life of a believer, as God fully intends our lives to be. When we compare the wonderful riches of God's Word to the very limited areas of our own sinful attitudes and self, we begin to realize that what God says is true and that realization begins to bring us up out of the miry clay. May we fully trust and focus our hearts on Him!

      O Heavenly Father, as we go through great difficulties and problems, forgive us for not trusting You fully. Help us to turn our eyes and our hearts back to Your Glory and may You be exalted above all. Amen.

Pss.77
[1] I cried unto God with my voice, even unto God with my voice; and he gave ear unto me.
[2] In the day of my trouble I sought the Lord: my sore ran in the night, and ceased not: my soul refused to be comforted.
[3] I remembered God, and was troubled: I complained, and my spirit was overwhelmed. Selah.
[4] Thou holdest mine eyes waking: I am so troubled that I cannot speak.
[5] I have considered the days of old, the years of ancient times.
[6] I call to remembrance my song in the night: I commune with mine own heart: and my spirit made diligent search.
[7] Will the Lord cast off for ever? and will he be favourable no more?
[8] Is his mercy clean gone for ever? doth his promise fail for evermore?
[9] Hath God forgotten to be gracious? hath he in anger shut up his tender mercies? Selah.
[10] And I said, This is my infirmity: but I will remember the years of the right hand of the most High.
[11] I will remember the works of the LORD: surely I will remember thy wonders of old.
[12] I will meditate also of all thy work, and talk of thy doings.
[13] Thy way, O God, is in the sanctuary: who is so great a God as our God?
[14] Thou art the God that doest wonders: thou hast declared thy strength among the people.
[15] Thou hast with thine arm redeemed thy people, the sons of Jacob and Joseph. Selah.
[16] The waters saw thee, O God, the waters saw thee; they were afraid: the depths also were troubled.
[17] The clouds poured out water: the skies sent out a sound: thine arrows also went abroad.
[18] The voice of thy thunder was in the heaven: the lightnings lightened the world: the earth trembled and shook.
[19] Thy way is in the sea, and thy path in the great waters, and thy footsteps are not known.
[20] Thou leddest thy people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron.

      This is a Psalm of Asaph. In this Psalm, the nation of Israel lies devastated. This devastation comes to the nation as a direct result of unfaithfulness to God. Before the captivity, the nation could not free itself from the sin of idolatry. At the captivity, they lost their freedom, the temple, and their kingdom. The nation is yet to regain all that was lost. What are God's people to do in the meantime?

      In this Psalm, there is a cry for both mercy and justice. The cry for mercy recognizes God's just dealings with the nation. The nation deserves all the trouble that is come upon her. They do not deserve God's help and blessing. However, the cry for justice recognizes that Israel's enemies deserve judgment every bit as much as Israel. Then there is the cry of verse 5, How long, LORD? wilt thou be angry for ever? How long will God allow the evil to go unpunished, and how long will God not answer the prayers of His people.

      In other words, there is the recognition, that in the end, God will deal according to the principles of grace and mercy. God's goal in His dealings with His people is not punishment, but restoration. When it comes to the wicked, God uses them to chasten His people. Yet, their end will be destruction. This is the result of punishment. For this reason, we ought to graciously and patiently yield ourselves to the chastening hand of God. As we are the sons of God, He will mold us fully into the image of Jesus Christ. The pain of the moment is not forever. The pain of the moment works righteousness in the hearts of all that believe. Israel is an example for Christians. God has not and would not ever fully set aside his chosen people. Israel will one day become everything God intended her to be in this world. Then the day is coming when all the saints are fully conformed to the image of Jesus Christ. Once we trust and commit ourselves to Him, He will bring it to pass. God's chastening is an important part of this process. There is a great difference between chastening and punishment.

