Oh, the joys of those who are kind to the poor! The Lord rescues them when they are in trouble. The Lord protects them and keeps them alive. He gives them prosperity in the land and rescues them from their enemies. The Lord nurses them when they are sick and restores them to health. O Lord, I prayed, have mercy on me. Heal me, for I have sinned against you. But my enemies say nothing but evil about me. How soon will he die and be forgotten? they ask. They visit me as if they were my friends, but all the while they gather gossip, and when they leave, they spread it everywhere. All who hate me whisper about me, imagining the worst. He has some fatal disease, they say. He will never get out of that bed! Even my best friend, the one I trusted completely, the one who shared my food, has turned against me. Lord, have mercy on me. Make me well again, so I can pay them back! I know you are pleased with me, for you have not let my enemies triumph over me. You have preserved my life because I am innocent; you have brought me into your presence forever. Praise the Lord, the God of Israel, who lives from everlasting to everlasting. Amen and amen!‭‭Psalms‬ ‭41‬:‭1‬-‭13‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Being kind to the poor brings joy. When you look out for the outcast, God looks out for you. True prosperity in the land is not only when the hardworking prosper but also when the suffering find comfort. It is too easy to ignore the outcast and those in need. The poor are not a problem they are people. Give more than handouts give your time, your care, and your compassion. David confessed his sin to the Lord and asked for mercy, and yet he also claimed that he was innocent (v.12). He knew that the Lord would forgive him and that he was clean, yet he continued to ask for forgiveness and mercy. David could assert his innocence and his shortcomings at the same time. Some Christians today rest on Christs forgiveness and do not do enough repentance, allowing Jesus to change their hearts. Other Christians are all too aware of their sins but do not allow themselves to feel the confidence that comes from the grace-filled forgiveness of the Savior. Walk with Jesus and live with both humility and confidence. How can you rest secure in Gods forgiveness, and in that security honestly evaluate your life and where you need to change? How can you show real kindness to the poor and those in need?

I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along. He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what he has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the Lord. Oh, the joys of those who trust the Lord, who have no confidence in the proud or in those who worship idols. O Lord my God, you have performed many wonders for us. Your plans for us are too numerous to list. You have no equal. If I tried to recite all your wonderful deeds, I would never come to the end of them. You take no delight in sacrifices or offerings. Now that you have made me listen, I finally understand you dont require burnt offerings or sin offerings. Then I said, Look, I have come. As is written about me in the Scriptures: I take joy in doing your will, my God, for your instructions are written on my heart. I have told all your people about your justice. I have not been afraid to speak out, as you, O Lord, well know. I have not kept the good news of your justice hidden in my heart; I have talked about your faithfulness and saving power. I have told everyone in the great assembly of your unfailing love and faithfulness. Lord, dont hold back your tender mercies from me. Let your unfailing love and faithfulness always protect me. For troubles surround me too many to count! My sins pile up so high I cant see my way out. They outnumber the hairs on my head. I have lost all courage. Please, Lord, rescue me! Come quickly, Lord, and help me. May those who try to destroy me be humiliated and put to shame. May those who take delight in my trouble be turned back in disgrace. Let them be horrified by their shame, for they said, Aha! Weve got him now! But may all who search for you be filled with joy and gladness in you. May those who love your salvation repeatedly shout, The Lord is great! As for me, since I am poor and needy, let the Lord keep me in his thoughts. You are my helper and my savior. O my God, do not delay.‭‭Psalms‬ ‭40‬:‭1‬-‭17‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Waiting is hard. David waited patiently for the Lord and found a new song of joy to sing. David had been in a place of despair, ashamed of his sins and surrounded by people scheming against him. He didnt make things worse by overreacting. He waited on the Lord. When the Good Shepherd delivered him, David sang a new song and boldly declared his testimony before others. Verse 8 says that David delighted in doing Gods will. There is something amazing that happens when Christs commands move from being something you have to do to something you want to do. There is a deeper maturity that develops when you pursue Gods will more than your own will, when your desire is to do His desire. In many ways, that is the turning point of a real and growing faith. The way of Jesus brings joy. How can you know when you are following the Lords will, not your own? In the challenges you are currently facing, how can you wait patiently and trust in the Lord?

I said to myself, I will watch what I do and not sin in what I say. I will hold my tongue when the ungodly are around me. But as I stood there in silence not even speaking of good things the turmoil within me grew worse. The more I thought about it, the hotter I got, igniting a fire of words: Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered how fleeting my life is. You have made my life no longer than the width of my hand. My entire lifetime is just a moment to you; at best, each of us is but a breath. Interlude We are merely moving shadows, and all our busy rushing ends in nothing. We heap up wealth, not knowing who will spend it. And so, Lord, where do I put my hope? My only hope is in you. Rescue me from my rebellion. Do not let fools mock me. I am silent before you; I wont say a word, for my punishment is from you. But please stop striking me! I am exhausted by the blows from your hand. When you discipline us for our sins, you consume like a moth what is precious to us. Each of us is but a breath. Interlude Hear my prayer, O Lord! Listen to my cries for help! Dont ignore my tears. For I am your guest a traveler passing through, as my ancestors were before me. Leave me alone so I can smile again before I am gone and exist no more.‭‭Psalms‬ ‭39‬:‭1‬-‭13‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Silence is special. David made a commitment to be silent and not sin with his words. That is a hard commitment to keep! When he was surrounded by ungodly people, a fire began inside him, and he spoke what needed to be said. There is a time to be silent and a time to speak up. Ask God for the wisdom to know the difference and the strength to do the right thing. Life is fleeting, and we are sojourners passing through. We were made for more than this present (broken) world. You can trust in God and build your life on Him. This psalm is a reminder that your days are numbered. You need to use every one of those days to live the most you can live for God, family, for the Kingdom, and soaking up and enjoying the good things of life. Make the most of today. How can you make the most of your time in this life? How can you be wise with your words and your silence?

