Bible Study - Storm (4) - The Shelter of GOD'S Encouragement - Psalms 42 and 43 - December 28, 2014

Bible Study – Strom (4) – The Shelter of GOD’S Encouragement – December 28, 2014

This is lesson four (4) in our series entitled “Storm Shelter: Psalms of GOD’S Embrace.”

Our focus scripture is Psalms 42:1-3, 6-8; 43:3-5.

GOD encourages me when I feel overwhelmed. All of us feel overwhelmed at times in our lives, including Christians. When we are overwhelmed to whom, where or what do we turn?

Psalms 42 and 43 were not written by King David but written by one person who was a member of a group referred to as the “sons of Korah.” The “Advanced Bible Commentary,” Winter 2014-2015, published by LifeWay, One LifeWay Plaza, Nashville, TN37234-0175, page 51 states “The title to Psalm 42 ascribes it to the “sons of Korah.” This was a family of Levites, descendants of the clan of Kohath (1 Chronicles 6:22), who serve in the temple. Among their duties was service as a kind of temple choir (vv. 33-38; 2 Chronicles 20:19). We should not take the title to mean that Psalm 42 was written by a committee. Its ascription to the “sons of Korah” means they belonged to a specific temple collection of songs and that a single member of the guild of Korah wrote it. Beyond that information, we do not know when or by whom the psalm was composed. The sons of Korah had a long history of association with the sanctuary, and this psalm could have been written during the lifetime of David or much later. Neither do we know the specific circumstances that prompted the psalmist to compose the song.”

Continuing on to page 53 it reads, “The three refrains at 42:5, 11 and 43:5 divide the text into three stanzas: 421-5, 42:6-11 and 43:1-5. Each stanza has a distinctive focus. In 42:1-5, the psalmist felt he had lost contact with God and no longer had the joy of his salvation. In 42:6-11, although he had not lost faith in God, he considered himself to be abandoned by God and that he had to endure the taunts of his enemies, who somehow perceived the nature of his plight. In 43:1-5, the psalmist described his distress over the evil he saw about him and appealed to God for vindication and enlightenment.”

This is a great introduction to these two psalms which most Bible scholars believe that they were originally written as one psalm. On page 51, the writer of this part of the lesson commentary, Doctor Duane Garrett, professor of Old Testament at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, wrote:

“First, both psalms repeat the refrain “Why am I so depressed? Why this turmoil within me? Put your hope in God, for I will still praise Him. My Savior and my God (42:5, 11; 43:5). Second, Psalm 43 has no title. This is unusual in Book II of the Psalter (Psalm 42-72). One would expect that Psalm 43 would have a title of its own if it were composed separately. Third, a number of old Hebrew manuscripts present the two psalms as one. Against this view, it is not clear what would have motivated an editor to divide the one psalm into two. Perhaps one psalmist wrote both psalms as separate works but in the same style. But even if the two psalms were written separately, their format and content are so similar that they can be studied as one.”

We know the trinity of man is the body, soul and spirit. The body ties us to earth and was made for functioning upon earth. The spirit gives life to the earth body and lives forever. The soul is the product which is produced when the body and the spirit function. It is the spirit that is released upon the death of the earth body and goes into eternity to either live with GOD provided it has been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb, JESUS or into outer darkness, if it has not been redeemed. The rebirth of the spirit is the choice every person makes. GOD’S Spirit moves within every person and issues him an invitation to accept JESUS as his or her Savior and to make HIM LORD of his or her life. Accepting GOD’S invitation to accept CHRIST as his or her Savior results in the miracle of rebirth in the person’s spirit, which instantly becomes the new born-again Spirit of that person. It is the born-again Spirit that goes immediately to heaven upon the death of the physical body to live for eternity, never to be judged by GOD; only to be rewarded.

In these psalms the writer is having a monologue discussion between his earthly mind and his soul. The psalmist knows the Spiritual relationship he had with GOD but now that relationship cannot be realized because he was depressed or that his soul was “dissolving.” The reason his soul was dissolving was that his illness had cut off his communication and presence with GOD. To him GOD was associated with a physical place. He had to find just the right spot to fellowship with GOD.

Christians have the joy of knowing that GOD is everywhere. They can call upon HIM 24/7. This psalmist once knew the presence of GOD but what he believes and thinks about GOD shapes his concept of GOD. This can happen to Christians. We get false notions about GOD and our relationship with CHRIST but what does GOD’S Word, the Bible, reveal to us? We as Christians are responsible to go to GOD’S Word and seek answers to our questions but often we go to the person who will give us a feel good answer. But is that person’s response the truth based upon GOD’S Word?

The Bible is very clear as stated in Matthew 7:7-11 by JESUS:

7 Keep on asking and it will be given you; keep on seeking and you will find; keep on knocking [reverently] and [the door] will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who keeps on asking receives; and he who keeps on seeking finds; and to him who keeps on knocking, [the door] will be opened. 9 Or what man is there of you, if his son asks him for a loaf of bread, will hand him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will hand him a serpent? 11 If you then, evil as you are, know how to give good and advantageous gifts to your children, how much more will your Father Who is in heaven [perfect as He is] give good and advantageous things to those who keep on asking Him!

Most of us want answers instantly. Sometimes answers do come quickly but often it takes time. Often the reason they take time is because we are not ready to receive, comprehend and respond to the answer.

In these psalms, the writer is depressed and his depression has blocked the joyous relationship he once had with GOD. His desire is to rekindle that relationship.

On pages 52-53 of the commentary, Dr. Garrett wrote, “The HCSB rendition loses the sense of the internal dialogue between a man and his soul but it captures the reality of what he is experiencing. Specifically, we can list four implications of the question that the psalmist repeatedly addresses to his soul.

Depression: The psalmist was beset by lingering sorrow over which he had no control. He could not shake off the gloom that clung to him.

