S – For dogs have surrounded me; a gang of evildoers has closed in on me; they pierced my hands and my feet. ¹⁷ I can count all my bones; people look and stare at me. ¹⁸ They divided my garments among themselves, and they cast lots for my clothing. 

Psalms 22:16–18 CSB

O – Commentary:

He compared them to dogs (cf. v. 20), who in the ancient world were scavengers. Like dogs, his foes (evil men) surrounded him, waiting till he was dead so they could tear at his limbs. To compare his enemies to dogs was to say that he was almost dead. The words they have pierced my hands and my feet figuratively describe such a tearing as if by animals. Of course in the New Testament, these words in reference to Jesus Christ have greater significance (cf. Luke 24:39–40).

22:17–18. After speaking of his enemies (v. 16) the psalmist again described his agony. He was weak and emaciated. His enemies stared at him, considering him as good as dead, so they divided up his garments, his last possession (cf. Matt. 27:35).

 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), 810–811.

A – It continues to amaze me how the OT points to Jesus.  David, in his lamenting, gives two lines that depict the crucifixion of Christ.  God’s plan for our salvation is humbling.

R – Heavenly Father, you are our Savior and Lord.  Thank you for Jesus going to the cross for us.  You had a plan hundreds of years before it happened so we can have a relationship with you today.  We are grateful for your love for us.

S – Some take pride in chariots, and others in horses, but we take pride in the name of the Lord our God. ⁸ They collapse and fall, but we rise and stand firm. 

Psalms 20:7–8 CSB

O – Commentary:

In contrast with those who trust in military equipment (or in horses, 33:17), David trusted in the Lord. The verb for trust is actually “keep in memory or ponder” (zāḵar). Contemplation of the Lord builds confidence in Him.

The object of his faith was the name of the Lord. God’s “name” is His nature, His reputation and character. David’s faith came from meditating and pondering on the known reputation of God.

20:8. Because of God’s character David envisioned a great defeat of the enemy. He foresaw the certainty of his army’s victory.

 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), 809.

A – What or who do we trust in our lives?  God needs to be at the top of the list.  David puts his faith in the name of God.  Do we invite God/ Holy Spirit to be part of our day?  When we do that, we are inviting all of his character, power, presence and abilities to lead us into our conversations, interactions and experiences.  In doing so, we rise against defeat and stand victorious.

R – Heavenly Father, you are God.  You have no equal and we invite you into our day.  We ask that all of your character, power, presence and abilities lead us.  We want to be victorious in each moment.  We surrender this day to you.

S – The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever; the ordinances of the Lord are reliable and altogether righteous. ¹⁰ They are more desirable than gold—than an abundance of pure gold; 

and sweeter than honey dripping from a honeycomb. In addition, your servant is warned by them, 

and in keeping them there is an abundant reward. 

Psalms 19:9–11 CSB

O – Commentary:

Fear is here a synonym for the Law, for its purpose was to put fear into human hearts (Deut. 4:10, kjv). The Law is pure.… sure, and righteous. It was designed to cause believers to obey God and lead righteous lives.

19:10–11. David next disclosed his personal reaction to God’s perfect Law. He found the statutes desirable and enjoyable. In extolling their value to him, he compared them to gold and honey—they are more precious than gold, the most valuable commodity in the ancient Near East, and sweeter than honey, the sweetest substance known in the ancient Near East. The Law was not a burden to believers who were trying to please God with their lives. For David, keeping God’s statutes, which warned him of the dangers of folly and sin, brought reward

 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), 808.

A – The fear of the Lord is essential in our walk with God.  While it does mean “dread” which is associated with being afraid, it also means “reverence.”  Both work in a healthy way.  We should have a fear of what our lives would look like without God’s presence and hope.  In our relationship with him, it should develop an “awe and reverence” for him that draws us closer each day. Finally, that makes commands and expectations more applicable.  We do them because they are given to make life better.  The psalmist found the treasure in following them.

R – Heavenly Father, you are Holy and just.  Thank you for our relationship with you.  We respect and stand in awe of your unlimited power.  We are grateful that we can have an intimate relationship with you that grows daily.

S – God—his way is perfect; the word of the Lord is pure. He is a shield to all who take refuge in him. ³¹ For who is God besides the Lord? And who is a rock? Only our God

Psalms 18:30–31 CSB

O – “Perfect” – tâmı̂ym – entire (lit., fig. or mor.); also (as noun) integrity, truth:— without blemish, complete, full, perfect, sincerely (-ity), sound, without spot, undefiled, upright (-ly), whole.

“Pure” – tsâraph – to fuse (metal), i.e. refine (lit. or fig.):— cast, (re-) fine (-er), founder, goldsmith, melt, pure, purge away, try.

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

A – God’s way is entirely true and without blemish in its integrity. His Word fuses with our hearts and works to refine us.  We need to allow both principles work in our relationship with God.  When we know his purposes and ways are perfect, we grow in faith.  When we allow His word to become real in our lives, it binds us to Him in a stronger relationship.

R – Heavenly Father, you are the One, true God.  Thank you for your ways and Word – they give us greater faith in you.  Help us to use both as a foundation grow in our intimacy and knowledge of you.

S – Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings ⁹ from the wicked who are out to destroy me, from my mortal enemies who surround me

Psalms 17:8–9 CSB

O – Commentary:

David prayed that he would be kept in the center of God’s watchful care. His two figures of speech in this verse have been most helpful to believers of all ages. The apple of the eye seems to refer to an eye’s pupil, symbolizing one’s sight. In other words the psalmist prayed for God’s direct and careful attention.
The other figure, the shadow of Your wings, is also mentioned in 36:7; 57:1; 61:4, “shelter”; 63:7; 91:4 (cf. Ruth 2:12; Matt. 23:37). This image comes from the animal world, comparing God’s protective care to that of a bird with its young. So David was praying for care and protection from the Lord.
The reason for the prayer’s urgency is the nature of the wicked.