O Lord, dont rebuke me in your anger or discipline me in your rage! Your arrows have struck deep, and your blows are crushing me. Because of your anger, my whole body is sick; my health is broken because of my sins. My guilt overwhelms me it is a burden too heavy to bear. My wounds fester and stink because of my foolish sins. I am bent over and racked with pain. All day long I walk around filled with grief. A raging fever burns within me, and my health is broken. I am exhausted and completely crushed. My groans come from an anguished heart. You know what I long for, Lord; you hear my every sigh. My heart beats wildly, my strength fails, and I am going blind. My loved ones and friends stay away, fearing my disease. Even my own family stands at a distance. Meanwhile, my enemies lay traps to kill me. Those who wish me harm make plans to ruin me. All day long they plan their treachery. But I am deaf to all their threats. I am silent before them as one who cannot speak. I choose to hear nothing, and I make no reply. For I am waiting for you, O Lord. You must answer for me, O Lord my God. I prayed, Dont let my enemies gloat over me or rejoice at my downfall. I am on the verge of collapse, facing constant pain. But I confess my sins; I am deeply sorry for what I have done. I have many aggressive enemies; they hate me without reason. They repay me evil for good and oppose me for pursuing good. Do not abandon me, O Lord. Do not stand at a distance, my God. Come quickly to help me, O Lord my savior.‭‭Psalms‬ ‭38‬:‭1‬-‭22‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Sin saps your strength. When you are living with unconfessed sin, your heart is uncertain, and you live with guilt. That guiltknowing you have not dealt with a wrong you have donerobs you of joy and crushes your heart. The solution is to confess your sins (v.18) and trust in God to forgive you. His mercy renews your strength. His forgiveness brings confidence, knowing you are washed clean. Follow Gods guidance and confess your sin to the Lord and to others. David was praying that the Lord would remember him. His friends and family had separated themselves from him. His enemies were surrounding and attacking him. David was weary and on the verge of collapse. Yet he did not give up hope. He cried out to the Lord and found new strength. The Lord will never forsake you. No matter what you are going through, God is going through it with you, comforting you and guiding you. We are refined the most in the hottest fires. Why is confession so important? How can you find strength in the Lord when you are lonely?

Dont worry about the wicked or envy those who do wrong. For like grass, they soon fade away. Like spring flowers, they soon wither. Trust in the Lord and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper. Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your hearts desires. Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you. He will make your innocence radiate like the dawn, and the justice of your cause will shine like the noonday sun. Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act. Dont worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes. Stop being angry! Turn from your rage! Do not lose your temper it only leads to harm. For the wicked will be destroyed, but those who trust in the Lord will possess the land. Soon the wicked will disappear. Though you look for them, they will be gone. The lowly will possess the land and will live in peace and prosperity. The wicked plot against the godly; they snarl at them in defiance. But the Lord just laughs, for he sees their day of judgment coming. The wicked draw their swords and string their bows to kill the poor and the oppressed, to slaughter those who do right. But their swords will stab their own hearts, and their bows will be broken. It is better to be godly and have little than to be evil and rich. For the strength of the wicked will be shattered, but the Lord takes care of the godly. Day by day the Lord takes care of the innocent, and they will receive an inheritance that lasts forever. They will not be disgraced in hard times; even in famine they will have more than enough. But the wicked will die. The Lords enemies are like flowers in a field they will disappear like smoke. The wicked borrow and never repay, but the godly are generous givers. Those the Lord blesses will possess the land, but those he curses will die. The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand. Once I was young, and now I am old. Yet I have never seen the godly abandoned or their children begging for bread. The godly always give generous loans to others, and their children are a blessing. Turn from evil and do good, and you will live in the land forever. For the Lord loves justice, and he will never abandon the godly. He will keep them safe forever, but the children of the wicked will die. The godly will possess the land and will live there forever. The godly offer good counsel; they teach right from wrong. They have made Gods law their own, so they will never slip from his path. The wicked wait in ambush for the godly, looking for an excuse to kill them. But the Lord will not let the wicked succeed or let the godly be condemned when they are put on trial. Put your hope in the Lord. Travel steadily along his path. He will honor you by giving you the land. You will see the wicked destroyed. I have seen wicked and ruthless people flourishing like a tree in its native soil. But when I looked again, they were gone! Though I searched for them, I could not find them! Look at those who are honest and good, for a wonderful future awaits those who love peace. But the rebellious will be destroyed; they have no future. The Lord rescues the godly; he is their fortress in times of trouble. The Lord helps them, rescuing them from the wicked. He saves them, and they find shelter in him.‭‭Psalms‬ ‭37‬:‭1‬-‭40‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Be still, dont be anxious, and stop being angry. These words are hard to live. When problems come, we rush into action often making mistakes in our rashness. This psalm isnt telling you to take no action, but to start with prayer, to live without worry, and to trust in Gods timing. There will be problems and wicked people, but the Almighty One is still in control. You can be still because the plan of the Divine cannot be thwarted by the schemes of mortals. Focus more on Christ than the crisis. This psalm is about the godly person who is protected by God, is never forsaken, is generous though having little, and will inherit the promises of the Lord. Being godly is about more than doing good things it is about having character shaped by Christ. The bad things in life do not take away godly character because righteousness is forged in the fire. How has the Father shaped your character through the hard times of life? See Philippians 4:6-7. What difference would it make, when problems arise, to receive Gods peace through prayer?