Confusion: The psalmist felt alienated from his own soul, his inner life and could not comprehend why his thoughts and feelings seemed to be in rebellion against his higher ideals. Strangely, he had to try to encourage his own soul, and he spoke to it as if to another person. He held fast to his faith in God, and yet he continued to experience depression, as though he had lost faith. This, too, bewildered him.

Apathy: In Hebrew thinking, the soul animates the person. When the psalmist said that his soul was “dissolving away,” he implied that he had lost energy and initiative. His words suggest that he knew he should have gotten up and become busy dealing with the problems around him, but he couldn’t do it. In spite of what he knew to be right, he just didn’t seem to care.

Despair: The psalmist had not lost all hope, but he continued to experience feelings of hopelessness. He was looking for answers, wanting to know how to regain the optimism that comes from knowing that God was watching over him.”

Let’s explore!

Again, we see that this psalm is a Maskil or a poem intended to be contemplative. The two psalms focus upon spiritual and physical depression. One of the hallmarks of depression is darkness. Darkness can come from Satan or mental problems. Redemption from either is specific and unique. Discernment is a must. 

Let’s read Psalm 42:1-3:

Longing for God For the choir director. A • Maskil of the sons of Korah.

1 As a deer longs for streams of water, so I long for You, God. 2 I thirst for God, the living God. When can I come and appear before God? 3 My tears have been my food day and night, while all day long people say to me, “Where is your God?”

This psalm involves a person who has experienced the presence of GOD in his life but at this time in his life the person feels that GOD had abandoned him. The person is seeking to re-establish the relationship he had. The intensity of the person’s desire is compare to the intense thirst of a deer desperately seeking water to quench its thirst and sustain its life. The deer can smell the water but it must find its source.

The psalmist considered his need for water to sustain his physical life vital and his need for Spiritual water, which can only be supplied by GOD, to be just as vital to sustain his Spiritual life. Spiritual water is only available from GOD through relationship.

Do you recall what JESUS told the Samaritan woman at the well in John 4:13-14:

13 Jesus said, “Everyone who drinks from this water will get thirsty again. 14 But whoever drinks from the water that I will give him will never get thirsty again —ever! In fact, the water I will give him will become a well of water springing up within him for eternal life.”

Also, JESUS said in John 7:37-39:

37 On the last and most important day of the festival, Jesus stood up and cried out, “If anyone is thirsty, he should come to Me and drink! 38 The one who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, will have streams of living water flow from deep within him.” 39 He said this about the Spirit. Those who believed in Jesus were going to receive the Spirit, for the Spirit had not yet been received because Jesus had not yet been glorified.

WOW!!! If only we as Christians would die to self and allow the living water to flow through us. What would our world look like?

This psalmist earnestly desired to rekindle his relationship with GOD but he was unable to because of his depression which exacerbated his desire to rekindle his relationship with GOD. Since GOD was associated with certain places, the psalmist considered the places where he once had a relationship with GOD and thought about returning to them to rediscover GOD and for GOD to see that he still desired a relationship with him.

The psalmist was distraught and cried because he could not rediscover the relationship he once had with GOD. His desire was so intense that food was of no concern. His constant crying sent a message to those around him that he had not found GOD, therefore, the person seeking GOD became a point of ridicule. This again exacerbated the person’s depression because there was either a problem with the person seeking GOD or with his GOD/god.

The psalmist was seeking the One True GOD of Israel or the living GOD. It was common for the Jews to consider that a person who did not have a relationship with GOD to suffer because of sin. This psalmist was much like Job and knew that he had not sinned, yet he did not seemingly have a relationship with GOD.

Depression is a serious health issue.

The psalmist focuses upon the times of great joy when he worshipped in specific places as we read our next verses.

Let’s read Psalm 42:4-6:

4 I remember this as I pour out my heart: how I walked with many, leading the festive procession to the house of God, with joyful and thankful shouts. 5 Why am I so depressed? Why this turmoil within me? Put your hope in God, for I will still praise Him, my Savior and my God. 6 I am deeply depressed; therefore I remember You from the land of Jordan and the peaks of Hermon, from Mount Mizar.

This psalmist recalled the joy of his relationship with GOD, so why is he depressed? The psalmist still utters the words of praise but the joy is gone. Why? Knowing the relationship and joy he once had with GOD at one time did not carry over to this time in his life. Why?
Depression is dark and it is a mental illness. It is of great concern to the person with the illness and to those around him.

Let’s continue with verses 7-11:

7 Deep calls to deep in the roar of Your waterfalls; all Your breakers and Your billows have swept over me. 8 The Lord will send His faithful love by day; His song will be with me in the night— a prayer to the God of my life. 9 I will say to God, my rock, “Why have You forgotten me? Why must I go about in sorrow because of the enemy’s oppression?” 10 My adversaries taunt me, as if crushing my bones, while all day long they say to me, “Where is your God?” 11 Why am I so depressed? Why this turmoil within me? Put your hope in God, for I will still praise Him, my Savior and my God.

The psalmist compares his or her depression to a large waterfall. Huge amounts of water that falls from on high into a hole making a thunderous sound. All the water that falls is continuous, never ending and consumed. It reminded the psalmist of the endless troubles that keep coming upon him. They never cease. His troubles keep buffeting him like the endless billows and waves produced by the raging waters. Trouble keeps buffeting his body. The psalmist tried to deal with his problem but it is greater than him. He needs relief from GOD.

The psalmist knows the ability of GOD to bring him relief as stated in verse 8 but it does not happen, yet GOD is his rock to Whom he prays. The psalmist questioned, Where is GOD and why has HE forgotten me?

The psalmist hated being in that state of mind, yet he cannot do anything about it. Those around the psalmist, taunted him. We do not taunt a person with a visible problem such as a broken leg, yet those who have a mental illness are often taunted because he cannot suck it up and deal with it. With a broken bone once it is set, it heals but with mental illness we cannot look into the mind and see the broken part. It needs professional help to be mended and it takes time.

The psalmist was eager to have answers and has the desire to be healed and restored.

