David's Cave Experience. Psalm 57 and Psalm 58

 

Psalm 57 – David’s Cave Experience.

 

“Your own “cave” may be a sickroom, a difficult place of ministry, or even a home where there is tension and trouble. If you do what David did, you will experience peace and victory even in the cave.

David’s faith transformed his cave into a Holy of Holies. His confidence was not in the rocks but “under the wings of God”. In spite of sharp rocks, nets and pits, David was sure of God’s help.

His desire was not to just escape but to exalt the Lord. In fact, when he awakened the next morning, he picked up his harp and sang praises to God.

Trust Him, exalt Him, sing praises to Him. This approach worked for David in his cave and it will work for you in your cave.

 

Psalm 58 God Judges

 

David asked God to judge sinners and establish righteousness on the earth. He used many images as he prayed for their judgment. “Make them toothless lions!” Let them disappear like water on the sand or like slime of a snail! Make them broken arrows! Let them be like stillborn children! Let them burn up like fuel under a pot! Let them be taken up in a whirlwind!”

Because he was God’s chosen king, David’s enemies were God’s enemies. No doubt, his personal feelings were involved in these prayers, but his great concern was the righteousness of God and the good of God’s people. David had the authority to denounce national enemies; we have the privilege of forgiving personal enemies.

But you cannot forgive enemies until you realize how wicked their words and deeds are. A holy anger against sin, and a forgiving spirit toward sinners, is the mark of a true child of God. The person who has no concern to oppose wickedness in this world does not know the sinfulness of sin or the holiness of God.

One day God will judge the wicked. When you pray the first three petitions of the Lord’s prayer, you are expressing what David wrote in detail. David left all judgment to the lord but did his part to further God’s holy will on the earth.

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

J. Vernon McGee Commentary and Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

Dr. David Jeremiah.

 

 

Fly Above the Storm. Psalm 55, 56

 

Psalm 55 – Fly above the Storm

 

Troubles around David, troubles within him and treachery next to him. These combined made David wish he could get away from it all. It was not easy being God’s anointed king, for with the privileges came great burdens and responsibilities, and God’s enemies  became David’s enemies. Leadership was not easy.

 

David wanted wings like a dove so that he could fly away from the storm. What he really needed was wings like an eagle so he could fly above the storm, by going into the Holy of Holies, under the shadow of His wings, you get this ability. When you call upon the name of the Lord and cast your burdens on Him, He enables you to overcome.

 

You cannot fly beyond the storm because you will find problems everywhere, but you can fly above the storm. God permits the burdens you face to help you “win your wings.”

 

Psalm 56 – God Sees Your Tears

 

David prayed this prayer while he was in danger in enemy territory. I Samuel 21:10-15.  After God delivered him, he wrote this Psalm as an expression of praise. When you are in the midst of trouble, remember these truths about God.

 

David should have been in Gath to begin with, but the Lord was gracious to go with him and help him. God understands our situations better than we do. He knows how you feel and He knows your tears, but He records them and retains them so that one day He may transform them into joy and glory. No tears are ever wasted when you follow Him.

 

God hears when you call. Terrors and tears must be handled with trust. But be sure your motive is not just deliverance. He delivers us that we might delight in Him and serve Him. The highest purpose of prayer is the glory of God.

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

J. Vernon McGee Commentary and Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

Dr. David Jeremiah.

 

The Antichrist. Psalm 53 & Psalm 54

 

Psalm 53 – The Antichrist

 

This Psalm corresponds to the mournful condition of the last days when the Antichrist is the ruler. He, of course, will be an atheist.

Elohim is God’s name as Creator.

 

The Bible, which is God’s revelation, is denied and is no longer considered trustworthy, infallible, and inerrant. The first chapters of Genesis are branded as folklore and myth, even by some who claim to be believers.
John 2:22 tells us the Antichrist “who is a liar but he that denies that Jesus is the Christ: He is antichrist, that denies the Father and the Son.”

 

“He that comes to God must believe that He is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him” Hebrews 11:6

 

The Antichrist is “who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped, so that he as god sits in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.” 2 Thess. 2:4

 

“When God brings back the captivity of his people, Jacob shall rejoice, and Israel shall be glad.” God is not trough with the nation of Israel. He will again deal with Israel as a nation.

 

Psalm 54 – God Hears, God Helps

 

David had not bothered the Ziphites, yet they turned against him to win favor with King Saul. The world does not love God’s people and even strangers will create problems for you while you seek to serve the Lord.

 

Do what David did; pray for God to take charge, protect you and vindicate you against your enemies. God hears and God helps. When the answer comes, be sure to take time to praise the Lord.

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

J. Vernon McGee Commentary and Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

Dr. David Jeremiah.

Sin Hurts the Sinner. Psalm 51 & 52

 

Psalm 51 – Sin Hurts the Sinner

 

David’s whole being was affected by his sin with Bathsheba. His mind, eyes, ears, heart and his spirit and mouth.  He lost fellowship with God and the joy of the Lord.

Are the pleasures of sin worth paying this great price?

Sin hurts others. Sin can bring tragic consequences to the lives of others. James 1:13-16, especially one’s family. David’s sin led to Uriah’s death. Bathsheba’s baby died. David’s daughter Tamar was violated by her brother Ammon, who was then killed by Absalom, who in turn was killed by Joab.

Sin hurts God. We hurt ourselves and others when we sin, but primarily our sins are against God. Sin makes us dirty. It is a rebellion against God’s holy law. Go to Calvary and see His son dying for the sins of the world. God is love and our selfish sins break His heart.