Sin whispers to the wicked, deep within their hearts. They have no fear of God at all. In their blind conceit, they cannot see how wicked they really are. Everything they say is crooked and deceitful. They refuse to act wisely or do good. They lie awake at night, hatching sinful plots. Their actions are never good. They make no attempt to turn from evil. Your unfailing love, O Lord, is as vast as the heavens; your faithfulness reaches beyond the clouds. Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, your justice like the ocean depths. You care for people and animals alike, O Lord. How precious is your unfailing love, O God! All humanity finds shelter in the shadow of your wings. You feed them from the abundance of your own house, letting them drink from your river of delights. For you are the fountain of life, the light by which we see. Pour out your unfailing love on those who love you; give justice to those with honest hearts. Dont let the proud trample me or the wicked push me around. Look! Those who do evil have fallen! They are thrown down, never to rise again.‭‭Psalms‬ ‭36‬:‭1‬-‭12‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Love and respect go together. In the beginning of the psalm, wicked people are described as those who have no respect for God. There is a holy fear that lives in those who love and honor the Lord. Gods power and position are worthy of respect. The Creator cares for everyonegood and badand provides protection (v.7), provision (v.8), and His presence (v.9). Everyone is invited to a life that honors the Lord. The psalm ends with a prayer, asking the Lord to pour out unfailing love and justice. God is the light in a world of darkness. The Lord is the fountain of life as you wash and wade in the pool of Gods love, new life constantly flows into you. Jesus provides a living water that flows from His love inside of you (John 4:14). The most important part of the Christian life is posturing your life to receive Gods great love for you. How are you allowing Gods love to flow into your life? How do your actions show your respect for your loving King?

O Lord, oppose those who oppose me. Fight those who fight against me. Put on your armor, and take up your shield. Prepare for battle, and come to my aid. Lift up your spear and javelin against those who pursue me. Let me hear you say, I will give you victory! Bring shame and disgrace on those trying to kill me; turn them back and humiliate those who want to harm me. Blow them away like chaff in the wind a wind sent by the angel of the Lord. Make their path dark and slippery, with the angel of the Lord pursuing them. I did them no wrong, but they laid a trap for me. I did them no wrong, but they dug a pit to catch me. So let sudden ruin come upon them! Let them be caught in the trap they set for me! Let them be destroyed in the pit they dug for me. Then I will rejoice in the Lord. I will be glad because he rescues me. With every bone in my body I will praise him: Lord, who can compare with you? Who else rescues the helpless from the strong? Who else protects the helpless and poor from those who rob them? Malicious witnesses testify against me. They accuse me of crimes I know nothing about. They repay me evil for good. I am sick with despair. Yet when they were ill, I grieved for them. I denied myself by fasting for them, but my prayers returned unanswered. I was sad, as though they were my friends or family, as if I were grieving for my own mother. But they are glad now that I am in trouble; they gleefully join together against me. I am attacked by people I dont even know; they slander me constantly. They mock me and call me names; they snarl at me. How long, O Lord, will you look on and do nothing? Rescue me from their fierce attacks. Protect my life from these lions! Then I will thank you in front of the great assembly. I will praise you before all the people. Dont let my treacherous enemies rejoice over my defeat. Dont let those who hate me without cause gloat over my sorrow. They dont talk of peace; they plot against innocent people who mind their own business. They shout, Aha! Aha! With our own eyes we saw him do it! O Lord, you know all about this. Do not stay silent. Do not abandon me now, O Lord. Wake up! Rise to my defense! Take up my case, my God and my Lord. Declare me not guilty, O Lord my God, for you give justice. Dont let my enemies laugh about me in my troubles. Dont let them say, Look, we got what we wanted! Now we will eat him alive! May those who rejoice at my troubles be humiliated and disgraced. May those who triumph over me be covered with shame and dishonor. But give great joy to those who came to my defense. Let them continually say, Great is the Lord, who delights in blessing his servant with peace! Then I will proclaim your justice, and I will praise you all day long.‭‭Psalms‬ ‭35‬:‭1‬-‭28‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Vengeance is one of the oldestand worsthuman reactions. We all know what it feels like to be wronged by those we care about. We know the feelings of anger, resentment, and revenge that threaten to dominate us. We are all tempted to get revenge in actions, with words, or even with our looks. Jesus taught, lived, and empowers us to live a higher path that sets us free and spreads peace. When you are wronged (and you will be), walk with Jesus. It is hard to read psalms like this one, where David was asking God to punish people until you realize how often you act out in revenge against those who have hurt you. These are people that David cared and prayed for, but they turned their backs on him. David was not using his power to hurt them, even though he was a warrior, captain, and king. Instead, he was asking for the Savior to bring justice. He did not work for revenge but appealed to the Lord, trusting that God would bring the right punishment at the right time. How did David deal with his hurt, anger, and feelings of vengeance? How does God want you to deal with your anger when you are wronged?

