Psalms 116:1-2, 10

“I love the Lord, because He has heard My voice and my supplications. Because He has inclined His ear to me, Therefore I will call upon Him as long as I live. I believed, therefore I spoke, “I am greatly afflicted.””

Psalms 116:1-2, 10 NKJV

The psalmist was clearly in trouble, but he cried out to the Lord and He heard him. What strikes me here is verse 10 – “I believed, therefore I spoke, “I am greatly afflicted.”” He believed the Lord would rescue him, so he then cried out to the Lord. He had faith, which is what we need in times of trouble.

Psalms 115:17-18

“The dead do not praise the Lord, Nor any who go down into silence. But we will bless the Lord From this time forth and forevermore. Praise the Lord!”

Psalms 115:17-18 NKJV

Jesus tells us God is not God of the dead, but the living. This is true because through Christ, we live!

Psalms 114:7-8

“Tremble, O earth, at the presence of the Lord, At the presence of the God of Jacob, Who turned the rock into a pool of water, The flint into a fountain of waters.”

Psalms 114:7-8 NKJV

This short Psalm is remembering the Lord’s deliverance from Egypt.

These last two verses remind me that even the earth, that inanimate object we reside on, is not only God’s creation, but it is subject to Him and fears Him as well. All things fear Him.

Psalms 113:5-8

“Who is like the Lord our God, Who dwells on high, Who humbles Himself to behold The things that are in the heavens and in the earth? He raises the poor out of the dust, And lifts the needy out of the ash heap, That He may seat him with princes— With the princes of His people.”

Psalms 113:5-8 NKJV

A common theme I see throughout the Bible is that the Lord’s face shines on those who are humble. This was personified in the Lord Jesus, who came into the world in a most humble way, and lived as an everyday man, despite He being the true King of Kings – God in person!

Psalms 112:1-3, 9

“Praise the Lord! Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, Who delights greatly in His commandments. His descendants will be mighty on earth; The generation of the upright will be blessed. Wealth and riches will be in his house, And his righteousness endures forever. He has dispersed abroad, He has given to the poor; His righteousness endures forever; His horn will be exalted with honor.”

Psalms 112:1-3, 9 NKJV

Reading this and I see a correlation – fear of the Lord leads to wealth, but the man who fears the Lord gives freely to the poor. It is almost as thought the Lord provides wealth so that they will give it away. Or perhaps fear of the Lord equals giving to the poor no matter your circumstances.

Psalms 111:2

“The works of the Lord are great, Studied by all who have pleasure in them.”

Psalms 111:2 NKJV

I am focused on the second half of this verse: “Studied by all who have pleasure in them.” Not everyone studies the Lord’s works, I suppose – but those who take pleasure in them – those who find them awe inspiring, want to understand more of them, and by extension their Creator. I am taking away from here that God created this beautiful world for our enjoyment, but also to bring us closer to Him.

Psalms 110:4

“The Lord has sworn And will not relent, “You are a priest forever According to the order of Melchizedek.””

Psalms 110:4 NKJV

In this Psalm David is prophesying of the coming Messiah. What strikes me is the beginning of the verse, he says “The Lord has sworn and will not relent.” Much is said of the Lord’s patience, which is true, but His promises and His Word endures forever.

Psalms 109:4

“In return for my love they are my accusers, But I give myself to prayer.”

Psalms 109:4 NKJV

David wrote this Psalm asking for justice against some who had done him wrong – probably slandered his name and bore false witness.

I like this verse because essentially he is saying that while he has been good to those who have turned against him, he is turning fully to the Lord in prayer.

Psalms 108:12-13

“Give us help from trouble, For the help of man is useless. Through God we will do valiantly, For it is He who shall tread down our enemies.”

Psalms 108:12-13 NKJV

David is acknowledging that God is the reason for victory, not our selves. It is easy to forget sometimes, but it is so true!

Psalms 107:8-9

“Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, And for His wonderful works to the children of men! For He satisfies the longing soul, And fills the hungry soul with goodness.”

Psalms 107:8-9 NKJV

Seek the Lord, and He will fill you up – that is what I read here. I am in an empty season, and I know this to be true – the Lord will provide nourishment for my soul if I seek after it!