I believe medicine is a gift from GOD. GOD can heal with the touch of HIS hand, through medicine or both. GOD is a good therapist and so are those HE gifts to help others.

The psalmist still places his trust in GOD for healing.

Let’s read Psalm 43:1-5:

1 Vindicate me, God, and defend my cause against an ungodly nation; rescue me from the deceitful and unjust man. 2 For You are the God of my refuge. Why have You rejected me? Why must I go about in sorrow because of the enemy’s oppression?

The psalmist was being taunted by others because of his mental state. He asked GOD to let the ungodly to see that HE was active in his life and the psalmist was not guilty of some un-confessed sin.

People can be relentless in blaming or criticizing the less fortunate. He asked GOD to defend his cause. His cause was depression. An ungodly person or nation could not see that he needed help rather than being ridiculed by deceitful and unjust man. The deceitful and ungodly hide their short-falls and see the short-falls of others as weakness. They do this to cover their own deficiencies.

The psalmist seeks refuge in GOD and he asks GOD why HE had not come to his aid, which in his mind equates to GOD’S rejecting him. If GOD would vindicate him that would counteract his enemy’s oppression of him or at least he thought it would.

Then it seems that the psalmist has a thought as we read these next verses.

Let’s continue with verses 3-5:                                                                                                                                                            

3 Send Your light and Your truth; let them lead me. Let them bring me to Your holy mountain, to Your dwelling place. 4 Then I will come to the altar of God, to God, my greatest joy. I will praise You with the lyre, God, my God. 5 Why am I so depressed? Why this turmoil within me? Put your hope in God, for I will still praise Him, my Savior and my God.

When we are in the dark, we need light. The psalmist has been in darkness and he desperately needs light. Simply put, if GOD would send him light, he could find HIM. GOD is light and light reveals truth and GOD is truth. Light exposes the hidden things in life such that a person can separate truth from error. It would allow the psalmist to put matters into proper perspective.

The psalmist asks GOD to lead him to the place where HE was residing. Once GOD leads him to the place of HIS presence, GOD can see him and in turn he hopes that he will experience GOD. Then he can obediently serve HIM as a priest. Being a priest was his greatest joy. When he has joy in his heart, he expresses it in song. The psalmist knows that he once had this joy, so, why is he so depressed and has such turmoil within?

Turmoil comes from a Hebrew word which can mean “the roar of the crowds” or “the thunderous crash of waves.” The psalmist was struggling with where he was and where he wanted to be in relationship with GOD and those around him.

On page 58, Dr. Garrett wrote, “When we go to church, it can be one of two things. It can be going into a building where people sing songs, listen to messages, and carry out certain religious rituals. Or, it can be an encounter with GOD.” Do we go through the motions or do we seek an intimate, loving relationship with GOD through faith in CHRIST and the desire to obediently serve HIM as led by the indwelling Holy Spirit?

Then the psalmist seems to have a breakthrough.  He knows that his hope is in GOD and he will still seek HIM and praise HIM because of this hope. The psalmist acknowledges GOD as his savior and GOD.

Christians are just as susceptible to mental illness as anyone else. When we have the flu, a broken bone or needing dental work we go to the appropriate trained person to diagnose what needs to be done. When we have mental issues we go to the appropriate trained person to diagnose what needs to be done to help us. During treatment Christians must keep their focus upon their relationship with CHRIST because during such times Satan can send negatives in hopes we will doubt the sovereignty of GOD in all things. When mental illness is involved that means the family and friends of that person must also stay focused upon the LORD and pray, pray, pray and pray so more.

Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years are the times when depression raises its ugly head. The times when most of us are the happiest for others it is the saddest. Prayers for all who struggle and for those who have family members and friends who struggle with mental illness.

In the words of Dr. Vance Havner, “Christians must practice in the dark what they learn in the light.” Blessings!!!

Bible Study - Storm (3) - The Shelter of GOD'S Forgiveness - Psalm 32:1-7 - December 21, 2014

Bible Study – Storm (3) – The Shelter of GOD’S Forgiveness – December 21, 2014

This is lesson three (3) in our series entitled “Storm Shelter: Psalms of GOD’S Embrace.”

Our focus scripture is Psalm 32:1-7.

GOD’S forgiveness brings restoration and joy.

The writer of this psalm was King David. We are not sure at what point in his life he wrote the psalm. We are not sure what specific event in his life caused him to pen these words. It could have been any number of events in David’s life because he had done a number of things for which he was remorseful. His sin with Bathsheba and having her husband, Uriah, put into a position to be killed. David conducted a census when GOD told him not to. His disobedience resulted in a severe plague coming upon the people. David lived in a hostile environment.

2 Samuel 24:10:

10 David’s conscience troubled him after he had taken a census of the troops. He said to the Lord, “I have sinned greatly in what I’ve done. Now, Lord, because I’ve been very foolish, please take away Your servant’s • guilt.”

Since the psalm was not specific to a certain sin, makes it applicable to anyone, male or female for any unconfessed sin in his or her life. We have the opportunity to see David’s struggle and the conclusion he comes to. The psalm allows us to read our own circumstance or situation into the psalm and wrestle with GOD. Once we have come to the conclusion GOD desires for us, we can experience the shelter of GOD’S forgiveness, which is overwhelming as we see in the opening verses of Psalm 32.

Let’s read Psalm 32:1-2:

The Joy of Forgiveness Davidic. A • Maskil.

1 How joyful is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered! 2 How joyful is the man the Lord does not charge with sin and in whose spirit is no deceit!

This is the first time the word “Maskil” was used in a psalm. It is thought that the word comes from a Hebrew word meaning “to make wise” or “instruct.” The word may refer to a general title for a contemplative poem, which is a psalm that needs to be pondered. It is in the pondering that GOD reveals truth because we seek truth. The person pondering still needs to decide what he or she will do with the revealed truth.

David began his psalm with a general statement. He does not say that he is the person but his statements imply that he has experienced this. When a heavy burden is lifted it gives the person carrying such a heavy burden great relief.
 

