S – Sons are indeed a heritage from the Lord, offspring, a reward. ⁴ Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the sons born in one’s youth. ⁵ Happy is the man who has filled his quiver with them. 

They will never be put to shame when they speak with their enemies at the city gate. 

Psalm 127:3-5 CSB

O – Commentary:

Children, the psalmist wrote, are some of the Lord’s providential blessings (see blessed, v. 5). They are a reward from the Lord. Sons help defend the family for they are like weapons (arrows) in the hands of a mighty man. Sons are capable of defending the family in civil cases (at the gate civil cases were discussed and decided).

The imagery of arrows and of defense “in the gate” was natural for a nation endangered from without and within.

 Allen P. Ross, “Psalms,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 1 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 885.

A – Children are a gift from God.  In Bible times, there was a practical application in tending to the family land and tasks.  More importantly, God designated the family unit as the core of relationships that are for a lifetime.  As we pour into the next generation, they take the family unit to the next steps of growth individually and as a whole.  We should be attentive and committed to growing our families to know and live for God.

R – Heavenly Father, you are our God and Father.  Thank you for the gift of family.  Empower us today to honor those relationships with love.  Our different gifts, talents and personalities make us a stronger, more complete family unit.

S – Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion. It cannot be shaken; it remains forever. 

² The mountains surround Jerusalem and the Lord surrounds his people, both now and forever

Psalms 125:1–2 CSB

O – Our trust is in God who is unmovable.  He is the same yesterday, today and forever.  He is present in the good and bad times.  He protects us by surrounding us in his presence.

A – The consistency of God brings peace and confidence to our lives.  We are not serving a moving target or changing character.  Instead, the same God who called the heroes of the Bible is calling us today.  He also goes with us and surrounds us – the front, side and back.  Our exposure to the enemy is when we open doors for him to have access.  We must be vigilant to recognize when we do that and to close them quickly.

 R – Heavenly Father, you are Mighty in battle.  You fight for us and surround us with your presence. Your character is consistent and does not change.  Empower us today to walk with confidence and humility as we accomplish the purposes you have for us.

S – The Lord will protect you from all harm; he will protect your life. ⁸ The Lord will protect your coming and going both now and forever. 

Psalms  121:7–8 CSB

O – Commentary:

These verses portray Yahweh’s protection as something that moves around with the psalmist—Yahweh’s protection is not just a stationary hideout or only in Jerusalem. Yahweh is present everywhere with His people.

 John D. Barry et al., Faithlife Study Bible (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2012, 2016), Ps 121:7–8.

A – This was a bold idea in the Old Testament – God wasn’t stationary.  He didn’t dwell in a tent, temple or was confined to a location.  He is with us and protects us.  Even when challenges come our way, He is guarding and attending to us.  That should cause us to move toward Him and not away.

R – Heavenly Father, you are omnipresent and all knowing.  Thank you for your love for us that covered our sins.  We are grateful that you also want to know us and protect us from the schemes of the enemy.  

S – The fool says in his heart, “There’s no God.” They are corrupt, and they do vile deeds. There is no one who does good. ² God looks down from heaven on the human race to see if there is one who is wise, one who seeks God. 

Psalms 53:1–2 CSB

O – Commentary:

David received a revelation of God’s view of the human race: they are all fools. His summary description is in this verse: the fool believes there is no God; thus his life is corrupt and vile (i.e., abominable to God). In fact no one … does good.

53:2–3. He then reported the details of this revelation. God investigates the human race to see if there is one prudent person, but the search is fruitless. The entire

 Allen P. Ross, “Psalms,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 1 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 834.

A – The “vile, wicked, stupid and irreverent” person says “There is no God.” What a strong reminder that our human nature is sinful.  God looks for those who choose him and want a different life.  We recognize that on our own we cannot do it.  But, when we find God, He is the one who changes us from a fool to a wise man.

R – Heavenly Father, we worship and surrender to you today.  We reject the description of being foolish and choose the wisdom in acknowledging your rightful place in our lives.  We want our relationship with you to model an “all in” attitude of love with you.

S – Be gracious to me, God, according to your faithful love; according to your abundant compassion, 

blot out my rebellion. ² Completely wash away my guilt and cleanse me from my sin. ³ For I am conscious of my rebellion, and my sin is always before me. ⁴ Against you—you alone—I have sinned 

and done this evil in your sight. So you are right when you pass sentence; you are blameless when you judge.

Psalms 51:1–4 CSB

O – Commentary:

51:1b–2. The three verbs David employed here are figurative. Blot out implies a comparison with human records that can be erased; wash away (kāḇas) compares forgiveness with washing clothing (often viewed as an extension of a person), and cleanse is drawn from the liturgical ceremonial law in which one might be purified for temple participation. These requests (cf. vv. 7, 9) stressed David’s desire for God’s total forgiveness of his transgressions … iniquity, and sin.

51:3–4. When he said that his sin was constantly before him, it must be remembered that his confession came about a year after he had sinned (the young child died a week after the confession; cf. 2 Sam. 12:13–18). Perhaps David had so rationalized his actions that he did not sense his guilt until Nathan approached him. At any rate, he confessed that he had sinned against the Lord. And he submitted to the Lord’s will, acknowledging that anything God decided about him would be just.

