Bible Study: Focus on God

Focus on God 07.08.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

It is Tuesday July 8, 2008 and today we are continuing our studies on the book of Psalms. Please read Chapters 72-77 in your Bible or Click Here to read. Cut & Paste to your browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2072-77&version=9

Today we will read and learn about David's prayer for Solomon; the mystery of the prosperity of the wicked; the wicked and the proud rebuked; and the Majesty of God praised. Today's message focuses on the importance of realizing that worshiping God keeps us from putting too much emphasis on our own desires and allows us to focus on His will for our lives and not on what we have or do not have for ourselves.

The end comes for mighty King David's reign. Old, feeble, and near death, he prays his last prayer, not for his son, but for the one put in charge of God's people. "Give the king thy judgments, O God, and thy righteousness unto the king's son. He shall judge thy people with righteousness, and thy poor with judgment. The mountains shall bring peace to the people, and the little hills, by righteousness. He shall judge the poor of the people, he shall save the children of the needy, and shall break in pieces the oppressor. They shall fear thee as long as the sun and moon endure, throughout all generations." (Psalm 72:1-5).

A series of psalms is attributed to Asaph, David's song leader. He laments: "Woe is me" and "It's not fair" as he sees the wicked prosper. Then he praises God that the righteous triumph. His transition from severe struggles to ultimate victory revealed the integrity of his heart. In self-pity he had complained, "Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase in riches. Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocency. For all the day long have I been plagued, and chastened every morning. If I say, I will speak thus; behold, I should offend against the generation of thy children. When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me; Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end." (73:12-17). During one point in his life, he became critical as he saw those who blasphemed God prospering and enjoying life while those who worshiped the Lord were having great difficulties. Through the passing centuries this has been a problem for many Christians who don't understand enough about His Word.

Keep in mind that the psalmist was not describing the facts, but rather what seemed to be the facts. He wondered why the wicked were not plagued with sufferings that the child of God had to endure, but he gained a true perspective of life's problems when he went into the Sanctuary of God and understood their end. Let a man enter into worship, praise God and commune in prayer with Him and, spontaneously, that soul will be humbled, his pride and presumption will perish, and fresh insight will cause him to confess before God, "So foolish was I, and ignorant: I was as a beast before thee. Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand. Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory." (73:22-24).

The disciple who accepts the course of life's events as being under God's control will trust Him and thank Him in humble prayer for the needed grace and many blessings of God given to them in the midst of their struggles. He will have taken the first step in the path that leads to daily fellowship with the Lord and a wholehearted surrender to live entirely for Christ. 

When all other resources fail, we will discover that God, and God alone, is adequate to satisfy your every need. Draw near to Him and His presence will banish all your darkness and brighten and beautify your life with His Light, endless love, and loyalty. "Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." (Matthew 6:31-33).

In today's reading Jesus Christ is revealed as the Righteous Judge who will crush the oppressors (Psalm 72:4). Psalm 75:8 describes the judgment of God upon those who refuse to accept the salvation so freely offered by Jesus, the Lamb of God (John 1:29,34-36)

Today's Prayer:
Dear Jesus,
I am full of gratitude today as I consider Your abiding presence in my life. You planned my existence in my mother's womb before I even drew my first breath. When so many people have come into my life and exited it throughout the years You have taken up residence and You forever rule my heart. When the path before me was unclear You have always gone before me sustaining me in my wilderness journey. Though all forsake me You remain faithful, and remarkable as it seems, even if we are faithless, You will remain faithful, for You cannot deny Yourself.  Thank You for being my Supreme Savior and the Sustainer of my soul. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Have a great and wonderful day!
God Bless,
Christina

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