The King James Version of Psalm 32 begins with “Blessed is he.” “Blessed” means “how blessed” or “how joyful” which is how JESUS began the “Sermon on the Mount.” We know the Sermon on the Mount as the “beatitudes.”

Joy and happiness does not come from favorable circumstances but comes from an intimate, personal relationship with GOD. When a person knows there is nothing, such as unconfessed sin, failure to obediently serve GOD or anything to bock his or her relationship with GOD, he or she enjoys the fullness of the presence of GOD. There is nothing which comes between you and GOD. There are no hidden secrets but all of your life is laid bare before GOD. Some of it may not be pretty but none-the-less you have confessed it before GOD and asked HIM to forgive you. When a person asks for forgiveness, it includes the determination to stop and go in the direction which is pleasing to GOD.

We know in 1 John 1:9-10, the Apostle John wrote:

9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say, “We don’t have any sin,” we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.

JESUS gave HIS life that all who place their faith in HIM will know that their sins are forgiven and they will stand before GOD as righteous before GOD.

The Apostle Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 5:20-21:

20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, certain that God is appealing through us. We plead on Christ’s behalf, “Be reconciled to God.” 21 He (GOD) made the One (JESUS) who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

Christians sin and they are to confess their sins and repent. GOD’S part is to forgive, cleanse and restore. GOD knows the hearts of every person and responds accordingly. If a person is playing a game and sins with the expectation of confessing them sometime and GOD forgiving him or her, may be in for a rude awaking, which David alludes to in verse 6.

Transgression refers to “acts of rebellion.” A person who is a transgressor is breaking away from authority. Forgiven means to “lift up” or to “take away.” Only GOD can lift the burden of sin and completely eradicate it by the shed blood of CHRIST. We need to keep in mind that the shed blood of CHRIST reached back as well as forward to cover all who place their faith in the coming Messiah.

Covered means to hide or conceal. Most of us attempt to hide or conceal our sins but sin cannot be hidden from GOD.
   

Let’s read Psalm 32:3-5:

3 When I kept silent, my bones became brittle from my groaning all day long. 4 For day and night Your hand was heavy on me; my strength was drained as in the summer’s heat. • Selah

David makes this psalm personal in these verses. 

When he tried to hide or not confess his transgressions and sins, he felt the weight of his wrong doing. Note he did not identify what he had done. Not confessing his transgressions and sins became such a heavy burden that he could not bear it. He groaned or made a roaring sound because GOD did not let him rest from such a heavy unconfessed burden. His bones screamed out from having to bear such a heavy burden. The heavy burden was the weight of unconfessed transgressions and sins. Consider having to carry a load that you can barely pick up and carry it for 24/7. It is painful and your heart’s desire is to get rid of it. It becomes a part of your life from which you cannot escape.

The word “strength” carries the idea of a twisted tongue due to the lack of moisture. I picture a person who has an extremely dry mouth and his or her tongue is sticking to the roof of his or her mouth. The words of David paint a picture of a person whose strength has been drained because of the heavy burden he or she is carrying, his or her mouth is parched due to the hot summer’s heat, his or her bones are screaming for relief and he or she cannot find relief. This person needs to have his or her burden lifted, water, the cool shade and rest to meet his or her physical needs. Only GOD can meet our Spiritual needs through faith in CHRIST. Even Christians need to have their Spiritual burdens lifted.

The inclusion of the word “Selah” is not clear but it is reasonable that it was a musical term. It likely served as a pause or a musical interlude. It gives those singing or reciting the psalm an opportunity to pause, reflect, pray, confess or ponder as GOD reveals burdens and truth in their lives.

5 Then I acknowledged my sin to You and did not conceal my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,” and You took away the • guilt of my sin. Selah

So what was the solution to relieving oneself of such unconfessed transgression and sins? ACKNOWLEDGE IT TO GOD!!!

David bared it all to GOD. He did not hold back. He did not conceal any sin or transgression. When he did, GOD took away the guilt of his sin. The refreshing water of forgiveness hydrated his Spirit. Remember JESUS offers us living water but so often we fail to reach out to receive that which HE offers.

Now pause “Selah” and ponder such power and magnificence that only can come from GOD. Man is powerless to lift and “take away” the burden of transgressions and sins. But JESUS did.

Let’s read Psalm 32:6-7:

6 Therefore let everyone who is faithful pray to You at a time that You may be found. When great floodwaters come, they will not reach him. 7 You are my hiding place; You protect me from trouble. You surround me with joyful shouts of deliverance. Selah

David admonished all who were weighted down by the burden of transgressions and sins and were faithful to GOD to pray to HIM and confess them to GOD while HE could be found. We need to explore the statement, “at a time YOU may be found.”

Does this mean that there will be a time when GOD will not be available? GOD, throughout the ages, has warned all people and nations of impending doom, unless they repent. When HE withdraws HIS protective hand, doom follows. A person can remove themselves from GOD’S protective care by the hardening his or her heart toward GOD. They may conclude that it is too late or they may be angry with GOD that HE is taking action against them. GOD never leaves but we can leave HIM.

While a person’s heart is tender toward GOD, he or she needs to acknowledge HIM and seek HIS forgiveness. It takes an act of the will to come into the presence of GOD to seek forgiveness. The danger is that we tend to put it off. Our hearts may become hard toward GOD because of unconfessed sin. Unconfessed sin places a barrier between us and GOD. GOD appeals to all people but there comes a time when we cut ourselves from HIM due to the hardness of our hearts.

Seek GOD while HE may be found. David gives a promise when we do. When trouble comes into our lives, HE shepherds us through those troubling times and HE will never leave us or forsake us. It does not mean that we will not experience trouble but trouble will not over take us when we look to HIM. The word “trouble” can refer to narrow or tight places.

We all find ourselves in tight situations just by living. 

