Psalm 1
God whom we follow do not compel us to do what he expects us to do but He gives freewill and choices that we can choose. We walk by the choices we make. Right choices build us and the wrong choices break us. We can either delight in the word of God, meditate on it and apply the same in our life (to be conformed to the likeness of Jesus Christ) or follow the worldly ways – doing ungodly acts (as directed by sinful desires) ; passing /breaking the limit that God kept for us ; being scornful. If we make the right choice of listening and obeying Him, we will be able to live blessed, fruitful and perfect Christian life. We will prosper in whatever we do
Psalm 2
Psalm 2 is the first of the 19 Messianic Psalms. This psalm is often referred in NT (Acts 4:25,26; 13:33; Heb1:5,6;5:5, Rev 2:26,27; 12:5,19:15). This psalm by David could be written during some conspiracy against Israel by some of the nations. This is Messianic prophecy and is fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Instead of taking pride in our accomplishments and achievements, we have to submit to be ruled by the Son of God to do His will and to serve Him. We are reminded that we would be blessed when we trust Him and depend on Him.
Psalm 3
This Psalm by David was written while David fled his son Absalom when the later fought against the former. Even the close aides joined his own loved son to fight David. People once praised David now mocks at him. He was pressed in all ways and the situation seemed impossible for deliverance. Despite all these difficulties, the reaction from David was different. He had the knowledge that deliverance comes from God, the maker of heaven and earth. He trusted God instead of depending on the strong army he had at his disposal and prayed in faith for deliverance. The outcome was that the peace of God ruled his heart and the battle was won. The peace of God will rule our heart in the midst of struggles when we trust God and depend on Him for deliverance.
Psalm 4
This Psalm by David might be written to his rebels to reconsider their support to Absalom. Instead of developing bitterness/hatred towards our oppressors and going after the happiness, promised by the vanities and delusions of the world, We need to turn to God, who can answer our prayers, bless us with inward joy and peace. We ought to control our anger before it hurts someone. We are expected to practice complete obedience before rendering sacrifices and worships to God .
Psalm 5
This psalm by David is the first of the seven penitential psalms. Habit of morning prayer, attitude in prayer, prayer for self, ungodly and godly etc, that are outlined here can be imitated by us for our spiritual well being. Satan wins the day, then and there, when we fail to have the morning prayer. God hate all evil desires and wrong doings. Clear conscience and right attitude are essential for fruitful prayer life. When we keep close and clean relationship with God and approach God in prayer for our needs we can be assured that our needs will be met rightly in the right time in the ideal way.
Psalm 6
This psalm by David could be written, when he went through some physical agony and mental depression, possibly after he commit ed some sin. He was pleading to God to have mercy upon him and not to punish him for his trespasses. When problems knocked him down, David was looking at God for deliverance and he could declare that God had heard his weeping and his prayer. Even though God is righteous, He is merciful as well. He can forgive and change the worst of the sinners. Despite our failures in our personal, moral, family, physical, secular lives, if we look unto God and plead for his grace and mercy, He will deliver us , as He is willing and powerful to change each one of us. Let us LOOK UP!
Psalm 7
It is understood that this Psalm by David was written when he was accused by Saul that David want to kill Saul and take over the kingdom. David acknowledged that God is righteous and knows the secrets of our hearts and motives of our actions.Instead of retaliating those suppressed him, he sought justice from God. Evil get destroyed by evil if it is left unattended. The evils actions would hurt innocents at times. God would allow evil to prevail in some cases and the reason is known to Him alone. When we are overwhelmed by the evil in this evil world, we need to look unto God, who delivers the judgment at the right time and we are expected to carry on in doing good works.
Psalm 8
This Psalm describes the greatness of God, revealed through His creations. God is great and His greatness is visible in all things that we see, hear, smell, taste and feel. The complexity of the creativity of God in creations are understood, when we look into it. His love and care for mankind is clearly evident in the responsibility and authority delegated to the mankind. We have to keep on praising His name, remembering and realizing the greatness and Majesty of the Most high. As God’s appointees and custodians, we are expected to maintain harmony among ourselves and to take care of the environment in the best possible way.
Psalm 9
This Psalm by David could be written after his victory over Philistines. After tasting a remarkable victory that came after hardships, David made a vow that he would praise God and proclaim His wonders. David has witnessed God as righteous judge, controlling and executing righteousness at the right time. Although, God is long suffering and merciful, He judges people. When we are falsely accused, not rightly rewarded for our efforts, afflicted physically/ mentally/emotionally and denied justice, let us look unto God who is in control and who reigns forever. He is refuge for the oppressed, stronghold in times of trouble and He does not ignore the cry of the afflicted.
Psalm 10
In the social and economic environment we live, we find strong, rich and the influential ones oppressing the poorer and weaker ones for their own benefits. They continuously do unlawful and immoral things, questioning the presence and power of God and also end up being successful in their endeavors. It would seem that God is out of control over their haughty, ungodly behaviors. But God being merciful and righteous, would provide justice to all afflicted and oppressed at the right time. We as faithful Christians need to carry on pleading for the restoration of righteousness in our society and for the upliftment of those in poverty and ignorance
Thoughts- Psalm 11
This psalm by David could be written when he was advised to flee away when some harms knocked his life. At times, when things go out of control and affects us very severely, the very hope and foundations of our life would be shaken. We look around for various aids to get rid of the problems and may decide to quit but it is safer and better to trust God and flee to Him, who examines our life and executes justice.
