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A Song of Confidence and Contentment

Castles in medieval times were feats of masterful construction. Virtually impregnable, they were a source of refuge for many who sought the protection of their walls. But even they could be breached. They were not completely secure. In Psalm 16, David looks to God as His refuge, source of protection that could not be overthrown. In this psalm we consider our fortress and our future. David not only looked at God’s protection in the present but also for the future. No matter what and no matter when, David was secure because of God. Do you have that same measure of security?

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Personal Reflection

Why do you look in a mirror? It’s generally to take a look at ourselves. To see if we are presentable. The Word of God is a mirror for the soul. Psalm 15 is a psalm of introspection helping to answer the question as to who can come into God’s presence. It asks us to consider if we are rightly aligned with God and with one another. The person who is can come confidently into God’s presence knowing that through Christ, we are blameless and righteous. Such a firm and stable footing allows us to come in the presence of God.

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What Do You Believe About God?

God has something to say about those who don’t believe in Him. He even makes an assessment about their behavior. Those who do believe in Him are called offer praise. He deserves praise for His presence and for His protection. What you believe about God determines your eternal destiny.

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How Long? Never!

Do you ever feel alone, like God isn’t anywhere to be seen? Does He seem distant? Absent? If so, this Psalm is for you. David begins in despair and then ends in delight. He goes from feeling abandonment to adoration. Will God ignore forever? Not on your life. He will always be with you and not forsake you. His silence does not mean His absence.

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The Majesty of Our King

In Psalm 8 David invites us to praise God, to look at the vast expanse of His creation throughout the universe and extol His majesty. But then, after a sobering look at all He has made with His finger, to stop in humility and ask ourselves why God would even take a look our way. In the grand scheme of His creation what is man that God would consider us. We are created in His image. We are created to glorify him. We are loved by Him, the reason He sent His son, Jesus, to die for us. Why would God look our way? He considers us of great value. That’s worthy of our praise.

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God Hears Us, God Helps Us

What do you do to get someone’s attention? David wanted to get God’s attention and tell him a bit of what he’s going through. I’m sure there are times you feel the same way, that you need God to listen. David points out the ways of the wicked, but also considers the attributes of God, foremost here is His holiness and mercy. If it weren’t for God’s mercy, we would all wind up experiencing His justice and judgment. God will one day, punish the wicked, but until then, He extends mercy giving them the opportunity to repent.

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Mounting Problems Demand Confident Faith

When life falls apart, what do you do, where do you go, to whom do you turn? In Psalm 3, David tells us where he goes. He was facing a lot of enemies, but he trusted in God for his deliverance. He knew that mounting problems demand confident faith.

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Precious in His Sight

God thinks you’re very special. He thinks so because He made you. He thinks so because He thinks about you all the time. You are precious in His sight. He is aware of you. He is around you. He is almighty toward you.

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Our God Reigns

Who do the nations of the leaders of nations think they are that they can defy or deny the authority and sovereignty of God? That’s what the psalmist wants to know. The answer is no one. This psalm not only teaches us that God is in control, but that we can fully trust God that nothing will thwart His plans, even when things around the world or in our world seem out of control. The conclusion of the psalmist is that the person who trusts in God’s sovereignty will be blessed. Do the events around the world make it seem like God is not in control? They shouldn’t because He is. Eventually they will all bow before Him and be subject to Him.

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Practical Advice for Sound Living

Life is full of choices. Many of those choices come from those who would give us advice. Psalm 1 is about both a choice and advice. Will you choose to be travel the path of the wise or the path of the wicked? Psalm 1 provides compelling reasons why the person who travels the path of the wise is blessed. It begins with a choice about who you hang out with and about your commitment to God’s Word. What a challenge for the new year.