Delight yourself in the Lord; and He will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4 - What Does this verse REALLY mean?
Psalm 37:4 is probably one of the most misquoted verses in Scripture. "Delight yourself in the Lord; and He will give you the desires of your heart." It sounds good, doesn't it? If we take delight in God, He will give us whatever we want? I love the Lord. I love studying the Bible. I love growing in my faith, so if I delight in all these things, I can ask God for whatever my heart desires and He will give it to me? Well, that would be nice, but that is not how this works. What does Psalm 37:4 really mean?
Delight yourself in the Lord; and He will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4
What does this verse REALLY mean?
What does Psalm 37:4 really mean? Let's start with what it does not mean. This beloved verse does not mean that God is going to hand us whatever we want just because we ask for it. If that were true, we would all be healthy, wealthy, and up to our eyeballs in materialistic bliss. We would also all be spoiled rotten and probably acting like spoiled rotten children act. I think we all know what that looks like. You know something else? We would still be dissatisfied. I know there are exceptions to the rule, but most people who have it all - health, wealth, and all the things - still want more. If we are being honest with ourselves, no matter where we sit financially, we all want more, more of this, more of that.
The reason we all want more is that material things can never fully satisfy the human heart or cure any human condition. True satisfaction can only be found in Jesus Christ. We will never be satisfied doing our own will, but the more we know the Lord, the closer we are to Him, the closer our will lines up with His. When our will lines up with God's will, then the desires of our hearts are fully met.
When we delight in the Lord, God's will becomes our will. God's desires become our desires. The things that break God's heart will also break ours. The things that bring God joy will also bring us joy.
You see how that works? Now that we understand what Psalm 37:4 really means, we have to ask ourselves if we are truly delighting in the Lord. If we are, then the desires or our hearts that are in line with God's desires are given to us freely. If we are not delighting in the Lord, then we have work to do. We need to search our hearts to identify the areas keeping us from growing in our faith. We can do that by spending time in the Scriptures, reading and meditating on God's Word, praying, and listening to God as He whispers sweet conviction over areas where we need to grow.
Maybe you are reading this post and you have no idea what we are talking about because you don't know much about this Jesus we speak of. If this is you, then I invite you to go here to learn more about who Jesus is and how you can begin a relationship with Him today.
The Lord's Comfort for the Broken-Hearted. Psalm 34:18
There are so many teachings and verses from the Bible that guide us through life's toughest challenges. Today, let's dive into a powerful verse from Psalm 34:18, which states, "The Lord is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." This verse is a testament to God's unwavering love and compassion, offering comfort to those who are burdened with grief and sorrow.
The Lord's Comfort for the Broken-Hearted
Understanding Psalm 34:18
Psalm 34:18 is a beacon of hope in times of brokenness. It assures us that even when we are at our lowest, we are not alone. The Lord is always near, offering His comfort and protection to those who are broken-hearted. But what does it really mean to be "broken-hearted" or "crushed in spirit"?
In life, we experience a myriad of emotions. Heartbreak often comes from profound disappointment, loss, or pain. It's a universal experience that can sometimes feel isolating. Being "crushed in spirit" refers to a state of despair or extreme sorrow. The Psalmist is assuring us that in these moments of deep anguish, the Lord is closest to us. He is our refuge in times of trouble, our strength when we feel weak.
God's Unending Love and Compassion
The beauty of Psalm 34:18 lies in its promise of God's unending love and compassion. It assures us that our tears do not go unnoticed by God. He sees our pain, our struggles, and our heartbreak. And more than seeing, He is actively involved in our healing process. The Lord doesn't distance Himself from our pain; instead, He draws near, offering His comfort and healing.
This verse serves as a reminder that God's love is not conditional or limited. He doesn't only show up in our moments of joy and triumph. The Lord is also present in our darkest hours, providing us with the strength to persevere and the hope of better days ahead.
