Psalm 65

Recently, I read an interesting metaphor in an article published in a blog: "Even in his last years, grand pappy had a mind like a steel trap, only one that had been left out so long, it had rusted shut". The writer painted a vivid image with a touch of humour.

In Psalm 65:12-13, I am equally amazed at the metaphors used:

"The grasslands of the desert overflow; the hills are clothed with gladness. The meadows are covered with flocks and the valleys are mantled with grain; they shout for joy and sing".

It's heartening to know that despite our sins, God wants to bless us if we believe in Him:

"... We are filled with the good things of your house, of your holy temple" (Psalm 65:4).

"You crown the year with your bounty, and your carts overflow with abundance" (Psalm 65:11).

Let us come before God with a heart of thanksgiving --- that we will never face financial difficulty when we set our sights unto our provider.

Psalm 61

David was probably forced to be far away from home when he wrote this psalm: "From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe" (Psalm 61:2-3).

It was not known if David was escaping from King Saul. If that was the case, it would be heart-warming to know that despite the king's attempt on his life, David was praying for God to bless Saul: "Increase the days of the king's life, his years for many generations. May he be enthroned in God's presence for ever; appoint your love and faithfulness to protect him" (Psalm 61:6-7).

As God has appointed our country's leaders, we need to submit to their authority and pray for good governance among them. That goes to our superiors at work too.

Psalm 60

David was leading Israel in battling Aram in the north and learnt that Edom had invaded Judah from the south. It seemed strange to David that since God had promised victory for the northern expedition, He had allowed the Edomites the opportunity to assault Judah at the same time. It was perhaps a moment of confusion and mixed feelings for David, so much so that he began to think that God had rejected Israel.

David understood very well that God's presence meant triumph --- whenever God was with him in battle, victory was assured. The news of Edom's attack cast a doubt on God's favour on David. However, the Edomites' victory was only temporary. The enemy may appear to have the upper hand, but the final victory belongs to our God!

Believing and trusting in God's promise and favour, David proclaimed his possession of the enemy territories surrounding Israel (Moab, Edom and Philistia). We need to take charge of our difficult situations and pray in Jesus' name, that they be turned around so that we can have victory over them. Nothing is impossible for God when we trust in His name.

Psalm 59

I was asking God for a verse one day and Romans 12:9 appeared in my mind. Then I searched for the verse and this was what I found: "Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good".

Psalm 59 delineates God's desire for us to treat others with sincere love, knowing good from evil and seeking God's goodness in times of trouble. Saul's jealousy with David's popularity among the people led to David's escape when Saul sent men over to David's house to kill him. Serving the nation and people brought David fame but now this fame turned him into a refugee from his own nation!

David's fate reminds me of Jesus Christ's, who sacrificed His life because of His unfailing love for us, even though we sinned against Him. His constant love is indeed our fortress in trying times. Cling on to God!