Pss.79
[1] O God, the heathen are come into thine inheritance; thy holy temple have they defiled; they have laid Jerusalem on heaps.
[2] The dead bodies of thy servants have they given to be meat unto the fowls of the heaven, the flesh of thy saints unto the beasts of the earth.
[3] Their blood have they shed like water round about Jerusalem; and there was none to bury them.
[4] We are become a reproach to our neighbours, a scorn and derision to them that are round about us.
[5] How long, LORD? wilt thou be angry for ever? shall thy jealousy burn like fire?
[6] Pour out thy wrath upon the heathen that have not known thee, and upon the kingdoms that have not called upon thy name.
[7] For they have devoured Jacob, and laid waste his dwelling place.
[8] O remember not against us former iniquities: let thy tender mercies speedily prevent us: for we are brought very low.
[9] Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of thy name: and deliver us, and purge away our sins, for thy name's sake.
[10] Wherefore should the heathen say, Where is their God? let him be known among the heathen in our sight by the revenging of the blood of thy servants which is shed.
[11] Let the sighing of the prisoner come before thee; according to the greatness of thy power preserve thou those that are appointed to die;
[12] And render unto our neighbours sevenfold into their bosom their reproach, wherewith they have reproached thee, O Lord.
[13] So we thy people and sheep of thy pasture will give thee thanks for ever: we will shew forth thy praise to all generations.

      Asaph begins this psalm with the phrase; Sing aloud to God our strength, Make a joyful shout to the God of Jacob. As God's people, there should be an overflowing song of redemption in our hearts unto God and we should be ready at all times, to joyfully shout aloud our praises unto our Savior! In our congregational worship services, the first song sung by the choir is a call to the people to begin to joyfully worship God. Then throughout the service, we all, as a body of believers are to bring acceptable worship to God through our singing, through our praying, through our giving, and through our undivided attention and meditation to the teaching and preaching of God's Holy Word!

      God desires true worship! God desires holy, acceptable, spiritual worship, given by His children unto Him. God desires an undivided and heartfelt obedience. God wants us to listen to Him. He will deliver us, He will free us from the troubles of life, He wants us to call on Him, He will answer us, but He will also test us. We need to hear Him, we need to be admonished by Him, and we need to obey Him. We are to put no other gods before Him. We are not to worship any other gods, but Him.

      Sadly, Israel did not listen and heed God's voice. Sadly many, many people today, who even claim to be believers, do not listen to, nor give heed or pay attention to God's voice. And God then says an even sadder statement. So I gave them over to their own stubborn heart; Oh, that my people would listen to Me! This statement causes tears and much agonizing pain in our hearts as we begin to realize that this could be true of us. God finishes the chapter with things that He will still do, if we will only listen to Him. As we close this devotional for today, may this verse from 2 Chronicles 7:14 be on our hearts and lips, in humble and prayerful consideration, to cause us to bring God the Glory that is due only unto Him. May we worship God acceptably today and every day!

      If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

Accept our humble prayer Dear God, as we pray this in the precious name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, Amen.

      This Psalm was written to Asaph a descendant of Gershon, one of the sons of Aaron. He was a choir leader in the times of King David and his son King Solomon. There are twelve Psalms assigned to Asaph and he was called a seer or a prophet in 2 Chronicles 29:30.

      This Psalm is both forth telling and fore telling, it was for the people of the Old Testament age in which it was written, and it is prophetic and applicable to our age. It is to those who have pledged or sworn in assuming their office to uphold the law. Every minister has pledged to preach the Word of God when he was ordained and if he does not he will answer at the Judgment Seat (Bema Seat) before the Lord Jesus Christ. This is why we need to be like the Bereans as recorded in Acts 17:11 Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily, to see whether these things were so. Christians need to do the same today.

      Every political leader pledges to uphold the constitution of the United States and/or the state, county or city. However, there are few if any who keep their word and it is doubtful if many of them have studied the constitution. God appears to Israel and condemns their leaders, because they have not abided by the ceremonial, civil or moral laws handed down from God to Moses.

1. Israel was chosen to be a witness of the true and living God.
2. A channel through which the Messiah was to be born.
3. And the repository of the truth. That is, they were to protect the Word of God.

