Psalm 26

David's determination in seeking God's approval is manifested in this psalm of praise. He was unshaken in the light of his confidence in declaring his personal integrity, innocence and purity before the Lord.

Of course that doesn't mean David is blameless at all times. He was after all, like all of us, human and capable of sinning from time to time. He "walked continually" in God's truth (verse 3). Interestingly, the word "continual" (different from the meaning of "continuous") from a language's point of view, indicates duration that continues over a long period of time, but with intervals of interruption; whereas the word "continuous" indicates duration without interruption (There is a subtle difference between the 2 words!). So even though David might have sinned against the Lord from time to time ("interruptions" from his walking in God's truth), he was unshamed of his pleas to our merciful God, of his sufferings under the accusations of others.

Instead of relying on our own strength to take justice into our own hands, let's quieten our hearts to reflect on all the things that burden us. Seek the Lord and tell Him. Lay upon Him our burdens of our hearts, for the Lord cares. Let the Lord vindicate us, on our behalf...

John Humphrys' "In God We Doubt"

I had a rude shock when checking out the bestsellers at Times bookstore (Marina Square) yesterday at lunch hours. John Humphrys' book "In God We Doubt: Confessions of A Failed Atheist" definitely tempted me to pick it up in the quest for knowing the real meaning behind the title.

In those pages that I had read briefly, John talked about the state of confusion on the concept of "Trinity" and other biblical truths. Then I read that he was actually brought up in a Christian environment as a young kid, attended Sunday School and did memory verses. So what made him doubt God in the end?

It then dawned on me that it is ever so easy to foresake our belief when we let our own understanding of this world overtake our minds. It is thus my prayer that my children will be brought up in the ways of the Lord and that they will remain faithful to Him all the days of their lives. As parents, I pray that Geraldine and I will continue to nurture our children in the knowledge of the Lord. Bless us Lord, with your leadership in our walk with You. Amen.

Psalm 25

Psalm 25 is such a good prayer prompter whenever I am surrounded by uncertainties and problems at work. Nothing is more assuring from our God that promises His forgiveness of our sins and His protection.

All that is required from God of us is our humility and trust in Him.

O Lord, strengthen my faith in You, that I will depend upon You for every step of my path and not by my own judgement or understanding. You are a God that answers when we have the fear of the Lord in us. I claim victory in my life in all that I do, for the glory of the Lord. In Jesus' name I pray and give thanks, amen.

Psalm 24

God's advice for having integrity and a pure heart is augmented in the first 6 verses of Psalm 24 (refer to Psalm 15). We should channel our consciousness towards doing good for the purpose of pleasing God and not men. It is easy for us, especially in today's rat race, to sway towards achieving success through our own means and not practising what God has instructed us. I believe this psalm is again a reminder for us to search our hearts and seek God's guidance in our daily course of work.

The glory of the Jesus is manifested in verses 7 onwards, where the Lord is inviting us to open our hearts in accepting His blessings and salvation. Jesus is knocking on the door of our hearts, and when we open the door to receive Him into our lives, He will bless us with His protection and eternal life.

Praise be to God, our King of glory.

Psalm 23

The serenity and peaceful enclave of Botanic Gardens within the hassle and bussle of our city.

This biblical chapter is perhaps the most famous among believers and unbelievers. I know of an ex-colleague who could recite this whole psalm effortlessly even though he has not accepted God's salvation into his life. It is used in many occasions such as memorial services, funerals and times when we are praying for God's healing upon some one facing imminent death. I remember this psalm being quoted by George W. Bush in his national address in response to the September 11 terrorist acts. It was also scripted and spoken of by a group of petrified victims in the movie "Titanic". In all these occurrences, I was moved to tears.

The psalm is emotionally moving to me because it reminds me of God's provision, protection and preservation. Which explains why Don Moen's song "Psalm 23" is among one of my favourite worship songs, especially when my soul is downcast.

Jesus, You are my shepherd and my only provider. I shall not be in want. Thank you for saving me and my family from the enemy's arrows, covering us under Your wings and protecting us with Your staff and rod. Those who yearns for Your Word shall not be spiritually dry and those who calls upon Your name for peace and comfort shall not be turned away by You.

Psalm 22

It is amazing that God has revealed His glory through David's darkest moment by inspiring him to write to great details, the account of Christ's suffering before His crucification on the cross. Jesus had been relegated to a "worm and not a man", being scorned by men and despised by the people. He was being hurled insults (Psalm 22:6-7) and his garments were divided among men after they casted lots for his clothes (Psalm 22:18).

Jesus' inner feelings at the cross were also vividly exposed in verses 14-15: "I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint, my heart has turned to wax; it has melted away within me. My strength is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth". Even Jesus himself had to call upon His heavenly Father: "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (Psalm 22:1) ("Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?") before He died. The anguish of rejection and the burden of our sins upon Himself were spoken as a reminder to us that Jesus honours us as His creations, so much so that He is willing to die for us.

O Lord, thank you for dying on the cross for me. We can only fathom the amazing love You have for us.

Psalm 21

King David thanked the Lord in this psalm, praising Him for the things granted to him --- his victory in battles, his desire of his heart, rich blessings, crown of pure gold, long life, splendor and majesty, and joy.

Success and wealth had not shaken David's trust and faith in the Lord. This is something which we need to learn from David.

Psalm 20

This psalm is perhaps one of my favourite prayer prompters whenever I pray for some one who needs protection and peace. We declare to the spirits of depression and self-condemnation, that they will flee and be rendered powerless in the mighty name of the Lord.

All we need to do is to stand tall and trust in the name of the Lord our God.