Reflections from Psalms 36-40

Which psalm or verse especially reflects your heart today?  Use those words to talk to the Lord.

  • God’s love – Psalm 36 speaks of God’s great love. By his love we take refuge in him.  His love provides us with food to eat and numerous delights to enjoy.  He gives us life itself.  How has he shown his love to you?
  • Look to the Lord – Many of today’s psalms remind us that life is often rough, but we can trust the Lord and wait on him. Life is also short, but we hope in the Lord.  For what do you need to look to the Lord today?

Reflections on Psalms 31-35

Which psalm or verse especially reflects your heart today?  Use those words to talk to the Lord.

  • Fear and Forgiveness – We ought to fear the Lord and do that which is good (34:7-14). Do you have a reverent fear (or awe) of God that leads you to obey him?  When we fail to obey him, we can confess our sins and seek his forgiveness (32:1-5).  Are there some sins you need to confess and seek God’s forgiveness for?
  • Great God – Psalm 33 speaks of our great God who is full of righteousness and justice and love. He is the Creator and King.  And so we look to him for help and we offer up our praises to him.  What do you need to trust God with today?  How can you praise him today?

Reflections on Psalms 26-30

Which psalm or verse especially reflects your heart today?  Use those words to talk to the Lord.

  • Glorious God – God is full of glory (29:1-2,9). He is full of power and majesty and beauty (29:3-4; 27:4).  He is enthroned as king (29:10).  How does David respond?  David desires to gaze upon God’s beauty (27:4).  He wants to seek God (27:4,8).  He desires to praise God (29:2).  Consider the glory of God.  How do you need to respond to God?
  • Strength – God is David’s strength and shield (28:7). God is the stronghold of his life so he doesn’t need to fear (27:1).  What situations are you facing that bring fear or worry?  Will you look to God for your strength?

Reflections on Psalms 21-25

Which psalm or verse especially reflects your heart today?  Use those words to talk to the Lord.

  • Trust – Again and again, David speaks of trusting God (21:7, 22:4-9, 25:2). Psalm 23 is a psalm expressing his trust in God.  In what situations do you need to trust God today?  How might the words of Psalm 23 help you?
  • Forgiveness and Instruction – David seeks God’s mercy, asking God not remember his past sins (25:6-7). He asks God to pardon his guilt (25:11) and forgive his sins (25:18).  But he goes further.  He also wants God to instruct him in God’s ways, in God’s truth, in what is right (25:4-5, 8-9).  For what sins do you need to seek forgiveness?  Will you then seek God’s help to overcome those sins in the future that you might follow God’s ways?

Reflections on Psalms 16-20

Which psalm or verse especially reflects your heart today?  Use those words to talk to the Lord.

  • My portion – David says that God is his portion and inheritance (16:5-6). God is the giver of every good thing (16:2).  God gives joy and pleasure in his presence (16:11).  How have you experienced God this way?
  • Revelation – God reveals himself in his creation and through his Word (Psalm 19). How have you seen God’s glory in his creation?  How has God’s Word revived you, made you wise, brought you joy, and enlightened your eyes?

Reflections on Psalms 11-15

Which psalm or verse especially reflects your heart today?  Use those words to talk to the Lord.

  • Wicked versus Righteous – The wicked oppose the righteous (11:2), lie and boast (12:2-3), plunder the poor (12:5), and do corrupt abominable deeds as they deny God exists (14:1). Meanwhile the righteous walk blamelessly, speak the truth, don’t slander others, don’t do evil to others, are faithful to his word, and just towards others (15).  Which characteristics describe you?
  • How long? – Have you ever felt like David in Psalm 13:1-4? How might verses 5-6 help?

Reflections on Psalms 6-10

Which psalm or verse especially reflects your heart today?  Use those words to talk to the Lord.

  • Great God – God is full of glory and majesty (8:1-2). He created this incredible world (8:3).  He is enthroned as king forever (9:7, 10:16).  Ponder the great God you serve, and bow down in worship.
  • Give thanks – Twice David gives thanks to the Lord (7:17, 9:1) as he recounts God’s wonderful deeds (9:2). Recount God’s wonderful deeds in your life, and give thanks to him!

Reflections on Psalms 1-5

Which psalm or verse especially reflects your heart today?  Use those words to talk to the Lord.

  • The World versus the Word – What advice, lifestyle, and attitudes come from the world? What advice, lifestyle, and attitudes come from the Word?  How is each influencing you?  Which are you more closely following?
  • God’s Help – God is our Shield (3:3), our Sustainer (3:5), our Savior (3:8), and our Safety (4:8). How do you need God to be these things for you today?

Reflections on II Samuel 23-24

Today we see one final story about David.  Note:

  • Sin and consequences – Chapter 24 repeats the same themes of chapters 11-12. David sins.  He confesses his sin.  Yet there are still consequences – consequences that hurt not only him but the entire nation.  Sin always has consequences.  Are you guarding your life against temptation?  Seek the Lord’s help!
  • Sacrifice – David offers a sacrifice to the Lord to end the punishment for his sin. David’s son Solomon will later build the temple on the exact spot of David’s sacrifice, and more sacrifices will be made to cover sin.  Finally, Jesus will come to offer himself as the final sacrifice for sin.  Praise the Lord for Jesus who paid for all of our sins!

Reflections on II Samuel 20-22

Today’s passage tells a few more stories about David, and records one of his songs.  Consider:

  • Sin and consequences – Sheba rebels and must face the consequences. Saul sinned, and his descendants faced the consequences.  When you are tempted to sin, remember that there are consequences for you and the people around you.
  • God as our refuge – David praises the Lord for helping him against his enemies. He calls God not only his refuge, but also his rock, fortress, deliver, shield, stronghold, and savior.  When has God been these things to you?  In what situation do you need him to be these things to you now?