Finding Comfort in God's Presence
Psalm 34:18 offers us the comfort of knowing that in our moments of despair, we are not alone. The Lord is there, close to the broken-hearted, saving those who are crushed in spirit. His presence is a sanctuary, a place of renewal and healing. It is a reminder that even in our darkest moments, there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
In conclusion, the journey through heartbreak and despair is never easy, but it is comforting to know that we are not alone. God is always there, offering His love, compassion, and strength. Psalm 34:18 is a testament to this promise of His constant presence in our lives.
Remember, no matter how crushing your sorrow or how deep your despair, the Lord is close to you. He is there to save you, to lift you up, and to provide you with the strength you need to overcome. So, hold on, have faith, and let the Lord's unwavering love guide you through your trials.
Express Your Sentiments
Do you know someone who is heart-broken? Maybe someone you know has lost a loved one or perhaps someone you love is struggling through other hard things. Remind them that the Lord is close to them with a sympathy card from Abundant Family Living.
We have been living through a pandemic for a whole year. For almost 13 months, we've seen news updates about the pandemic which always spark debates because this thing has everyone in a tizzy. The politics surrounding the pandemic is unbelievable and opinions stretch as far right and as far left as you can possibly get. There aren't a whole lot of people like me in the middle just trying to do the right thing. There are a lot of other things in the news these days that also might add to our anxious thoughts. If the COVID-19 pandemic or anything else going on in your life has you feeling anxious, let me encourage you to turn off the TV, get off of social media, set some time aside, and turn to the only One who can ease your anxiety. I know you're busy. Everybody is busy doing something but resolve to set aside some time, whether it be 15 minutes or 2 hours. Just unplug, take a deep breath, and open up your Bible. Take a few minutes to consider the following Bible verses to combat anxiety. Read them. Study them. Meditate on them. Underline them in your Bible or highlight them with your favorite color highlighter. Come back to them again and again and again. God is the only real source of relief and peace during turbulent times. Turn your eyes, your heart, and your mind to Him and to Him alone so that you can leave your anxious thoughts at the feet of Jesus and find true peace over your situations.
Bible Verses to Combat Anxiety
1. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy. - Psalm 94:19
2. Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up. - Proverbs 12:25
3. The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. - Psalm 34:17
4. But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.” - Jeremiah 17:7-8
5. For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. - 2 Timothy 1:7
6. But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. - Isaiah 40:31
7. Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. - Hebrews 11:1
8. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. - John 14:27
9. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. - Philippians 4:6-7
10. Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken. - Psalm 55:22
11. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. - Proverbs 3:5-6
12. Then Jesus said to his disciples: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. - Luke 12:22
13. I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. - Psalm 34:4
14. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. - 1 Peter 5:7
15. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. - Romans 8:38-39
16. Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. - Matthew 11:28-30
17. Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you. - 2 Thessalonians 3:16
18. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. - Philippians 4:13
19. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened and do not be dismayed for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. - Joshua 1:9
20. For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. - Jeremiah 29:11
Generosity is more about what God wants for you than what He wants from you. Today's scripture passage is in 1 Chronicles 29.
Then the people rejoiced because they had offered so willingly, for they made their offering to the Lord wholeheartedly, and King David also rejoiced greatly.
David’s Prayer
So David blessed the Lord in the sight of all the assembly; and David said, “Blessed are You, Lord God of Israel our father, forever and ever.Yours, Lord,
is the greatness, the power, the glory, the victory, and the majesty,
indeed everything that is in the heavens and on the earth; Yours is the
dominion, Lord, and You exalt Yourself as head over all.Both riches and honor come from You, and You rule over all, and in Your hand is power and might; and it lies in Your hand to make great and to strengthen everyone.Now therefore, our God, we thank You, and praise Your glorious name.
