Psalms 50, 53, 60, 75 (10th May) - Alvin

Psalm 50

Our God is a Righteous Judge and a Consuming Fire. He sees all that we do and judges us accordingly. So never think you can do anything in secret and get away with it. However, He is also a merciful God in whom we know will always receive us when we turn back to Him through genuine repentance.

In this Psalm, we see an instruction from God which was repeated twice, which emphasizes its importance. That is to always THANK GOD! Verses 14-15; 23 tells us to sacrifice thank offerings because it honors God and God will deliver us and show us His salvation. Philippians 4:6 tells us not to be anxious but to pray with THANKSGIVING.

Sometimes when we are overwhelmed or are in a difficult or trying position, we forgot that we have A God who can save us. But when we give thanks to God, we remember His goodness and the strength of His hands to save us. So focus on thanksgiving, always.

We are also warned in verse 22 not to do some things which might result in God tearing us up in pieces (a very scary thought)

Verse 17 warns us against neglecting the commands and instructions of God and actually hating them.

Verse 18 warns us against joining in with others who are sinning against the Lord instead of correcting them. (Compromise)

Verse 19 warns us against deception and not guarding our mouth (refer to James 3)

Verse 20 warns us against grumbling and slandering (speaking falsely) against our brothers and sisters (spiritual included).

Verse 21 warns us that even if God is silent now when you sin, He sees it and in His mercies He is giving us time to repent. Therefore repent or otherwise He will rebuke you and bring your sin to light. (you won’t want that!!!)

Psalms 53

A reminder once more that God sees. It’s interesting that this Psalm ends with the cry for the salvation of Israel. And prior to that talks about the crushing of the enemies by God. And even earlier a talk about God looking down from heaven when evil people say in their heart that there is no God. If you think about it, God is even giving the enemies of Israel a chance, to see if there is any amongst them who will have understanding. But when He saw that they have altogether been corrupt, He destroyed them and brought salvation to Israel. Such mercies from God. He was waiting for the enemies of Israel to repent and go away and not lay their fingers on the Israelites so that He does not have to destroy them.

Psalms 60

This was a Psalm written after Israel fought the Edomites and won.

Remember that prior to this, under Saul, Israel tasted defeat, but now in David’s reign they saw victory. Yet it is so crucial that they remember the victory has nothing to do with them but has everything to do with God!! Hence this Psalm was written to acknowledge God and to cry out to Him for victory.

READ VERSE 11-12 and meditate on it.

2 Corinthians 2:14 says, “But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him.”

Remember in this year of victory, we must pluck up the courage to face the battles ahead like the Israelites, but finally we must remember it is God who leads us in VICTORY IN CHRIST.

Psalm 75

God is in control. He is the Righteous Judge who will judge in His appointed time. Therefore continue to press on in faith no matter the opposition and how at times you wonder if God sees your deeds. Rest assured, He DOES!! =) Remember verse 9. “As for me, I will declare this forever; I will sing praise to the God of Jacob”
In the meantime, continually praise Him.

Agape