Journeying Through The Bible 2026

Join us as we journey through the bible

Simple reflections based on reading.

As we seek God together through Scripture.

(See our Facebook page Journeying through for past reflections)

 Numbers 4:21- 33 The Gershonites

21 The Lord said to Moses, 22 “Take a census also of the Gershonites by their families and clans. 23 Count all the men from thirty to fifty years of age who come to serve in the work at the tent of meeting. 24 “This is the service of the Gershonite clans in their carrying and their other work: 25 They are to carry the curtains of the tabernacle, that is, the tent of meeting, its covering and its outer covering of durable leather, the curtains for the entrance to the tent of meeting,26 the curtains of the courtyard surrounding the tabernacle and altar, the curtain for the entrance to the courtyard, the ropes and all the equipment used in the service of the tent. The Gershonites are to do all that needs to be done with these things. 27 All their service, whether carrying or doing other work, is to be done under the direction of Aaron and his sons. You shall assign to them as their responsibility all they are to carry. 28 This is the service of the Gershonite clans at the tent of meeting. Their duties are to be under the direction of Ithamar son of Aaron, the priest. The Merarites 29 “Count the Merarites by their clans and families. 30 Count all the men from thirty to fifty years of age who come to serve in the work at the tent of meeting. 31 As part of all their service at the tent, they are to carry the frames of the tabernacle, its crossbars, posts and bases,32 as well as the posts of the surrounding courtyard with their bases, tent pegs, ropes, all their equipment and everything related to their use. Assign to each man the specific things he is to carry. 33 This is the service of the Merarite clans as they work at the tent of meeting under the direction of Ithamar son of Aaron, the priest.”

The duties being described for the Gershonites and the Merarites are no mean feat! If we look back at the dimensions of the tent of meeting, they are huge, and all of these things needed to be dismantled and reassembled every time the people left an encampment. As they journeyed, it was not as simple as packing a suitcase and getting into a car or some form of public transport! They walked everywhere, with all of these things that needed to be carried. It makes me think of our journey through life. Spiritually speaking, some of us have burdens to carry. The Israelites had literal burdens that not only were heavy (perhaps carts and animals were used too), but needed careful handling. They were precious cargo. How does this compare to our own journeys and any burdens that we are carrying? Some things are necessary – the everyday life challenges for us and those we know and love. However, I am sure that we are carrying many things that can be laid down, that can make things easier. Burdens can also be shared. Consider what you are carrying at the moment. What needs careful handling? What can be shared? What needs laying down?

 Numbers 4:15-20

15 “After Aaron and his sons have finished covering the holy furnishings and all the holy articles, and when the camp is ready to move, only then are the Kohathites to come and do the carrying. But they must not touch the holy things or they will die. The Kohathites are to carry those things that are in the tent of meeting. 16 “Eleazar son of Aaron, the priest, is to have charge of the oil for the light, the fragrant incense, the regular grain offering and the anointing oil. He is to be in charge of the entire tabernacle and everything in it, including its holy furnishings and articles.” 17 The Lord said to Moses and Aaron, 18 “See that the Kohathite tribal clans are not destroyed from among the Levites. 19 So that they may live and not die when they come near the most holy things, do this for them: Aaron and his sons are to go into the sanctuary and assign to each man his work and what he is to carry. 20 But the Kohathites must not go in to look at the holy things, even for a moment, or they will die.”

We know that the Israelites moved around a lot, but reading these early books of the Bible covering the exit from Egypt onwards really gives the detail of what must have been involved. Throughout, they would have been getting on with their lives, with births, marriages and deaths, working, the daily routines, and add in the spiritual aspects of coming to the priests with animals for sacrifice and reporting any ailments! The Levites then add in all of these extra duties, which sound quite time consuming. Aaron and his sons had to ensure the holy things were completely wrapped and covered. They represent everything about God, God with them. I think we tend to forget the importance of holy things, in fact we often underplay them. Perhaps we should think about what we still have in our worship spaces. Do we look after them. Do we value and appreciate why they are there? Do we know and appreciate God with us?

Numbers 4:1-14. The Kohathites

4 The Lord said to Moses and Aaron: 2 “Take a census of the Kohathite branch of the Levites by their clans and families. 3 Count all the men from thirty to fifty years of age who come to serve in the work at the tent of meeting. 4 “This is the work of the Kohathites at the tent of meeting: the care of the most holy things. 5 When the camp is to move, Aaron and his sons are to go in and take down the shielding curtain and put it over the ark of the covenant law. 6 Then they are to cover the curtain with a durable leather, spread a cloth of solid blue over that and put the poles in place. 7 “Over the table of the Presence they are to spread a blue cloth and put on it the plates, dishes and bowls, and the jars for drink offerings; the bread that is continually there is to remain on it. 8 They are to spread a scarlet cloth over them, cover that with the durable leather and put the poles in place. 9 “They are to take a blue cloth and cover the lampstand that is for light, together with its lamps, its wick trimmers and trays, and all its jars for the olive oil used to supply it. 10 Then they are to wrap it and all its accessories in a covering of the durable leather and put it on a carrying frame. 11 “Over the gold altar they are to spread a blue cloth and cover that with the durable leather and put the poles in place. 12 “They are to take all the articles used for ministering in the sanctuary, wrap them in a blue cloth, cover that with the durable leather and put them on a carrying frame. 13 “They are to remove the ashes from the bronze altar and spread a purple cloth over it. 14 Then they are to place on it all the utensils used for ministering at the altar, including the firepans, meat forks, shovel sand sprinkling bowls. Over it they are to spread a covering of the durable leather and put the poles in place.

