Author: pastor.gerooney@gmail.com

Let not my heart be drawn to what is evil, to take part in wicked deeds with men who are evildoers; let me not eat of their delicacies. Psalm 141:4 (Psalm 34, 141, 142)

On the run from Solomon, David escaped to Nob where a priest fed him and gave him Goliath’s spear. David then continued to Gath where he was recognized by the locals. To disguise himself David pretended to be a madman. There was nowhere David could find peace and rest except the heart of God. Every difficulty took him directly to God in petition and prayer and every deliverance drove him to praise and gratitude. In Psalm 34:8 David says, “Taste and see that the LORD is good, blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him.”  David found his emotional and physical rest and strength in the goodness and righteousness of God.

The 141st Psalm dwells on vengeance and evil, which conflicts with the love and perfect justice of a Sovereign Lord. David dwells a great deal on the prospect of a terrible end for his enemies. However, the Law of Israel put boundaries on retribution, an eye for an eye, no more, no less and David’s message is pointedly focused on a righteousness and evil that cannot dwell together, so evil must be dealt with. David is not asking for retaliation, which is man’s response to an offense, he is walking firmly in the knowledge that the threat to good will be done away with.

David recognized the lure of satisfaction in taking the law into his own hands, and as king, he had the right, but he understood to act was to sin. Jesus’ prayer, “Lead us not into temptation,” was prayed by David 1,000 years earlier because God can lead us away from all harm/sin and onto the path of righteousness.

Love,

Gretchen

O righteous God, who searches minds and hearts, bring to an end the violence of the wicked. Psalm 7:9 (Psalms 7, 25, 26)

God knows your heart. When the world is writing an incorrect narrative of your actions, motives and desires, God is not! He is truth and knows the authenticity of you! David took tremendous comfort in this given and let it lead him back to the heart of God, over and over again. The wicked will fall to the trouble they created, but those who seek God will prevail.

David was not a saint.  He was guilty of serious crimes and left a tsunami of tragedy in the wake. Not oblivious to the action/reaction he was responsible for, David was known to have his seasons of depression, but he knew grace! He asked to be forgiven and rescued from the destruction of his iniquities for himself, his family and his nation. God answered with love.

Psalm 26, contrasting the lament for sins in Psalm 25, is a celebration of forgiveness. We are made clean by the Holiness of God and His son’s sacrifice. This foundation is solid, invincible ground. Find me standing on the Promises of truth, inside and out……with David, and every other sinner saved by grace.

Love,

Gretchen

For the LORD is righteous, He loves justice; upright men will see His face. Psalm 11:7 (Psalm 11, 22, 59)

David was a famous battle hero and made the king (Saul) look good by having him at court, but Saul was jealous of David’s fame and wanted him removed from the face of the earth. Run or remain? David had done nothing wrong, but was treated as a criminal.

To a man who suffered continual injustice, God, as a champion of truth, was David’s greatest comfort. God alone will put a final and complete judgement and sentence on evil. It is no threat to those who’s hope is in the LORD. Psalm 22 is called The Psalm of the Cross. The words of verse 1 were said by Jesus as He was giving His life for ours. David does not describe the anguish of the wrongly accused, he tells the story of an execution, a death, parallel to Jesus’ last hours.

There were many times David felt God was deaf to his cries, and absent from his life of guiltless suffering. God’s silence is a most frightening emptiness. David ever felt it profoundly, just as you and I have. David clung to hope. He reflected on the miracles his forefathers experienced. He remembered his own peace and practiced habitual praise and worship. Your journey is not what dreams are made of. David’s wasn’t, and mine isn’t either, but God is Holy and faithful. This combination is our security. Hope always, pray without ceasing and praise the LORD with all your heart. Upright men will see His face and the shadows will no longer terrorize.

Love,

Gretchen

Lead me, O LORD, in your righteousness because of my enemies-make straight your way before me. Psalm 5:8 (Psalms 5, 12, 23)

In David’s young years he made the connection between God’s organization of nature and His plan for order and peace in our lives.  In a field where 1,000 years later Angels announced the coming of our Savior, David is a shepherd that leads his most precious possession to green, lush feeding grounds and to a water’s edge that is safe and refreshing, in contrast to a raging river of doom. He realizes God loves and cares for Him beyond comprehension.