JESUS spoke a parable in Matthew 7:24-27:

24 “Therefore, everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them will be like a sensible man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain fell, the rivers rose, and the winds blew and pounded that house. Yet it didn’t collapse, because its foundation was on the rock. 26 But everyone who hears these words of Mine and doesn’t act on them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. 27 The rain fell, the rivers rose, the winds blew and pounded that house, and it collapsed. And its collapse was great!”

Is your foundation built upon JESUS, the rock?

David used the term “YOU are my hiding place.” Do you recall who wrote a book entitled “The Hiding Place?” It was Ms Corrie Ten Boom. JESUS had to be her hiding place because trouble came when during World War II, the German soldiers came looking for the Jews they were hiding in their home. The Germans eventually discovered what they were doing and arrested them. My wife and I had the pleasure of meeting Ms. Corrie when she came to Spartanburg many years ago.
 

Selah. It is time to pause and ponder
.

Let’s read Psalm 32:8-11:

8 I will instruct you and show you the way to go; with My eye on you, I will give counsel. 9 Do not be like a horse or mule, without understanding, that must be controlled with bit and bridle or else it will not come near you. 10 Many pains come to the wicked, but the one who trusts in the Lord will have faithful love surrounding him. 11 Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, you righteous ones; shout for joy, all you upright in heart.

Stubbornness is a barrier to building the right relationship with GOD and obediently serving HIM. GOD knows human nature because HE made us. HIS desire is for every human to seek HIM and build a personal relationship with HIM. When we place our trust in HIM, HE will lead, guide and direct us according to HIS plan and purpose.

Do we want a relationship with GOD such that HE has to guide us like a stubborn horse or mule? Or do we want a relationship with HIM such that we are in an intimate, loving, dynamic partnership/relationship? When we have built the right relationship with GOD, we have HIS faithful love surrounding and caring for us. A right relationship produces trust and we can shout for joy in all situations because of GOD’S protective care.

The Apostle Peter wrote in 1 Peter 5:6-7:

6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: 7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. (KJV)

Earth is not our final destination. This life upon earth is precious but it is temporary and prepares us for eternal life with CHRIST and GOD. GOD cares for each of us and HIS desire is for us to have such an intimate relationship with HIM that the things of earth pale in comparison to our final destination. That is why we can shout for joy! Heaven is the destination of every Christian. Are you a Christian? Have you placed your faith in CHRIST? If not, you can ask HIM to forgive you for your sins and for HIM to come into your life. Salvation is just the beginning of an awesome journey with GOD through faith in CHRIST. Blessings!!!

Bible Study - Storm (2) - Shelter of GOD'S Salvation - Psalm 27:1-14 - December 14, 2014

Bible Study - Storm (2) – Shelter of GOD’S Salvation – December 14, 2014

This is lesson two (2) in our series entitled “Storm Shelter: Psalms of GOD’S Embrace.”

Our focus scripture is Psalm 27:1-6.

GOD Himself is my salvation through faith in CHRIST.

King David wrote this psalm. Again, it is uncertain at what stage of life David was in when he wrote it. But whatever stage of life he was in, he had gained enough experience with GOD to write about their relationship.

When we first start our walk with GOD, we see GOD in a certain light but as we continue our journey with HIM, we learn greater truth. False notions are dispelled and replaced by truth as we build an intimate relationship with HIM. It is interesting that GOD allows us to exercise false notions because, for some of us, that is the only way we learn truth. Or at least that has been some of my journey with GOD because I am stubborn.

We allow strongholds to come into our lives. Some strongholds are good but others prevent us from discovering truth. David recognized, through experience, that GOD was his stronghold.

What is a stronghold? It is a place a person goes to for protection. It could be going to a certain person or place where he or she feels secure, safe and protected from harm. It can be a physical, Spiritual or artificial place.

Consider the flip side of strongholds. We can allow strongholds to come into our lives when we open ourselves to evil and addictions. When we do, it takes the power and strength of the LORD to break them and deliver us from them.

But here David is speaking of GOD being his stronghold. GOD is his refuge and strength. GOD is his go to person for security and safety.

If we read past verse 6, it seems that David’s confidence in GOD is being challenged. It seems that David is unsure of GOD. Some Bible scholars believe that Psalm 27 is actually two psalms which have been merged into one. Verses 7-14 seem to reflect a different relationship with GOD than verses 1-6. David seems to be in the discovery stage of his relationship with GOD in verses 7-14, which he goes through and resulted in the firm relationship he has with GOD which he wrote in verses 1-6.

We will take a quick look at verses 7-14 at the end of this lesson.

Most Christians go through Spiritual swings in their lives as we form our relationship with CHRIST. It can be an unsettling time but it can be a time of learning when we learn about ourselves and GOD. During such times is when relationships grow and truth is discovered.

Let’s explore!

Let’s read Psalm 27:1 - My Stronghold – Davidic Psalm.

1 The Lord is my light and my salvation— whom should I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life— of whom should I be afraid?

When darkness comes into our lives, the one thing we desire most is light. Light is hope. We can hope in ourselves, our friends, our position, our wealth, our intelligence, our family and the list goes on or we can hope in GOD through our relationship with CHRIST. Hope and trust go together and comes from experience.

David makes it clear that the LORD is his light and his salvation. Salvation is GOD’S protective custody for those who place their faith in HIM through faith in CHRIST. Salvation is GOD’S secure, safe place for HIS children whether here upon earth and in heaven. If we were to fall into an icy lake and someone plucked us from the frigid waters and placed us in a warm, dry, safe place we would have been saved. When GOD comes to our rescue from dire circumstances, it builds our strength and trust in GOD. This, in turn, builds our relationship with GOD and thus as David stated, we can say with confidence “whom should he fear?” David’s trust in GOD did not come from wishful thinking but it came from his relationship and experience with GOD. He knew that GOD had delivered him from dire circumstances.

I know for certain that GOD has delivered me and our family from dire circumstances.

