Psalm 6, 8 - 10, 14, 19, 21 (22nd April) - Vivien

Psalm 6
What does it feel like knowing and having someone you respect attacking you? After David had defeated Goliath, King Saul had become jealous of him and attempted to kill him many times. Maybe there are times when we feel the whole world is against us, even your loves ones, nothing is going smooth. Feeling tired? Feeling like giving up? Read Psalm 6 then. David’s “enemy” was out to get his life! He felt sad, VERY sad.

“I am worn out from groaning; all night long I flood my bed with weeping and drench my couch with tears. My eyes grow weak with sorrow; they fail because of all my foes.” v6-7

Will you choose to drown in your sorrows or will you choose to be like David in v8-10:

“Away from me, all you who do evil, for the LORD has heard my weeping. The LORD has heard my cry for mercy; the LORD accepts my prayer. All my enemies will be ashamed and dismayed; they will turn back in sudden disgrace.”

Psalm 8-10
May the name of our LORD, Jesus Christ, be exalted on high! Be reminded how great He is! Also remember how precious you are to God:

“what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him? You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor.” v4-5

In Psalm 10, it says about the very heart of God – the weak and the oppressed. Although sometimes, even we see it in drama shows, the wicked seems to be prosperous, it usually ends with the wicked one having his retribution. God don’t take things lightly, and He will protect His people!

Psalm 14
Has the world become more evil today? Earlier on it talks about the weak and the oppressed, now it talks about the poor. Fear not for the LORD will be their refuge and restore their fortune. Then Jacob (when they were poor) will rejoice and Israel (when they have become prosperous) will be glad.

Psalm 16
Anyone feeling insecure today? Will you just trust God to provide that security? Like in this Psalm, David expressed his belief that God will be in-charged of his life as he said in v2

“I said to the LORD, ‘You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing.’”

Know that our God is Almighty. When we truly realize that fact, we will be able to rejoice in any circumstances. However, we often forget, and try to do things our way, and so we end up in bad shape. Like in the previous entry, Stephanie reminded us that it is always wise to ask of God before making decisions and plans. So once again, you are reminded to ask God before acting. This actually puts your faith into practice. If you believe in Jesus Christ, then you should ask Him, and believe that He will tell you. Mind you, He is our LIVING God.

Psalm 19
This is a Psalm that glorifies God. It also reflects the character of God. He is loving, righteous, just and holy. And so how should we should?

“By them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward. Who can discern his errors? Forgive my hidden faults. Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then will I be blameless, innocent of great transgression.
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.” V11-14

Remember to store heavenly rewards, and not worldly ones. For which will last longer, and which is better?

Psalm 21
David thanked God for the favours and victories that he was given. Our God is a god who answers prayers. Many evil plans can scheme to put us down, but be sure that God knows everything and so He is in control. Also, we mustn’t forget about spiritual warfare. There is constant a warfare in the spiritual realm and we should fight together knowing that the victories is ours to claim! Let us always remember to exalt and sing and praise Him for His strength and might!

After reading these psalms 2 things struck me:

1) Faith – Are we able to always express to God so honestly and believe that He is listening to your woes? Are we able to praise Him like how David does it whether the circumstance is good or bad? Are our relationships with God sustainable? I’m amazed at the level of intimacy that David had with God, and this is only possible when faith is present. Let us desire for that level of intimacy first by increasing our faith!

2) Influence – As I was reading the psalms, there are notes under the heading “For the director of music”. And then it reminded me of David Tao. He is a singer and music producer in the Chinese music industry. King David used psalms to influence the lives of many through the Bible, David Tao uses his music career to influence lives, especially Black Tangerine which was produced in response to the 9/11 incident. Music, songs are ways to enter into the heart of people. To those young inspirational songwriters in Livingstones, keep it up and don’t give up! Most importantly share, who knows, your songs can be an influence!

Another point is a celebrity has the power of influence many. They are taken as a point of reference. So we should support our senior pastor, Apostle Khong for working hard towards being a celebrity in China. Let us be reminded to pray for success of the 20-part drama series that he will be acting in. Too bad it is only screening in China… =P