I will praise the Lord at all times. I will constantly speak his praises. I will boast only in the Lord; let all who are helpless take heart. Come, let us tell of the Lords greatness; let us exalt his name together. I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears. Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces. In my desperation I prayed, and the Lord listened; he saved me from all my troubles. For the angel of the Lord is a guard; he surrounds and defends all who fear him. Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him! Fear the Lord, you his godly people, for those who fear him will have all they need. Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but those who trust in the Lord will lack no good thing. Come, my children, and listen to me, and I will teach you to fear the Lord. Does anyone want to live a life that is long and prosperous? Then keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies! Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it. The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right; his ears are open to their cries for help. But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil; he will erase their memory from the earth. The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed. The righteous person faces many troubles, but the Lord comes to the rescue each time. For the Lord protects the bones of the righteous; not one of them is broken! Calamity will surely destroy the wicked, and those who hate the righteous will be punished. But the Lord will redeem those who serve him. No one who takes refuge in him will be condemned.‭‭Psalms‬ ‭34‬:‭1‬-‭22‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Taste and see that the Lord is good. This is the invitation you can give to those who dont know God or have faith in Jesus. It is not just a logical answer but an experience of walking with Christ. Once someone experiences the real Jesus, not the religion they thought it would be, they willingly follow the truth. Those who look to the Lord are radiant with joy. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted. God rescued David from danger. The Savior hears people when they cry out to Him and is near to those who are filled with sorrow. This verse is a promise to cling to in hard times. Jesus is close to you in your struggles, even if you cant feel it. God is bigger than your feelings, and He will never abandon you. How can you hold on to Gods promises when you are struggling? Who can you invite to experience the goodness of God?

Let the godly sing for joy to the Lord; it is fitting for the pure to praise him. Praise the Lord with melodies on the lyre; make music for him on the ten-stringed harp. Sing a new song of praise to him; play skillfully on the harp, and sing with joy. For the word of the Lord holds true, and we can trust everything he does. He loves whatever is just and good; the unfailing love of the Lord fills the earth. The Lord merely spoke, and the heavens were created. He breathed the word, and all the stars were born. He assigned the sea its boundaries and locked the oceans in vast reservoirs. Let the whole world fear the Lord, and let everyone stand in awe of him. For when he spoke, the world began! It appeared at his command. The Lord frustrates the plans of the nations and thwarts all their schemes. But the Lords plans stand firm forever; his intentions can never be shaken. What joy for the nation whose God is the Lord, whose people he has chosen as his inheritance. The Lord looks down from heaven and sees the whole human race. From his throne he observes all who live on the earth. He made their hearts, so he understands everything they do. The best-equipped army cannot save a king, nor is great strength enough to save a warrior. Dont count on your warhorse to give you victory for all its strength, it cannot save you. But the Lord watches over those who fear him, those who rely on his unfailing love. He rescues them from death and keeps them alive in times of famine. We put our hope in the Lord. He is our help and our shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. Let your unfailing love surround us, Lord, for our hope is in you alone.‭‭Psalms‬ ‭33‬:‭1‬-‭22‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Trust is vital to every relationship. We can trust in God and His unfailing love. Everything He does is good, His love fills the world, He made the world in His power, His plans overrule the plans of nations, He sees the heart, His strength is stronger than armies, and His love surrounds those who trust in Him. Those are some good reasons to trust God! But it is still hard to trust! God is working to grow your trust, year by year. This psalm teaches not to trust in your own strength but to hope in the Almighty One (vv.16-22). The things that really stretched you a couple of years ago may be easier for you now. And now the Lord is probably asking you to do things that are way more challenging (trust stretching) than a few years ago. If you continue to grow in trust, just think where you will be in ten years! What reasons are on your list of why you can trust in the Lord? How can you allow God to stretch your trust?

Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sin is put out of sight! Yes, what joy for those whose record the Lord has cleared of guilt, whose lives are lived in complete honesty! When I refused to confess my sin, my body wasted away, and I groaned all day long. Day and night your hand of discipline was heavy on me. My strength evaporated like water in the summer heat. Interlude Finally, I confessed all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide my guilt. I said to myself, I will confess my rebellion to the Lord. And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone. Interlude Therefore, let all the godly pray to you while there is still time, that they may not drown in the floodwaters of judgment. For you are my hiding place; you protect me from trouble. You surround me with songs of victory. Interlude The Lord says, I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you. Do not be like a senseless horse or mule that needs a bit and bridle to keep it under control. Many sorrows come to the wicked, but unfailing love surrounds those who trust the Lord. So rejoice in the Lord and be glad, all you who obey him! Shout for joy, all you whose hearts are pure!‭‭Psalms‬ ‭32‬:‭1‬-‭11‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Confession is good for the soul. It helps to let go of the burden. Confession addresses the need we have to speak out our sins and hear that we are forgiven. It reminds you that you do, in fact, sin pretty much every day. Most everyone knows they are a sinner, but confession makes it tangible by naming the things that you have actually done wrong. This lets you acknowledge the sins you tend towards, which are the things you can let God work on in you. David described himself wasting away when he refused to confess (v.3). Jesus taught us to ask the Father to forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who have sinned against us. The more you confess, the less arrogant you become, and the more apt you are to forgive others. Confession is not about shame but letting it go and experiencing release, humility, and forgiveness. Why is confession so important? What do you need to confess today? Who do you need to forgive as God has forgiven you?

O Lord, I have come to you for protection; dont let me be disgraced. Save me, for you do what is right. Turn your ear to listen to me; rescue me quickly. Be my rock of protection, a fortress where I will be safe. You are my rock and my fortress. For the honor of your name, lead me out of this danger. Pull me from the trap my enemies set for me, for I find protection in you alone. I entrust my spirit into your hand. Rescue me, Lord, for you are a faithful God. I hate those who worship worthless idols. I trust in the Lord. I will be glad and rejoice in your unfailing love, for you have seen my troubles, and you care about the anguish of my soul. You have not handed me over to my enemies but have set me in a safe place. Have mercy on me, Lord, for I am in distress. Tears blur my eyes. My body and soul are withering away. I am dying from grief; my years are shortened by sadness. Sin has drained my strength; I am wasting away from within. I am scorned by all my enemies and despised by my neighbors even my friends are afraid to come near me. When they see me on the street, they run the other way. I am ignored as if I were dead, as if I were a broken pot. I have heard the many rumors about me, and I am surrounded by terror. My enemies conspire against me, plotting to take my life. But I am trusting you, O Lord, saying, You are my God! My future is in your hands. Rescue me from those who hunt me down relentlessly. Let your favor shine on your servant. In your unfailing love, rescue me. Dont let me be disgraced, O Lord, for I call out to you for help. Let the wicked be disgraced; let them lie silent in the grave. Silence their lying lips those proud and arrogant lips that accuse the godly. How great is the goodness you have stored up for those who fear you. You lavish it on those who come to you for protection, blessing them before the watching world. You hide them in the shelter of your presence, safe from those who conspire against them. You shelter them in your presence, far from accusing tongues. Praise the Lord, for he has shown me the wonders of his unfailing love. He kept me safe when my city was under attack. In panic I cried out, I am cut off from the Lord! But you heard my cry for mercy and answered my call for help. Love the Lord, all you godly ones! For the Lord protects those who are loyal to him, but he harshly punishes the arrogant. So be strong and courageous, all you who put your hope in the Lord!‭‭Psalms‬ ‭31‬:‭1‬-‭24‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Sometimes the worst thing is being ignored. David, who experienced many seasons of success, also lived through many low times surrounded by enemies. It hurts when those around you dont seem to notice you, value you, or care about your pain. You matter to God, and the Lord sees the anguish of your soul (v.7). The Redeemer is your shelter and the One who hears your cries (vv.20-22). Never stop talking to your Savior, who will never stop listening. Verse 19 is amazing: How great is the goodness You have stored up for those who fear You. When you run to God for protection and guidance, He pours out wisdom and love. There are times when God gives His strength without you asking. But most times, the Father is waiting for you to ask so that you can realize your need to depend on Him. Be wise and humble enough to ask for Gods help every day. How can you be more dependent on God today? How can the words of this psalm help when you feel unimportant or ignored?

I will exalt you, Lord, for you rescued me. You refused to let my enemies triumph over me. O Lord my God, I cried to you for help, and you restored my health. You brought me up from the grave, O Lord. You kept me from falling into the pit of death. Sing to the Lord, all you godly ones! Praise his holy name. For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime! Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning. When I was prosperous, I said, Nothing can stop me now! Your favor, O Lord, made me as secure as a mountain. Then you turned away from me, and I was shattered. I cried out to you, O Lord. I begged the Lord for mercy, saying, What will you gain if I die, if I sink into the grave? Can my dust praise you? Can it tell of your faithfulness? Hear me, Lord, and have mercy on me. Help me, O Lord. You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy, that I might sing praises to you and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever!‭‭Psalms‬ ‭30‬:‭1‬-‭12‬ ‭NLT‬‬ The Lord is a Rescuer. The feeling of being rescuedthe overwhelming gratitudestays with a person for their whole life. This psalm is a song of praise to God. David realized that the Lord had rescued him. David praised the Lord and called others to praise God, his Deliverer. David had times of prosperity when he thought nothing bad could happen to him. He also had times of mourning and sorrow when he cried out to the Lord for mercy. In the highs and lows of life, and everything in between, the Lord is always with you. God can turn weeping into joyful dancing (v.11). Everything changes in the hands of our Savior. Jesus understands our pain, sorrow, and rejection. Yet our Redeemer gives us the strength to overcome, moving forward not with bitterness but in His hope. Too often we attempt to carry our pain alone. Look to God first, then to godly people, and work on surrendering your sorrows and shame to your Savior. How can you follow Davids example and always praise the Lord, no matter what? What do you need to surrender to Jesus?

