God sees our hearts and delights in our uprightness
Psalm 4:3-5
3 But know that the Lord hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the Lord will hear when I call unto him.
4 Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah.
5 Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the Lord.
In I Chronicles 20:17 David states that he knows his God sees his heart and delights in uprightness, and that in the integrity of his heart God see that he willingly made his offering to help build the house for ark of the covenant and for the Lord’s name. Studying David’s life, I realize how much of his life was guided by one principle and that was by staying in God’s Word. Psalm one hundred and nineteen gives us an understanding of the guiding principles of David’s life. In Psalm one hundred and nineteen eight key words are used to describe God’s Word: law, precept, testimony, commandment, ordinance, promise, statue, and way. These principles were probably taught to David at an early age following the instructions given to the nation of Israel in Deuteronomy 6:7 “And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children and shall talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.” These words from the book of Deuteronomy as well as the other books of Moses probably laid the foundation for the guiding principles in David’s life.
In Ephesians 5:8,9 Paul states that we are to walk as children of light in all goodness and righteousness in all truth which is the fruit of the Spirit. As a new creation our desires should no longer be for the things of the flesh (darkness), but the things of the spirit (light). In Ephesians chapter five Paul gives us several examples of this walk: walk in love, avoid all uncleanness, have not fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, walk circumspectly, redeeming the time, and most important speaking to yourself in psalms, and hymns and spiritual sounds, singing and making melody in your heart. We should heed the words of David from verse four “Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still.”
A psalm of David. When he fled from his son Absalom.
1 Lord how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me.
2 Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah.
3 But thou, O Lord, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.
4 I cried unto the Lord with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah.
5 I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the Lord sustained me.
6 I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about.
7 Arise, O Lord; save me, O my God: for thou hast smitten all mine enemies upon the cheek bone; thou hast broken the teeth of the ungodly.
8 Salvation belongeth unto the Lord: thy blessing is upon thy people. Selah. (KJV)
Reading this psalm, I recall the verses that recount the story of David and Absalom. Absalom was David’s third son (II Samuel 3:3) and the half-brother to Ammon who was David’s oldest son but whom also had raped Tamar, Absalom’s sister. After Ammon had defiled Tamar, his lust turned to hatred and this hatred for her was greater than the love he had for her, and he forced her to leave in disgrace. In II Samuel 13:21 we are told that after being informed of this event David’s only reaction to Ammon was that he was very angry, or very wroth. Many commentaries have been written about David’s decisions on how no other action was taken by David against Ammon for this sin that he committed against Tamar David’s daughter. However, I believe that most commentaries do not look at verse one of this chapter, to see the timestamp of this event. This event probably happen soon after the death of Uriah, and also the death of David’s first son by Bathsheba. It would probably have been hard to make a judgement against your own son, when your sin had given occasion for the enemies of the Lord to blaspheme and question David’s own judgment. Also, I believe that David probably was still recalling the words of Nathan the prophet “that God would raise up evil against him from his own household” during this time. Against this backdrop of this event I believe that David waited on the Lord instead of making this decision himself.
This is different from the approach that many would take today. Even in our fallen state men are quick to measure out judgment even when they themselves are guilt of sin in their life. If fact I know of many that have taken the first steps that David did in covering up his sin (by having Uriah come home so the pregnancy of wife would be by him) and when this first cover up failed they tried other means to cover up the sin. And then when everything came to light they would blame others or even deny the sin.
Sometime we need to be careful on passing judgment on the actions of others when we are not sure of all the facts. When we study David’s reaction to raping of Tamar by her stepbrother Amnon from the scriptures all we are given of David’s reaction is found in verse twenty-one and that reaction was “he was very angry”. As I study David’s life I believe that David’s understanding of God’s mercy was changed by his sinful events that lead to the death of Uriah and the son that Uriah’s wife born to him. Before David’s commitment of these sinful acts David was usually praying for his own protection against those that sought to harm him, now he was the one that had sinned and took the life of an innocent man. Nathan words to David “the Lord has taken away your sin, and you shall not die” revealed to David how great God’s mercy was to an undeserving individual. As a believer the words of the Lord’s prayer reveals the true mercy that God has provided toward us is the also the same mercy, we are to apply to those that sin against us. “And forgive us our debts as we also have forgiven our dedtors.”
