May 18 - Psalms 6-8
These three Psalms were written by David, as were many of the other Psalms. These contain glimpses of his emotions and struggles. In fact, he goes from the depths of despair to the heights of praise. I think that is why so many people like to read the Psalms. When you read them, they are so relevant to the situations of life. Most people would admit that life has its ups and downs. The key is learning to navigate through the rough waters and through the calm seas of life.
In Psalm six David cries out to God in total despair. He can't sleep for tossing and turning in his bed. He is weeping. because his soul is greatly troubled. His enemies want to destroy him. However, he does the right thing. He cries out to God, and God gives him the assurance that everything will be alright. What a wonderful confidence God gives us as we earnestly seek Him.
Psalm seven is more of a Psalm of repentance. David realizes that he might have brought the troubles on himself, so he repents before the Lord. Then, he confesses that God is always just. He will punish those who sin. He does not want to sin, but if he has, he repents, so God can forgive him. This is a great attribute of David. He was not so proud that he would not repent.
Finally, Psalm eight reaches out in praise. David exalts the Lord, and then he is amazed by the fact that God loves us so much, and that He is mindful of man at all. David confesses that we don't deserve all of the blessings God has given us. We should be so thankful that God is so good.
The one verse that might cause you some trouble is Psalm 6:5. It seems to say that when a person dies there is no consciousness of God. I do not think David intends to give that message. I believe he is referring to the fact that once a person is dead that person can't be a witness to others any more. He can't remember or recount how God has blessed him. He can't give thanks to God so others can hear. I believe David is in such despair that he thinks he will die. He is telling God that if he dies, he will not be able to minister to others from the grave. That is true. If there is something you need to tell someone else, you need to do it now, because if you put it off too long you will miss your chance.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Psalms 9-12.
In Psalm six David cries out to God in total despair. He can't sleep for tossing and turning in his bed. He is weeping. because his soul is greatly troubled. His enemies want to destroy him. However, he does the right thing. He cries out to God, and God gives him the assurance that everything will be alright. What a wonderful confidence God gives us as we earnestly seek Him.
Psalm seven is more of a Psalm of repentance. David realizes that he might have brought the troubles on himself, so he repents before the Lord. Then, he confesses that God is always just. He will punish those who sin. He does not want to sin, but if he has, he repents, so God can forgive him. This is a great attribute of David. He was not so proud that he would not repent.
Finally, Psalm eight reaches out in praise. David exalts the Lord, and then he is amazed by the fact that God loves us so much, and that He is mindful of man at all. David confesses that we don't deserve all of the blessings God has given us. We should be so thankful that God is so good.
The one verse that might cause you some trouble is Psalm 6:5. It seems to say that when a person dies there is no consciousness of God. I do not think David intends to give that message. I believe he is referring to the fact that once a person is dead that person can't be a witness to others any more. He can't remember or recount how God has blessed him. He can't give thanks to God so others can hear. I believe David is in such despair that he thinks he will die. He is telling God that if he dies, he will not be able to minister to others from the grave. That is true. If there is something you need to tell someone else, you need to do it now, because if you put it off too long you will miss your chance.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Psalms 9-12.