Thoughts- Psalm 12
This psalm by David points out a wide difference between the words of ungodly over the words of God. The word of God is flawless and pure where as the words of ungodly are deceptive, lying, flattering and boastful. As a Children of God, we are expected to keep a tight control on our tongue and our words ought to be true and ideal. If anyone among you thinks himself to be religious while he doesn’t bridle his tongue, but deceives his heart, this man’s religion is worthless (Jam 1:26). If anyone doesn’t stumble in word, the same is a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body also (Jam 3:2) . Next time, when you are about to boast about yourself and achievements, exaggerate/lie to seek favour from others , give false commitments, talk deceptively etc., think twice because all the faith we have and all the efforts we put forward in our spiritual life will be in vain, if we fail to control our tongue.
Thoughts- Psalm 13
This psalm by David highlights the mental depression and the oppressions (by the enemies), he is passing through. It seems that He had been trusting God and was waiting for deliverance for a long time with no positive signs. But he continued trusting God and believed in His unfailing Love. The understanding about the goodness of God through various experiences in his life added fuel to his prayer and strenghtened His faith in the living and loving God. Finally he could rejoice, forgetting the pain he has been experiencing. Similarly, when we take our problems to God, trusting Him, Peace and Joy will rule our hearts irrespective of the happenings You fearful saints, fresh courage take:The clouds you so much dreadAre big with mercy and shall breakIn blessings on your head. Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,But trust Him for His grace,Behind a frowning providenceHe hides a smiling face. (William Cowper )
Thoughts- Psalm 14
This psalm by David hints about the lifestyle of those who failed to live up to the expectations of their creator. As creator and God, He expects us (His creations) to seek Him, understand Him, pray to Him and to walk as per His commandments. When we fail to understand God and know His will about us, We end up being wicked and foolish. The life without God and self – directed one will become corrupt, doing abominable things that would cause destruction (of God’s people and moral system) and oppression (of poor and innocent people). Although we, Christians believe in Him and acknowledge His presence, if we do not live by the rules exhibited in the Scripture, we would no way better than the atheists.
Thoughts-Psalm 15-
Guidelines for blameless Christian life
This psalm by David provides general guidelines for a blameless Christian life. The four points that can strengthen our fellowship with God and ensure our inheritance in heaven are outlined here. They are complete control over the words of our tongue, sound moral life leading to good relationship with our near and dear ones, valuing those and which that promote godly values and system and not being obsessed with money, which may push one to earn by illegal and unethical means.
Thoughts- Psalm 16
This psalm by David outlines the joy and benefits that can be experienced by those who has fellowship with God. The troubles, pains, failures etc., are common to all mankind but when we take refuge in God and heed to His counsels, we can be kept safe and secure in Christ in our lifetime on earth and will also be partakers of the eternal inheritance promised to His followers in heaven. This psalm is also messianic as this passage got fulfilled in the resurrection of Christ and are quoted by apostles in Acts2:25-31; 13:35-37)
Thoughts- Psalm 17
This psalm by David is a plea for justice in the midst of persecutions and accusations, he went through. He did take conscious efforts to walk a godly life, controlling tongue, keeping himself from evil ways and lustful thoughts. This godly lifestyle did not stop him from passing through the persecutions and false accusations but he reacted positively to the pressures and pulls of the problems by leaning unto God for help, deliverance and justice and it made all the difference. When it is dark enough, you can see the stars. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson Bend in the road is not the end of the road… unless you fail to make the turn. ~Author Unknown
Thoughts- Psalm 18
This psalm by David is duplicate of II sam 22 and acknowledges his gratitude to God who delivered Him from the hands of enemies and Saul. He expresses the greatness of God, the prayer answering attribute of God, experienced by him for long years. God had been his Rock (cannot be moved by those who intend to harm), Fortress (place of safety), Shield (protection), Horn of salvation (symbol of might and power), Stronghold (higher position). Even though God is great and mighty, He reaches down to us when we seek Him and call to Him. When David was successful and accomplished many things, he did not attribute the victories to himself but to God who is worthy of Praise.
Thoughts- Psalm 19
God is great and His greatness is exhibited through His creations and His salvation to mankind is revealed in the Scripture. The scripture revives us, makes us wise, gives joy to the heart, light to the eyes, warns and rewards us. Nature points us to the existence of of God and the Scripture shows us the way for Salvation. As believer of God and Bible, we need to pray and desire to cleanse us from secret sins, keep from willful sins and control our words and thoughts so that we would be found acceptable in His sight.
Thoughts- Psalm 20
It is understood that this psalm by David was written in the context of II Samuel 10 , when David and his army overcame ammonites and Armeans. David had powerful army and experienced war force but he placed his trust on God (instead on his abilities and experiences) for protection, help, support and he consistently prayed to God for victory. God granted his requests. Trusting God is a challenge in the developed world today. Many times we trust our strengths, skills and knowledges and make decisions, not realizing the significance of will of God in our lives. When we trust God and depend on Him, he will answer us and we will be led in safer and better way. There are two kinds of people: those who say to God, “Thy will be done,” and those to whom God says, “All right, then, have it your way.” ~C.S. Lewis