Three branches of Levites, and this is the second group, the Kohathites. Counting those aged 30 to 50. Acting in a priestly role, doing exactly as they are instructed with the most holy items in the tent of meeting. There are several themes mentioned with which we are still familiar today. The law, the presence of God, offering, bread, light, oil, ministry, among others. All present in the place where God was. Wherever the people went, everything went with them, including God who led them and they followed. God was with them as he is with us today. However, Jesus has made it possible for us to be in his presence without all of the trappings that were in place at the time of Moses. There is a foreshadowing, however, of the bread of life/Christ’s body, the light of the world, the oil representing the Holy Spirit and the ongoing ministry of the priests. We see that everything had a purpose as we too have a purpose. As we move through life, do we take everything of God with us? Do we follow his lead? How much do we care about the things of God?

 Numbers 3: 21-37

21 To Gershon belonged the clans of the Libnites and Shimeites; these were the Gershonite clans. 22 The number of all the males a month old or more who were counted was 7,500. 23 The Gershonite clans were to camp on the west, behind the tabernacle. 24 The leader of the families of the Gershonites was Eliasaph son of Lael. 25 At the tent of meeting the Gershonites were responsible for the care of the tabernacle and tent, its coverings, the curtain at the entrance to the tent of meeting,26 the curtains of the courtyard, the curtain at the entrance to the courtyard surrounding the tabernacle and altar, and the ropes—and everything related to their use. 27 To Kohath belonged the clans of the Amramites, Izharites, Hebronites and Uzzielites; these were the Kohathite clans. 28 The number of all the males a month old or more was 8,600. The Kohathites were responsible for the care of the sanctuary. 29 The Kohathite clans were to camp on the south side of the tabernacle.30 The leader of the families of the Kohathite clans was Elizaphan son of Uzziel. 31 They were responsible for the care of the ark, the table, the lampstand, the altars, the articles of the sanctuary used in ministering, the curtain, and everything related to their use. 32 The chief leader of the Levites was Eleazar son of Aaron, the priest. He was appointed over those who were responsible for the care of the sanctuary. 33 To Merari belonged the clans of the Mahlites and the Mushites; these were the Merarite clans. 34 The number of all the males a month old or more who were counted was 6,200. 35 The leader of the families of the Merarite clans was Zuriel son of Abihail; they were to camp on the north side of the tabernacle. 36 The Merarites were appointed to take care of the frames of the tabernacle, its crossbars, posts, bases, all its equipment, and everything related to their use, 37 as well as the posts of the surrounding courtyard with their bases, tent pegs and ropes.

We read of the detail of the descendants of Levi and the responsibilities that each branch of that part of the family were given. Three sections – Gershonites, Kerathites and Merarites. Gershonites responsible for all of the material external fabric, Kerathites responsible for all of the internal accessories, and Merarites responsible for all of the structures. Detailed record of the people and detailed record of what they were tasked to do. It appears that they listened to God and did as they were instructed. We can see how important it would have been for everyone to do their part – any missing detail would have an impact on the whole. There would be no room for negotiation. In the same way as every individual was important to the smooth running of the work of the tabernacle, we can see the connection to our context today. We are all part of the body of Christ, we each have a part to play and without that part, God’s work cannot be done. We each need to know our part and see the importance of doing what is needed as part of the overall needs in our own situations.

 Numbers 3:1-20 The Levites

3 This is the account of the family of Aaron and Moses at the time the Lord spoke to Moses at Mount Sinai. 2 The names of the sons of Aaron were Nadab the firstborn and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar. 3 Those were the names of Aaron’s sons, the anointed priests, who were ordained to serve as priests. 4 Nadab and Abihu, however, died before the Lord when they made an offering with unauthorized fire before him in the Desert of Sinai. They had no sons, so Eleazar and Ithamar served as priests during the lifetime of their father Aaron. 5 The Lord said to Moses, 6 “Bring the tribe of Levi and present them to Aaron the priest to assist him. 7 They are to perform duties for him and for the whole community at the tent of meeting by doing the work of the tabernacle. 8 They are to take care of all the furnishings of the tent of meeting, fulfilling the obligations of the Israelites by doing the work of the tabernacle. 9 Give the Levites to Aaron and his sons; they are the Israelites who are to be given wholly to him. 10 Appoint Aaron and his sons to serve as priests; anyone else who approaches the sanctuary is to be put to death.” 11 The Lord also said to Moses, 12 “I have taken the Levites from among the Israelites in place of the first male offspring of every Israelite woman. The Levites are mine, 13 for all the first born are mine. When I struck down all the firstborn in Egypt, I set apart for myself every firstborn in Israel, whether human or animal. They are to be mine. I am the Lord.” 14 The Lord said to Moses in the Desert of Sinai, 15 “Count the Levites by their families and clans. Count every male a month old or more.”16 So Moses counted them, as he was commanded by the word of the Lord. 17 These were the names of the sons of Levi: Gershon, Kohath and Merari.18 These were the names of the Gershonite clans: Libni and Shimei.19 The Kohathite clans: Amram,Izhar, Hebron and Uzziel. 20 The Merarite clans: Mahli and Mushi. These were the Levite clans, according to their families.

