After finishing the study of the book of Hosea, the journey will now head back into the study in the Psalms. The objective of any Bible study should be to not only learn the main principles of the Word but to keep the Word in our thoughts in order to apply them in our life. I will continue this objective with a study through Psalm 13-18. The aim is to plant the seeds of faith, hope, and love in order to yield fruit that nourishes others.
Learned so far in studying the Psalms is how David went to God in order for justice to be carried out against his accusers. We can do the same by studying the principles found in God’s word which prepares our heart and initiates the application of our faith against the enemy. We can pray with pictures of a successful day because we know Jesus is by our side.
God was by David’s side when he defeated the giant name Goliath and He is by our side to defeat the enemies we face. Nothing is impossible with God and as ruler over the work of His hands; we can participate in solutions to things once thought impossible. With new technology of today, we all have the ability to be innovative and creative. This day with God, let us stretch our thinking, dream big, and break old barriers.
The truth is that God is big enough and has given us all potential for victory. Our enemies in society today may consist of things like the breakup of the family unit, drugs, a culture in decline, or an economy that doesn’t benefit those in need. Our enemies are limited but God is unlimited. The ultimate lift to any day is knowing that the future is bright because of the reward God has for all that believe in His Son.
If going through difficulty, receive the hope only God can give, and believe He is big enough to provide victory today. He has much more to give. Life is not easy and can hit hard right in the face. Sometimes we want to correct the problems our own way but it just will not work. David had issues in life but then he prayed for God to help and immediately felt confident that God would arise.
Our days can look bleak just like they did during the difficult days that David faced as recorded in the Psalms but each day can be turned into something amazing because of our Savior. Our growing faith can never be taken away or depleted as we live in God’s light. As we trust in His promises and use His resources. With God, it’s like running with the wind at your back. He knows our needs and gives us that extra push to the finish line.
The instructions we get from the world many times no longer work or maybe never did work. They can be deceptive, arrogant and show disrespect. On the other hand, the instructions we find in God’s Word are golden. They encourage, affirm, and always provide perfect instructions on how to live.
There is a benefit for those who discover the lessons of the Word. For those who passionately follow the will of God like David, there is a promising future. Like David who always went to the Lord in prayer when facing difficulties, let us do the same. Let our hope in God sustain us as we keep positive outcomes in our sight, keep asking for answers, and listening for the steps to take.
So join me over the next few weeks as I step ahead using the questions below to inspire thoughts and ideas. God will give us the upper hand by producing in us the heart of a champion.
Psalm 13
Who is the author of this Psalm? What seems to be the problem? Analyzing verses 1-2 and verses 5-6, what is the difference in mood?
Psalm 14
What type of person says “There is no God”? What effects are produced in daily living with this attitude? What does “no knowledge” of God produce?
Psalm 15
What is the way to fellowship with God? How can a person get to the point of being rewarded with God’s presence? Which of the standards of leadership written in the passage are your week points? How can you improve?
Psalm 16
What is the opening petition? Why is David hopeful? What kind of God does David know and trust?
Psalm 17
What does David pray for? What are the contrasting goals of himself and his enemies? What can a person do to keep the worldly goals of prosperity and pride from creeping into your life?
Psalm 18:1-24
What is David’s trial (See 2 Samuel 22:1-51)? As a deliverer, how does God take action? What can be done when life puts pressure on us from all angles? How can we gain the righteousness needed in order to be rewarded by God?
Psalm 18:25-50
What is your part in the way God acts toward you? In what ways is God described as the enabler? What are David’s physical advantages and who does he credit as the source of these physical advantages?
The above reading plan will be used as I share over the next few posts. It’s important to have a plan. I’m thankful that Jesus is God’s plan for us and by accepting Him as Savior; we have taken the steps necessary to make this day with Him amazing! At this link: God’s Plan for Us, is a post about accepting God’s plan or reaffirming our “YES” for Christ.
When we accept Christ as Savior, the Holy Spirit is our companion and it’s exciting to think about what the future holds. With God, we can get through anything, we can patiently grind it out during difficulties or give Him credit when the impossible is made possible. Beyond that, we can celebrate because of the victory we will always have with Him.
Feel free to respond with a short note or a comment about any of the questions above. Also, I welcome any other thoughts or ideas, favorite inspirational videos, photos, or favorite Bible verses. Just add them to the comments or to a Facebook page I’ve set up at this link: This Day With God.
Resources and Supplementary Helps Used in Posts
Adeney, Carol. This Morning with God. Downer Grove Illinois: InterVarsity Press, 1978
First United Methodist Waco Podcast
Christ Notes
Family Times
Image Source
This Day With God - A Spiritual Journey 