“But who am I and who are my people that we should be able to offer as generously as this? For all things come from You, and from Your hand we have given to You.15 For we are strangers before You, and temporary residents, as all our fathers were; our days on the earth are like a shadow, and there is no hope.16 Lord
our God, all this abundance that we have provided to build You a house
for Your holy name, it is from Your hand, and everything is Yours.17 Since I know, my God, that You put the heart to the test and delight in uprightness, I, in the integrity of my heart, have willingly offered all these things; so now with joy I have seen Your people, who are present here, make their offerings willingly to You. - 1 Chronicles 29:9-17
The following are my Bible study notes based on my pastor's sermon. You are invited to watch, listen, and worship with us here.
What if there was one specific practice in life that would guarantee the following?
3. Meet your greatest need while meeting the needs of others.
4. Open up the windows of Heaven and invite God's blessings into your life
5. Protect you from envy, greed, comparison, and self-absorbed living
Here is the one word that brings these results - generosity. Generosity is more than meeting a need. Meeting a need is great, but to be generous is to "give to overflowing." All God puts into our hands should flow from our fingertips to others. What keeps us from living life wide open with generosity? STUFF
There is nothing wrong with having things, but it is wrong when things have you.
How to Live Life Generously
1. Ownership
All we have belongs to God.
The earth is the Lord’s, and all it contains, The world, and those who live in it. 2 For He has founded it upon the seas And established it upon the rivers. - Psalm 24:1-2
Yours, Lord,
is the greatness, the power, the glory, the victory, and the majesty,
indeed everything that is in the heavens and on the earth; Yours is the
dominion, Lord, and You exalt Yourself as head over all.12 Both riches and honor come from You, and You rule over all, and in Your hand is power and might; and it lies in Your hand to make great and to strengthen everyone.13 Now therefore, our God, we thank You, and praise Your glorious name.
14 “But who am I and who are my people that we should be able to offer as generously as this? For all things come from You, and from Your hand we have given to You. - 1 Chronicles 29:11-14
For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it, either. - 1 Timothy 6:7
“Be careful that you do not forget the Lord your God by failing to keep His commandments, His ordinances, and His statutes which I am commanding you today;12 otherwise, when you eat and are satisfied, and you build good houses and live in them,13 and when your herds and your flocks increase, and your silver and gold increase, and everything that you have increases,14 then your heart will become proud and you will forget the Lord your God who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery;15 He who led you through the great and terrible wilderness, with its fiery serpents and scorpions, and its thirsty ground where there was no water; He who brought water for you out of the rock of flint.16 In the wilderness it was He who fed you manna which your fathers did not know, in order to humble you and in order to put you to the test, to do good for you in the end.17 Otherwise, you may say in your heart, ‘My power and the strength of my hand made me this wealth.’18 But you are to remember the Lord your God, for it is He who is giving you power to make wealth, in order to confirm His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day. - Deuteronomy 8:11-18
If you don't own it, you don't worry about it. Let the Owner, God, worry about it.
For all things come from You, and from Your hand we have given to You. - 1 Chronicles 29:14
For it is just like a man about to go on a journey, who called his own slaves and entrusted his possessions to them. - Matthew 25:14
God is trustworthy? Are we trustworthy?
We don't own our stuff. We just manage all that God has entrusted to us.
3. Worship
Everything is entrusted to us for His glory.
Lord
our God, all this abundance that we have provided to build You a house
for Your holy name, it is from Your hand, and everything is Yours. - 1 Chronicles 29:16
Trusting God is an act of worship.
Every time we act generously, we are reflecting the heart of God.
I want to say to God, "God, You are worthy of my trust. I want to honor You with all my stuff."
This post is written from my personal Bible study notes taken during my pastor's sermon.
We are still in our Ephesians series at my church. Today's message gives advice about how to not ruin your life. Our scripture passage for today is Ephesians 5:15-21. We learn today that if we do not want to ruin our lives, we should not act foolishly. We should choose friends wisely. We shouldn't be lazy. We absolutely do not deny the existence of God.
