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For You make me glad by Your deeds, O LORD; I sing for joy at the works of Your hands. Psalm 92:4 (Psalms 2, 92, 61, 66)

The leading themes or ideas of the Psalms are trust, praise, rejoicing and mercy. At the center of these acts is the resting faith in God’s justice.  These four Psalms are hymns of rejoicing.

Infinity is incomprehensible, as it is applies to the One True God. He forever was (infinite to the past) and is eternal to the future. Somewhere, out under the stars, David wrapped his mind around this truth and found peace.  He Praised God for His creative power and authority, His present acts of protection and provision, and then He took his praise into forever. He lifted his talent, his words of art, and gave glory to that which he knew would come about, an earthly Messiah and eternal life.

Though our lives are just a minuscule wisp of vapor in time, we can do as David did, worship God through the ages. Eternity is more than just a very, large concept, it is our single hope and joy.

Blessings,

Gretchen

He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. Psalm 40:2 (Psalm 40, 70, 27)

David cut his teeth on God’s law. He was raised in a Godly household. Knowing God’s law enlightened David to the depth of his sin. His knowledge of drowning in a quicksand of one’s own making was first hand. He knew the panic, the horror, the lingering stench of self loathing! And then!!!! He was placed on solid ground and with a tether, anchoring his feet so they would never wander again.

In joy and sorrow, David spells out the things he has learned about God. He created infinite wonders. He is love, truth, protector, light, a stronghold, and faithful to those who seek mercy, and rest their hope in grace. There is nothing on this earth that secures like God’s majesty, wisdom and strength.

We must never lose our consciousness of need. God’s hand reached down, because David asked, and lifted (not pulled, there’s a difference) David up. God did not send a demolition crew, an aluminum extension ladder or a bulleted list of trouble shooting suggestions.  He moved and David found a new song to add to the thousands of others he was already singing. 

Sing Loud! Sing Proud!

Gretchen

Many are saying of me, “God will not deliver him.” But you are a shield around me, O LORD; You bestow glory on me and lift up my head. Psalm 3:2-3 (Psalm 3, 14, 28, 71)

The entire spectrum of emotions are felt throughout the Psalms. From the joy of salvation to the devastation of sin and grief, these hymns speak to every human, mental state. Psalms 3, 28 and 71 voice a “Peaceful trust,”  a sense of God holding you as a father securely and tenderly holds a helpless, infant child.

Contrasting peaceful trust would be violent, or turbulent trust.  Indeed, I have found myself drawn to faith, kicking and screaming, not wanting any part of life that demands a certainty beyond my immediate control, therefore, voiding the need for true, untethered faith. David’s survival depended on a faith that allowed him go to the edge of reason and still make righteous decisions, daily.

Paul uses Psalm 14:1-3 to argue that no human is sinless, but God hears every plea for mercy and justice. Every prayer becomes a praise, every praise evolves into hope, hope becomes faith, faith leads to assurance that God hears and answers, EVERYTIME. The future is full for those who seek God’s glory and rest in His arms. In this, David rested in peace. So should we.

Love,

Gretchen

As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. Psalm 42:1 (Psalm 42, 43, 55,)

David, in his later years, organized a group of poetic Levites into a musical guild. This was part of his plan for worship in the temple Solomon would build. Psalm 42 and 43 are associated with this group called the Sons of Korah.

David moved in and out of success. His young years were spent tending his father’s sheep in the great outdoors. While given responsibilities and chores, no doubt this young artist packed a party in his pocket and found amusement in the mundane, and great beauty in the ordinary. When he first penned Psalm 42 and 43 he was hiding among heathen people who were not friendly, or kind, but they did not wish to kill him as King Saul did, they only mocked his faith. Safe in body, he was ill in soul as he gazed upon the carefree life of nature; deer, doves, babbling brooks, and envied their effortless existence.   

Back and forth from despair to confidence in God alone David conversed with himself, “When will this end?” “God will take care of me!” “Had it not been for the lessons in the wilderness I would never have become a Godly man.” Sooooo….. I will praise.

We are like David, we rise and fall, multiple times a day in this fast paced life. We observe people and things passing by and wonder, “What if?” David questioned the vanity of a waterfall plunging deep into a canyon, only to bubble up, surviving and continuing on. Why can’t life be that simple? IT IS! Cast your (my) cares on the LORD, and He will sustain you, He will never let the righteous fall. Psalm 55:22

Happy Winter’s Day,

Gretchen

Blessed is he who has regard for the weak; the LORD delivers him in times of trouble. Psalm 41:1 (Psalm 41 and 62)

Psalm 62 is a song of complete devotion and dependance on God, in all circumstances. Psalm 41 is thought to be from the time of Absalom’s, David’s son, attempted overthrow.

Absalom’s coup was incredibly well crafted and executed. David had to leave Jerusalem for a period of time, becoming a fugitive once again. This rebellion ended in Absalom’s death, and David’s grief was profound.

