Category: insight from Psalms

Psalm 1:1-3; Proverbs 1:10-19; Proverbs 4:14-15; Job 21:16

Choose for yourself, each new day, which way you will go. God the Holy Spirit will guide you as you put your faith in Him. Every day we have the opportunity to follow the way of the world or go the way of the Lord. Rest assured we will reap what we sow. Every choice we make has a direct consequence, good or bad.

Those who choose to walk with God will find the path that leads to life. They will have everything they need to live a godly life and they will find peace, joy, comfort and strength for daily living. They won’t be swept aside by every seemingly good idea or intention that comes their way. They won’t be influenced, deceived or tricked.

Those who abide in God’s word, meditating on scripture day and night, will develop godly wisdom and understanding, and will know the truth, and the truth will set them free from the influence and trickery of this world and its god, Satan, the devil.

True happiness comes from the inside when we listen to the voice of the Shepherd and Overseer of our soul. Learn to hear his voice through the living power of His word. And then pray that you might “take heed according to His word.” Which means to put His word into practice and obedience.

When we do this, will cultivate a life of true wisdom and understanding, and we’ll experience the success and prosperity that comes from a godly lifestyle; the fruit of the Spirit which comes out of those whom the Spirit of God has poured Himself into.

The prosperity of the world is material gain and wealth. It is temporary. It comes and goes. But the prosperity that comes from God is on the inside, in our hearts. This is where the Kingdom of God begins. The road to God’s holy city, Zion, is in your heart.

Psalms 1:1-3 NLT
[1] Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers. [2] But they delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night. [3] They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do.

https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.1.1-3.NLT

Proverbs 4:14-15 ESV
[14]  Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not walk in the way of the evil. [15] Avoid it; do not go on it; turn away from it and pass on.

https://bible.com/bible/59/pro.4.14-15.ESV

Job 21:16 NKJV
[16] Indeed their prosperity is not in their hand; The counsel of the wicked is far from me.

https://bible.com/bible/114/job.21.16.NKJV

Proverbs 1:10-19 NLT
[10] My child, if sinners entice you, turn your back on them! [11] They may say, “Come and join us. Let’s hide and kill someone! Just for fun, let’s ambush the innocent! [12] Let’s swallow them alive, like the grave; let’s swallow them whole, like those who go down to the pit of death. [13] Think of the great things we’ll get! We’ll fill our houses with all the stuff we take. [14] Come, throw in your lot with us; we’ll all share the loot.” [15] My child, don’t go along with them! Stay far away from their paths. [16] They rush to commit evil deeds. They hurry to commit murder. [17] If a bird sees a trap being set, it knows to stay away. [18] But these people set an ambush for themselves; they are trying to get themselves killed. [19] Such is the fate of all who are greedy for money; it robs them of life.

https://bible.com/bible/116/pro.1.10-19.NLT

Psalms 27:1-14 NLT
[1] The Lord is my light and my salvation— so why should I be afraid? The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble? [2] When evil people come to devour me, when my enemies and foes attack me, they will stumble and fall. [3] Though a mighty army surrounds me, my heart will not be afraid. Even if I am attacked, I will remain confident. [4] The one thing I ask of the Lord— the thing I seek most— is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, delighting in the Lord’s perfections and meditating in his Temple. [5] For he will conceal me there when troubles come; he will hide me in his sanctuary. He will place me out of reach on a high rock. [6] Then I will hold my head high above my enemies who surround me. At his sanctuary I will offer sacrifices with shouts of joy, singing and praising the Lord with music. [7] Hear me as I pray, O Lord. Be merciful and answer me! [8] My heart has heard you say, “Come and talk with me.” And my heart responds, “Lord, I am coming.” [9] Do not turn your back on me. Do not reject your servant in anger. You have always been my helper. Don’t leave me now; don’t abandon me, O God of my salvation! [10] Even if my father and mother abandon me, the Lord will hold me close. [11] Teach me how to live, O Lord. Lead me along the right path, for my enemies are waiting for me. [12] Do not let me fall into their hands. For they accuse me of things I’ve never done; with every breath they threaten me with violence. [13] Yet I am confident I will see the Lord’s goodness while I am here in the land of the living. [14] Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.

https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.27.1-14.NLT

The Lord is my light.