You are invited to watch, listen, and worship with us here.
First, let's read Ephesians 5:15-21.
So then, be careful how you walk, not as unwise people but as wise,16 making the most of your time, because the days are evil.17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.18 And do not get drunk with wine, in which there is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit,19 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your hearts to the Lord;20 always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to our God and Father;21 and subject yourselves to one another in the fear of Christ. - Ephesians 5:15-21
Walk carefully because you will influence those who walk behind you.
How to Not Ruin Your Life
1. Don't be a fool.
Fools are full of pride, but wise people are humble.
When pride comes, then comes dishonor; but with the humble there is wisdom. - Proverbs 11:2
2. Choose friends wisely.
Fools are influenced by other fools, but wise people choose friends wisely.
One who walks with wise people will be wise, but a companion of fools will suffer harm. - Proverbs 13:20
The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty. - Proverbs 21:5
4. Don't deny the existence of God.
Are you being a fool?
Redeem your time.
As for the days of our life, they contain seventy years, Or if due to strength, eighty years, Yet their pride is only trouble and tragedy; For it quickly passes, and we disappear. 11 Who understands the power of Your anger And Your fury, according to the fear that is due You? 12 So teach us to number our days, That we may present toYou a heart of wisdom. - Psalm 90:10-12
We are in a new Bible study series at my church. Our pastor is calling today's sermon "What You Have." We are studying from the book of Ephesians. The following are my Bible study notes based on my pastor's sermon. You are invited to watch, listen, and worship with us here.
In the opening of the book of Ephesians, Christ followers are called saints. Jesus made us saints. Every Christian is a saint and every saint is a Christian. If you are a saint (Christ follower), you are going to learn what you have today. If you are not a Christ follower, learn more about how to have a relationship with Jesus here.
Let's begin by reading Ephesians 1:3-14.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ,just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. In loveHe predestined us to adoption as sons and daughters through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will,to the praise of the glory of His grace, with which He favored us in the Beloved.In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our wrongdoings, according to the riches of His gracewhich He lavished on us. In all wisdom and insight He made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He set forth in Him,regarding His plan of the fullness of the times, to bring all things together in Christ, things in the heavens and things on the earth.In Him we also have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things in accordance with the plan of His will,to the end that we who were the first to hope in the Christ would be to the praise of His glory.In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation—having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of the promise,who is a first installment of our inheritance, in regard to the redemption of God’s own possession, to the praise of His glory. - Ephesians 1:3-14
If you have ever visited The Varsity in Atlanta, then you know that when you approach the counter, the counter worker will yell at you with a quick "What'll ya have?!" They take this job very seriously, and if you don't order fast enough, they'll yell at you again. At least this has been my experience when I visited the popular Atlanta fast food chain.
In the video above, our pastor shares his own experience which was similar to mine. Then he mentions that the apostle Paul takes us to the "buffet" of salvation in Ephesians 1. He says the table is full. There are many dishes, and they are filled with every spiritual blessing. According to my pastor, this is Paul's version of "What'll ya have?!"
What we have is our position. Feasting on what we have should be our condition.
Truth: You don't need what you already have. You already have all that you need.
The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit all have spiritual wealth to give us. Believers are blessed with every spiritual blessing.
What You Have
1. What We Have in the Father (verses 4-6)
We are chosen. God chose us before the foundation of the world. You are not an afterthought. Before anything existed, we (YOU) were on His mind.
We are adopted. God calls us sons and daughters.
We are accepted.
2. What We Have in the Son (verses 7-12)
We are redeemed. Jesus paid the price for our sin with His blood. We were slaves to sin but in Jesus, we are now free, redeemed.
We are forgiven. There is good and bad to learn here. The bad news is that we are all guilty and there is a penalty to be paid. The good news is that Jesus took our blame and our guilt. He has completely forgiven us.