      They were not a witness to the nations around about them. Rather they worshipped the idols and gods of their neighbors. When their Messiah came, they rejected Him and demanded His death. Israel failed as a repository of the truth as this Psalm speaks to them. In closing, are we, as Christians, accepting apostasy in our churches today? Do we think we can get away with playing church? We are just as accountable before the Lord as the Jews were, if not more so! We have no excuses, we have the full revelation in the Word of God, which is more than the Jews had. RJS

      This is another Psalm of Asaph. There are many that would question whether a prayer like this is right. You see, here Asaph prays against his enemies. These enemies are more importantly the enemies of God and of all His people. They have hemmed in Judah. In other words, they have succeeded in their efforts to bring the nation into bondage. These enemies are described as being numerous, deceptive and dangerous. These foes included numerous surrounding nations: Edom . . . Ishmaelites (also called the descendants of Hagar), Moab . . . Gebal (Byblos), Ammon . . Amalek . . . Philistia and the city of Tyre. Mighty Assyria also supported this coalition which included the descendants of Lot, the Moabites and Ammonites (Gen. 19:36-38).Walvoord, John F., and Zuck, Roy B., The Bible Knowledge Commentary, (Wheaton, Illinois: Scripture Press Publications, Inc.) 1983, 1985.

      These countries, though not united, find unity in opposition to Israel. We have seen many nations surrounding the nation Israel vent the same hatred in our lifetime. I believe that this hate is a direct result of satanic influence. Furthermore, it is not something that is limited to the nation of Israel. It is something the enemy uses against faithful believers and the church. The church does not have many friends today in journalism, law, and education. Thank God there are some.       The psalmist's prayer at the outset alluded to past victories over the Midianites through Gideon (Jud. 7-8) and against Sisera through Deborah and Barak (Jud. 4-5). Endor is near Taanach, mentioned in Judges 5:19. Asaph spoke again of Gideon's victory, Oreb and Zeeb being the leaders of the Midianite warriors (Jud. 7:25) and Zebah and Zalmun- na the Midianite kings (Jud. 8:5-6, 12, 18).Walvoord, John F., and Zuck, Roy B., The Bible Knowledge Commentary, (Wheaton, Illinois: Scripture Press Publications, Inc.) 1983, 1985. God has been able do defend His people in the past. Asaph prays, v. 17 Let them be confounded, put to shame, and perish. In other words, his prayer is against the enemy. There is nothing wrong with praying against our enemies. It is an important part of faith and righteousness. We need to know when to pray for and against our enemies.

      This Psalm reveals the heart of one who truly loves his God. The humility and simplicity of this prayer is a perfect type for all believers to follow. It expresses in the first seven verses eight requests and eight reasons why David makes these requests. Psalm 86:1-7 The bold face in the following are the requests and the italics are reasons.

1) Bow down thine ear, O LORD, hear me: for I am poor and needy.

2) Preserve my soul; for I am holy (for I am the one whom Thou truly lovest): O thou my God, save thy servant that trusteth in thee.

3) Be merciful unto me, O Lord: for I cry unto thee daily.

4) Rejoice the soul of thy servant: for unto thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul.

5) For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.

6) Give ear, O LORD, unto my prayer; and attend to the voice of my supplications.

7) In the day of my trouble I will call upon thee: for thou wilt answer me.

      Notice verses 8-10, in which David says his God is second to no other gods! Psalm 86:8-10 Among the gods there is none like unto thee, O Lord; neither are there any works like unto thy works. 9 All nations whom thou hast made shall come and worship before thee, O Lord; and shall glorify thy name. 10 For thou art great, and doest wondrous things: thou art God alone. Verse 8, All other gods are false gods, only Jehovah is the God of creation (works). Verse 9, All nations will eventually come and worship his God, Jehovah (in the millennium). Verse 10, The God of David stands above all others because He is the God of mercy.       Verse 11 Teach me thy way, O LORD; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name. David was submissive to be taught and to revere his God.

      Psalm 86:12-13 I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart: and I will glorify thy name for evermore. For great is thy mercy toward me: and thou hast delivered my soul from the lowest hell. David is filled with praise and adoration and grateful for his deliverance from the gates of hell. Lastly, the heart of David is fully expressed in verse 15. Do you love God as David loved Him?

