tapestry of grace

What do I think of God? Do I think that good exists apart from Him? Recognizing his sovereignty and goodness will allow me to turn to Him in times of need.

Psalm 16:3 is interesting, because David’s joy also spills over to the people of God. He loves and delights in God’s people. Once again, this challenges me to think about how I think about the church. Can I say that they are my delight? What does it look like?

In contrast, those that run after other gods seem to have a multiplying amount of sorrow (Ps 16:4). David does not desire to be with them.

David is resolute. The LORD is his chosen portion and cup (Ps 16:5). The lines have fallen in pleasant places and he has a beautiful inheritance (Ps 16:6). He resolves to trust God in the present and by faith, trusts that God will provide for him in future. He blesses God who counsels, and sets God before him (Ps 16:7-8). He will be unshaken and knows that God will deliver! God will not let him down in the ultimate thing — the salvation of his soul (Ps 16:10). This is our greatest problem, and we already have the solution in Christ.

His outward actions match his inner dialogue (Ps 15:2). His speech is honest and He does no evil to friend or neighbours (Ps 15:3). He stands on God’s side, hating what God hates and loving what God loves (Ps 15:4). He deals justly (Ps 15:5a).

This is a picture of Christian character. We know that we are not able to live up to everything all the time. Our actions when no one is watching may not be blameless. Our hearts are deceitful, and our tongues are so easily wicked. We often seek to preserve our own good instead of seeking the welfare of others.

But this causes us to turn to God in repentance and faith! We see in Christ the perfection of fulfillment of these verses. And we trust that faith in Him means we are forgiven when we confess and turn to God the Father, for Christ had paid it all. We also have the Spirit at work within us to make us more like Christ. One day we will be presented holy and blameless, and our faith will be sight. Then we can dwell in the presence of God.

But God does see and He’s looking to see if any understand and seek after God (Ps 14:2). He also promises to judge the evildoers (Ps 14:4). It will be evident that God will be with His people and this will strike great terror in them (Ps 14:5).

The comfort that God’s people have is not that their plans go well. Perhaps their plans will be shamed (Ps 14:6a) and their fortunes may be lost (Ps 14:7). These things may happen. But their comfort is knowing that God is their refuge. If they have God, what else do they need? He will restore them (Ps 14:7).

David seeks to be struggling with an extended period of darkness and fighting his enemies here. Like clouds hiding the sun, God’s face — His favour — seems to be hidden from David (Ps 13:1). There seems to be an internal struggle — his heart is sorrowful and he lacks counsel — and an external one — with his enemy exalting over him (Ps 13:2). Indeed in life, we may struggle with God’s absence experienced as troubling external circumstances and an equally difficult internal turmoil. This psalm shows that in these circumstances, we can honestly and humbly turn to God.

Once again, David pleads and asks God to answer him and deliver him (Ps 13:3-4). In our desperation, we can turn to God in prayer, by faith! We may not feel like He is around, but David models what turning to God by faith looks like.

He also resolves to trust in God’s steadfast love (past) and to rejoice in His salvation (future) (Ps 13:5). He hasn’t experience this salvation but he trusts that God will save him! He will also sing to the LORD, this promise-making and keeping God because He has lavished grace and “dealt bountifully with (him)” (Ps 13:6).

The Christian today can say with David that the LORD has indeed dealt bountifully with us by providing Jesus as our Saviour. Because Jesus took our place and bore the wrath and judgment we deserved, our greatest enemy — sin — no longer has a hold and prevails over us. We no longer need to be shaken by sin and death and judgment is not our end.

The psalmist speaks against lying, flattering lips that come from a double heart (Ps 12:2). This is a picture of hypocrisy, where one says one thing but means another, and probably for their own benefit. What are my words like? Do they sound “nice” on the surface, but the goal is for my benefit? What are the ways that I am lying or flattering others?

Psalm 12:4 also shows us how their words are proud ones. They are secure in their ways and think that no one can shake them or be their master. How have I articulated control over my daily life? When have I sought to use my reason to save myself, or thought that it is a good fallback option?

But God sees and knows, and will not be idle. He knows that the poor are plundered and the needy groan (Ps 12:5). *God* will place them in the security and safety they desire (Ps 12:5). And unlike the lies of man, God’s words are true (Ps 12:6).

Psalm 10:2-11 detail for us the troubles. The wicked, in their arrogance, have acted injustly and against the LORD. They have also outrightly rejected God (Ps 10:4). They appear to prosper and this fuels their pride (Ps 10:5). They also seem to be confident about and in their actions, thinking that this will continue forever (Ps 10:6). This is also pride.