As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our wrongdoings from us. - Psalm 103:12
I have wiped out your wrongdoings like a thick cloud and your sins like a heavy mist. Return to Me, for I have redeemed you. - Isaiah 44:22
They will not teach again, each one his neighbor and each one his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for they will all know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them,” declares the Lord, “for I will forgive their wrongdoing, and their sin I will no longer remember.” - Jeremiah 31:34
I will endure the rage of the Lord because I have sinned against Him, until He pleads my case and executes justice for me. He will bring me out to the light, and I will look at His righteousness. - Micah 7:9
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous, so that He will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. - 1 John 1:9
God's grace does not end. Your sin will never outweigh His grace. Don't let the devil bring up your past!
We have insight. We are chosen and adopted. We are not victims of the age. The cancer of sin is spreading all over the world but history is His story.
We have an inheritance. We are valuable to Jesus.
When Jesus Christ wrote His last will and testament for His church, He made it possible for us to share His spiritual riches. Instead of spending it all, Jesus paid it all. His death on the cross and His resurrection make possible our salvation. He wrote us into His will, then He died so the will would be in force. Then He rose again that He might become our advocate to make sure the terms of the will were correctly followed. - Warren Wiersbe
We have been sealed. To seal something is to make it secure. This speaks of authenticity and permanence. Everything is secure. It can never be lost.
We have been guaranteed.
God blessed us immensely. He chose us unconditionally. He adopted us adoringly. He redeemed us graciously. He forgave us completely. He gave grace lavishly. He revealed His mystery wisely. He granted us inheritance eternally. He sealed us permanently. He guaranteed our position personally.
As part of our Summer Playlist Series, our associate pastor delivered a sermon about glorifying God in every experience. His text was Psalm 19, a Psalm of David.
The heavens are telling of the glory of God; And their expanse is declaring the work of His hands. 2 Day to day pours forth speech, And night to night reveals knowledge. 3 There is no speech, nor are there words; Their voice is not heard. 4 Their line has gone out through all the earth, And their utterances to the end of the world. In them He has placed a tent for the sun, 5 Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber; It rejoices as a strong man to run his course. 6 Its rising is from one end of the heavens, And its circuit to the other end of them; And there is nothing hidden from its heat.
7 The law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the soul; The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.
8 The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.
9 The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the Lord are true; they are righteous altogether.
10 They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb.
11 Moreover, by them Your servant is warned; In keeping them there is great reward.
12 Who can discern his errors? Acquit me of hidden faults.
13 Also keep back Your servant from presumptuous sins; Let them not rule over me; Then I will be blameless, And I shall be acquitted of great transgression.
14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my rock and my Redeemer. - Psalm 19
You are invited to watch, listen, and worship with us here.
Glorifying God in Every Situation
When we have something wonderful to celebrate, we want the whole world to know about it. Maybe you are celebrating the birth of a child, a new relationship, an award at work, a big birthday, etc. When we celebrate milestones, it's difficult to keep the good news to ourselves.
David wasn't always positive in his psalms, but in Psalm 19, David expresses joy in knowing God and in being known by God.
We can glorify God in EVERY experience, good or bad.
Creation proclaims God's power.
God's power is seen when we look at the heavens and the skies. Creation never stops pointing to its creator. Creation was meant to glorify God. Creation doesn't use words yet it proclaims the power of the God who created it.
We know there is a God because of His creation and works.
For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse. Romans 1:20
We know God and His power when we see His creation. Just look at it. Creation worships God. God doesn't NEED us to worship Him so why did He create us? He created us for relationship. God doesn't need us. He WANTS us. Isn't that amazing? You are not an accident. God is powerful enough to sustain creation. He is powerful enough to sustain you. Scripture reveals God's perfection. We can know God through His creation, but we can also know Him through His Word. David describes God's Word as: Perfect Blameless Sure Firm Faithful Unchanging Right Correct Level Pure Undefiled Clean True Righteous God's Word is a direct reflection of who God is.