Although anointed as Israel’s leader at a very young age, David knew every economic and cultural status of his time.  He lived every experience. From pauper to king, deranged lunatic to humble servant and noble ruler, David was there in living color.  He knew that God was faithful, his only strength, salvation and hope.

The word ‘times’ is plural.  We are all going to struggle and it will change you. Let it be for the good. David chose to chase after God’s heart, and he had no regrets.

Love,

Gretchen

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

Jesus’ Jerusalem was a tumultuous place. Subject to the Roman Ceasar and his idolatry and self obsession, Jesus’ time and place on earth was rampant with prejudice and injustice, both by Jew and Gentile. Things were about to get a lot worse, and yet, Jesus spoke peace. 

God created a perfect world of tranquility and then sin entered and interrupted the plan.  However, it didn’t ruin it or destroy it! Turn you hearts and minds to peace, the reason the King of kings came into the world as the child of a poor maiden, betrothed to a common laborer, born in a cattle stall…….so you could live in peace, not that the world provides, but custom made, straight from the Throne of God, to your heart.

Happy Tuesday,

Gretchen

He does not treat us as our sins deserve, or repay us according to our iniquities. Psalm 103:10  (Psalms 32, 38, 103)

Psalm 32 and 38 are two of the seven penitent Psalms David wrote in remorse for his sin with Bathsheba.  David’s behavior with the beautiful woman he saw bathing and lusted for, was a happenstance of weakness, in contrast to a habitual, deliberate and willful violation of God’s law. Before this event, David avowed his righteousness. Shame, humiliation and bitter anguish drove him to repent and he returned to righteousness, a man after God’s own heart.

It is David’s testimony that confession relieves a heavy heart and great joy is found in forgiveness. Psalm 103, a very beloved passage, written in David’s adage, looks back on the history of a sinner, himself, saved by grace.

The Psalms are the living testimony of a man long gone, who knew that God is good, and hope is in God’s unchangeable love and mercy. For as high as the heavens are about the earth, so great is His love for those who fear Him, as far as the east is from the west so far has He removed our transgressions from us. Psalm 103:11-12

Love,

Gretchen

Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me and I will be whiter than snow. Psalm 51:7

The title of the Psalm gives its time and context.  David committed adultery with Bathsheba, and conceived a child. He tried to use his power, as commander in chief, to cover his iniquities but ended with murder.  God’s prophet Nathan went to confront David, who’s response was brokenness over his own behavior.

David loved God more than life itself, yet he fell into grievous sin that left a path of destruction. At times he saw the great man God designed him to be, but in this moment, as he looked through the lens God uses, he viewed a despicable sin, a multi faceted crisis, that only love and mercy could heal.  No excuses, David asked for forgiveness, and he received it.

Total transparency with God brings humility to the heart of man, and compassion from the heart of God. When the two meet, tragedy becomes triumph. It’s God’s specialty.

Happy New Year!

Gretchen

Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. Psalm 20:7  (Psalm 20, 21)

David was a warrior king.  He entered into battle often, and as a result, Israel became the strongest nation on earth, during his reign as king.  It is significant that David never waged war without asking for God’s protection and responded to victory with thanksgiving before celebration. The act of worship, whether simple or elaborate, places God at the very center of every endeavor, granting peace, confidence and appropriate gratitude.

David knew well day to day survival depended on diligence to righteousness and faithfulness, but he was well aware of a greater purpose. His kingdom would bring a Messiah, and greater still, eternal life for all who believe. With life everlasting comes a perfected judgement that secures the holy from the wickedness of those who practice evil. There is nothing more we need, nothing more to be desired. Trust in the Name of the Lord our God begets the desires of the heart.

Have a Blessed and Safe New Year’s Eve,

Gretchen

In my anguish I cried to the LORD, and He answered by setting me free. Psalm 118:5 (Psalm 118 is a must read!)
Psalms 113-118 are called the Praise (Hallel) Hymns. They were used by families during the celebration of Passover. Some were sung at the beginning of the remembrance of God’s rescue, this Psalm was sung at the end as the meal was concluding. It is very probable Jesus and His disciples sang this song on the eve of the Crucifixion. (Matthew 26:30)
This Psalm speaks of God’s constant faithfulness to man’s need and a future hope, totally unknown to any human, but a day of great anticipation for the God who loves us best and sent His Son to redeem all who will believe. It was Jesus’ strength on His walk to Gethsemane. It can certainly be our foundation for determined obedience and perseverance.
God hears your cries and He WILL set you free. Man’s rejection is NOT God’s, not even slightly! Give thanks to the LORD, for He is Good, His love endures forever! (verse 29) When you sing these words, you have echoed the voice of the Prince of Peace and Blessed Savior, and His closest friends! Awesome!
Rejoice and Sing,
Gretchen