Honor the Lord, you heavenly beings; honor the Lord for his glory and strength. Honor the Lord for the glory of his name. Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness. The voice of the Lord echoes above the sea. The God of glory thunders. The Lord thunders over the mighty sea. The voice of the Lord is powerful; the voice of the Lord is majestic. The voice of the Lord splits the mighty cedars; the Lord shatters the cedars of Lebanon. He makes Lebanons mountains skip like a calf; he makes Mount Hermon leap like a young wild ox. The voice of the Lord strikes with bolts of lightning. The voice of the Lord makes the barren wilderness quake; the Lord shakes the wilderness of Kadesh. The voice of the Lord twists mighty oaks and strips the forests bare. In his Temple everyone shouts, Glory! The Lord rules over the floodwaters. The Lord reigns as king forever. The Lord gives his people strength. The Lord blesses them with peace.‭‭Psalms‬ ‭29‬:‭1‬-‭11‬ ‭NLT‬‬ God is strong. This psalm is all about the Lords strength He is so strong that His voice cracks cedars. God is stronger than the strongest forces of nature. The last verse says that Gods strengththat incredible, powerful strengthcan be yours! You can experience that power in your life. We all need that power for life. It is His power that can work in and through you, but you have to ask God and allow Him to work. Many Christians believe the lie that God will never give more than you can handle (that verse is not in the Bible). The Bible teaches is that God will often give you much more than you can handle so that you will depend on His strength. Your strength is not enough. God works through your weakness to display His mighty power. Be humble and wise enough to ask for the strength of the Lord. What difference does it make to live in Gods strength more than your own strength? How is Jesus the truest example of the strength of the Lord?

I pray to you, O Lord, my rock. Do not turn a deaf ear to me. For if you are silent, I might as well give up and die. Listen to my prayer for mercy as I cry out to you for help, as I lift my hands toward your holy sanctuary. Do not drag me away with the wicked with those who do evil those who speak friendly words to their neighbors while planning evil in their hearts. Give them the punishment they so richly deserve! Measure it out in proportion to their wickedness. Pay them back for all their evil deeds! Give them a taste of what they have done to others. They care nothing for what the Lord has done or for what his hands have made. So he will tear them down, and they will never be rebuilt! Praise the Lord! For he has heard my cry for mercy. The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving. The Lord gives his people strength. He is a safe fortress for his anointed king. Save your people! Bless Israel, your special possession. Lead them like a shepherd, and carry them in your arms forever.‭‭Psalms‬ ‭28‬:‭1‬-‭9‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Opposition is part of life. Davids enemies flattered with their words yet plotted against him in their hearts (v.3). Success invites sabotage, and the more successful you are, the more critics you will have. This psalm shows a godly way to deal with opponents and critics. Rather than squashing them with your position of power, accept criticism while focusing on the Lord. Dont let the criticism consume you. The Lord is your rock. A large rock is something you can hide behind to keep you safe in times of danger. It is something you can stand on, secure in your footing. God is your rock. He is your shelter in the storm and your footing for life. In times of trouble, we tend to rely only on our own strength and run to others before we run to our Rock. Make a commitment today to turn to God first. How is the Lord the Rock of your life? What can you learn and live from this psalm about dealing with opposition?

The Lord is my light and my salvation so why should I be afraid? The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble? When evil people come to devour me, when my enemies and foes attack me, they will stumble and fall. Though a mighty army surrounds me, my heart will not be afraid. Even if I am attacked, I will remain confident. The one thing I ask of the Lord the thing I seek most is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, delighting in the Lords perfections and meditating in his Temple. For he will conceal me there when troubles come; he will hide me in his sanctuary. He will place me out of reach on a high rock. Then I will hold my head high above my enemies who surround me. At his sanctuary I will offer sacrifices with shouts of joy, singing and praising the Lord with music. Hear me as I pray, O Lord. Be merciful and answer me! My heart has heard you say, Come and talk with me. And my heart responds, Lord, I am coming. Do not turn your back on me. Do not reject your servant in anger. You have always been my helper. Dont leave me now; dont abandon me, O God of my salvation! Even if my father and mother abandon me, the Lord will hold me close. Teach me how to live, O Lord. Lead me along the right path, for my enemies are waiting for me. Do not let me fall into their hands. For they accuse me of things Ive never done; with every breath they threaten me with violence. Yet I am confident I will see the Lords goodness while I am here in the land of the living. Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.‭‭Psalms‬ ‭27‬:‭1‬-‭14‬ ‭NLT‬‬ God is your security. He is always there for you no matter who lets you down or what you are going through in life. True security does not come from money, power, or privilege but from the presence of God. The security the Savior brings changes everything. It is one of the marked differences in the lives of those who walk with the Lord. One of the reasons to share Jesus with others is so that they can have the security of the Savior in their lives. Read through the psalm again, taking the words as promises of confidence. The Lord is your light, why should you be afraid? Even if you are attacked, you will remain confident! God will hide you in His sanctuary, and you will hold your head high, offering sacrifices and praise. The Father is inviting you to talk with Him, and you have responded by saying, I am coming. Which verse will you hold on to today with confidence? What difference does His security make in your life?