John 8:12 NLT
[12] Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.”

https://bible.com/bible/116/jhn.8.12.NLT

The Lord is my salvation

Psalms 18:2 NLT
[2] The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety.

https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.18.2.NLT

The Lord is my strength, my fortress

Isaiah 60:18-20 NLT
[18] Violence will disappear from your land; the desolation and destruction of war will end. Salvation will surround you like city walls, and praise will be on the lips of all who enter there. [19] “No longer will you need the sun to shine by day, nor the moon to give its light by night, for the Lord your God will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory. [20] Your sun will never set; your moon will not go down. For the Lord will be your everlasting light. Your days of mourning will come to an end.

https://bible.com/bible/116/isa.60.18-20.NLT

Psalm 27 has been a favorite of both my Dad and my wife. It’s also very familiar to me and brings great help and comfort in the midst of fiery trials and turbulent times.

When it seems like the world is closing in on me and the enemies of my soul are surrounding me, picking at me like vultures on a rotting corpse, I can search for God on the inside, at the core of my heart, the place where His glory truly dwells within me; His sanctuary.

This is the place where I meet with God daily, in a holy convocation; Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

This is the place from which He guides me with His light, and His presence protects me, like a fortress.

He hides me in the shadow of His wings.

He sets me high on a rock.

He is my solid foundation upon which my life is built.

Every day as I surrender my life to Him, he will lead me with His everlasting light and salvation.

He will be my strength and my song

From the inside out, I will become the light of the world as I reflect His love and His glory. Others will see His light shining in me and turn to Him.

Each new day I have a choice; to walk in His light and salvation, and he becomes my strength and my Helper, tapping into heaven’s vast and infinite resources

Or I can go it alone, by my own wits and human will and intellect until I run out of steam, and fear and anxiety take over, the real enemies of my soul. This is how the world lives and wants me to operate and run my life. But the Lord as my light and salvation leads me through all of this. This why I must cling to Him and the Living Power of His word (Hebrews 4:12)

Psalms 119:169-176 NLT
[169] O Lord, listen to my cry; give me the discerning mind you promised. [170] Listen to my prayer; rescue me as you promised. [171] Let praise flow from my lips, for you have taught me your decrees. [172] Let my tongue sing about your word, for all your commands are right. [173] Give me a helping hand, for I have chosen to follow your commandments. [174] O Lord, I have longed for your rescue, and your instructions are my delight. [175] Let me live so I can praise you, and may your regulations help me. [176] I have wandered away like a lost sheep; come and find me, for I have not forgotten your commands.

https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.119.169-176.NLT

A discerning mind will lead us into making right choices in our daily lives. God’s word, commands, instructions, precepts, etc gives wisdom and understanding to know how we should live. But so often we lose our way because we wander from the truths of His infallible word, the scriptures. When we choose to meditate on and absorb his word, we’re tapping into the living power that transcends our own human nature and intellect.

Proverbs 5:21 NLT
[21] For the Lord sees clearly what a man does, examining every path he takes.

https://bible.com/bible/116/pro.5.21.NLT

Through this living power we receive the mind of Christ, as we are transformed by the renewing of our minds. This is where the promise of discernment, discretion, knowledge and understanding come into play and helps us to see, at the center of our lives; our heart, how we can take every thought captive and then submit it to Christ’s authority. Then we are enabled, filled with the Spirit of God, to say no to the ideas, thoughts and intentions that will not be good or productive in our lives. In the midst of our fiery trials and tribulations, God will rescue us. The living power of His Word arms us with the sword of the Spirit, with which we can cut through the truth vs lies, the good and the evil the enemy tempts us with. Like David fighting the giant Goliath, God will arm us for battle and deliver us from the enemy, as we encounter him daily.

Even in the times when we become overwhelmed and overtaken by the enemy, God will rescue us as we continue to repent and believe in the power of His word and cling to the promises He has made. His word is always true as is His promise to help , comfort, counsel and deliver us.

Early will I seek you.

It is so important to start our day in prayer. When I awake each morning, before my feet hit the floor, I will surrender my day to the Lord, because the world will come at me with its own agenda, and voices that will compete for my attention, to occupy my mind and keep me focused on myself and my problems, worries and concerns. The enemy’s goal is to keep me so busy worrying and gripped by fear and anxiety, that it binds me up like a strongman holding me in a bear hug.

