S – The Lord is a refuge for the persecuted, a refuge in times of trouble

Psalms 9:9 CSB

O – Commentary: The Lord God is their Refuge and Stronghold in times of trouble. The word miśgoḇ, used twice in verse 9 and translated both “refuge” and “stronghold,” suggests security and protection in a high, safe place of retreat

“Psalms,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures

A – Everyone gets tired.  Jesus went off alone to pray.  We all need safe places to vent and reflect on our daily challenges.  I recognize in this stage of my life the power of rest and solitude.  God is both of those  for me…along with trusted people who are walking with me as I go.

R – Lord, thank you for times of rest and reflection.  In you, I find strength, courage and hope.

S – What is a human being that you remember him, a son of man that you look after him? 

You made him little less than God^, and crowned him with glory and honor. 

      Psalms  8:4–5 CSB

O – David’s question of our significance came hundreds of years before Jesus said that God knows when a sparrow falls to the ground.  God knows everything.  God created man in his image and gave him a soul.

A – Everyone wants to be noticed and significant.  A good starting place is what God actually thinks about us and who He created us to be.  This should not give us arrogance but it should establish our confidence.  

R – Lord, let me walk confidently in the plans and purposes you have for me today.  Let me stay submitted and under the direction of the Holy Spirit to accomplish your will today.

S – I will thank the Lord for his righteousness; 

I will sing about the name of the Lord Most High. 

Psalms 7:17 CSB

O – After a whole chapter of pain, repentance and judgment conversation, David turns his attention wholly to God in gratitude.  Notice, none of the pain or repentance happened yet.  He was still being pursued and slandered.  

A – When things are bad or they haven’t changed yet, we need to come to God in worship and gratitude.  Not easy when you know His unlimited power and ability.  God is working even when we don’t see it.

R – Lord, thank you for working on my behalf.  In ALL things, I am grateful for you will and purposes being accomplished.

S – My whole being is shaken with terror. And you, Lord—how long? 

Psalms 6:3 CSB

O – Commentary:  

The words in this verse are highly emotional. The question how long? is unfinished because of his intense frustration. (Cf. “How long?” in 13:1–2; 35:17; 74:10; 79:5; 80:4; 82:2; 89:46; 94:3; 119:84.) He longed for God’s healing.

  “Psalms,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures

A – I love the relatability of this lament. This is a common part of our relationship with God.  We desire something and he doesn’t do it.  We do what the Bible says to do…and He doesn’t do it.  We see His promises and power and…He doesn’t it do it.  Even David had to wait.  I can’t give a good answer but I do know that God’s timing is perfect.

R – Lord, help me to trust in your timing.  Help my expectations to line up with your actions.

S – But I enter your house by the abundance of your faithful love; 

I bow down toward your holy temple in reverential awe of you

Psalms 5:7 CSB

O – Commentary:  God’s mercy (ḥeseḏ, “loyal love”) toward him. Another definition is favor. By this, he could approach the tabernacle to worship the Lord in reverence. The Hebrew word for bow down (often trans. “worshiped) signifies prostrating oneself, a posture that represents the proper inner attitude toward God in worship. The wicked are arrogant; a worshiper is humble before God.

The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures

A – Any of my family can come into my house and not feel like a guest.  We are not guests in God’s house.  Or even to come into His presence.  Through the blood of Jesus, we enter into that place with him with favor, mercy and grace.  Why?  God wants a relationship as much as we do.

R – Lord, thank you for desiring time and a relationship with me today.  Let me walk in your presence and be led by your Spirit in all things.

S – Know that the Lord has set apart the faithful for himself; 

the Lord will hear when I call to him. 

 Psalms 4:3 CSB

O –  In answering his enemies, the author encourages himself with his relationship with God and what God will do.

A – What would our challenges look like to us if we saw them through the lens of how God sees us and is leading us through them?  If we saw that He sees us as strong, courageous, wise, humble, discerning and teachable?  If we knew He heard us even when we don’t see Him working?  It would change the perspective.

R – Lord, let me lead today knowing that in setting me apart, you equip me with all the resources you have to offer.  Let me walk in confidence that you are with me.

S – But you, Lord, are a shield around me, 

      my glory, and the one who lifts up my head. 

      Psalms  3:3 CSB

O – Commentary:  In the face of such antagonism, David found comfort in God’s character. Using the metaphor of a shield, he said that God was the true Source of his protection (in spite of their taunts). The words lifts up my head express restoration to dignity and position

“Psalms,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures

A – As we navigate each day, God gives us some “tools” to help us.  The Holy Spirit, His Word and His character.  When you are in a real relationship with someone, you “know” them.  You know their thoughts, words, convictions and beliefs.  The more you get to know God, you get to know his character.  In this psalm, you see that he protects and he restores. He fights for you and takes away shame and disgrace.  His love goes way beyond salvation.  He loves you right where you are at.

R – Lord, help me to have God’s character in my life as I navigate my day today.

S – The kings of the earth take their stand, and the rulers conspire together 

against the Lord and his Anointed One:^, “Let’s tear off their chains and throw their ropes off of us.” 

The one enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord ridicules them.

Psalms 2:2–4 CSB

O – 

• There are people whose words and actions are against God.
• Laughs –sâchaq, saw-khak’; a prim. root; to laugh (in pleasure or detraction);  implies. to play:— deride, have in derision, laugh, make merry, mock (-er), play, rejoice, (laugh to) scorn, be in (make) sport.

             The New Strong’s Dictionary of Hebrew and Greek Words

A – All three times in the Bible where God laughs, it is in mockery of those who come against Him.  As a believer, it brings awe to the magnitude of God’s unlimited power and strength.  Gal. 6:7-8 says “God will not be mocked.”  We live in a time when people are taking liberty with their views and actions toward God.   

R – Lord, I repent of any time I chose my own way over yours. I desire to reverence who you are while building a relationship with you to know you better.

S – He is like a tree planted beside flowing streams that bears its fruit in its season, 

and its leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers. 

Psalms 1:3 CSB

O – The imagery of this is strong.  A tree beside a flowing stream will be fruitful and consistent.  It continues to grow which is prosperity.

A – As I navigate my journey with Christ, this is what I want.  I want to be firmly rooted.  I want to stay close to God.  I want consistent time with God daily that results in my own growth.  I want to bear fruit that models Godly character but also nourishes others’ growth in Christ.  Finally, I want to live a prosperous life in all areas.

R – Lord, help me to live in a way that produces these results today.

S – But go, tell his disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you to Galilee; you will see him there just as he told you.’ ” 

Mark 16:7 CSB

O – In many sermons, it is noted “and Peter.”  The principle shared is that Peter is singled out because he denied Christ three times.  The message of forgiveness and inclusion when sin and denial mean to bring isolation and judgment.

A – If Jesus can forgive denial by one of his closest friends at a horrific time, can’t we forgive as well?  Jesus continues to model for us the power of forgiveness.  It has to be extended and accepted for it to be effective.  Graciously, we only have to do one of the two parts.  But both people need to do their part for it to work.  If Jesus or Peter don’t do their part, where would the new church be?

R – Lord, help me to forgive quickly today.  I am a sinner and have no right to hold someone else in judgment.  I have been forgiven…I must forgive others.