Reading: Psalm 67-69

QUESTIONS
  • In light of the times we live in, what assurances do we receive from knowing “you [God] rule the peoples justly and guide the nations of the earth”? (Psalm 67:4b)
  • What comfort do we receive in knowing that God is “A Father to the fatherless” and “a defender of widows”(v.5)? How might we play a part in that?
  • As David writes Psalm 69, he clearly is in big trouble. In fact, he states, “I have come into the deep waters” (v.2b). How is verse 13 a pivotal line in the psalm? What does this teach us about our own response when we find ourselves in “deep waters”?
DEVOTION

David sang Psalm 68 as he carried the ark back into Jerusalem. He reminds us of some of the ways God cared for his people in the past, leading Moses through the wilderness and providing for the needy.

In Verse 68:19, David writes, “Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens.”

If that is the case, why do I often try to carry my own burden? My first response to trials is to try to hold on to my burden and try to solve it myself. My pride of thinking that I can do it myself is a sin! The Lord is asking me to drop the burden daily in His lap so I can move ahead confident that He can take care of it! Whether it is a broken nose, conflicts with siblings, failing parents or financial worries, he can handle it! Then God asks me to not grab another burden, which is so easy to do! If he can take care of the widows and fatherless, he can take care of me every day! 

Jesus performed the ultimate act of protecting me, from the effects of sin all by Himself! I no longer will be considered sinful and doomed for destruction. 

In Psalm 69: 35-36, David reminds us, “For God will save Zion and build up the cities of Judah, and people shall dwell there and possess it: the offspring of His servants shall inherit it, and those who love His name shall dwell in it.”

This is talking about us! We are the descendants of God through Jesus! We are the offspring that Davids refers to in vs. 35-36. Jesus’ death allows us to be grafted in to His family. As promised in Hebrews 12:22-24, Mount Zion is the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem that we can enter because of the blood of Jesus. What an amazing place that will be that is waiting for us! Let us all accept this perfect gift by faith and grace.

Note:

  • Psalm 69 is the most quoted Messianic psalm in the New Testament.
  • Can you find the references to Jesus in Psalm 69:4? 69:8?
  • Compare Psalm 69:22-23 and Romans 11: 1-10 Is Paul saying this is a fulfillment of prophecy?
  • Compare Psalm 69:35 and Hebrews 12:22-24
  • Compare Psalm 69:9 and Romans 15:3

– Joyce Kish