When you are an anointed king in hiding it is nearly impossible to know advocates from adversaries. Night and day throughout his life, David felt the threat of intrigue, but he served a God who hates corruption and malicious intent. In fact, God loathes those who deliberately cause pain and chaos. In David’s darkest terror, injury and hopelessness He knew God reviled evil was working good for those who trust him.

As you read these Psalms, I hope they give you the same Peace David found. Is it not amazing to gaze at the same stars he could see and know that the Creator believes you are significant enough to prepare a table for you before your enemies? An invitation to a meal includes a promise of friendship, loyalty and intimacy. God offers all these things. He is a loving shepherd and a perfect host with the most beautiful, extended hand EVER! I will love and serve this God!

Love,

Gretchen

May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in Your sight, O LORD my Rock and my Redeemer. Psalm 19:14 (Psalm 8, 19 and 39)

These Psalms were the first songs written by David the shepherd boy who was secretly anointed king, but remained under the stars by night, watching his flock. It is also the season of David’s life when he proves himself proficient in the tools of his trade and slays a giant with the same weapons that vanquished wolves, bears or anything else found to threaten his livestock. Saul becomes jealous of David’s success and fame, but desires this musician’s talent to sooth his restless soul and calls him near to play and sing.

Under the canopy of stars David finds comfort in the knowledge that the creator of such majesty loves him (and you) best. He recognizes the futility of life but asks for guidance and value as earthly existence quickly passes away. God’s design, the sun and stars, that sustains the earth and all that is in it, speaks voiceless words of truth and comfort. David needs no other assurance but the knowledge of a Creator, Sovereign and Almighty God. This early dependance on God alone for fellowship, protection and provision in his times of loneliness and isolation proved formative.

Our character is carved by our encounters in faith, whether they be days of prosperity or tribulation. It is a choice to worship the One True God, maker of Heaven and earth, or wallow in pity and be blown about by the winds of time.  I choose my Rock and my Redeemer.

Love,

Gretchen

He died at a good old age, having enjoyed long life, wealth and honor. His son Solomon succeeded him as king. I Chronicles 29:28 (Psalms 5, 6, 7, 10, 11, 13)

Before I lay David’s story to rest in our journey through the Bible chronologically, I would like to look at the songs of petition and praise he wrote and his circumstances and possible state of mind and heart.

David spent his early adulthood as a fugitive, running, hiding and hungry. He knows an enemy not only threatens the body, it attacks every aspect of being. An adversary mocks, jeers, slanders, and spreads lies. It is hard to see God when faced with overwhelming peril and discouragement, and such was the case of this young king waiting for his crown. In times of duress David’s writings show that he wondered if God heard his cry. He defended his righteousness but also writhed in desperate humiliation and shame for his own sin.

There are two kinds of people, Godly and wicked. No one can be both. David lived this truth. The righteous can rest in joy and peace knowing oppression will not last forever and justice will have its day. David called out for the destruction of those who worked to harm him, but over and over he forgave and respected Saul. He knew betrayal but he found his need met in an Almighty God, a Friend and Comforter, and proceeded forward in the strength of God’s character.

David, the Bible’s poet, eloquently sings of a God of action. He does hear, He hates evil and He defends and protects those who trust and obey. And an even greater story is that God’s Grace and Mercy know no boundary.

Have a Marvelous Monday,

Gretchen

Then you will have success if you are careful to observe the decrees and laws that the LORD gave Moses for Israel. Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged. I Chronicles 22:13 (I Chronicles 22-29)

Solomon was God’s choice as David’s successor, but there was no guarantee of success because everyman makes his own decisions. David has much to say to his son to prepare him for his future responsibilities, most importantly, follow God and let faith guide and sustain you.