The belief that God takes care of those who take care of themselves is a belief that carries over to almost every aspect of our life. We are living in an age where we must make things happen, and when it does it must be God’s will. The idea of waiting on the Lord I believe has really been forgotten in this age of instant gratification. Reading these verses gives me a glimpse at David’s response to the trial he is going through. He is trusting in God as his shield and as the one that gives glory. He will rest and lie down because the Lord sustains him. He will not fear because from the Lord will comes deliverance. David knew how to trust God. As we measure the battles, we fight in the fleeing moments of this life they are nothing compared to the victories we will have with him for eternality.
The phase “May your blessing be on your people” reminds us to walk in the way of the Lord. Remember there is only one way and he is the way, the truth, and the life, so walk in this way and be blessed.
Here we see David the father of Absalom running from his son. When studying David’s life, the main theme I have realized is his personal relationship with the Lord and how this relationship changed David. In I Kings 15:3-5 David’s character is described as having a heart that was wholly devoted to his God. The only blemish on David’s life was the case of Uriah the Hittite. David’s examples of how he lived his life reflects a man who was truly a man after God’s own heart. He was not a man who was searching for God, but a man who walked in the way of God who waited on God’s transforming power to make his heart like God’s heart. This is reflected in the way he handled himself at the death of his son Absalom. He wept. Joab and Israel could not understand this weeping, just as the world today cannot understand the love and patience of God as Peter wrote about in II Peter 3:9. Just as the thought that David had in his heart as he walked in his chamber “O my son Absalom, my son Absalom! Would I have died instead of you.” is the same love God has for us his children. In fact, that is why Christ died on the cross for us. With his death and resurrection, he made a way to restore the broken relationship between God and man. So, when you study the psalms as well as all scripture wait on God to open his Word to you. Then you will start to see God’s transforming work in your heart as he makes you into a child of God. Stop searching for God in your way and start walking and growing in his way by studying his Word and letting it speak to you. Let your walk be characterized as a man or women who is walking with the Lord and enjoying sweet communion with Him. Let your communion with Him be a candle that sheds light to those who are searching for God.
Psalm 2:12 Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.
Romans 1:20 For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities – his eternal power and divine nature – have been clearly seen, being understood from what is made, so that men are without excuse.
A story was told of a man who made it his life’s purpose to seek after truth but when he found it, he turned and walked away and followed the sinful desires of his heart. This is the story of the men that Paul describes in Romans chapter one. Paul’s purpose was to present the gospel of God to all, but not all believe. As we go forth on our journey in this life, we must realize that all men and women will be without excuse on the day of judgment. We must present the simple truth of the gospel as Paul writes in Romans 6:23 “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord”.
What happens to those that reject the gospel and does not put their trust in Christ the King? Their life becomes their own, they become the one who controls every aspect of their life. They become wise in their own eyes, but their hearts become darken and they become fools before God. God then gives them over to the sinful desires of their hearts. To me this means God steps out of their life.
Paul describes this person in Romans 1:26-32 “For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise, also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompense of their error which was meet. And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,backbiters, haters of God, spite fullest, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, without understanding, covenant breakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.”
Another story was told of a man who life’s purpose was to seek after truth, and when he found it, he realized his sinful ungodly nature. But he also found the way of salvation offered by God’s gift of salvation to mankind through his son Jesus Christ. He could now be made righteous by placing his faith in God’s son. This was why he now lives a daily lifestyle that reflects Christ in him as our hope in glory. This was the decision that Paul made on the road to Damascus. If we follow Paul’s example then we should also walk in the spirit and see a life that will reflect the fruit of the Spirit “love, joy, peace, long suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. The saints that have taken God’s gift of his son Jesus will strive to live a life that has been crucified to the flesh with its affections and lusts; and live in the Spirit. Was Paul states in I Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold all things become new.” There are only two ways. As in Psalm chapter one there is the way of the Righteous or the way of the wicked. Which story will reflect your life? The choose is yours.
Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law, he meditates day and night.
This was probably one of the first psalms that Paul learned at an early age. Paul probably knew this opening Psalm and realized how important the law of the Lord (the way) was in Jewish life. He probably believe he was protecting the law of the Lord as he was traveling to Damascus to arrest any man or woman who belong to the Way. Act 9:1 “Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples” reveals how much he believed they represented the way of the wicked. Yet on this trip Paul is confronted by the very one who made the claim that he was the way, the truth, and the life. In Acts 9:5b Jesus reveals to Paul who he was really standing against, “I am Jesus whom thou persecutes: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.” Jesus revealed himself to Paul as the way of the righteous revealed in Psalm one.
