The Last Five Days in One Post(Psalms 56-60)

Tuesday, March 17
"THE HELP OF MAN IS WORTHLESS (Psalm 60)"

Today's full One Year Bible readings:
Numbers 26:1-51 ~ Luke 2:36-52 ~ Psalm 60:1-12 ~ Proverbs 11:15

Psalm 60 ends with a reminder that without God's help and favor we are doomed. The psalmist, David, says it this way...

"Give us aid against the enemy, for the help of man is worthless. With God we will gain the victory, and he will trample down our enemies." (Psalm 60:11-12)

Today, as an act of worship, live with an utter dependence on God. Do not make God your last resort; turn to Him first.




Monday, March 16
"HE IS OUR LOVING GOD (Psalm 59)"

Today's full One Year Bible readings:
Numbers 24:1-25:18 ~ Luke 2:1-35 ~ Psalm 59:1-17 ~ Proverbs 11:14

Psalm 59 is the heart cry and expression of worship that David offered to God when Saul had sent men to watch his house in order to kill him. It is an amazing psalm in that it is so "real". There are many painful emotions we experience in life and David experienced many of those just like you and me - often leaving us a good example to follow.

He concludes the psalm with these words...

"But I will sing of Your strength, in the morning I will sing of Your love; for You are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble. O my Strength, I sing praise to You; You, O God, are my fortress, my loving God. (Psalm 59:16-17)

Today, as an act of worship, rest in knowing that the Lord is able to judge and act according to His desires and purposes. He is our strength, fortress, and refuge. And above all, He is our LOVING God!




Sunday, March 15
"JUDGMENT AND GRACE (Psalm 58)"

Today's full One Year Bible readings:
Numbers 22:21-23:30 ~ Luke 1:57-80 ~ Psalm 58:1-11 ~ Proverbs 11:12-13

Psalm 58 presents the proclamation of judgment on the wicked in a vivid way and ultimately concluding that "the righteous will be glad when they are avenged, when they bathe their feet in the blood of the wicked." (Ps 58:10)

In-and-of-itself, bathing anything in blood sounds morbid and grotesque, but the simple fact remains that judgment is coming and we are all under the judgment of God. The Earth is the Lord's, including our very lives (Ps 24), and we are accountable for the choices and decisions we make (Matt 12:36-37 & Heb 4:13). That being the case, we must lead lives that are fully obedient to the Word of God.

Although, God's ultimate judgment is a simple reality, and sin has very real and tangible consequences, we currently live under the grace of God given to us by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross. Grace flows to us and is seen everywhere through the amazing blessings of life: the air we breath, the weather we experience, the food we eat, the relationships we maintain, and the material possessions we enjoy.

But, in the midst of countless blessings, the judgments of God also shine forth spreading the message of God's Holiness and man's sinfulness so that... 

"Then men will say, 'Surely the righteous still are rewarded; surely there is a God who judges the earth.'" (Psalm 58:11)

Today, as an act of worship, thank God for revealing His character of absolute holiness and integrity in all things. Honor Him through your lifestyle.




Saturday, March 14
"PRAISE YOU IN THE STORM (Psalm 57)"

Full One Year Bible readings:
Numbers 21:1-22:20 ~ Luke 1:26-56 ~ Psalm 57:1-11 ~ Proverbs 11:9-11

In Psalm 57 David writes some incredible words of praise to God while he was in the thick of battle. He had fled from Saul and was hiding in a cave and yet he was fully trusting in God. The first verse reminds us that David was in fact taking refuge in God.

"For in you my soul takes refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed." (Psalm 57:1)

Although, humanly speaking, he had much to fear, he embodied such a bold faith in God that he did not fear what man would or could do.

"7 My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and make music.  8 Awake, my soul! Awake, harp and lyre! I will awaken the dawn.  9 I will praise you, O Lord, among the nations; I will sing of you among the peoples.  10 For great is your love, reaching to the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies. 11 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth" (Psalm 57:7-11)

Today, as an act of worship, praise God in the midst of your storm. No matter what you may face today, resolve to trust the LORD fully and remain committed to do His will. Praise and worship Him!




Friday, March 13
"WHEN I AM AFRAID, I WILL TRUST IN YOU (Psalm 56)"

Full One Year Bible readings:
Numbers 19:1-20:29 ~ Luke 1:1-25 ~ Psalm 56:1-13 ~ Proverbs 11:8

Psalm 56 highlights David's response to the natural fear of being surrounded by many enemies. David really was a man after God's own heart (1 Sam 13:14 & Acts 13:22). He loved God and demonstrated it by trusting God over and over.

"When I am afraid, I will trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me?" (Psalm 56:3-4)

It is refreshing to hear the words "In God I trust" sincerely spoken! At some point in American history we adopted the slogan "In God We Trust" to be displayed on our currency, and although it remains there to this day it has become increasingly more obvious that our nation as a whole does not legitimately subscribe to it. Authentic trust implies faithful actions as supporting evidence.

An important take-a-way for us is the rhetorical question David asks in verse four, "what can mortal man do to me?" And, of course, the answer is: man may be given physical power over your body, but he remains totally powerless over your soul.

Today, as an act of worship, remember the ultimate limitations of mere mortals and consider the reality that God has the power to save the soul. Praise Him!