TODAY’S READING: PSALM 37-44
OVERVIEW:
Instructions regarding the destiny of the wicked; David’s petition during a time of trouble; the brevity and vanity of life; prayer and praise for deliverance; sickness, betrayal and responding to enemies; the soul’s longing for God’s presence; deliverance and hope in God; complaint about defeat and cry for help.
HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS:
Psalms is not merely a book of praise; it is also a book of practical counsel. In today’s reading you will discover how to deal with fretfulness (37), failing strength (38-39), rest in God’s faithfulness (40), and respond to a friend’s faithfulness (41).
In Psalm 39 and verse 4, David prayed, “Lord, make me to know… the measure of my days.” David’s prayer points out that the brevity of life is an issue everyone should consider, not just senior citizens. He realized how easy it is to get so caught up with material achievements that we forget the purpose of life. Life is short and opportunities for fulfilling God’s purposes will soon be “no more” (39:13). Compared to eternity, our life on earth is very short. It is of utmost importance that, just as or Lord did, we need to fulfill our purpose for existence. Jesus said, “I must work the works of Him that sent me, while it is day: the night comes, when no man can work” (John 9:4).
Psalm 41 provides us with the process of praise in the midst of suffering. It is a “how to” manual for blessing the Lord while bedridden. Apparently, the psalmist is suffering from a physical ailment or injury (vs. 3). What begins as a third-person description of the man who takes pity on the poor and needy (vs.1-3), soon becomes the plea of a discouraged, bedridden saint: “be merciful unto ME heal MY soul” (vs. 4). The longer the psalmist meditates on the Lord, the more confident he becomes of God’s strength in his hour of need.
If you are sick or suffering today, you can experience God’s blessing even in the midst of your recuperation. Instead of complaining about your condition, use the time to meditate on the mercies of God (vs. 4, 10). Praise Him for His deliverance (vs. 1), preservation (vs. 2), strength (vs. 3), and favour (vs. 11). As God gives you opportunity, share your meditations on God’s mercies with others. Your testimony of His mercy and salvation (Titus 3:4,5).
CHRIST IS REVEALED:
One who does the will of God – Psalm 40:6-8 (John4:34; Hebrews 10:7-9)