A stronghold is a place of refuge which gives a sense of peace because of its location, strength, protection and security that it provides. Through experience and a genuine relationship with GOD through CHRIST, it provides a sense of peace based upon the experience of walking with GOD. JESUS made it very clear in John 14:6:

6 Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

So how do we come to JESUS? Most of us want solid proof before we take a step of faith. But taking a step of faith is just that, faith. It is stepping where there is no obvious step. Faith and trust go together.

We must keep in mind what JESUS taught as recorded in Mark 10:13-16:

13 Some people were bringing little children to Him so He might touch them, but His disciples rebuked them. 14 When Jesus saw it, He was indignant and said to them, “Let the little children come to Me. Don’t stop them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 15 •I assure you: Whoever does not welcome the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” 16 After taking them in His arms, He laid His hands on them and blessed them.

Children trust without much questioning. GOD’S desire is for HIS children to trust HIM as they build a secure relationship with HIM.

We discussed strongholds earlier. Strongholds can be good as we see in verse 1 in our focus scripture. But strongholds can be enslaving when we allow Satan and evil to come into our lives and establish strongholds such as various addictions and practices that appeal to our physical pleasure. The Apostle Paul addressed the abolishing of strongholds in 2 Corinthians 10:3-4:

3 For though we live in the body, we do not wage war in an unspiritual way, 4 since the weapons of our warfare are not worldly, but are powerful through God for the demolition of strongholds.

Only GOD can abolish the strongholds in our lives. If you have a stronghold in your life, seek deliverance from GOD through faith in CHRIST. Ephesians 6:10-20 focuses on spiritual warfare:

10 Finally, be strengthened by the Lord and by His vast strength. 11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the tactics of the Devil. 12 For our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the world powers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens. 13 This is why you must take up the full armor of God, so that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having prepared everything, to take your stand. 14 Stand, therefore, with truth like a belt around your waist, righteousness like armor on your chest, 15 and your feet sandaled with readiness for the gospel of peace. 16 In every situation take the shield of faith, and with it you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is God’s word. 18 Pray at all times in the Spirit with every prayer and request, and stay alert in this with all perseverance and intercession for all the • saints. 19 Pray also for me, that the message may be given to me when I open my mouth to make known with boldness the • mystery of the gospel. 20 For this I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I might be bold enough in Him to speak as I should.

Let’s read Psalm 27:2-3:

2 When evildoers came against me to devour my flesh, my foes and my enemies stumbled and fell. 3 Though an army deploys against me, my heart is not afraid; though a war breaks out against me, still I am confident.

David had experienced personal attacks. There were those who wanted to annihilate David but he saw his enemy’s efforts thwarted by GOD. David even witnessed an army deployed to take him out but he was confident of GOD’S protection. David did not stand out and say
“ninny, ninny, boo, boo” to his enemies, well maybe once or twice, but his trust and confidence was in GOD. He did his part and GOD took care of the rest.

David had such confidence in GOD such that even if war was declared against him, he was confident that GOD would take care of him. That kind of confidence and trust comes only from a solid relationship with GOD based upon experience. It is not wishful thinking but comes from a solid relationship and a heart that knows and trusts GOD.

Let’s read Psalm 27:4-6:

4 I have asked one thing from the Lord; it is what I desire: to dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, gazing on the beauty of the Lord and seeking Him in His temple. 5 For He will conceal me in His shelter in the day of adversity; He will hide me under the cover of His tent; He will set me high on a rock. 6 Then my head will be high above my enemies around me; I will offer sacrifices in His tent with shouts of joy. I will sing and make music to the Lord.

If we asked one desire from GOD what would it be? What is the desire of our hearts regarding our relationship with GOD?

David’s relationship with GOD was such that he was content to dwell in HIS presence for eternity. David had witnessed the beauty and fullness of GOD but he wanted more. GOD was his protector and security. David wanted to just be in the presence of GOD, gazing at HIM and pondering HIS majesty. Gazing is an intent, probing look.

David knew what it was like to have an advantage on the battlefield. The person with the best and longest view had a tactical advantage. His head being higher than the head of his enemy gave him a distinct advantage. By GOD lifting up his head, it sent a clear message to his enemies that GOD was on his side and they were no match to GOD.

Do we enjoy being in the presence of GOD? Have you ever been in the presence of GOD and known the peace that only HE can bring to us? I can understand why we cannot see GOD and live in our human body. Such an encounter transcends all earthly joy and expression.

GOD covers and conceals us with HIS banner of love. It is a shelter that covers and prevents any enemy from penetrating it. We are secure when we are in HIS presence, under HIS tent and cover. GOD gives us the vantage point to see the enemy that GOD has put under HIS control. When David saw that GOD had taken care of his enemies, he could worship GOD in the peace and security of GOD’S protective care by offering sacrifices, shouts of joy, singing and making music. That is total confidence and trust in GOD and HIS ability.

In the Song of Songs 2:4 King Solomon, David’s son, wrote:

4 "He has brought me to his banquet hall, And his banner over me is love.

GOD wraps HIS children in HIS love, through an intimate, personal relationship through faith in CHRIST. This is the heart of our study. As we continue, these are a few my thoughts on verses 7-14.

Let’s read Psalm 27:7-14:

7 Lord, hear my voice when I call; be gracious to me and answer me. 8 My heart says this about You, “You are to seek My face.” Lord, I will seek Your face. 9 Do not hide Your face from me; do not turn Your servant away in anger. You have been my helper; do not leave me or abandon me, God of my salvation. 10 Even if my father and mother abandon me, the Lord cares for me. 11 Because of my adversaries, show me Your way, Lord, and lead me on a level path. 12 Do not give me over to the will of my foes, for false witnesses rise up against me, breathing violence. 13 I am certain that I will see the Lord’s goodness in the land of the living. 14 Wait for the Lord; be strong and courageous. Wait for the Lord.

It appears that David questioned GOD’S availability to respond to him in times of trouble. But his heart spoke louder than what he saw. David knew some basic facts about GOD. When we seek GOD, HE seeks us.