Declare me innocent, O Lord, for I have acted with integrity; I have trusted in the Lord without wavering. Put me on trial, Lord, and cross-examine me. Test my motives and my heart. For I am always aware of your unfailing love, and I have lived according to your truth. I do not spend time with liars or go along with hypocrites. I hate the gatherings of those who do evil, and I refuse to join in with the wicked. I wash my hands to declare my innocence. I come to your altar, O Lord, singing a song of thanksgiving and telling of all your wonders. I love your sanctuary, Lord, the place where your glorious presence dwells. Dont let me suffer the fate of sinners. Dont condemn me along with murderers. Their hands are dirty with evil schemes, and they constantly take bribes. But I am not like that; I live with integrity. So redeem me and show me mercy. Now I stand on solid ground, and I will publicly praise the Lord.‭‭Psalms‬ ‭26‬:‭1‬-‭12‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Choices and character matter. We know this anytime our friends, family, or leaders let us down. In this psalm, David is declaring his character to the Lord. He is not arrogant or perfect, but he has chosen to live with integrity. David chose to separate himself from those who are liars and hypocrites. His words are full of Gods truth, and he is even asking God to examine his heart and motives. That is more thanhonesty, that is an inner strength of character. People today believe they can be friends with immoral people and not be influenced at all. The Bible clearly says otherwise: bad company corrupts good character (1 Corinthians 15:33), and walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble (Proverbs 13:20). This doesnt mean that we cant have any non-Christian friends, but that our closest friendsthose who influence us the mostneed to be people of strong faith. Its hard to follow Jesus when those who most influence you are walking a different direction. Why does the character of those who are closest to you matter so much? What areas of your character is the Lord working to refine?

O Lord, I give my life to you. I trust in you, my God! Do not let me be disgraced, or let my enemies rejoice in my defeat. No one who trusts in you will ever be disgraced, but disgrace comes to those who try to deceive others. Show me the right path, O Lord; point out the road for me to follow. Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you. Remember, O Lord, your compassion and unfailing love, which you have shown from long ages past. Do not remember the rebellious sins of my youth. Remember me in the light of your unfailing love, for you are merciful, O Lord. The Lord is good and does what is right; he shows the proper path to those who go astray. He leads the humble in doing right, teaching them his way. The Lord leads with unfailing love and faithfulness all who keep his covenant and obey his demands. For the honor of your name, O Lord, forgive my many, many sins. Who are those who fear the Lord? He will show them the path they should choose. They will live in prosperity, and their children will inherit the land. The Lord is a friend to those who fear him. He teaches them his covenant. My eyes are always on the Lord, for he rescues me from the traps of my enemies. Turn to me and have mercy, for I am alone and in deep distress. My problems go from bad to worse. Oh, save me from them all! Feel my pain and see my trouble. Forgive all my sins. See how many enemies I have and how viciously they hate me! Protect me! Rescue my life from them! Do not let me be disgraced, for in you I take refuge. May integrity and honesty protect me, for I put my hope in you. O God, ransom Israel from all its troubles.‭‭Psalms‬ ‭25‬:‭1‬-‭22‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Deception often seems like the easier way, but it makes things worse, starting with your character. People lie or bend the truth for many reasons. This psalm is about making the commitment to tell the truth all the time, not some of the time. David trusted in the Lords way, even when doing the right thing made his life harder (v.17). He trusted that his Shepherd would protect him (v.15). Rather than fighting wrong with more wrong, David trusted in Gods way (v.9). Integrity and honesty protect you (v.21). The truth is the best path, but it takes a lot of trust to live consistently with integrity. This means more than telling the truth it includes being humble, admitting when you are wrong, and striving to do what is right. Integrity is a shield that protects. Lying and manipulating are easier, but only in the short run. Choose the truthful way of the Lord, even when it is harder. Why is it difficultbut betterto fight wrong with love? How can you allow Gods Spirit to grow even more integrity in your life?