Acts chapter nine as well as Acts chapters twenty-two and twenty-six Luke gives us three accounts of Paul’s conversion on the road to Damascus. In verse five of chapter nine Luke paints a picture of what all mankind must face at some point in their life. Do we repent from our ungodly ways and remain on the path of ungodliness, or do we repent and turn toward the way of God? This decision rest on what we believe about Jesus. Is he the Savior of the world, or just a figure from history? We must all face this kicking against the pricks in our life. Our conscience (pricks) must wrestle against the truth that we are ungodly and not the god-like creation that God formed in the garden. All of us are in need of a Savior, the one who could pay the price for our sinful nature. Once we accept this gift of salvation and come to the realization that Jesus is the way, the truth and the light then we can start the journey of delighting daily in the law of the LORD, and meditating on it day and night.
In Acts 26:15-18 Paul describes his encounter with Christ not only as his need for salvation but also as his call to make him a minister and a witness to preach the gospel the Gentiles. The purpose of his message was to open the eyes of all who hears, and to turn them from darkness to light and from Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiven of sins and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that in Christ. Before this encounter Paul as a religious leader of the Jews was protecting his religion from the false teaching of Jesus as the promise Messiah. In I Corinthians 15:9 Paul writes “For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.” He justified his actions as protecting the faith. This encounter with Christ open Paul’s eyes and caused him to turn from his wicked ungodly ways, which he had in the past justified as godly.
So, when I read and study Romans 1:18-32 about the wrath of God being revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who hold the truth in unrighteousness, I have came to the realization that all of mankind fall in this group. Christ was the gift of God to the world to open the eyes of all mankind to their ungodliness and unrighteousness and provided us the way to turn from darkness to light. So, then we accept Jesus and let the Spirit of God work in our lives, God will make known his wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption unto us. This is revealed to us by his Spirit that we might know the truth that is given to us freely by God. So as Christ stated in Luke 13:5 ” I tell you, Nay: but, except you repent, you shall all likewise perish.” God has provided the way; we must choose the path.
II Peter 3:14-16 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless. And account that the long-suffering of our Lord is salvation: even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you. As also in all of his epistles, speaking in them of things in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest as they do also the other scriptures unto their own destruction.
I came across this reference of the above verse in the book I am now studying, Bible History Old Testament written by Alfred Edersheim. He makes the following statement the Bible “That in a work composed of so many books, written under such very different circumstances, by penmen so different, and at periods so widely apart, there should be “some things hard to understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest,” can surely not surprise us, more particularly when we remember that it was God’s purpose only to send the brighter light as men were able to bear it.” He goes on in his introduction and states “Yet the ultimate object of our reading is not knowledge, but experience of grace… And so indeed every event points to Christ.” That is why when studying the Bible, we need the Holy Spirit to reveal the truths that are found in the words we read.
The key to understanding scripture is Christ. The Bible is the special revelation God has given mankind to point them to Christ. In Christ we find the way, the truth, and the life by which we can know God. To believe in God we must first believe in Christ. To try to understand the Bible without using Christ as the key will only cause those that are unlearned and unstable to wrest unto their own destruction. But for those who know Christ not only have the key to understand the scriptures, but can be find the peace that passes all understanding as they strive to live a life that is without spot, and blameless.
Hebrews 11:3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.
As I take my daily walks I look around and marvel at all the wonders around me. I am amazed at how the plants spring forth from the bare ground into beautiful flowering plants, or how the bare tree limbs shoot forth their buds and then into leaves with the changing of the seasons. Like David stated Psalms 8:3,4a “When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; what is man, that thou are mindful of him?” I also have the same question when I realized that the God of this entire universe cares for even a small part of His creation such as me.
Here in Hebrews 11:3 I realized that knowing Jesus as my Savior I have a better understanding of the world around me. Instead of trying to explain how this world was created I just enjoy the peace that I have deep in my heart by knowing the one personally who framed the world around me. Christ gave us the example of the lilies in Luke chapter twelve of how great his power is in this world. As they grow, they toil not, they spin not and yet that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of them. So, as I look around at this creation the answer of how it can into being is simple; God spoke, and it happened.
Ecclesiastes 12:12-14 And further by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh. Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgement, with every secret thing, whether it be good or whether it be evil.