It is fascinating to read of the families that were tasked with the most holy of tasks at the time of

Moses and Aaron. Aaron had four sons, and what happened to the first two sons underlines the

difference that Jesus has made to how God deals with his people. So many things were

punishable by death. Nadab and Abihu were examples of that. Being Aaron’s sons did not save

them. All of the males were counted from a month old, unlike just the men of fighting age as for the other tribes. The task for the Levites was to care for the Tabernacle. Bearing in mind the activity that took place there, it would have involved dealing with a lot of blood! Most importantly, this setting aside of the Levites for this purpose shows that people could approach God strictly on His terms and not their own. What a difference for us living after the death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus. We can approach God freely. We too are his chosen people.

 Numbers 2:1-34 The Arrangement of the Tribal Camps

2 The Lord said to Moses and Aaron: 2 “The Israelites are to camp around the tent of meeting some distance from it, each of them under their standard and holding the banners of their family.” 3 On the east, toward the sunrise, the divisions of the camp of Judah are to encamp under their standard. The leader of the people of Judah is Nahshon son of Amminadab. 4 His division numbers 74,600. 5 The tribe of Issachar will camp next to them. The leader of the people of Issachar is Nethanel son of Zuar. 6 His division numbers 54,400. 7 The tribe of Zebulun will be next. The leader of the people of Zebulun is Eliab son of Helon. 8 His division numbers 57,400. 9 All the men assigned to the camp of Judah, according to their divisions, number 186,400. They will set out first. 10 On the south will be the divisions of the camp of Reuben under their standard. The leader of the people of Reuben is Elizur son of Shedeur. 11 His division numbers 46,500. 12 The tribe of Simeon will camp next to them. The leader of the people of Simeon is Shelumiel son of Zurishaddai. 13 His division numbers 59,300. 14 The tribe of Gad will be next. The leader of the people of Gad is Eliasaph son of Deuel. 15 His division numbers 45,650. 16 All the men assigned to the camp of Reuben, according to their divisions, number 151,450. They will set out second. 17 Then the tent of meeting and the camp of the Levites will set out in the middle of the camps. They will set out in the same order as they encamp, each in their own place under their standard. 18 On the west will be the divisions of the camp of Ephraim under their standard. The leader of the people of Ephraim is Elishama son of Ammihud. 19 His division numbers 40,500. 20 The tribe of Manasseh will be next to them. The leader of the people of Manasseh is Gamaliel son of Pedahzur. 21 His division numbers 32,200. 22 The tribe of Benjamin will be next. The leader of the people of Benjamin is Abidan son of Gideoni. 23 His division numbers 35,400. 24 All the men assigned to the camp of Ephraim, according to their divisions, number 108,100. They will set out third. 25 On the north will be the divisions of the camp of Dan under their standard. The leader of the people of Dan is Ahiezer son of Ammishaddai. 26 His division numbers 62,700. 27 The tribe of Asher will camp next to them. The leader of the people of Asher is Pagiel son of Okran. 28 His division numbers 41,500. 29 The tribe of Naphtali will be next. The leader of the people of Naphtali is Ahira son of Enan. 30 His division numbers 53,400. 31 All the men assigned to the camp of Dan number 157,600. They will set out last, under their standards. 32 These are the Israelites, counted according to their families. All the men in the camps, by their divisions, number 603,550. 33 The Levites, however, were not counted along with the other Israelites, as the Lord commanded Moses. 34 So the Israelites did everything the Lord commanded Moses; that is the way they encamped under their standards, and that is the way they set out, each of them with their clan and family.

I have seen a simple diagram of the way the tribes were encamped around the tabernacle. Note that . ‘9 All the men assigned to the camp of Judah, according to their divisions, number 186,400. They will set out first.’ I find it interesting that Judah goes first, when Reuben was the eldest of the brothers. We know that Judah is the tribe from which Jesus descended. This is even being reflected here in the order given. Judah, then Benjamin, then Ephraim. First descendants of Juday, then descendants of Joseph and Benjamin, the sons of Jacob and Rachel. As in the book of Leviticus, all instructions for the people are very detailed and precise. We are told that they set out exactly as directed. It must have been an amazing sight to see all these people moving forward together, and the Levites carrying the tent of meeting with all of its furniture and accessories.

Numbers 1:47-54

47 The ancestral tribe of the Levites, however, was not counted along with the others. 48 The Lord had said to Moses: 49 “You must not count the tribe of Levi or include them in the census of the other Israelites. 50 Instead, appoint the Levites to be in charge of the tabernacle of the covenant law—over all its furnishings and everything belonging to it. They are to carry the tabernacle and all its furnishings; they are to take care of it and encamp around it. 51 Whenever the tabernacle is to move, the Levites are to take it down, and whenever the tabernacle is to be set up, the Levites shall do it. Anyone else who approaches it is to be put to death. 52 The Israelites are to set up their tents by divisions, each of them in their own camp under their standard. 53 The Levites, however, are to set up their tents around the tabernacle of the covenant law so that my wrath will not fall on the Israelite community. The Levites are to be responsible for the care of the tabernacle of the covenant law.” 54 The Israelites did all this just as the Lord commanded Moses.