To me these verses reveal the basis upon which David could reveal his heart toward GOD in verses 1-6. His trust and confidence did not come from something he had dreamed up in his own mind regarding GOD. His relationship with GOD was based upon experience. It was based upon things he had experienced as he journeyed with GOD. He had witnessed GOD’S hand protecting, leading and guiding him.

When he was obedient to GOD’S leadership, he had witnessed GOD’S unquestionable involvement in his life and circumstances. We see this revealed in verses 1-6.

Have you witnessed GOD’S involvement in your life? Have you cast your care upon HIM by placing your faith in HIS only Son, JESUS? Keep in mind that David faced many enemies. He faced very tense moments in his life but his confidence and trust was in GOD. The only way to GOD is to place your faith in CHRIST by asking HIM to forgive you for your sins and to come into your heart. That opportunity is available to you right now. Doing so makes you a born-again Christian, through the miracle of rebirth in your spirit. Being born into GOD’S family is the beginning of your personal journey with CHRIST to build your relationship with GOD.

An intimate, personal relationship with GOD through CHRIST, gives meaning to life. King Solomon wrote these words in Ecclesiastes 3:9-14:

11 He (GOD) has made everything appropriate in its time. He has also set eternity in their heart, yet so that man will not find out the work which God has done from the beginning even to the end. 12 I know that there is nothing better for them than to rejoice and to do good in one's lifetime; 13 moreover, that every man who eats and drinks sees good in all his labor—it is the gift of God. 14 I know that everything God does will remain forever; there is nothing to add to it and there is nothing to take from it, for God has so worked that men should fear (reverence, honor and respect) Him.

We need to keep in mind that GOD considered David as a man after HIS heart, yet GOD did not override his will when it came to his desire to sin. GOD provides a way to escape but it is up to us to take the escape route and “NO!” is one way to escape.

What we have been studying is David’s journey with GOD. His journey can enlighten us but our journey is just that “ours!” We can learn from others who have journeyed with GOD and CHRIST. But our journey is personal.

Since CHRIST gave HIS life upon the cross we have the opportunity for an even greater, more intimate relationship with GOD through faith in CHRIST. But we must keep in mind that even when we have the most intimate relationship, we must keep a careful eye upon the desires of our hearts. When we go astray, we are to repent, confess and GOD forgives and restores. Experience the shelter of GOD’S salvation and dwell in the house of the LORD forever by placing your faith in CHRIST. Blessings!!!

Bible Study - Storm (1) - The Shelter of GOD'S Presence - Psalms 23:1-6 - December 7, 2014

Bible Study – Storm (1) – The Shelter of GOD’S Presence – December 7, 2014

This is lesson one (1) in a six week study entitled “Strom Shelter: Psalms of GOD’S Embrace.”

Our focus scripture is Psalms 23:1-6.

GOD is with each of us no matter what we are facing.

King David wrote the 23 rd Psalm. We are not sure at what stage of life he was in but he had had enough experience with the presence of GOD in his life that he knew and trusted GOD intimately through a personal relationship. Just because David knew GOD and had a personal relationship with HIM did not mean that his life was free of troubles. David had plenty of troubling times.

Our relationship with GOD through faith in CHRIST does not mean we will have smooth sailing through life. But we have the assurance that GOD will never leave or forsake us. GOD was David’s strength and an ever present reality in his life, yet David experienced life threatening issues. His trust in GOD brought him through those troubling times and led him to the point where GOD planned for him to be.

David was a man after GOD’S own heart, yet he sinned. But he repented and asked GOD to forgive him, yet he had to face the consequences of his sins.  

King David grew up shepherding sheep. He knew what a good shepherd needed to do to be a good shepherd such as: A good shepherd was to be alert at all times to care, protect and tend to needs of his sheep. He knew the nature of sheep. Sheep would often wander off while seeking grass to eat. He knew they could get tangled in briars or fall into a ravine or be attacked by wild animals or taken by sheep rustlers.

JESUS referred to Himself as the “Good Shepherd” in John 10:11-15:

11 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12 He who is a hired hand and not a shepherd, who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. 13 He flees because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. 14 I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep.

As a shepherd, David became an expert marksman with his sling fending off wild animals. He even used his bare hands to protect his sheep. He used his rod to fight that which would harm the sheep and he used his staff to rescue or guide the sheep under his care.

David faced various situations while shepherding sheep. His experience shepherding sheep prepared him for his life’s journey with GOD. In certain ways his life reminds you of Joseph’s life’s journey regarding the leadership of GOD, which we recently studied.

In last week’s lesson, we saw how GOD uses the things we experience in life to prepare us to come to the aid of others and comfort them. Our life’s journey prepares us to comfort others with the comfort we have received from GOD during troubling times.

GOD can allow things to come into our lives or our choices can lead us to experience things as the result of our choices. Either way GOD is at work in our lives as the Apostle Paul wrote in Romans 8:28:

28 We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God: those who are called according to His purpose.

GOD is involved in all things bringing about the best that come from the situations we encounter in life.

If you wrote a psalm expressing your walk with GOD, what would you write? You might write it down just to see what you would write. Have you witnessed GOD’S presence and guidance in your life? Do you love HIM? Does HE love you?

Keep in mind John 3:16-21:

16 “For God loved the world •in this way: He gave His •One and Only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world that He might condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. 18 Anyone who believes in Him is not condemned, but anyone who does not believe is already condemned, because he has not believed in the name of the One and Only Son of God. 19 “This, then, is the judgment: The light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than the light because their deeds were evil. 20 For everyone who practices wicked things hates the light and avoids it, so that his deeds may not be exposed. 21 But anyone who lives by the truth comes to the light, so that his works may be shown to be accomplished by God.”  

Let’s read Psalms 23 - The Good Shepherd- A Davidic psalm.

1 The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I lack.

GOD is our refuge and strength. When we have the right relationship with GOD, we lack nothing.