 Allen P. Ross, “Psalms,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 1 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 832.

A – This is one of the most famous Psalms.  Many of us have sin in our lives that has challenged our inner most beliefs in God and ourselves.  We see how a “man after God’s own heart” can sin and we can relate to that.  

       We must also see the parallel of forgiveness and moving forward.  Forgiveness doesn’t omit consequences.  In David’s case the baby died.  We are accountable the consequences of our sins.  But, we must forgive ourselves and move on to the things God has for us.  He has a plan and a purpose for us.

R – Heavenly Father, You are our Savior.  We know we are sinners and will fail you at times.  There is gravity and consequences for what we do.  And, when we do, we are grateful that Jesus paid for those sins with his blood on the cross.  We ask for a complete washing away of our sins, a restoration of our hearts for you and the courage to move forward towards the things you have for us.  Thank you for your grace and mercy.

S – You do not delight in sacrifice and offering; you open my ears to listen. You do not ask for a whole burnt offering or a sin offering

Psalms 40:6 CSB

O – Commentary:

“…This statement is a recognition that God had given him the ability to hear and obey the Word of the Lord (cf. niv marg., “opened”). The Septuagint translated it much more generally, “a body You have prepared for me” (cf. niv marg.), which captured the idea of the context.”

 Allen P. Ross, “Psalms,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 1 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 824.

A – Sacrifice in the OT was the way to recognize God and be forgiven of sin.  This shows the heart of God all along wanted relationship.  David is hearing and talking with God before the arrival of the Messiah or Holy Spirit.  God wanted relationship all along.

R – Heavenly Father, you are Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  All three point to relationship between man and God.  We desire a stronger relationship with you today.  Help us to listen and speak with you.  We want to know you more!

S – In fact, you have made my days just inches long, and my life span is as nothing to you. Yes, every human being stands as only a vapor

Psalms 39:5 CSB

O – Commentary:

person standing firm is complete vanity The psalmist recognizes the limited scope of human life. Like a breath, it appears only briefly.

 John D. Barry et al., Faithlife Study Bible (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2012, 2016), Ps 39:5.

A – Life has been described in many ways – it has some incredible highs and lows.  I liken it to flying. I love the power of taking off and ascending into the sky and the fun of landing.  It’s the “in flight” part that is normal and routine.  We have a time on earth and then we go to what’s next.  Let’s maximize our lives to bring God into all it.  

R – Heavenly Father, you are the One, true God.  Thank you for the lives you have given us.  We want to be used by you to model your love.  We invite you Holy Spirit to work in us and through us today.

S – For I am about to fall, and my pain is constantly with me. ¹⁸ So I confess my iniquity; I am anxious because of my sin.

Psalms 38:17–18 CSB

O – David is going through the pain and anxiety of sin which brings him to confession.

A – Sin feels good in the moment but the after affects are challenging.  Anxiety, pain, suffering, worry, guilt and shame can impact inwardly and externally.  Confession is when we tell God what we did and ask for forgiveness.  Freedom comes when we are forgiven and move in a different direction from the sin. 

R – Heavenly Father, you are our Savior.  Thank you for Jesus dying on the cross as payment for our sin.  In confessing our sin, you are “faithful and just” to forgive us.  We can walk in freedom because of the price you paid.  Help us to move in a different direction from our sin and live a life that brings glory to your name

S – Trust in the Lord and do what is good; dwell in the land and live securely.^, 4 Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires

Psalms 37:3–4 CSB

O – Bible Dictionary:

 “Delight” -ânag;  to be soft or pliable, i.e. (fig.) effeminate or luxurious:— delicate (-ness), (have) delight (self), sport self.

 James Strong, The New Strong’s Dictionary of Hebrew and Greek Words (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1996).

We need to have faith in the Lord and obey his commands.  We need to live each day confidently as children of God.  We need to be pliable in our relationship with God and he will provide for us.

A – Bring pliable is an unusual quality.  We should align with God’s Word with unwavering commitment.  Yet, God want to mold and develop us in our hearts so we combine strength and compassion like Jesus did.  Our adaptability allows God to use us with a variety of people and situations.

R – Heavenly Father, you are the Lion and the Lamb.  Work with us today to walk in strength and compassion.  We invite your Holy Spirit to lead us so we are pliable in your will.  We want to emulate a heart that models yours.

S – Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from deceitful speech. ¹⁴ Turn away from evil and do what is good; seek peace and pursue it

Psalms 34:13–14 CSB

O – Commentary:

Godly people control their words; speaking evil and telling lies are foolish (see 10:7; cp. 17:1).

34:14 The way of peace leads to harmony and order, whereas evil destroys them (see 37:11)

 New Living Translation Study Bible (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., 2008), Ps 34:13–14.

A – Our words are powerful and reveal what is in our thoughts.  We can “fake it” for a while but eventually, the truth will come out.  As believers, we must deal with our heart and core beliefs daily.  As that aligns with God’s word and character, our thoughts, words and actions also come into agreement with Him.  Then, choosing against evil and moving toward what is good and righteous is easier.

R – Heavenly Father, you are Holy and just.  We invite you to search our hearts God and show us where we need to surrender to you.  We choose your character and goodness as our “plumb line” to align ourselves.  We want to live and model your character and goodness today.