Solomon started his writing of the book of Ecclesiastes with the purpose of giving his whole heart to seek out by wisdom concerning all things that are done under heaven. I have a note in my Bible as a starting point to study the book of Ecclesiastes that reads: “As you study Ecclesiastes remember David was a man after God’s own heart, he wanted to know God. Solomon focus on himself to try to understand the workings of all things done under heaven.” Solomon saw God as the judge of the world, but to David God was his shepherd, his redeemer, the one that looked after him an guide his paths. So, as you study the scriptures are you looking to gain an understanding of all things that are done under heaven, or like David who’s desire was to be a man after God’s own heart. Paul’s words in Philippians 3:10 “That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death.” reflects was the same desire as David had of knowing God personally.
Psalm 1:3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
One of the pleasures I have in my golden years is my daily walk. During these walks in the early spring, I witness the beauty of nature awakening from the cold darkness of the winter to the warmth and sunshine that this time of the year brings. However, it is in the yards and gardens that the beauty of this time of the year seems to explode into color.
These yards and gardens are like the congregation of the righteous. God has planted them in the right location for sunlight and moisture. They bring forth their fruit in their season and even in times of drought their leaves do not wither. They prosper in all their endeavors. This congregation of the righteous are those that walk daily with the Lord. They understand the simple nature of living day by day in the light of His guiding Word. Their daily prayer is simple, because they realize that their heavenly Father knows what things they need before they ask Him.
Walking this journey of life is simple. We realized that His will be done both in heaven and on earth. We are to live daily, forgetting the things of the past and pressing forth to the high calling of Christ. We must also look to forgive others as we also seek forgiveness from God for our daily transgressions. We must not follow after the ways of the ungodly but stay away from anything that is ungodly. This is the secret of the Lord’s Prayer as well as verse two of this Psalm. Make your delight the law of the Lord. Meditate day and night on His word and you enjoy being the tree that is planted by the river of waters that brings forth your fruit in the season that God has planned for you.
Psalm 1:1 Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law, he meditates day and night. (KJV)
Genesis 4:6,7 And the Lord said unto Cain, “Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen? If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin lies at the door. And its desire is for you, but you should rule over it.” (NKJV)
Matthew 7:13,14 Enter by the narrow gate: for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way that leads to life and there are few who find it. (NKJV)
David gives us two different ways in this Psalm. We can either walk in the ways of the world or we can delight in the law of the Lord. In Genesis chapter four God gave Cain the same choose and in Matthew chapter seven Christ explains the two difference ways. These ways are simple. One is the way of the Godly, which is the narrow way, and the way that is acceptable to God’ s standards (his law). The other way is the path that rejects God and his way.
The starting point however starts with John 3:16 “For God so love the world that he gave his only begotten son that whosoever believe in him shall not perish but have everlasting life.” In Revelation chapter four we are told that Christ stands at the door and knocks and whosoever hears his voice and opens this door he will come in dine with you. God has provided a way for man to know and learn about Him. The door to this knowledge is his law which is his Word (the Bible), and the key is Christ. I have been on this journey for over sixty years, and yes my life could also be read like the poem “Footprint in the Sand”; and looking back I can see God’s hand in directing my path.
The starting point is knowing Jesus as your Savior. However, it is still a narrow path. It is not an easy path. For the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life are always in our ways. Satan as well as his wicked followers gives us half-truths that sound to good to pass up which can lead us off this narrow path. However, the Bible has given us many examples (Luke 15:11-31 The parable of the Lost son) to show us the way back to God. So, as you start your journey in life remember there are only really one of two paths to choose: the Godly or the Ungodly.
Psalm 42:1 As the hart pants after the water brooks, so pants my soul after thee, O God. 2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?
One of the sweetest times of my day is the time I devote to walking. This is my quiet time with the Lord. It is a time when I can cast off most of the noise of this world and put on my focus on God’s Word and the great hymns of faith. This is a time when I can take my prayer request to the Lord and wrestle with God on the daily issues that God has placed in my life. David describes times like these as the thirst that a hart (deer) has for a drink at the water brook. This thirst becomes the driving force for the path that the hart pursues. May God’s Word and his presence in my life be the path I pursue as I daily mediate on God’s Word.
This is the importance of hiding God’s Word in your heart. By studying and knowing God’s Word these quiet times of just reflecting on His Word and letting the Holy Spirit speak to your heart will give you the peace that passes all understanding. It is wonderful to see in times of mediation how the verses of the Bible open up and you can grasp how God is working in your life. Having the knowledge of these verses in your memory will open up a deeper relationship with God. As David states in verse two his desire of coming and appearing before God. Make your life rich and place a verse on your mind and go for a quiet walk and let the Holy Spirit open up a wonderful time of fellowship between you and God.
My 5 Daily Psalms 