God is perfect, blameless, sure, firm faithful, unchanging, right, correct, level, pure, undefiled, clean, true, and righteous. David describes God's Word as more precious than anything else. It is by God's Word that we are warned of sin and the dangers of it. God's Word is an instruction manual about how to live and how to know God. A perfect God can be trusted. His Word is true and we can trust it. Do you want to know God? Then read His Word. God is personal. God is more than the God of creation or the author of the Bible. God is personal.
God knows you and He wants you to know Him. Our joy isn't dependent upon our circumstances. Our joy comes from knowing God and glorifying Him in every situation.
When going through the worst days of your life, God is enough.
This Sunday, we are reading Psalm 110. Psalm 110 was written by David who was no stranger to hard times and worst days. However, David wrote many Psalms about God supremacy and authority over his life. In Psalm 110, David declares that his God is more than enough in troublesome times.
God is Enough, Psalm 110
The Lord says to my Lord: “Sit at My right hand Until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet.” 2 The Lord will stretch out Your strong scepter from Zion, saying, “Rule in the midst of Your enemies.” 3 Your people will volunteer freely on the day of Your power; In holy splendor, from the womb of the dawn, Your youth are to You as the dew.
4 The Lord has sworn and will not change His mind, “You are a priest forever According to the order of Melchizedek.” 5 The Lord is at Your right hand; He will shatter kings in the day of His wrath. 6 He will judge among the nations, He will fill them with corpses, He will shatter the chief men over a broad country. 7 He will drink from the brook by the wayside; Therefore He will lift up His head. - Psalm 110
The following are my Bible study notes based on my pastor's sermon. You are invited to watch, listen, and worship with us here.
God is enough when:
1. Your enemies want to destroy you.
David had faced enemies. As a young boy, he fought the giant, Goliath. He constantly battled the Philistines. He was always running from King Saul who wanted to kill him. For years, David was an anointed king but he was running for his life. However, even though others were constantly seeking to destroy or kill David, he exclaimed that his Lord was enough.
In Psalm 110:2, we see that God will rule with great power right in the middle of what seems to be the enemy's deadliest attack.
In Psalm 110:3, we learn that people who are subject to the Great King (God) will follow Him gladly and freely. God's people will constantly be refreshed.
What enemies do you face? Cancer? Depression? A broken relationship? A struggling family situation?
When you become discouraged under the enemy's attacks, go straight to your King God. God will conquer your enemies and He will renew and refresh you.
2. Your sins consume you.
Not only was David constantly under physical attack. He faced internal struggles as well. David was plagued with his sin of adultery with the wife of Uriah. That sin led to more sin including murder. This all led to the death of David's son.
When sin consumed David's life, David still knew that his God was enough.
In Psalm 110:4, we learn about a truth that will last for all eternity. Jesus is our King forever and our Priest forever.
You might be asking, "Who is Melchizedek anyway?" At this point in his sermon, my pastor tells us what we know about Melchizedek. Here is a brief summary.
In Genesis 14, we learn that Melchizedek is a minor character in the Bible. God has promised to Abraham that He would multiply his descendants, make him the father of many nations, and make him wealthy and prosperous. Abraham has a nephew named Lot. Abraham and Lot were very close. They were both wealthy and lived near each other. Lot lived near Sodom. Sodom went to war with other cities. A king named Chedorlaomer takes over all the valley where Lot lived. Lot becomes caught up in the battle. He eventually becomes a prisoner of war along with his wife, his kids, his entire family including all of his flocks and possessions under King Chedorlaomer.
This struck a nerve within Abraham. In my pastor's words:
"This is not smart, because Abraham is like Liam Neeson. He has a special set of skills. If you take one of his family members, he is going to hunt you down. He will find you and he will kill you."