We see here how the Levites are ‘set apart’ for their priestly ministry. Even today, those who lead our churches are ‘set apart’ for their responsibilities and ministry. There is a belief in the priesthood of all believers, so in that sense all believers are set apart and have their own calling and ministry. We are not given any statistics for the Levites here, but can reasonably assume a number in the same region as the other tribes. Note that there was no restriction on marriage for the Levites.Their duties entailed great responsibility, and were inherited, not chosen! They were indeed a chosen people, from within a greater chosen people. They were very much a go between for the people before God. Taking down and erecting the tabernacle would be no mean feat as we can see from the dimensions in previous books. The church is not the building, but it still is a place which people value, and should be kept fit for purpose for the worship of God and everything that goes on in its life.

Numbers 1:17-46

17 Moses and Aaron took these men whose names had been specified,18 and they called the whole community together on the first day of the second month. The people registered their ancestry by their clans and families, and the men twenty years old or more were listed by name, one by one, 19 as the Lord commanded Moses. And so he counted them in the Desert of Sinai: 20 From the descendants of Reuben the firstborn son of Israel: All the men twenty years old or more who were able to serve in the army were listed by name, one by one, according to the records of their clans and families. 21 The number from the tribe of Reuben was 46,500. 22 From the descendants of Simeon: All the men twenty years old or more who were able to serve in the army were counted and listed by name, one by one, according to the records of their clans and families. 23 The number from the tribe of Simeon was 59,300. 24 From the descendants of Gad: All the men twenty years old or more who were able to serve in the army were listed by name, according to the records of their clans and families. 25 The number from the tribe of Gad was 45,650. 26 From the descendants of Judah: All the men twenty years old or more who were able to serve in the army were listed by name, according to the records of their clans and families. 27 The number from the tribe of Judah was 74,600. 28 From the descendants of Issachar: All the men twenty years old or more who were able to serve in the army were listed by name, according to the records of their clans and families. 29 The number from the tribe of Issachar was 54,400. 30 From the descendants of Zebulun: All the men twenty years old or more who were able to serve in the army were listed by name, according to the records of their clans and families. 31 The number from the tribe of Zebulun was 57,400. 32 From the sons of Joseph: From the descendants of Ephraim: All the men twenty years old or more who were able to serve in the army were listed by name, according to the records of their clans and families. 33 The number from the tribe of Ephraim was 40,500. 34 From the descendants of Manasseh: All the men twenty years old or more who were able to serve in the army were listed by name, according to the records of their clans and families. 35 The number from the tribe of Manasseh was 32,200. 36 From the descendants of Benjamin: All the men twenty years old or more who were able to serve in the army were listed by name, according to the records of their clans and families. 37 The number from the tribe of Benjamin was 35,400. 38 From the descendants of Dan: All the men twenty years old or more who were able to serve in the army were listed by name, according to the records of their clans and families. 39 The number from the tribe of Dan was 62,700. 40 From the descendants of Asher: All the men twenty years old or more who were able to serve in the army were listed by name, according to the records of their clans and families. 41 The number from the tribe of Asher was 41,500. 42 From the descendants of Naphtali: All the men twenty years old or more who were able to serve in the army were listed by name, according to the records of their clans and families. 43 The number from the tribe of Naphtali was 53,400.44 These were the men counted by Moses and Aaron and the twelve leaders of Israel, each one representing his family. 45 All the Israelites twenty years old or more who were able to serve in Israel’s army were counted according to their families. 46 The total number was 603,550.

The first thing recorded here is obedience on the part of Moses and Aaron as they engaged the men identified by God to be involved in the census. As we go through the account of all of the men aged 20 or over who were listed tribe by tribe, we get an idea of the numbers involved – the total being 603,550. Note that the descendants of Joseph were split between descendants of Mannaseh and Ephraim, yet even together they did not match the total of the descendants from Judah at 74,600, the tribe from which Jesus was descended. The smallest number was from the tribe of Asher at 41,500. This is only a small part of the total people – not including women, children or the elderly. However, a significant number of people, in a position to defend themselves in any future conflicts.

Numbers 1:1-16. The Census

1 The Lord spoke to Moses in the tent of meeting in the Desert of Sinai on the first day of the second month of the second year after the Israelites came out of Egypt. He said: 2 “Take a census of the whole Israelite community by their clans and families, listing every man by name, one by one. 3 You and Aaron are to count according to their divisions all the men in Israel who are twenty years old or more and able to serve in the army. 4 One man from each tribe, each of them the head of his family, is to help you. 5 These are the names of the men who are to assist you: from Reuben, Elizur son of Shedeur; 6 from Simeon, Shelumiel son of Zurishaddai; 7 from Judah, Nahshon son of Amminadab; 8 from Issachar, Nethanel son of Zuar; 9 from Zebulun, Eliab son of Helon; 10 from the sons of Joseph: from Ephraim, Elishama son of Ammihud; from Manasseh, Gamaliel son of Pedahzur; 11 from Benjamin, Abidan son of Gideoni; 12 from Dan, Ahiezer son of Ammishaddai; 13 from Asher, Pagiel son of Okran; 14 from Gad, Eliasaph son of Deuel; 15 from Naphtali, Ahira son of Enan.” 16 These were the men appointed from the community, the leaders of their ancestral tribes. They were the heads of the clans of Israel.

