Reading: Psalm 64-66

QUESTIONS
  • Psalm 64 speaks of the hidden plots of the wicked (verses 1-6). What makes this so fearful and dangerous? How does God turn this to an even greater display of his glory? Praise God for his protection.
  • Psalm 65:9 says “the river of God is full of water.” This helps to paint a picture of God’s abundant provision (9-13) to his reconciled people (3-4). How else does this psalm show the generous blessings of God? Praise God for what he has given.
  • Psalm 66 says “I will perform my vows to you, that which my lips uttered and my mouth promised when I was in trouble.” In a time of crisis, our hope is a saving bond with our God in which he acts to save and we respond with praise. Notice this dynamic throughout the psalm (where God saves, we praise). Praise God for how he has saved you.
DEVOTION

In the Oxford Dictionary dread is defined as “…anticipation with great apprehension or fear.” David’s plea to God is to “…Preserve my life from dread of the enemy.” (1)

I have always been a worrier and a fretter. My “what if” list can be daunting. After reading this Psalm, I made a tentative list of my fears: the future for me, my husband, my children and grandchildren; becoming dependent; weakness; illness; economic insecurity; national disgrace; enemies in general. As you can see, if it exists out there, I can dread it in me. As I meditate on this Psalm, I see that I am not alone. David, the man after God’s own heart, shares some of the same dreads as I do. In his God-inspired wisdom, he brings them to the throne of God and lays them before Him. In verses 7-9, David describes the ways in which the Lord triumphs:

7But God shoots his arrow at them;
they are wounded suddenly.
8They are brought to ruin, with their own tongues turned against them;
all who see them will wag their heads.
9Then all mankind fears;
they tell what God has brought about
and ponder what he has done.

Verse 10 shows us how to rightly think and to praise God, the One I need to fear. It reminds me that God is able to be my refuge, my fortress, my defender and my peace.

10Let the righteous one rejoice in the Lord
and take refuge in him!
Let all the upright in heart exult!

What are you afraid of? How do you deal with those fears? Remind yourself of God’s faithfulness in the past, lay your fears before him. Allow the King of the Universe to calm your fears and to help you to fear him and live in faith and victory. Be upright in heart and exult in the Lord!

– Kim Runyan