Worship: A Study in PsalmsSample

What does it say?

Because of God’s comfort and abounding love, David trusted God to hear, answer, strengthen, and guard him. He asked for an undivided heart full of praise.

What does it mean?

It’s uncertain which enemy David was facing when he wrote this psalm, but it’s clear that the personal attack he was under drove him to God. His psalm focuses on the One he was praying to rather than the people and circumstances he was praying about. He found strength and comfort in the Word of God, quoting more than 20 passages from other psalms. He desired more than relief from the trial; David wanted to be closer to the Lord when the ordeal was over than when it began.

How should I respond?

What unexpected setback or unrelenting adversity are you facing right now? The very thing causing you frustrating days and sleepless nights might be a means to greater intimacy with the Lord. The trials of life tend to bring our flaws to the surface because they are harder to control or keep hidden under intense pressure. Will you allow God to show you those things so you can emerge from this difficult time stronger spiritually? Rather than turn away from God in anger, turn to His Word for strength. Mark the passages He uses so that you, like David, can look back and say, “Lord, you have helped and comforted me.”