David embraced GOD. He had experienced the love and care of GOD in his life. David had built trust in GOD.

David knew the attributes of a good shepherd and GOD met those expectations. GOD was all sufficient to him and he lacked nothing because he had experienced the presence of GOD in his life. This is GOD’S desire for each of us. That is why HE allowed JESUS to come to earth to live in the flesh and give HIS life that those who place their faith in HIM will know HIM intimately. Knowing that we have a personal relationship with GOD through CHRIST is vital to all Christians. The word “Knowing” is interesting. To “know” can be head knowledge, which can come up short in our life’s journey but can lead to heart and experiential knowledge. As we walk with CHRIST and learn of HIM, we gain intimate personal knowledge. We build an intimate relationship with HIM because as we journey with HIM, false notions and myths are exposed and cast out of our lives and replaced with truth. So when the storms of life come into our lives, our relationship with CHRIST stands because we have built it upon the solid foundation of truth.

2 He lets me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters.

Sheep need to rest and they need water. Notice that GOD does not force the rest but allows the rest: “let’s me lie down.” We all need rest and when we rest, we need the security that GOD is watching over us when we do. It is difficult to rest when we are uncertain what might be looming around us.

Also, notice that GOD leads HIS chosen to pause and drink from the still waters. Sheep will not drink from rushing water, therefore like a good shepherd GOD makes certain that HIS chosen take the needed rest that they need at just the right times in their life.

Consider water as the Holy Spirit. Christians need to rest from busy activities and be refreshed by the indwelling Holy Spirit. GOD leads them to take such a needed rest.

3 He renews my life; He leads me along the right paths for His name’s sake.

The presence of GOD in our lives restores, reassures and refreshes us when we pause and focus on the path forward. When we move forward, we are assured that we are moving in the direction GOD has chosen for us to follow.

GOD’S care for David renewed his life such that he could continue toward the goal that GOD had for him. There are times when we need to pause and reflect on our relationship with GOD. It is easy to get into the doldrums just dealing with the routines of life. His faith and trust in GOD, regardless of circumstances, led him to be at the right place at the right time.

4 Even when I go through the darkest valley, I fear no danger, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff —they comfort me.

There were dark times in David’s life but even in these dark times GOD was with him in a mighty way. It was GOD’S power and strength that protected and comforted him. It was David’s faith and trust in GOD that prevented him from taking matters into his own hands.

GOD used HIS rod, which was what shepherds used to fend off that which would harm the sheep and HIS staff which shepherds used to rescue sheep that were in trouble or potential danger. The shepherd’s also used their staff to guide the sheep to keep them on the right path and out of trouble. David had built such a personal relationship with GOD that he trusted GOD with his life and journey through life.

In the darkest times in our lives we are to rely upon and trust GOD because what we learn in the light we are to practice in the dark.

5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

Trouble comes into all of our lives but when it does, GOD is there with us. When we keep our eyes fixed upon HIM in troubling times in our lives, we experience HIS presence. In these dark times HE shines HIS light into the darkness and we know we are secure in HIS care.

When we are in right relationship with HIM, HE prepares a feast for us in the midst of turmoil and in the presence of our enemies. During the times of uncertainty, we can cast our cares upon HIM and enjoy HIS presence, protection and care.

In the midst of our enemies, GOD does not cut short HIS care and provisions for us. HIS arms are long enough to reach us no matter how deep we think we have dropped from HIS presence. HE anoints us with HIS presence whether our enemies are physical or emotional.

HIS care for HIS children is a witness to their enemies who are also enemies of GOD. When a feast was given, the guest’s heads were anointed with fragrant oil by the host. Often it was an olive oil infused with fragrant spices.

Another thought regarding the anointing the head with oil. When a shepherd led his sheep back to the sheep fold after being in the field, he rubbed the sheep with fatty oil (often animal fat) mixed with spices. It is thought that this had healing properties and was soothing to the sheep. GOD cares for HIS children even in the midst of trying times. We need to relax and allow GOD to apply HIS healing balm to our troubled hearts.

6 Only goodness and faithful love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord as long as I live.

Because of the love of GOD for us, we place our trust in HIM. When we have built a genuine relationship with HIM, through our faith in CHRIST, only the best can continually be ours to claim. This does not mean that life will always go smoothly. It does mean that our walk with GOD is in unity, harmony and in step with HIS will for our lives. Whether we dwell upon earth or die and go to heaven, we belong to GOD.

The Apostle Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 5:4-9:

4 Indeed, we groan while we are in this tent (human body), burdened as we are, because we do not want to be unclothed but clothed, so that mortality may be swallowed up by life. 5 And the One who prepared us for this very purpose is God, who gave us the Spirit as a down payment. 6 So, we are always confident and know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. 7 For we • walk by faith, not by sight, 8 and we are confident and satisfied to be out of the body and at home with the Lord. 9 Therefore, whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to be pleasing to Him.

David had an intimate personal relationship with GOD. He trusted GOD because he had experienced HIS loving care. GOD was faithful to him and he was faithful to GOD. Therefore, no matter where he was or his circumstances, GOD was with him and he trusted GOD to lead and guide him.

Trusting GOD to lead and guide us as HIS children is one thing but do we have the relationship with HIM to respond and put into action that which HE calls us to do?

The Apostle Peter wrote in 1Peter 5:6:

6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that He may exalt you at the proper time, 7 casting all your care on Him, because He cares about you.

GOD cares so much for you that HE allowed HIS only SON, JESUS to come to earth and give HIS life for you. Place your faith in CHRIST now by asking HIM to forgive you for your sins and to come into your life. When you do, you will receive eternal life by being born into GOD’S family and begin your life’s journey with HIM as HIS child.

Father help us to build such a relationship with YOU that we will respond to YOUR leadership and guidance and get to know YOU in an intimate, personal way. Keep in mind we were not made for time but for eternity. To be absent from the body is to be present with our LORD. Blessings!!!