As we begin to go through the book of Numbers, we will gain more knowledge about the Israelites and be exposed to all sorts of unfamiliar and familiar names and statistics! It is still worth the effort and the journey. We will still be able to glean something that we can apply to our own lives and/or knowledge as we go. There may be some skim reading. We will be able to say we have read this often overlooked book! There will be surprising accounts that we will now know are recorded here. The census recorded here is the first of two. It records all men of fighting age. Note that when God calls for a census, it is God’s will. The records kept all this time ago is of immense interest, giving us great insight into the people of the time. Those with an interest in genealogy will know how difficult it can be to find accurate records going back even two to three hundred years. Note also, every man was named. God would know everyone whether male or female, old or young by name. There was precision and planning involved here. Something that can be useful for us today.

Psalm 56

Read the Psalm. Think about what stands out for you. What main theme? What phrase/phrases? What can you take away with you? What can you apply to your own life?

1 Be merciful to me, my God, for my enemies are in hot pursuit; all day long they press their attack. 2 My adversaries pursue me all day long; in their pride many are attacking me. 3 When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. 4 In God, whose word I praise—in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me? 5 All day long they twist my words; all their schemes are for my ruin. 6 They conspire, they lurk, they watch my steps, hoping to take my life. 7 Because of their wickedness do not let them escape; in your anger, God, bring the nations down. 8 Record my misery; list my tears on your scroll—are they not in your record? 9 Then my enemies will turn back when I call for help. By this I will know that God is for me. 10 In God, whose word I praise, in the Lord, whose word I praise— 11 in God I trust and am not afraid. What can man do to me? 12 I am under vows to you, my God; I will present my thank offerings to you. 13 For you have delivered me from death and my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before God in the light of life.

First the Psamist presents the situation in which he finds himself – one of being under attack. Then he reminds himself of God’s care and mercy and what God has already done for him. I wonder how often any of us feel under attack – either literally or perceived? Either way, it is important to grasp the truth of God’s involvement with us in whatever we face and that we are never alone in it. Sometimes people may literally be out to make life difficult. We are equipped by God to deal with such situations. God does know exactly what we are dealing with on a daily basis, but more significantly he goes through them with us, and he will see us through.

Psalm 55

Read the Psalm. Think about what stands out for you. What main theme? What phrase/phrases? What can you take away with you? What can you apply to your own life?

1 Listen to my prayer, O God, do not ignore my plea; 2 hear me and answer me. My thoughts trouble me and I am distraught 3 because of what my enemy is saying, because of the threats of the wicked; for they bring down suffering on me and assail me in their anger. 4 My heart is in anguish within me; the terrors of death have fallen on me. 5 Fear and trembling have beset me; horror has overwhelmed me. 6 I said, “Oh, that I had the wings of a dove! I would fly away and be at rest. 7 I would flee far away and stay in the desert; 8 I would hurry to my place of shelter, far from the tempest and storm.” 9 Lord, confuse the wicked, confound their words, for I see violence and strife in the city. 10 Day and night they prowl about on its walls; malice and abuse are within it. 11 Destructive forces are at work in the city; threats and lies never leave its streets. 12 If an enemy were insulting me, I could endure it; if a foe were rising against me, I could hide. 13 But it is you, a man like myself, my companion, my close friend, 14 with whom I once enjoyed sweet fellowship at the house of God, as we walked about among the worshippers. 15 Let death take my enemies by surprise; let them go down alive to the realm of the dead, for evil finds lodging among them. 16 As for me, I call to God, and the Lord saves me. 17 Evening, morning and noon I cry out in distress, and he hears my voice. 18 He rescues me unharmed from the battle waged against me, even though many oppose me. 19 God, who is enthroned from of old, who does not change—he will hear them and humble them, because they have no fear of God. 20 My companion attacks his friends; he violates his covenant. 21 His talk is smooth as butter, yet war is in his heart; his words are more soothing than oil, yet they are drawn swords. 22 Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken. 23 But you, God, will bring down the wicked into the pit of decay; the bloodthirsty and deceitful will not live out half their days. But as for me, I trust in you.

This Psalm is one of many with ups and downs. It begins with distress and anguish, I wonder how many of us are able to fully express difficult times as here. It sounds like one of those times when it would be wonderful to be able to escape and get away altogether. There is a prayer for God to listen and for God to exercise justice on the wicked. There is an indication of betrayal. There are small indications of the acknowledgement of what God can do and does – the Lord saves, the Lord listens, he exercises judgement and justice. There is an appeal for all to, ‘22 Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.’ All we need to do is trust.

 Psalm 54

Read the Psalm. Think about what stands out for you. What main theme? What phrase/phrases? What can you take away with you? What can you apply to your own life?

1 Save me, O God, by your name; vindicate me by your might. 2 Hear my prayer, O God; listen to the words of my mouth. 3 Arrogant foes are attacking me; ruthless people are trying to kill me—people without regard for God. 4 Surely God is my help; the Lord is the one who sustains me. 5 Let evil recoil on those who slander me; in your faithfulness destroy them. 6 I will sacrifice a freewill offering to you; I will praise your name, Lord, for it is good. 7 You have delivered me from all my troubles, and my eyes have looked in triumph on my foes.

This is a short Psalm. A prayer for safety and protection. What I find interesting is the number of Psalms that seem to advocate a level of revenge. However, they are honest and honesty is something that God really values. He knows our thoughts, yet he loves it when we express them. Expressing how we feel and what we think is good for our wellbeing. The prayer is heartfelt and may all of us believe that God indeed hears our prayers, and listens to us.