Abraham goes after King Chedorlaomer. God gives Abraham power so he wipes out King Chedorlaomer. He takes back Lot and all his family and possessions. The he takes all of Chedorlaomer's possessions. Then, Melchizedek comes along. Melchizedek is introduced without genealogy which is unusual for Old Testament characters. We know he was the king of Salem. Salem has the root Hebrew word for peace. Melchizedek's name means King of Righteousness. Melchizedek is the King of Righteousness whose kingdom is peace. Who does this point to? Maybe Jesus?
When Abraham sees Melchizedek, he bows and worships Him. He immediately gives Melchizedek 10% of everything he took from Chedorlaomer. Melchizedek doesn't show up again until Psalm 110 when David says his King is a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek. David points to the ultimate King Priest, Jesus.
We fast forward to Hebrews 7. Melchizedek is mentioned in Genesis 14, Psalm 100, and then again in the New Testament in Hebrews 7.
We sin. We all sin. Sin separates us from a Holy God. Sin will condemn us to an eternal separation from God. However, God, in His mercy, sent our King Jesus forever, our Priest forever, to pay the penalty for our sin once for all. Jesus is the only one who can make sinful man right with a Holy God.
When you feel consumed by a sin or multiple sins in your life. You might see no way out, but there is a way. Jesus forgives. Jesus heals. David tells us in Psalm 100 that God is enough and He is, even when your enemies want to destroy you and even when your sin consumes you.
3. When your future seems hopeless.
Have you watched the news lately? If you watch, you'll probably feel overwhelmed with all the bad stuff going on in the world. When I watch the news, I feel like our future seems hopeless. The news media is flooded with reports of racial riots, protests, anarchy in the streets, lawlessness, political upheaval, bombings, etc. King David's world felt hopeless too. David's son would murder his other son to avenge his sister's rape. Despite all of that, David loved Absalom, welcomed him home, and greeted him with a kiss. How did Absalom respond?
Absalom conspired to overthrow the king, slandered his father's reputation, forced him to flee for his life, raped all of David's wives, and ultimately cost the lives of 20,000 men. That certainly paints a portrait of a hopeless future for David and his family. David must have wondered about God's faithfulness, but in the midst of all the ugly, David proclaimed that his King was more than enough.
Be encouraged. Jesus is near in seemingly hopeless situations. In fact, in verse 6, we read that King Jesus will repay the godless and unbelievers that threaten you. One day, He will destroy those who mean to harm you.
Regarding verse 7, if you look up the Hebrew word for "drink," it is used for the purpose of celebration such as a wedding feast. The word for "brook" refers to a torrent of water that comes after a deluge of rain.
In the midst of hopelessness, we can remain hopeful because King Jesus preserves His people no matter the circumstances, leading them to a celebration that is coming sooner than you might expect.
If you are in Christ today, be hopeful! Our King is coming!
In the darkest of days, God is enough. Jesus is our King. Jesus is our Priest. Jesus is our Hope.
How will you respond to Psalm 110?
If you have not bowed to King Jesus - if you have not repented of your sin and given your life to Jesus, then I want to challenge you to wait no longer. Surrender your life to Jesus today. He will overcome your enemy, forgive your sin, and give you a future and a hope.
For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans for prosperity and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. - Jeremiah 29:11
Today, we are reading Psalm 139 as my pastor leads us through our summer in the Psalms.
It is part of our human nature to want others to notice us. We want others to know us and love us. We want them to be interested in us and to care about us. We want others to realize our value. I have good news for you. Somebody knows you. His name is God. You are valuable. You are known by God. You have purpose and responsibility in this life.
He knit you together in your mother's womb. You are valuable.
The following Bible study notes are based on my pastor's sermon. You are invited to watch, listen, and worship with us here.
Psalm 139: You are valuable!
Psalm 139 is a Psalm of David written for the choir director.
