Psalms 3, 4, 12, 13, 55 (16th May) - Vivien

Psalm 3
Here are some key points to highlight:
1) God is my shield – v3
2) The Lord sustains me – v5
3) I will not fear my enemies – v6
4) Real help comes from God – v8

Psalm 4
Do read the Message version for this psalm, quite interesting the way it is written.
God listens to all our prayer. John Wesley said that God does nothing but in answer to prayer. So be confident that God has heard your prayer, and he will answer your pray in His time.

Are there rooms for complaints? Will I be charged of the sin of “talking behind other people’s back”? Even in our daily life, if we disturbed by the behaviour of someone, be it a member of the public or an employee of a company or even a student in school, complaints are made to the one who has authority, simply because we know that they are able to investigate and do something constructive to improve the situation. So I guess if we complain it directly to God, we will not be charged. As He is perfect enough to handle our complaints. And even by complaining to Him, He might reveal something about ourselves, or what action to take.

In verse 4 -5 (The Msg):
Complain if you must, but don't lash out. Keep your mouth shut, and let your heart do the talking. Build your case before God and wait for his verdict.

So is there room for complaint? Yes, just do it to the RIGHT PERSON.

In verse 4 (NIV) again, the Bible teach us to reflect and be silent when we are on our beds. Before we end our day, walk through how you have spent your day, and give thanks for the day and ask for forgiveness for the things that you’ve done that had hurt God.

Psalm 12
We are living in the worst time (familiar?). We are in a confused generation. In the past, life is much simpler, what is black and what is white, it is quite straightforward to most of us. Now, life is more complicated, we challenged the principles, and what used to be black and white has become grey. There are so many lies around us.

O LORD, you will keep us safe and protect us from such people forever. (v7)

We need to equip ourselves with the Word of God, which sharper than a two-edged sword, so fight against the lies of the evil ones around us.

And the words of the LORD are flawless, like silver refined in a furnace of clay, purified seven times. (v6)

Psalm 13
Although David felt far away from God, which is hard for him to bear, he still chose to trust in God and praise Him. Can we be like David? Of course, this is a matter of choice. It is for you to decide whether in difficult times to still put your trust in God! If you find it difficult then pray and ask God for help!

Wait a minute, aren’t I feeling far away from God? Then still pray will He listen? You feel faraway from Him, doesn’t mean He is faraway from you. And we have mentioned earlier that God will listen to our prayer. And our prayer will be answered according to the measure of our faith.

Know that God is good.

Psalm 28
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Rom 12:2

Beware of doing what others are doing which are wrong in the eyes of the LORD. Like David, plead God that you will not be dragged away with the wicked, that you will not fall into their trap and join their club. Have you been ask to do something lately that is not right? If you can’t stop them, flee from them, DON’T JOIN IN! Satan is always setting trap for us to fall into. So be alert!

Rejoice that God will hear our prayer, and He is our strength and shield. David trusted in Him, and he is helped! Remember, we already know that ending of the story of this world. We WIN!

Psalm 55
In the midst of fear and terror, David was still able to compose a song to sing of his God who is Almighty and faithful. David has shared many of his testimonies through songs, and through all these songs they encourage us and help us understand more of God. Share your testimonies too! Then others would be encouraged and would know more about our God. And be creative in the ways you can share them like through letters, on stage, gathering, songs, raps etc…