Psalm 10:7-10 gives us more details about their wickedness. It plays out in their speech (Ps 10:7) and actions. They seem to be intentional about it and even looks out for opportunities to do such evil (Ps 10:8-9). It can seem impossible for someone to be so intentional about wickedness but this also cause us to examine our own hearts. Have we been proud at work and in life, seeking to cut corners and thinking that nothing will happen to us? Do we think no one sees our secret thoughts when we play out our vengeful actions against that irritating colleague or utter cursing against our boss? Perhaps we are not outrightly evil, but these words also cause us to pause and reflect, and repent of our sins. We may not be that far off.

The psalmist articulates his prayer for God to act in Psalm 10:12-15. In the face of real wickedness and injustice, we cannot help but pray these things, for we cannot allow for injustice to prevail. God may not act now in the way that we want, but He will judge rightly ultimately. And as we have been reading in Isaiah, we see that judgment is a scary thing. No one can stand before a God who judges and escape unscathed.

God is praiseworthy because of all that He has done for David (Ps 9:3-6). God acted against David’s enemies in righteous judgment (Ps 9:4). We get a glimpse of God’s judgment in action in Psalm 9:5-6. His judgment is complete. In Psalm 9:15-16, we see how the nations suffer the just results of their actions.

As a result, we see how the LORD rules forever and rules justly and with righteousness (Ps 7:7-8). He is a stronghold for the oppressed in times of trouble (Ps 9:9). All who put their trust in Him will not be forsaken too (Ps 9:10). Once again, God’s judgment means 2 things to 2 groups of people. Those who oppose Him will be destroyed (c.f Ps 9:17) and those who find refuge in Him will find deliverance (c.f Ps 9:18).

Thus, praise flows as we consider His acts on behalf of His people (Ps 8:2). Even infants and babies praise Him! Do I praise Him or do I tend to grumble against Him?

Seeing God also helps me to see myself rightly. David realizes how small man is, when he sees the grandeur of nature and the God who is behind all of that (Ps 8:3-4). He also does not presume that God has to act for him. Such a great God is perfectly justified to do as He pleases!

Thus, David praises God for His good gifts — to be crowned with glory and honor, and in doing so, to be able to image God by exercising dominion over nature (Ps 8:5-8). It is a good reminder of God’s design for us in this world. It’s easy to be caught up in our world and forget these truths. Nothing we have is earned nor are we entitled to it. We have been graciously given our intellect, strength etc in order to exercise our dominion over God’s creation. But this authority ultimately comes from God. We too, have ro be accountable to Him for how we use it.

David expresses his trust in God in a desperate situation (Ps 7:1-2). In difficult situations, it may be tempting to try to resolve it first. But when we come to the end of ourselves, we can turn to God!

Interestingly, David admits that if he has done wrong, let him suffer his just deserts (Ps 7:3-5). It’s humbling to be able to say that and also important for us to be able to admit our mistakes. In some cases in life, we really are the victim of injustice. But in many other cases, we could suffer as a result of many reasons, including our own. In those times, may we be able to admit as honestly as David here. What enables us to be able to admit our own wrongs? Only the gospel.

David prays that God judges rightly. He doesn’t think of himself as better, for he also prays that God judges him according to his righteousness (Ps 7:8). Of course, we know that if God were to judge us according to our righteousness, we are deserving of death. Certainly David is not praying in a self-righteous way. But as we saw earlier, he’s not saying he’s perfect, but in a case where he’s innocent, He’s calling on God to act on His behalf.

David knows that God sees and also gets involved. He doesn’t stand by to watch. Thus, he knows that he prays to a God who test minds and hearts and also saves the upright in heart (Ps 7:9-10).

David acknowledges in Psalm 7:11 that God is a righteous judge who feels indignation every day. As we go about life and wrestle with our own indignation against injustice and sin, let us remember that we have a God who feels it perfectly and He knows. It is also a warning for us if we are the ones that are acting unjustly, for God knows that too.

Psalm 7:12-16 details the judgment against an unrepentant man. It is a warning for us and a call to examine our hearts and lives. Psalm 7:14 uses words associated with birth — “conceive”, “pregnant” and “gives birth”. It is a picture of one who instead of bearing good fruit, brings about evil. Before we readily deny doing so, it is worth thinking about the outcome of our actions. What do we think about? Are they aligned with what God’s word says or are they self-serving? Do we think of ways to benefit ourselves and in doing so, speak untruthfully? Repent, for there is nothing good that comes out of it. Psalm 7:15 goes on to show us how it leads to his own downfall.

What do I do in my pain? And do I experience such pain or am I preoccupied with lesser worldly problems? David’s prayer also reminds me that there’s the reality of God’s wrath and judgment. In Christ, His people experience His discipline, as a son receives from his father.

Why should God deliver David? Not because he is deserving, but because God is one who shows steadfast love (Ps 6:4). David appeals to God’s character and nature. He also argues that he is more useful alive because he can praise God (Ps 6;5). A dead David is unable to remember Him!