Lord, You have searched me and known me. 2 You know when I sit down and when I get up; You understand my thought from far away. 3 You scrutinize my path and my lying down, And are acquainted with all my ways. 4 Even before there is a word on my tongue, Behold, Lord, You know it all. 5 You have encircled me behind and in front, And placed Your hand upon me. 6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; It is too high, I cannot comprehend it.
7 Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? 8 If I ascend to heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in Sheol, behold, You are there. 9 If I take up the wings of the dawn, If I dwell in the remotest part of the sea, 10 Even there Your hand will lead me, And Your right hand will take hold of me. 11 If I say, “Surely the darkness will overwhelm me, And the light around me will be night,” 12 Even darkness is not dark to You, And the night is as bright as the day. Darkness and light are alike to You.
13 For You created my innermost parts; You wove me in my mother’s womb. 14 I will give thanks to You, because I am awesomely and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, And my soul knows it very well. 15 My frame was not hidden from You When I was made in secret, And skillfully formed in the depths of the earth; 16 Your eyes have seen my formless substance; And in Your book were written All the days that were ordained for me, When as yet there was not one of them.
17 How precious also are Your thoughts for me, God! How vast is the sum of them! 18 Were I to count them, they would outnumber the sand. When I awake, I am still with You.
19 If only You would put the wicked to death, God; Leave me, you men of bloodshed. 20 For they speak against You wickedly, And Your enemies take Your name in vain. 21 Do I not hate those who hate You, Lord? And do I not loathe those who rise up against You? 22 I hate them with the utmost hatred; They have become my enemies.
23 Search me, God, and know my heart; Put me to the test and know my anxious thoughts; 24 And see if there is any hurtful way in me, And lead me in the everlasting way. - Psalm 139
We may or may not know everything about each other but there is nothing God doesn't know about you. Even the hairs on your head are numbered.
But even the hairs of your head are all counted. Do not fear; you are more valuable than a great number of sparrows. - Luke 12:7
We can make people THINK they know us but God DOES KNOW all there is to know about us. God knows you better than anyone else. He knows all and is everywhere.
There is no place we can go where we are not in the presence of God.
Adam and Eve tried to hide from God.
Now they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden.9 Then the Lord God called to the man, and said to him, “Where are you?”10 He said, “I heard the sound of You in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid myself.” - Genesis 3:8-10
Jonah tried to run from Him.
But Jonah got up to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord. So he went down to Joppa, found a ship that was going to Tarshish, paid the fare, and boarded it to go with them to Tarshish away from the presence of the Lord. - Jonah 1:3
Jesus asked the disciples, "Do you want to leave too?" Peter responded, "Where shall we go for in you we have found the words of eternal life."
We cannot hide from God. We cannot run from God. When you think He doesn't know, He does.
God is the only one who can rightly judge you. He's the only one from whom you cannot escape.
2. You have a purpose.
Life in the womb is valuable to God. God knit YOU together in your mother's womb - your character traits, gender, disabilities, etc. YOU have purpose and meaning.
David was thrilled that God would knit him and weave him together in his mother's womb. God did the same for YOU. He made you. He made up your DNA. He wrote down your days in His book. Your life matters.
3. You have responsibility.
We have a responsibility to protect the truth of scripture. We cannot take God and His word and strip it of it's meaning and power. We cannot take out parts of God's Word that we don't like (holiness, justice, judgement) and only keep the parts that cover peace, love, joy, grace, and mercy. We have a responsibility to die to ourselves and our sins and submit to God.
David finishes the psalm by asking God to search Him, to search his heart, to see if there is any wicked way in him. Then he asked God to lead him in the everlasting way.
What is the answer to the problems of our day?
The answers to today's problems are not in political change, social justice, new laws, or social media wokeness.
The answer to the problems of our day is found in God and God alone.
Do you know the God who knit you together in your mother's womb? Do you know the God who knows you, who values you and has a purpose for your life? Do you know Jesus? Learn more about how you can have a personal relationship with Him here. He is the only way to have an abundant life.