It starts with my soul and who’s in charge. If I deny myself, take up my cross and follow Him, through prayer and meditating on scripture, which is the living power of God, then my mind will be renewed and transformed instead of conforming to the image of this world. Then I will be able to put on the mind of Christ, walk in the Spirit and live my day as a freewill offering and sacrifice to God.

Then this parched and thirsty, barren land within me will not be controlled by the world or its god, Satan, the enemy of God, and our souls. Jesus Christ is the living water through which our spiritual thirst is quenched and refreshed daily. He is our sanctuary, our place of worship, safety and protection from the enemy, warring against our soul.

This is the place where His living power and glory dwell, as He sits on the throne of my heart. Every morning I must willingly lay down my soul and my will, so that He can continue to do His mighty work within me, for His kingdom and His glory, enabling me to live out His great commandment to love Him with all of my heart, mind, soul and strength, AND my neighbor as myself.

This is the ultimate will of God for His creation; love! A personal, one on one, Mano e Mano relationship with each of us individually, so that we can live together in love and unity.

Psalms 63:1-11 NKJV
[1] O God, You are my God; Early will I seek You; My soul thirsts for You; My flesh longs for You In a dry and thirsty land Where there is no water. [2] So I have looked for You in the sanctuary, To see Your power and Your glory. [3] Because Your lovingkindness is better than life, My lips shall praise You. [4] Thus I will bless You while I live; I will lift up my hands in Your name. [5] My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness, And my mouth shall praise You with joyful lips. [6] When I remember You on my bed, I meditate on You in the night watches. [7] Because You have been my help, Therefore in the shadow of Your wings I will rejoice. [8] My soul follows close behind You; Your right hand upholds me. [9] But those who seek my life, to destroy it, Shall go into the lower parts of the earth. [10] They shall fall by the sword; They shall be a portion for jackals. [11] But the king shall rejoice in God; Everyone who swears by Him shall glory; But the mouth of those who speak lies shall be stopped.

https://bible.com/bible/114/psa.63.1-11.NKJV

The deceitful, hurtful words of men

Psalm 12:2-4, 6 ESV
[2] Everyone utters lies to his neighbor; with flattering lips and a double heart they speak. [3] May the Lord cut off all flattering lips, the tongue that makes great boasts, [4] those who say, “With our tongue we will prevail, our lips are with us; who is master over us?”
[6]  The words of the Lord are pure words, like silver refined in a furnace on the ground, purified seven times.

https://bible.com/bible/59/psa.12.2-6.ESV

The words of men guided by the wisdom of God

Proverbs 12:17-22 ESV
[17]  Whoever speaks the truth gives honest evidence, but a false witness utters deceit. [18]  There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. [19] Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue is but for a moment. [20] Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, but those who plan peace have joy. [21]  No ill befalls the righteous, but the wicked are filled with trouble. [22]  Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who act faithfully are his delight.

https://bible.com/bible/59/pro.12.17-22.ESV

There is a contrast here in the words of man and how they are used, along with what is in a man’s heart.

Luke 6:45 ESV
[45] The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.

https://bible.com/bible/59/luk.6.45.ESV

What we store in our hearts determines the course of our tongues. As the small rutter on a large ship is operated by the will of its driver determining which way the ship will go, so our tongue guides the course of our lives.

James 3:2-10 ESV
[2] For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body. [3] If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. [4] Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. [5] So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! [6] And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell. [7] For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, [8] but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. [9] With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. [10] From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so.

https://bible.com/bible/59/jas.3.2-10.ESV

The living power of God’s word has the ability to capture our tongues and hold back the words we would like to say, and often do when we speak out of our emotions, without thinking about what we’re going to say or how we will use our words.

In our natural state we tend to use our words to our advantage, to do and get what we want. When our tongues are guided by our own nature man, there is little or no discipline or discretion. But the man who is filled with and walking in the Spirit will discipline his tongue under the mighty hand of God. Such a man thinks more about other people and their needs and good will, than he does about what he wants. He’ll learn to discipline and curb his tongue as he feeds and meditates on God’s word. His desire to love and serve others will overcome his urge to speak his mind or to use his words idly to serve himself first

Will you use your words for your own selfish motives? Or will you allow the Holy Spirit to discipline and guide your every word? This means taking every thought captive and placing it under the microscope of God’s word, allowing Him to bridle your tongue and keep you from using your words to hurt others.