God is merciful and gracious and forgives when we come in repentance and faith. I John 1:9. David came to God with a broken heart and God forgave him.

 

Psalm 52 – Watch Your Tongue

 

Doeg was an evil man who found favor with king Saul by spying on David. I Samuel 21-22. When David learned what Doeg had done, he turned to God for help, for God is the One who can justly deal with our enemies.

The tongue can be a force for good or for evil. Doeg’s tongue was boastful, deceitful, and destructive like a sharp razor. David focused on the goodness of God, not the badness of men, because he knew that God’s justice would ultimately prevail.

Doeg looked like a strong tree, but he would be rooted up while David would be fresh and fruitful. God protected David’s name because David trusted God’s name.

 

To catch up on previous lessons go to: https//sherryasouthard@blogspot.com or www.Feedspot.com under Christianity.com

 

J. Vernon McGee commentary, Nelson Commentary,  NKJ version.

 

Death and Money. Psalm 49

 

Psalm 49 – Death and Money & Psalm 50

 

“Do not boast in your wealth or trust in your wealth.” Your wealth cannot prevent death. Although money can buy medicine and professional help, it cannot buy God off when the death angel comes to claim you. Your wealth cannot go with you. The dead bodies of both man and beasts turn to dust in the grave, and the rich are not exempt from this end. When a believer dies the spirit goes to be with the Lord, but you cannot take your wealth with you. However, you can pay it forward with others in the name of the Lord. Matt. 6:19-34.

Your wealth cannot buy permanent fame. Men praise the rich while they live, honor them when they die and then forget them. The rich man can build himself a monument, but they cannot make people remember him.

 

The believer’s assurance of the future coming of Christ is what conquers death and makes life worth living.

 

Psalm 50 – God is Judge, Witness, and Jury

 

God brings an indictment against two kinds of “religious sinners.” 

 

Insincere Worshipers. He indicts His people who offer sacrifices insincerely- their worship is just an empty routine and hope to “earn” God’s blessings. God does not need the things we give Him, but we need to give Him spiritual sacrifice of thanksgiving, praise and obedience.

 

Hypocritical Worshipers. They profess one thing and practice another. They are guilty of theft, adultery, deceit, and slander. They think that God’s silence means escape from punishment, but they are wrong.

 

Judgment begins with God’s people, not with the lost world.

 

 

To catch up on previous lessons go to: https//sherryasouthard@blogspot.com or www.Feedspot.com under Christianity.com

 

J. Vernon McGee commentary, Nelson Commentary,  NKJ version.

 

Focus on God. Psalm 46-48

 

Psalm 46 – Focus on God

 

When things are changing and threatening around you focus your attention on God. He is with you (His presence), He is a refuge (His protection); He helps you (his power). Your world may be shaken with hardships, but He has a river to give you peace. You may be in the midst of battles, but He will end the war victoriously.

“Be still” means to “take your hands off, relax.” God knows what He is doing, and His timing is perfect. When it is all over, He will be exalted, and you will be blessed.

 

Psalm 47 His Great Victory

 

We don’t know what military victory the Psalmist was celebrating, but as believers today, we walk in Christ’ spiritual victory. Like Joshua we submit to our Captain and trust Him to win the battle. Joshua 5:13-15. That is something to shout about!

His great throne is a picture of the ascension of our Lord, returning to heaven and sitting at the right hand of God! Satan may be the god of this age, but Jesus is King of all the earth.

His kingdom is a spiritual kingdom today, but He still rules in the affairs of men. One day, Christ will reign on earth, and His people shall reign with Him.

 

Psalm 48 – Deliverance of Jerusalem

 

To Christian believers, Jerusalem and Mount Zion speak of  “the Jerusalem above” and the heavenly Zion where their citizenship is recorded.

It is the City of God, the Holy City, beautiful and joyful. But to the enemy who does not know the Lord, it is an awesome place that speaks of judgement.

It is a place of God’s loving kindness and righteousness, where His name is praised and His people rejoice. We are not in the Holy city yet, but we can still enjoy, “the powers of the age to come”. “Little faith will take your soul to heaven,” said Charles Spurgeon, “but great faith will bring heaven to your soul.”

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

J. Vernon McGee Commentary and Nelson’s Quick Reference

The Coming of Christ. Psalm 45

 

Psalm 45 – The Coming of Christ

 

There is something the Psalmist must say and wishes he could tell it, because his tongue moves faster than his pen. This is a Psalm which is occupied with the person of Christ. “But we all, with open face, beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.” 2 Cor. 3:18

 

This is a picture of Christ coming forward, not as Savior, but as the King at His second coming. When Christ returns, He is going to find the world in rebellion. The Antichrist will be in power. He will be persecuting God’s people, both the remnant of Israel and that great company of Gentiles who turned to God. The Lord is riding to victory, in truth, meekness, and righteousness. These are eternal principles of our Lord’s kingdom.

 

He is going to rule in righteousness. “When the Son of man shall come in His glory, and all the angels with him, then he shall sit upon the throne of His glory.” Matthew 25:31.

 

The first time He came, He came as a Prophet – the Messenger and message of God – which refers to the past. In our day He is our Great High Priest at the right hand of God; that is His present ministry. But His second coming will be as King, the Messiah. This is for the future.

 

He came to this earth that our joy might be full. And it was for “the joy that was set before Him” that He endured the cross.

 

We are to leave the world. We are not to love the world. We have been saved out of it. We are to cling to the Lord.

 

The church is to be made beautiful. All sin will be removed.

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

 

J. Vernon McGee Commentary and Nelson’s Quick Reference