Worship: A Study in PsalmsSample

What does it say?

The Lord rose to protect the weak and needy from deceitful people. Still, David felt forgotten while waiting on the Lord. God’s unfailing love filled him with song.

What does it mean?

David’s outlook depended on where he placed his focus. When he listened to the boasts of his enemies and saw only his circumstances, it felt as if God were hiding, leaving him to work through his thoughts and emotions alone. But when David chose to focus on God’s love and the reliability of what God said, he was filled with overflowing gratitude for all God had done and was going to do. When David’s focus changed, so did his emotions. He had not been forgotten. God’s Word is reliable, and His love is steadfast.

How should I respond?

We can’t help but see the circumstances that surround us. Negative emotions can flood over you when it seems that there’s nothing good in any direction you look. When that happens, follow David’s example – stop looking around and choose to look up. You can either react to your circumstances or respond to God’s Word and His love. It’s more than having a positive attitude: it’s complete trust in the One who can best work on your behalf. God sees beyond the current crisis. What might the Lord be doing that you can’t see? How has God been good to you, even in the middle of trying circumstances? Write down three things that you can thank Him for right now. Then choose today to focus your thoughts on God’s love and care for you.