Who are the humble and afflicted? What does this mean in our lives; for those who repent and believe, who turn their hearts towards God?

Psalms 10:17-18 NKJV
[17] Lord, You have heard the desire of the humble; You will prepare their heart; You will cause Your ear to hear, [18] To do justice to the fatherless and the oppressed, That the man of the earth may oppress no more.

https://bible.com/bible/114/psa.10.17-18.NKJV

Psalm 10:17-18 ESV
[17] O Lord, you hear the desire of the afflicted; you will strengthen their heart; you will incline your ear [18] to do justice to the fatherless and the oppressed, so that man who is of the earth may strike terror no more.

https://bible.com/bible/59/psa.10.17-18.ESV

1 Chronicles 29:18 ESV
[18] O Lord, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, our fathers, keep forever such purposes and thoughts in the hearts of your people, and direct their hearts toward you.

https://bible.com/bible/59/1ch.29.18.ESV

Psalm 82:3 ESV
[3]  Give justice to the weak and the fatherless; maintain the right of the afflicted and the destitute.

https://bible.com/bible/59/psa.82.3.ESV

Isaiah 1:16-17 ESV
[16]  Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean; remove the evil of your deeds from before my eyes; cease to do evil, [17] learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause.

https://bible.com/bible/59/isa.1.16-17.ESV

Isaiah 11:4 ESV
[4] but with righteousness he shall judge the poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the earth; and he shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips he shall kill the wicked.

https://bible.com/bible/59/isa.11.4.ESV

Psalm 9:9-10 ESV
[9] The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. [10] And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you.

https://bible.com/bible/59/psa.9.9-10.ESV

Psalm 9:17-20 ESV
[17] The wicked shall return to Sheol, all the nations that forget God. [18] For the needy shall not always be forgotten, and the hope of the poor shall not perish forever. [19]  Arise, O Lord! Let not man prevail; let the nations be judged before you! [20] Put them in fear, O Lord! Let the nations know that they are but men! Selah

https://bible.com/bible/59/psa.9.17-20.

Psalm 17:13-14 ESV
[13] Arise, O Lord! Confront him, subdue him! Deliver my soul from the wicked by your sword, [14] from men by your hand, O Lord, from men of the world whose portion is in this life. You fill their womb with treasure; they are satisfied with children, and they leave their abundance to their infants.

https://bible.com/bible/59/psa.17.13-14.ESV


The cry of the humble and afflicted reaches the ears of God.

He inclines His ear to hear the humble cries of the afflicted souls who are in great pain, distress and misery.

God hears the desire of the humble. He hears and prepares the heart of those who have been afflicted.

Afflicted:
a state of pain, distress, or grief; misery: caused by others who are influenced and used by the god of this world.

The oppression of the people of this world, those who don’t know God, care about God or those who believe in God and seek His Kingdom. God hears and sees it all. The state of the fatherless and the oppressed don’t go unnoticed. People of this world have no heart for God. They cannot see or hear God. They think that God does not see them, that they can keep on living in the ways of this world, treating people with contempt and disrespect. The wicked people of this world use and abuse others. Their major concern or care is their own well-being and personal gain. But God brings justice to the fatherless and oppressed. He hears their cause and maintains what is right for the weak and destitute. Those who are treated or judged unfairly, persecuted or tyrannized, God will vindicate, because they keep their eyes on God, the eyes of their heart that is.
Romans 8:31 ESV
[31] What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

https://bible.com/bible/59/rom.8.31.ESV

1 John 4:4 ESV
[4] Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.

https://bible.com/bible/59/1jn.4.4.ESV

The enemy uses men of this world to oppress, take advantage of and persecute those who put their faith and trust in God, in His justice and mercy, in his mighty hands, who has all power to deliver those who look to Him.