In order to create a smooth and stable transition of power, David has his son Solomon crowned king and for the remaining years of his life they serve together as co-regents.  David has long desired to build a fitting house for the LORD, but God refused. However, he knew his son would fulfill this dream. He used his final energy to prepare for this future Glory to God. He selected the site, amassed materials and drew plans. Not only did David prepare for the physical temple, he set up a rigid organization of administration and worship, everything from janitors to choristers.

It is tempting to read Old Testament stories through a lens of predestination, but David’s words to Solomon depict and man who understands ‘freewill’ determines outcome. His father’s heart longs to leave an inheritance of strength, achieved by faith and obedience.

As each one of us travels through time we accumulate much, but what is worth leaving? David had one thing of great value, The God that never abandoned him and provided for his every need. That God is what he wanted his son to have most. Now that’s what I call a legacy!

Love,

Gretchen

But the king replied to Araunah,”No I insist on paying you for it. I will not sacrifice to the LORD my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing.” 2 Samuel 24:24 (Chapter 23:8-24)

At the end of David’s life he decided to take a census. Counting heads was nothing new to the children of Israel. God had instructed they be counted when they left Egypt and once again when they crossed the river into Canaan. There are many good reasons for a king to know how many people he reigns over. Budgets are based on needs and projected taxes, and armies are called according to population. It is not clear why David ordered this accounting, but one thing is obvious! God didn’t like it! Was David overly proud of his accomplishments? Was he becoming secure in his own power rather than God’s?  David was forced to chose one of three calamities as a consequence for his action. He chose a plague that killed thousands, and in the end, Gad, God’s prophet, told David to make a sacrifice. David complied.

The angel that was wreaking death was found on the threshing floor of Araunuh and David knew this would be the place of his forgiveness. David humbled himself completely before the LORD and bought this place from the farmer. Araunuh tried to give it to his king, but David refused and paid a fair price.  Once again David found grace in the midst of his sin and failure.

There is more to the story of this altar.  It is very near the place where Abraham trusted and obeyed God by offering Isaac as a sacrifice, and later, the site became home to Solomon’s temple. Grace changes everything!

Love,

Gretchen

“He reached down from on high and took hold of me; He drew me out of deep waters.” 2 Samuel 22:17 (Chapters 20-23:7)

These words are taken from a song of praise, a Psalm written by David during his early victories as king. Now he is old and as he reflects on his successes and failures he finds God worthy of praise and sings the song of his joyous youth once again. This passage is also written in Psalm 18 and parallels Moses’ song in Deuteronomy.

These are the final words of the poet, (as king he gives final charges to Solomon, his successor) a man of human failures, but a heart that always sought God and ALWAYS found Him.

Happy Thursday,

Gretchen

You love those who hate you and hate those who love you. You have made it clear today that the commanders and their men mean nothing to you. I see that you would be pleased if Absalom were alive today and all of us were dead. 2 Samuel 19:7 (2 Samuel 19)

Absalom had been nothing but a bitter, rebellious, trouble making son. Not a suicidal man, but his choices could have no other outcome; he must die and he did.  In grief David isolated himself, leaving the victors unsure of their place in the king’s judgement of right and wrong. The nation descended into chaos leaving David vulnerable to intrigue and treason inside Israel and outside powers seeking an opportunity to destroy his monarchy.

David made many attempts to right wrongs and avenge innocent blood, but the rift that began between Judah and the other ten tribes ends in a divided kingdom one generation later. It’s easy to place all the blame on David’s sin, but many sought their own selfish agenda, knowing it cost others everything. Sin destroys, without exception!

These stories are not designed to build theology and they are mentally exhausting to explore and comprehend. So why does the Bible show this ugly side of a ‘Man after God’s own heart’ who choses to reward rebellion and punish loyalty? Because it is real. The story isn’t perfect, but God’s determination to rescue and redeem man is! David found grace…….every time! You can too! (David wrote nearly half of the book of Psalms, song after song of God’s amazing love.)

There is nowhere in the universe God cannot find you, bring you back and sort out your mess to His Glory.  Just let Him!

Love,

Gretchen