He is also confident about God’s character and nature. He knows that God does not delight in wickedness and does not tolerate evil (Ps 5:4). There is no place for the proud and evildoers in HIs presence, and He destroys those who speak lies (Ps 5:5). God hates those who are bloodthirsty and deceitful (Ps 5:6).

In what ways are we like these people? How do we stand with those who do evil? Are we proud? Do we speak honestly all the time or do we deceive others with our words and deed?

David expresses his confidence at being about to enter God’s house through the abundance of His steadfast love (Ps 5:7a). He knows that nothing in him merits this, but it’s all of God’s grace and mercy! When he enters God’s house, he will worship Him in the fear of God (Ps 5:7b). How do I approach God in worship on Sunday? What kind of a heart attitude do I have? How does that translate into the way I prepare to God to church on Saturday night?

David’s presents his request — that God will lead him in His righteousness and make straight his path, which seems to have been hindered by his enemies (Ps 5:8). Again, we see that his enemies speak lies and we are given a detailed description of what it looks like in Psalm 5:9. Again, how do I use my words? When do I utter lies instead of speaking the truth? It is a call to confess and repent!

We see how God laughs at their foolishness (Ps 2:4) and sets out to judge and unleash His wrath against them (Ps 2:4-5). True power is terrifying.

It would be worthwhile to pause and consider how the nations behave in our day and age, and frankly, whether we think about God’s sovereignty over all the earth. When we read the news, so we remember that God is also at work in our world, and sees all our human affairs? Do we place our hopes in the political structure, international organizations like the UN, or economic structures? Are we just as blind and proud as the nations here?

The God who is sovereign and powerful has God’s anointed His Son, one begotten of Him (Ps 2:7-8). He is the one who rules in God’s holy hill, Zion (Ps 2:6). He will also execute judgment and His power will be evident (Ps 2:7).

Yet the psalm closes with a final word of warning to the kings and rulers of the earth. They are also called to hear and be wise, to make the right decision (Ps 2:10). Judgment is real, but there is also a way out. There is a call to turn and serve the LORD with fear and rejoice with trembling (Ps 2:11). Kissing the Son is described as the way to not incur the anger and wrath of this God, and all who take refuge in Him are blessed (Ps 2:12). This is a call to repent and turn to God, and to humbly have an intimate, personal relationship with the Son.

This is an act of grace on God’s part, and faith on our part. Turning to this Son and trusting that He accepts and receives us instead of destroying us with His power is an act of faith. After all, what do we have in us to merit and deserve His grace? Today we know something that the psalmist might not have understood fully, namely that the Son bore the judgment that sinners and enemies of God deserved on the cross. Only then, do those that believe in His work by faith, find refuge and salvation and true blessing.

He does not associate with the wicked or takes their counsel. Instead, he enjoys the law of the LORD and chooses to listen and think about it daily. I am reminded that obedience is active and involves our whole being. There are two ways to live, and it is an active choice.

Do I take the counsel from God’s word, or the ways of the world? Am I associating more with the world and allowing their ways of thinking and working to influence me? Do I enjoying reading God’s word and think about it day and night? What are my thoughts filled with?

Psalm 1 shows that God’s word is worth loving and thinking about day and night. Psalm 1:3 shows the outcome — the man is blessed because he seems to be like a secure tree that is flourishing. He has a constant supply of water, he yields fruit in the right season, he does not die but prospers in his actions. In contrast, Psalm 1:4 shows us that the wicked are fleeting. The Psalm closes out with the opposite of the opening verses. The wicked will not stand and his way will perish in the hands of the LORD.

Thus, it lays out two ways to live — one of blessing, life and flourishing, and one that leads to death. Instinctively, the choice is clear! And as the opening psalm of this book, it reminds us that God’s word is meant to be delighted in, because it leads to life.

Who is like the LORD our God? This is the guiding question of this psalm that draws out our praise of Him.

His is the God who is high about the nations, whose glory is above the heavens. The most powerful and glorious nation here on earth pales in comparison to Him. That alone is worth of our praise.

But, he is seated on high and looks far down. He doesn’t stand afar and distance Himself from us. What does He do? He raises the poor from the dust, and lifts the needy from the ash heap. To those that society looks down on, or counts as insignificant, He doesn’t disregard! He doesn’t jsut see them, but raises and lifts them to places of power - to be seated with princes, the princes of His people.

He also restored and rehouses those that might be ostracized or have no homes. To the barren woman, He gives a house, and family. He turns hopelessness into hope; despair into joy.

Isn’t this what we all desire, one who uses power for God? Who is like our Lord?

This is the God we come before today. He calls those that are poor in spirit, needy, even feeling like outcast to come, come to Him. Friends, let’s come to this God who is high, and powerful, but also stoops to draw us gently. This is the God who though in the very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped! And in His life and death, took on our sins, made a way for the poor and needy to return, and be raised to newness of life.