The earth is the Lords, and everything in it. The world and all its people belong to him. For he laid the earths foundation on the seas and built it on the ocean depths. Who may climb the mountain of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place? Only those whose hands and hearts are pure, who do not worship idols and never tell lies. They will receive the Lords blessing and have a right relationship with God their savior. Such people may seek you and worship in your presence, O God of Jacob. Interlude Open up, ancient gates! Open up, ancient doors, and let the King of glory enter. Who is the King of glory? The Lord, strong and mighty; the Lord, invincible in battle. Open up, ancient gates! Open up, ancient doors, and let the King of glory enter. Who is the King of glory? The Lord of Heavens Armies he is the King of glory. Interlude‭‭Psalms‬ ‭24‬:‭1‬-‭10‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Inside of every person there is a holy longing. The human heart was made with a desire to be close to the Creator. Many of our drives and ambitions are actually misguided what we really long for is the Lord. Rather than pursuing attention, money, or power, devote your heart to the Lord. Only on God can our restless hearts find peace. God made the earth and everything in it, the King of glory is strong and mighty, and those who seek Him will receive His blessings. Let the ancient gates be opened so the King of glory can enter! In the ancient world, it was only the priests, and especially the high priest, who could stand in the holy place of God. Yet the psalm says that all those who seek after the King with a pure heart can stand in His presence. God is present not just with the priests, but with all who have let Him change their hearts. Through Jesus, everyone is invited into the perfect love and transforming presence of the Lord. What can you do to increase your longing for the Lord? When you pray, worship, or attend church, how can you see yourself entering the presence of God?

The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.‭‭Psalms‬ ‭23‬:‭1‬-‭6‬ ‭NLT‬‬ This is perhaps the most wellknown psalm, quoted often at funerals. Yet the words are about more than death. This psalm talks about walking through life with a Shepherd, trusting in One who leads you to green meadows and peaceful waters. God is the One (not others) who anoints your head with oil and fills your cup overflowing with goodness. Even when you go through the dark valleys of life, the Good Shepherd is always with you. Jesus knows how painful life can be. The Lord is your Shepherd He leads you, and you follow Him. In the hard times, Gods rod and staff are beside you the Lords comfort is next to you. The Saviors goodness and love follow (or pursue) you. God is in front of you, beside you, and behind you. The Lord is all around you leading you, loving you, and changing you every day. What does it mean for you to follow the Good Shepherd, not expecting Him to follow you? How can you remember that the Savior is with you no matter what happens today?

My God, my God, why have you abandoned me? Why are you so far away when I groan for help? Every day I call to you, my God, but you do not answer. Every night I lift my voice, but I find no relief. Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel. Our ancestors trusted in you, and you rescued them. They cried out to you and were saved. They trusted in you and were never disgraced. But I am a worm and not a man. I am scorned and despised by all! Everyone who sees me mocks me. They sneer and shake their heads, saying, Is this the one who relies on the Lord? Then let the Lord save him! If the Lord loves him so much, let the Lord rescue him! Yet you brought me safely from my mothers womb and led me to trust you at my mothers breast. I was thrust into your arms at my birth. You have been my God from the moment I was born. Do not stay so far from me, for trouble is near, and no one else can help me. My enemies surround me like a herd of bulls; fierce bulls of Bashan have hemmed me in! Like lions they open their jaws against me, roaring and tearing into their prey. My life is poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint. My heart is like wax, melting within me. My strength has dried up like sunbaked clay. My tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth. You have laid me in the dust and left me for dead. My enemies surround me like a pack of dogs; an evil gang closes in on me. They have pierced my hands and feet. I can count all my bones. My enemies stare at me and gloat. They divide my garments among themselves and throw dice for my clothing. O Lord, do not stay far away! You are my strength; come quickly to my aid! Save me from the sword; spare my precious life from these dogs. Snatch me from the lions jaws and from the horns of these wild oxen. I will proclaim your name to my brothers and sisters. I will praise you among your assembled people. Praise the Lord, all you who fear him! Honor him, all you descendants of Jacob! Show him reverence, all you descendants of Israel! For he has not ignored or belittled the suffering of the needy. He has not turned his back on them, but has listened to their cries for help. I will praise you in the great assembly. I will fulfill my vows in the presence of those who worship you. The poor will eat and be satisfied. All who seek the Lord will praise him. Their hearts will rejoice with everlasting joy. The whole earth will acknowledge the Lord and return to him. All the families of the nations will bow down before him. For royal power belongs to the Lord. He rules all the nations. Let the rich of the earth feast and worship. Bow before him, all who are mortal, all whose lives will end as dust. Our children will also serve him. Future generations will hear about the wonders of the Lord. His righteous acts will be told to those not yet born. They will hear about everything he has done.‭‭Psalms‬ ‭22‬:‭1‬-‭31‬ ‭NLT‬‬ The psalms speak to our sorrowful hearts. Jesus quoted this psalm on the cross as He cried out to the Father. Life is hard, and there are times when you will feel like a worm. Enemies and mockers will surround you and people will not understand. David cried out and questioned the Lord. Yet he also trusted in God, found strength in God, praised God, and had hope for the future. This psalm challenges you to a deeper interaction with the Lord in the midst of suffering. Hard questions arent avoided but form the center of conversation with God. The Lord doesnt always offer answers He offers Himself in our darkest moments. Nothing else would do. Nothing less would be the answer. The presence of God is true comfort for the sorrowful soul. How can you cry out to God in your sorrow? How can you avoid answering people in their sorrow and just offer Gods presence?