Pss.86
[1] Bow down thine ear, O LORD, hear me: for I am poor and needy.
[2] Preserve my soul; for I am holy: O thou my God, save thy servant that trusteth in thee.
[3] Be merciful unto me, O Lord: for I cry unto thee daily.
[4] Rejoice the soul of thy servant: for unto thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul.
[5] For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.
[6] Give ear, O LORD, unto my prayer; and attend to the voice of my supplications.
[7] In the day of my trouble I will call upon thee: for thou wilt answer me.
[8] Among the gods there is none like unto thee, O Lord; neither are there any works like unto thy works.
[9] All nations whom thou hast made shall come and worship before thee, O Lord; and shall glorify thy name.
[10] For thou art great, and doest wondrous things: thou art God alone.
[11] Teach me thy way, O LORD; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name.
[12] I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart: and I will glorify thy name for evermore.
[13] For great is thy mercy toward me: and thou hast delivered my soul from the lowest hell.
[14] O God, the proud are risen against me, and the assemblies of violent men have sought after my soul; and have not set thee before them.
[15] But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.
[16] O turn unto me, and have mercy upon me; give thy strength unto thy servant, and save the son of thine handmaid.
[17] Shew me a token for good; that they which hate me may see it, and be ashamed: because thou, LORD, hast holpen me, and comforted me.

      This is a Psalm on which it is not easy to write a devotional. Why? G. Campbell Morgan has this to say about this Psalm: "This is a song sobbing with sadness from beginning to end. It seems to have no gleam of light or of hope. Commencing with an appeal to Jehovah to hear, it proceeds to describe the terrible sorrows through which the singer is passing. He is overwhelmed with trouble, and nigh unto death. Moreover he is alone; his acquaintances are put away from him. Death is a terrible outlook, for the singer sees no light in it. Therein God Himself will be unknown, and unable to succor."

      While the picture is that of a pathetic individual it is not a picture of an individual in total despair. As we read the Psalm we notice that he does pray. (1, 2, 9, 13) "No one who really despairs will pray, for prayer is proof of a lingering hope."(Scroggie) Also "the Psalmist four times addresses the LORD, Jehovah, the covenant-making and Covenant keeping God, the God of Israel. (1, 9, 13, 14) Why did he do that, if he thought his case was utterly hopeless? His first word is his brightest, O LORD God of my salvation. (1) Salvation! Yes, away back in his mind and down in his soul was the belief, however weak, that he was not altogether beyond salvation, and the desperate end of the Psalm must not blind us to the significance of this word at the beginning."(Scroggie).

      And no matter how terrible his condition may be, he does not blame God. In fact, he admits that God is dealing with him because of sin, Thy wrath lieth hard upon me. (7, 16) "The believer's affliction is by no means always an evidence of God"s wrath." (Scroggie). In the case here there was a consciousness of guilt, and admitting this reveals a door of hope. In the New Testament we read: If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9) There is always hope, so look up.

Thought: There is a way from dejection to joy.(Scroggie)

Pss.88
[1] O LORD God of my salvation, I have cried day and night before thee:
[2] Let my prayer come before thee: incline thine ear unto my cry;
[3] For my soul is full of troubles: and my life draweth nigh unto the grave.
[4] I am counted with them that go down into the pit: I am as a man that hath no strength:
[5] Free among the dead, like the slain that lie in the grave, whom thou rememberest no more: and they are cut off from thy hand.
[6] Thou hast laid me in the lowest pit, in darkness, in the deeps.
[7] Thy wrath lieth hard upon me, and thou hast afflicted me with all thy waves. Selah.
[8] Thou hast put away mine acquaintance far from me; thou hast made me an abomination unto them: I am shut up, and I cannot come forth.
[9] Mine eye mourneth by reason of affliction: LORD, I have called daily upon thee, I have stretched out my hands unto thee.
[10] Wilt thou shew wonders to the dead? shall the dead arise and praise thee? Selah.
[11] Shall thy lovingkindness be declared in the grave? or thy faithfulness in destruction?
[12] Shall thy wonders be known in the dark? and thy righteousness in the land of forgetfulness?
[13] But unto thee have I cried, O LORD; and in the morning shall my prayer prevent thee.
[14] LORD, why castest thou off my soul? why hidest thou thy face from me?
[15] I am afflicted and ready to die from my youth up: while I suffer thy terrors I am distracted.
[16] Thy fierce wrath goeth over me; thy terrors have cut me off.
[17] They came round about me daily like water; they compassed me about together.
[18] Lover and friend hast thou put far from me, and mine acquaintance into darkness.