Psalm 52

Read the Psalm. Think about what stands out for you. What main theme? What phrase/phrases? What can you take away with you? What can you apply to your own life?

1 Why do you boast of evil, you mighty hero? Why do you boast all day long, you who are a disgrace in the eyes of God? 2 You who practice deceit, your tongue plots destruction; it is like a sharpened razor. 3 You love evil rather than good, falsehood rather than speaking the truth. 4 You love every harmful word, you deceitful tongue! 5 Surely God will bring you down to everlasting ruin: He will snatch you up and pluck you from your tent; he will uproot you from the land of the living. 6 The righteous will see and fear; they will laugh at you, saying, 7 “Here now is the man who did not make God his stronghold but trusted in his great wealth and grew strong by destroying others!” 8 But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God; I trust in God’s unfailing love for ever and ever. 9 For what you have done I will always praise you in the presence of your faithful people. And I will hope in your name, for your name is good.

Like many Psalms, a Psalm of contrast. The contrast between those who are evil and those who are good and righteous. It does seem to be the case that those who deliberately do wrong revel in their misdemeanours as long as they are not found out. They cause so much harm and distress to those impacted by their behaviour. However, in the long run they will pay for their deeds. Conversely, good waits for those who honour God and seek to live according to his ways. None of us is perfect, but God is always there to guide us and steer us in the right direction, if we let him. It is about trust. The more we appreciate what God has done and is doing in our lives, the more we are likely to be successful in making God known to others.

 Psalm 51

Read the Psalm. Think about what stands out for you. What main theme? What phrase/phrases? What can you take away with you? What can you apply to your own life?

1 Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. 2 Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.3 For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. 4 Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight; so you are right in your verdict and justified when you judge. 5 Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me. 6 Yet you desired faithfulness even in the womb; you taught me wisdom in that secret place.7 Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. 8 Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice. 9 Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity. 10 Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. 11 Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. 12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. 13 Then I will teach transgressors your ways, so that sinners will turn back to you.14 Deliver me from the guilt of bloodshed, O God, you who are God my Saviour, and my tongue will sing of your righteousness. 15 Open my lips, Lord, and my mouth will declare your praise. 16 You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. 17 My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise.18 May it please you to prosper Zion, to build up the walls of Jerusalem. 19 Then you will delight in the sacrifices of the righteous, in burnt offerings offered whole; then bulls will be offered on your altar.

Psalm 51, one of the most well-known Psalms on the overall theme of confession and forgiveness. We can all use words from this Psalm in our own devotional times. Asking God for mercy, acknowledging his unfailing love and compassion, admitting our own shortcomings and sin. I do struggle with the concept of being sinful at birth, but of course sin has been passed down through the generations. In contrast is the idea of God being intimately involved with us from the time of conception (and even before!). The prayer of faith:

‘7 Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.’

10 Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me

15 Open my lips, Lord, and my mouth will declare your praise

Forgiveness is a wonderful thing. Seek to forgive others and yourself. Be prepared to receive forgiveness. Forgiveness frees and restores.

Psalm 49

Read the Psalm. Think about what stands out for you. What main theme? What phrase/phrases? What can you take away with you? What can you apply to your own life?

1 Hear this, all you peoples; listen, all who live in this world, 2 both low and high, rich and poor alike: 3 My mouth will speak words of wisdom; the meditation of my heart will give you understanding. 4 I will turn my ear to a proverb; with the harp I will expound my riddle:

5 Why should I fear when evil days come, when wicked deceivers surround me— 6 those who trust in their wealth and boast of their great riches? 7 No one can redeem the life of another or give to God a ransom for them— 8 the ransom for a life is costly, no payment is ever enough— 9 so that they should live on forever and not see decay. 10 For all can see that the wise die, that the foolish and the senseless also perish, leaving their wealth to others. 11 Their tombs will remain their houses forever, their dwellings for endless generations, though they had named lands after themselves.

12 People, despite their wealth, do not endure; they are like the beasts that perish.

13 This is the fate of those who trust in themselves, and of their followers, who approve their sayings. 14 They are like sheep and are destined to die; death will be their shepherd, but the upright will prevail over them in the morning. Their forms will decay in the grave, far from their princely mansions. 15 But God will redeem me from the realm of the dead; he will surely take me to himself. 16 Do not be overawed when others grow rich, when the splendour of their houses increases; 17 for they will take nothing with them when they die, their splendourwill not descend with them. 18 Though while they live they count themselves blessed—and people praise you when you prosper— 19 they will join those who have gone before them, who will never again see the light of life.

20 People who have wealth but lack understanding are like the beasts that perish.

The writer here explicitly addresses the Psalm to everyone who has ever lived, in the form of a proverb – which makes this Psalm so far unique. Why fear? ‘8 the ransom for a life is costly, no payment is ever enough…’ All die and leave their material possessions behind. We know that Jesus has victory over death, yet even the writer here knows and acknowledges his own redemption by God. God redeems, Jesus redeems, what does that indicate to you? ‘20 People who have wealth but lack understanding are like the beasts that perish.’ We know that we can take nothing material with us when we die, yet even here we see that God has something beyond death for those who fear him.

Psalm 47

Read the Psalm. Think about what stands out for you. What main theme? What phrase/phrases? What can you take away with you? What can you apply to your own life?