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), 805.

A – We are the “apple of God’s eye.” The pupil is so amazing in its ability to see. Yet, it is so delicate and fragile that any scratch or penetration could do such harm.  We are like that.  God empowers us with great gifting, talent and heart.  Yet, we too can become damaged or harmed if we are unprotected.  God protects and provides for those He loves.

R – Heavenly Father, you are Jehovah Jireh, our provider.  Thank you for all of your provision.  You protect us and keep us safe from the enemy, his schemes and harm that may come our way.  Thank you for displaying your love in such a wonderful way.

S – I will bless the Lord who counsels me—even at night when my thoughts trouble me.^,

I always let the Lord guide me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. 

Psalms 16:7-8 CSB

O – Commentary:

As a result of all this bounty, David praised the Lord because He counseled him at night (as well as in the daytime) and because He guided him safely. (Praise is lit., “bless,” which means “to speak well of.” This is the first of about two dozen times in the Pss. where the Lord is said to be “blessed,” usually trans. “praised” in the niv.) Because of this David knew that he would not be shaken (cf. comments on 15:5b) from his walk of integrity and enjoyment of the blessings he had in the Lord.

 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), 804.

A – Blessing goes both ways in these verses.  We can bless or praise God with our words to express how we feel about him.  David experienced the blessing of his presence.  If we let God lead us today through his Holy Spirit, we will not be deterred from the things He has for us.  We can walk confidently because we walk in alignment with Him.

R- Heavenly Father, you are worthy of all praise and honor.  We invite your Holy Spirit to be present and lead us in all we think, say and do.  We will not be deterred in aligning with your will and purpose today.

S – For the Lord is righteous; he loves righteous deeds. The upright will see his face. 

Psalms 11:7 CSB

O – The Lord is just and epitomizes what is right.  Those who follow in his righteousness will see him face to face.  

A – The Lord desires intimacy.  A face to face conversation is very intimate between humans because you hear the words… but you also see the expression, body language, and tone all through the contours of the face.  What we know in part now, will be changed when we see God in heaven.

R – Heavenly Father, you are righteous and pure.  Thank you for desiring a relationship with us that gives us everything we need right now.  We look forward to seeing you face to face when we are in your presence on day.

S – Lord, you have heard the desire of the humble; you will strengthen their hearts. You will listen carefully, ¹⁸ doing justice for the fatherless and the oppressed so that mere humans from the earth may terrify them no more. 

Psalms 10:17,18 CSB

O – Commentary:

The longing of the afflicted you have heard The wicked praise their desires (v. 3), but Yahweh cares for the desires of the afflicted (Prov 10:24).

You will listen attentively The Hebrew term used here, qashav, means “to listen attentively” or “to pay attention” (Prov 2:2; Isa 48:18). Rather than being far away, Yahweh pays close attention to the cries of the afflicted (compare Psa 10:1, 11).

 John D. Barry et al., Faithlife Study Bible (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2012, 2016), Ps 10:17.

A – What does it do for your attitude and perspective to know that God cares for those afflicted and listens to them attentively?  It reminds us how important we are to God and He listens when we talk with him.  With all of life’s challenges, it is comforting and empowering to know that there is something bigger than us and that He knows us intimately.  

R – Heavenly Father, we worship and surrender to you alone.  Thank you for knowing and caring for us.  We know you hear us and desire the best for us.  Empower us to walk in confidence and humility today.

S – I will thank the Lord with all my heart; I will declare all your wondrous works. ² I will rejoice and boast about you; I will sing about your name, Most High

Psalms 9:1–2 CSB

O – A:  Most of what we say to God in prayer is our expression of what we need or want from God.  This scripture is all about the psalmist exalting, proclaiming and declaring how big and wonderful God is.  We need to spend time honoring God in our thoughts, words and actions.  God is worthy of all praise, honor and majesty we can ascribe him.

R – Heavenly Father, You are the Most High.  We are grateful that you allow us relationship that invites us closer to you.  You alone are worthy of all of our honor and praise – there is none like you.  We love you today with all of our hearts!

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

⁵ You made him little less than God^, and crowned him with glory and honor. 

Psalms 8:4–5 CSB

O – Commentary:

The rhetorical questions in verse 4 emphasize that man is an insignificant creature in the universe (cf. 144:3). Yet God cares for him immensely. It amazed David that the Lord of the universe even thinks about man.

8:5. God’s creation of man is described as one of power and dignity, for he was made … a little lower than God (’ělōhîm; cf. niv marg.). The KJV followed the Septuagint in translating this word “angels.” The NIV has chosen heavenly beings, which follows the same interpretation. Though in some cases ’ělōhîm may refer to angels, this is not its main meaning. Man was created as God’s own representative on earth, over the Creation, but lower than God. David was amazed that God should exalt finite man to such a place of honor.

 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), 797.

A – It is mind blowing when you take in the “bigness” of God and the relationship man has to Him.  Not just as a species…an individual relationship.  He created all things and holds all things while at the same time, he knows how many hairs are on my head right now, what I am feeling and what is happening tomorrow.  How can you not have hope when God is part of the equation? 

R – Heavenly Father, you are the Creator of all and hold all things.  We humble ourselves and surrender to you as our Lord and Savior.  Thank you for all that you provide for us in our relationship.  You have no limits or rival.  Help us to honor you for who you are today.