      Ethan the Ezrahite begins this psalm with a favorite hymn of many Christians, I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever. With my mouth will I make known, Thy faithfulness, to all generations. This should be a song that dwells daily in our hearts as we think of all the things God has graciously done for us. Remembering, say, let's take a moment right now and name some of the things that God has done for each one of us during this last year! As you just took a moment to name some of the things that God has done for you during this last year, what did it start to cause your heart to do?! Did it cause your heart to be thankful? Doesn't it cause you to want to sing unto the Lord for His faithfulness to you and even unto all generations when we really stop and think about it?! That's exactly what is happening with Ethan the Ezrahite, too.

      When we stop and think about all the things that God has done for us, sometimes we too look at the seeming inequities that take place. For example, this kind of question arose about 9/11: "Where was God when the twin towers fell?" As believers we know where He was, but there were many people who probably asked that very question when the tragedy occurred, and even wondered, what is the truth of it all? God does cause good things to happen, but He also allows bad things to happen and many times they happen to good people for no apparent reason. This is where we, as believers have to trust God and completely rely on the fact that God is Sovereign! Romans 11:27, 28 says this, O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! 34For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor? As humans, we do not know what may happen next, but we can know the One who does. His name is Jesus, the Holy and Righteous Son of God! He has also given us every detail about the way of eternal life. It's so simple that only a person with a child's heart can figure it out. That's why many adults miss it. It cannot be attained with human wisdom and that's why Paul said, For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved! Have you called on Him and do you know Him and trust Him as your Savior?

Pss.89
[1] I will sing of the mercies of the LORD for ever: with my mouth will I make known thy faithfulness to all generations.
[2] For I have said, Mercy shall be built up for ever: thy faithfulness shalt thou establish in the very heavens.
[3] I have made a covenant with my chosen, I have sworn unto David my servant,
[4] Thy seed will I establish for ever, and build up thy throne to all generations. Selah.
[5] And the heavens shall praise thy wonders, O LORD: thy faithfulness also in the congregation of the saints.
[6] For who in the heaven can be compared unto the LORD? who among the sons of the mighty can be likened unto the LORD?
[7] God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be had in reverence of all them that are about him.
[8] O LORD God of hosts, who is a strong LORD like unto thee? or to thy faithfulness round about thee?
[9] Thou rulest the raging of the sea: when the waves thereof arise, thou stillest them.
[10] Thou hast broken Rahab in pieces, as one that is slain; thou hast scattered thine enemies with thy strong arm.
[11] The heavens are thine, the earth also is thine: as for the world and the fulness thereof, thou hast founded them.
[12] The north and the south thou hast created them: Tabor and Hermon shall rejoice in thy name.
[13] Thou hast a mighty arm: strong is thy hand, and high is thy right hand.
[14] Justice and judgment are the habitation of thy throne: mercy and truth shall go before thy face.
[15] Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound: they shall walk, O LORD, in the light of thy countenance.
[16] In thy name shall they rejoice all the day: and in thy righteousness shall they be exalted.
[17] For thou art the glory of their strength: and in thy favour our horn shall be exalted.
[18] For the LORD is our defence; and the Holy One of Israel is our king.
[19] Then thou spakest in vision to thy holy one, and saidst, I have laid help upon one that is mighty; I have exalted one chosen out of the people.
[20] I have found David my servant; with my holy oil have I anointed him:
[21] With whom my hand shall be established: mine arm also shall strengthen him.
[22] The enemy shall not exact upon him; nor the son of wickedness afflict him.
[23] And I will beat down his foes before his face, and plague them that hate him.
[24] But my faithfulness and my mercy shall be with him: and in my name shall his horn be exalted.
[25] I will set his hand also in the sea, and his right hand in the rivers.
[26] He shall cry unto me, Thou art my father, my God, and the rock of my salvation.
[27] Also I will make him my firstborn, higher than the kings of the earth.
[28] My mercy will I keep for him for evermore, and my covenant shall stand fast with him.
[29] His seed also will I make to endure for ever, and his throne as the days of heaven.
[30] If his children forsake my law, and walk not in my judgments;
[31] If they break my statutes, and keep not my commandments;
[32] Then will I visit their transgression with the rod, and their iniquity with stripes.
[33] Nevertheless my lovingkindness will I not utterly take from him, nor suffer my faithfulness to fail.
[34] My covenant will I not break, nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips.
[35] Once have I sworn by my holiness that I will not lie unto David.
[36] His seed shall endure forever, and his throne as the sun before me.
[37] It shall be established for ever as the moon, and as a faithful witness in heaven. Selah.
[38] But thou hast cast off and abhorred, thou hast been wroth with thine anointed.
[39] Thou hast made void the covenant of thy servant: thou hast profaned his crown by casting it to the ground.
[40] Thou hast broken down all his hedges; thou hast brought his strong holds to ruin.
[41] All that pass by the way spoil him: he is a reproach to his neighbours.
[42] Thou hast set up the right hand of his adversaries; thou hast made all his enemies to rejoice.
[43] Thou hast also turned the edge of his sword, and hast not made him to stand in the battle.
[44] Thou hast made his glory to cease, and cast his throne down to the ground.
[45] The days of his youth hast thou shortened: thou hast covered him with shame. Selah.
[46] How long, LORD? wilt thou hide thyself for ever? shall thy wrath burn like fire?
[47] Remember how short my time is: wherefore hast thou made all men in vain?
[48] What man is he that liveth, and shall not see death? shall he deliver his soul from the hand of the grave? Selah.
[49] Lord, where are thy former lovingkindnesses, which thou swarest unto David in thy truth?
[50] Remember, Lord, the reproach of thy servants; how I do bear in my bosom the reproach of all the mighty people;
[51] Wherewith thine enemies have reproached, O LORD; wherewith they have reproached the footsteps of thine anointed.
[52] Blessed be the LORD for evermore. Amen, and Amen.