1 Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy. 2 For the Lord Most High is awesome, the great King over all the earth. 3 He subdued nations under us, peoples under our feet. 4 He chose our inheritance for us, the pride of Jacob, whom he loved. 5 God has ascended amid shouts of joy, the Lord amid the sounding of trumpets. 6 Sing praises to God, sing praises; sing praises to our King, sing praises. 7 For God is the King of all the earth; sing to him a psalm of praise. 8 God reigns over the nations; God is seated on his holy throne. 9 The nobles of the nations assemble as the people of the God of Abraham, for the kings of the earth belong to God; he is greatly exalted.

This Psalm immediately puts me in the mood for singing! It begins with praise for all that God has done. What can we thank God for today? Is this a day for you to feel joyful, or does the mood of this Psalm rankle on a day that is going to be difficult? If we can’t feel joyful, I hope that the words are uplifting or offer hope. If it’s a good day, then we can join in and take some of these words to use ourselves. Many of the Psalms give us wonderful phrases and words that we can use to help us in expressing ourselves to God or being reminded more about him. Sing praises! He reigns!

Psalm 46

Read the Psalm. Think about what stands out for you. What main theme? What phrase/phrases? What can you take away with you? What can you apply to your own life?

1 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, 3 though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. 4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. 5 God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day. 6 Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts. 7 The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. 8 Come and see what the Lord has done, the desolations he has brought on the earth. 9 He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth. He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the shields with fire.10 He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”11 The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.

One of the best-known Psalms, inspiring a popular and well-known hymn. The first verse on its own is an inspiration and gives words for us to hold on to when all else fails. It indicates that we have no need to fear, and I ask – what fears do you have? Perhaps now is the time to let go of at least one of them. The chorus Oceans also comes from this Psalm. Know that the Lord Almighty is indeed with us. Then those immortal words: ‘Be still and know that I am God.’ Hold on. Believe.

Psalm 45

Read the Psalm. Think about what stands out for you. What main theme? What phrase/phrases? What can you take away with you? What can you apply to your own life?

1 My heart is stirred by a noble theme as I recite my verses for the king; my tongue is the pen of a skillful writer. 2 You are the most excellent of men and your lips have been anointed with grace,
since God has blessed you forever. 3 Gird your sword on your side, you mighty one; clothe yourself with splendour and majesty. 4 In your majesty ride forth victoriously in the cause of truth, humility and justice; let your right hand achieve awesome deeds. 5 Let your sharp arrows pierce the hearts of the king’s enemies; let the nations fall beneath your feet. 6 Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever; a sceptre of justice will be the sceptre of your kingdom. 7 You love righteousness and hate wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy.8 All your robes are fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cassia; from palaces adorned with ivory the music of the strings makes you glad.
9 Daughters of kings are among your honoured women; at your right hand is the royal bride in gold of Ophir.10 Listen, daughter, and pay careful attention: Forget your people and your father’s house. 11 Let the king be enthralled by your beauty; honour him, for he is your lord. 12 The city of Tyre will come with a gift, people of wealth will seek your favour.13 All glorious is the princess within her chamber; her gown is interwoven with gold. 14 In embroidered garments she is led to the king; her virgin companions follow her— those brought to be with her.15 Led in with joy and gladness, they enter the palace of the king. 16 Your sons will take the place of your fathers; you will make them princes throughout the land. 17 I will perpetuate your memory through all generations; therefore the nations will praise you for ever and ever.

The first thing I thought of as I read this was a chorus that I know based on the beginning of the Psalm. Then the context of a marriage. This can be looked at in two ways – an actual marriage, or the marriage as depicted between Jesus and the church. Verses 6 and 7 are referred to in Hebrews 1:8-9. There is an element of the prophetic hear, but also an idea of being ready, an everlasting kingdom, and amazing images of what is to come.

Psalm 44

Read the Psalm. Think about what stands out for you. What main theme? What phrase/phrases? What can you take away with you? What can you apply to your own life?

1 We have heard it with our ears, O God; our ancestors have told us what you did in their days,
in days long ago. 2 With your hand you drove out the nations and planted our ancestors;
you crushed the peoples and made our ancestors flourish. 3 It was not by their sword that they won the land,nor did their arm bring them victory; it was your right hand, your arm, and the light of your face, for you loved them. 4 You are my King and my God, who decrees victories for Jacob. 5 Through you we push back our enemies; through your name we trample our foes. 6 I put no trust in my bow, my sword does not bring me victory; 7 but you give us victory over our enemies, you put our adversaries to shame. 8 In God we make our boast all day long, and we will praise your name forever. 9 But now you have rejected and humbled us; you no longer go out with our armies.
10 You made us retreat before the enemy, and our adversaries have plundered us. 11 You gave us up to be devoured like sheep and have scattered us among the nations. 12 You sold your people for a pittance, gaining nothing from their sale. 13 You have made us a reproach to our neighbours,
the scorn and derision of those around us. 14 You have made us a byword among the nations; the peoples shake their heads at us. 15 I live in disgrace all day long, and my face is covered with shame 16 at the taunts of those who reproach and revile me, because of the enemy, who is bent on revenge. 17 All this came upon us,though we had not forgotten you; we had not been false to your covenant. 18 Our hearts had not turned back;our feet had not strayed from your path. 19 But you crushed us and made us a haunt for jackals; you covered us over with deep darkness. 20 If we had forgotten the name of our God or spread out our hands to a foreign god, 21 would not God have discovered it, since he knows the secrets of the heart? 22 Yet for your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered. 23 Awake, Lord! Why do you sleep?Rouse yourself! Do not reject us forever. 24 Why do you hide your face and forget our misery and oppression?25 We are brought down to the dust; our bodies cling to the ground. 26 Rise up and help us; rescue us because of your unfailing love.

