Today begins my month long journey through the Psalms. It has been a while since I read through Psalms and I am hoping to gain some new insights about who God is and how he relates to us through His interactions with the Psalmists.
It is fitting that the book of Psalm opens with the following from Psalm 1:
Psalm 1:1-2 NIV
Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night.
“Blessed is the one who…delights in the law of the Lord (Scripture) and who meditates on his law day and night.” This has been my goal this fall. To get into a pattern of reading his Word every day. But, with Psalms, I want to take that to the next level and actually meditate on the verses I read and explore how they apply to me.
This morning I began my journey by reading Psalm 1-7. There is so much in there. Also, Psalm is poetry and getting application from Poetry is a bit harder for me than from the letters of the New Testament. So this will be a growth journey from that standpoint as well.
Below are some of the verses that stood out to me and how they struck me today:
Psalm 1:6 NIV
For the LORD watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked leads to destruction.Psalm 2:10-11 NIV
Therefore, you kings, be wise; be warned, you rulers of the earth. Serve the LORD with fear and celebrate his rule with trembling.Psalm 3:5 NIV
I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the LORD sustains me.Psalm 5:11 NIV
But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.Psalm 7:10-11 NIV
My shield is God Most High, who saves the upright in heart. God is a righteous judge, a God who displays his wrath every day.
Application:
- The Lord is my protector and sustainer.
- He protects me physically but is also my “righteous judge”
- Leaders in the Church like the “kings…rulers of the earth” need to focus on serving the Lord with fear and trembling
- Joshua 1:9 – Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”
