All the earth belongs to God (v1). Solomon observes that “great wisdom” was God’s co-laborer in establishing the foundation and borders of this creation, “The Lord possessed me at the beginning of his work, the first of his acts of old. (23) Ages ago I was setup, at the first, before the beginning of the … Read more
Is health and wealth the ultimate sign of God’s favor? Do we somehow lack faith if we suffer in our bodies and are hated for our witness and proclamation of our Lord Jesus? A brief survey of scripture quickly reveals the answers to both of these questions: which is a NO. Contrary to what prosperity … Read more
How does Gods’ goodness and care bless his people? The attributes of shepherds provide some answers to this question. David’s primary occupation before he was anointed as successor to Saul as King of Israel was that of shepherd over his father’s flock (1 Sam 16:11). As he pens this Psalm, he reflects on how God … Read more
In the final analysis of the age of man, God will be glorified and worshipped by all creation (Phi 2: 9-11). Throughout Parts 1-3 of this Psalm study, David laments the wickedness of evil men who persecuted him. He was also assured of God’s steadfast love for him, for he declares, “The afflicted shall eat … Read more
Does God see the affliction of his people? When we feel distant from him, is he actually far off? In the closing verses of this Psalm, David appeals to God for deliverance from the power of his enemies who had strength of wild animals, thus his cry, “Deliver my soul from the sword, my precious … Read more
Faith anchors our dependence on God when we are being pulled down by the currents of desperation. In Part 2 of this devotional series of Psalm 22, David continues his lamentation unto God in the midst of his great suffering at the hand of his enemies. As mentioned in Part 1, this Psalm is also … Read more
Does God abandon his people? In the midst of suffering, should we yield to scoffers who mock our steadfast trust in the Lord? These are questions lamented by David by which he answers in his praise of God. Further, this Psalm rightly is understood to be typological of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Meaning, the … Read more
Vengeance is the Lord’s. The Christian life includes striving against many things that have an adversarial nature and invasive impact on our daily lives. We endure bodily afflictions (that includes physical decline that accompanies aging); and people who hate the witness and proclamation of Jesus Christ that we possess. Through all these things, we place … Read more
God gives his people victory now and in eternity. This truth is the setting for this Psalm as David rejoices in the Lord because he had experienced his triumphal power at work in response to his steadfast faith in him. David sings the following praises of God: God gave him his heart’s desires (v2-3). David … Read more
God’s presence gives us victory in life’s battles. As Christ’s redemptive works triumphed over sin and death, so also did God give David victory over his enemies, thus he praises God in this Psalm. He highlights the following attributes that spotlights the trustworthiness of God: God’s strength is revealed in combat. In faith, David declares, … Read more