S – Make your ways known to me, Lord; teach me your paths. ⁵ Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; I wait for you all day long.

Psalms 25:4–5 CSB

O – Commentary:

The psalmist uses several Hebrew words here for learning or instruction as he asks Yahweh to teach (lamad), lead (darakh), and make known (yada’) His true paths. The psalmist trusts in Yahweh because He guides and protects him (Ps 23:1–3

 John D. Barry et al., Faithlife Study Bible (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2012, 2016), Ps 25:4–5.

A – When we invite the Holy Spirit into our day, we are inviting God to interact with us as He sees fit.  We want him to make known, teach and guide us.  He will not only make known his character and integrity, he will also help us understand his timing and heart.

R – Heavenly Father, you are God.  We invite your Holy Spirit to make known, teach and guide us today so we will know you more intimately.  We want your character, integrity and heart to be evident in us.  We trust and put our faith in you.

S – Lift up your heads, you gates! Rise up, ancient doors! Then the King of glory will come in. 

⁸ Who is this King of glory? The Lord, strong and mighty, the Lord, mighty in battle

Psalms 24:7–8 CSB

O – Commentary:

The psalmist offered an exhortation (v. 7) and then an explanation (v. 8). If lift up your heads, O you gates refers to the city of Jerusalem then he was calling for the ancient gates to open wide for the triumphant entry. This was a poetic way of displaying the superiority of the one entering. They should lift up their heads because the King of glory is about to come in.

24:8–10. David then gave an explanation. By question and answer he stated that this King of glory is the Lord, who is mighty in battle. The Lord had shown Himself strong by giving them great victories; so He is the glorious King who will enter the city. One can visualize a procession of triumphant Israelites carrying the ark, the symbol of the Lord’s presence, going up to the sanctuary to praise Him. The ideas in the exhortation (v. 7) and the explanation (v. 8) were repeated in verses 9–10. The repetition stressed the point: The Lord is a glorious King who is coming in. Only pure worshipers can enjoy His presence.

 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), 812–813.

A – There are many facets to describe God.  Strong and Mighty King entering his city as a conqueror is quite vivid.  That is who goes with us to face our daily challenges, questions and situations.  We can engage with confidence knowing that the Holy Spirit accompanies in all things we encounter.  

R – Heavenly Father, You are our Mighty King!  Every knew will bow and surrender to the one, true God.  Thank you for empowering us in your presence today.  We choose to be confident in your presence and gifting to make an impact that demonstrates your love and character.

S – The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. ²  He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. ³  He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. 

Psalms 23:1–3 ESV

O – A:  This is one of the most widely known scriptures in the Bible.  Here are some observations and applications:
– God cares for and takes care of us.  His leading us fills our needs.  Like a shepherd who nurtures his flocks, we can grow to our fullest potential under his nurturing leadership.

– He gives us rest and quiets the noise. Life is busy and chaotic at times.  Our relationship with God gives us solace from the distractions and allows our minds to be at peace.

– He replenishes us spiritually.  We are physically human but we have a spirit man as well.  God’s spirit speaks to our spirit and renews it.  

– He leads us in ways that will make us more like his character.  We exist to have relationship with him and be part of his family.

R – Heavenly Father, you are a big and unlimited God.  Thank you for loving and caring for us in all aspects of our lives.  You lead, care for and replenish us.  We surrender today to you and step closer to you in relationship.

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.