Blessings of Faith
Psalm 91

      This is one of my favorite Psalms. The security mentioned in the first eight verses is incomprehensible, and yet we read of such amazing things in the Bible. Note, in particular, verse 7 A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee. Who can imagine such things? This security is described relative to enemies, natural disasters, diseases, and war. In other words, we will face no problem in life apart from God's help and protection. God watches over His own.

      The psalmist speaks of the rewards of faith. They are fellowship with God, deliverance from evil and an angelic escort. Jesus quoted verses 11, 12 to Satan during his temptation. he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone. This promise was not just for Jesus Christ, but for all the just and the just live by faith. The angels are spirit beings that are ever-engaged in God's service. An important part of this service involves the protection of His people. There are some who have a very naturalistic view of life. Yet, the Bible teaches that angelic spirit beings also play an important role in the things that go on in this earth.

      In this Psalm, we find specific examples of evil. We read of being confronted with superior force and by secret and deceitful enemies. Some have wisely noted that a healthy fear of God delivers from all other fear. Note what is said in the last verses, Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him. With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation. This is what God would have for all. He is not willing that any should perish. I wonder today, have you come to know and enjoy the blessings that come with salvation? Are you a child of God? If not, why not trust Him now? None of us need to live in the shadow with doubts and fears. None of us need to live apart from the loving protection of God through the angels.

Pss.91
[1] He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
[2] I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.
[3] Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.
[4] He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.
[5] Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;
[6] Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.
[7] A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.
[8] Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked.
[9] Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation;
[10] There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.
[11] For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.
[12] They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.
[13] Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.
[14] Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.
[15] He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.
[16] With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.

• Praise should be heard not only on the Lord's Day, but every day. (1-3).
• We note the Sovereignty of God. (4-6) "The Creator of the world is the Ruler of the world; His doings are great, and His thoughts are deep." (Scroggie).
• The fact of the transitoriness of the wicked is noted. (7-9).
• God lives, but the wicked pass away. The blessedness of the righteous is seen in 10-15. "God's enemies are scattered and perish, but His friends are honoured and blest." (Scroggie) It is a good thing to give thanks unto the LORD, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High. (v.1)