The enemy’s agenda and goal  is to wear you down and break you and to keep you in bondage to anxiety and fear of man, O man of God.  Satan cannot attack you on the inside, but he uses the people of this world to do his bidding

Father God, may souls be loose from bondage and be brought into Your healing and light from every demonic realm in Jesus mighty name! Amen

Psalms 8:1, 9 NKJV
[1] O Lord, our Lord, How excellent (majestic) is Your name in all the earth, Who have set Your glory above the heavens!
[9] O Lord, our Lord, How excellent (majestic) is Your name in all the earth!

https://bible.com/bible/114/psa.8.1-9.NKJV

Psalm 148:13 ESV
[13]  Let them praise the name of the Lord, for his name alone is exalted; his majesty is above earth and heaven.

https://bible.com/bible/59/psa.148.13.ESV

Isaiah 12:4 ESV
[4] And you will say in that day: “Give thanks to the Lord, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the peoples, proclaim that his name is exalted.

https://bible.com/bible/59/isa.12.4.ESV

Exodus 34:5 ESV
[5] The Lord descended in the cloud and stood with him there, and proclaimed the name of the Lord.

https://bible.com/bible/59/exo.34.5.ESV

Psalm 113:4-6 ESV
[4] The Lord is high above all nations, and his glory above the heavens! [5]  Who is like the Lord our God, who is seated on high, [6] who looks far down on the heavens and the earth?

https://bible.com/bible/59/psa.113.4-6.ESV

Majestic:
Majestic means something is impressive, grand, or beautiful, and often evokes a sense of awe or admiration.
Synonyms for majestic:
grand, magnificent, impressive, superb, noble, imperial, kingly, royal, regal, and splendid.

The Psalmist is struck with a deep sense of awe and wonder when he looks into the heavens and gazes upon the beauty of the moon and stars, the work of God’s fingers.

“God of wonders beyond our galaxy, you are holy, holy!”

Psalm 19 immediately comes to mind here.
Psalm 19:1-6 ESV
[1]  The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. [2] Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge. [3] There is no speech, nor are there words, whose voice is not heard. [4]  Their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them he has set a tent for the sun, [5]  which comes out like a bridegroom leaving his chamber, and, like a strong man, runs its course with joy. [6] Its rising is from the end of the heavens, and its circuit to the end of them, and there is nothing hidden from its heat.

https://bible.com/bible/59/psa.19.1-6.ESV

It is mind boggling to think and even believe that the God who created the universe and all that is in it,  has time to consider mankind. Yet, God who created man in His image gave man the authority and responsibility over the works of His hands; that is, everything that lives and breathes on the earth. Yet man has no authority or control over anything beyond the earth’s atmosphere. Beyond gravity, man cannot exist, let alone have power and dominion.
This is proof that God alone controls and watches over everything in the heavens and on earth. He’s given mankind the task and responsibility of stewardship, that is, managing what God has created and put under the authority of mankind. God is the Creator, mankind is merely the caretaker.
God exists in Majesty and splendor far above the earth into eternity and infinity. God is not limited to time or gravity, which he created for man.

Man without God thinks he can control and manipulate that which exists in the earth, and that which is beyond the earth’s atmosphere, even things like the weather and climate. Man has no control of any of that, not even life and death. Everything is under the Mighty hand of Almighty God, but He gives man the task and responsibility of managing all of that.

When mankind puts it all into proper perspective, God first and foremost over everything, including that which God alone has put under the authority of mankind, then comes order and discipline and good stewardship. Out of stewardship comes servanthood. Recognizing that everything comes from God and that God alone has given man this awesome responsibility, puts everything into proper perspective and order.

I’m wondering if pride is what got in Adam’s way, as busy managing God’s garden of Eden, paradise. God gave Adam the awesome task of tending to everything under the sun. Perhaps Adam started thinking, “look what I’ve done.” Maybe that’s why when Eve listened to the serpent (the devil in disguise) and ate the forbidden fruit, Adam was not able to immediately discern what his wife had done and, without hesitation, partook of the forbidden fruit. Adam took his eyes off of God and the eyes of his heart were overshadowed by his sense of sight. The eyes are the lamp to the body and soul, and when the eyes are bad, everything they see becomes tainted by greed and lust; lust of the eyes, lust of the flesh, and the pride of life distort the eyes of our heart, making Truth cloudy and hard to see over what exists in front of our eyes in the physical realm.

Open the eyes of my heart Lord, I want to see you,
To see you High and lifted up, shining in the light of your Glory

This is the fitting response of man when he looks deeper into his own heart and sees how sinful he is and how far mankind falls short of God’s glory