The Psalm begins with evidence that all that God has done was passed down through the generations, as God said should happen. It is because of that, we too know of God and his care for us. Sadly, this trend is lessening. Christians do need to talk about God and their faith as much as they are able to make sure people are aware of Jesus and have an opportunity to know him and respond to him. The Psalm moves from a joyful acknowledgement of all that God has done to an account of God effectively standing back in the face of the writer’s adversity – despite the claim that ‘17 All this came upon us, though we had not forgotten you; we had not been false to your covenant. 18 Our hearts had not turned back; our feet had not strayed from your path.’ I found this difficult but then realised that God does not intervene or engage because of anything that we do. He does act according to his unfailing love and according to his overall purpose and plan. The writer is understandably aggrieved, yet this is where faith and hope become fundamental. Holding on and believing in all circumstances.

Psalm 42

Read the Psalm. Think about what stands out for you. What main theme? What phrase/phrases? What can you take away with you? What can you apply to your own life?

1 As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. 2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God? 3 My tears have been my food day and night, while people say to me all day long, “Where is your God?” 4 These things I remember
as I pour out my soul: how I used to go to the house of God under the protection of the Mighty One with shouts of joy and praise among the festive throng. 5 Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me?Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Saviour and my God. 6 My soul is downcast within me;therefore I will remember you from the land of the Jordan, the heights of Hermon—from Mount Mizar. 7 Deep calls to deep in the roar of your waterfalls; all your waves and breakers have swept over me. 8 By day the Lord directs his love, at night his song is with me a prayer to the God of my life. 9 I say to God my Rock,“Why have you forgotten me?
Why must I go about mourning, oppressed by the enemy?” 10 My bones suffer mortal agony as my foes taunt me, saying to me all day long, “Where is your God?” 11 Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Saviour and my God.

I find myself singing the well known chorus as I read the beginning of this Psalm. I am struck firstly by the longing for God. Have you ever wondered ‘When can I go and meet with God?”. I do believe that God is everywhere, which is good for those who cannot get out. However, many of us do have that special place we go to intentionally when we want some specific time alone with God. Something to think about. Amid expression of anguish, the Psalm still has ‘put your hope in God’. It is still possible in torment or anguish to acknowledge a need of God. It mays sometimes feel as if God has forgotten us, but he never does. However we feel, God is there for us.

Psalm 41

Read the Psalm. Think about what stands out for you. What main theme? What phrase/phrases? What can you take away with you? What can you apply to your own life?

1 Blessed are those who have regard for the weak; the Lord delivers them in times of trouble.
2 The Lord protects and preserves them— they are counted among the blessed in the land—
he does not give them over to the desire of their foes. 3 The Lord sustains them on their sickbed
and restores them from their bed of illness. 4 I said, “Have mercy on me, Lord; heal me, for I have sinned against you.” 5 My enemies say of me in malice, “When will he die and his name perish?”
6 When one of them comes to see me, he speaks falsely, while his heart gathers slander; then he goes out and spreads it around. 7 All my enemies whisper together against me; they imagine the worst for me, saying, 8 “A vile disease has afflicted him; he will never get up from the place where he lies.” 9 Even my close friend,someone I trusted, one who shared my bread, has turned against me. 10 But may you have mercy on me, Lord; raise me up, that I may repay them. 11 I know that you are pleased with me, for my enemy does not triumph over me. 12 Because of my integrity you uphold me and set me in your presence forever. 13 Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Amen and Amen.

The Psalm begins and ends positively, with a fairly aggressive tone in the middle. It starts well with a take away, 1 Blessed are those who have regard for the weak; the Lord delivers them in times of trouble.’ Then moving into talk of mercy and sin and enemies. There is even an element of paranoia as the writer imagines all sorts going on. How many of us have perhaps unhelpfully lived with a feeling that everything and everyone is against us, while the rest of those around us are just getting on with their lives? Nothing worse either than when a close friend turns against you. Then the turn around comes. In all circumstances, God is still there, we can still come to him. We can be honest with him and still be thankful for all he has done.

 Psalm 40

Read the Psalm. Think about what stands out for you. What main theme? What phrase/phrases? What can you take away with you? What can you apply to your own life?

1 I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. 2 He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. 3 He put a new song in my mouth,a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in him. 4 Blessed is the onewho trusts in the Lord, who does not look to the proud, to those who turn aside to false gods. 5 Many, Lord my God, are the wonders you have done, the things you planned for us. None can compare with you; were I to speak and tell of your deeds,
they would be too many to declare. 6 Sacrifice and offering you did not desire— but my ears you have opened— burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not require. 7 Then I said, “Here I am, I have come— it is written about me in the scroll. 8 I desire to do your will, my God; your law is within my heart.” 9 I proclaim your saving acts in the great assembly; I do not seal my lips, Lord,
as you know. 10 I do not hide your righteousness in my heart; I speak of your faithfulness and your saving help.I do not conceal your love and your faithfulness from the great assembly. 11 Do not withhold your mercy from me, Lord; may your love and faithfulness always protect me. 12 For troubles without number surround me; my sins have overtaken me, and I cannot see. They are more than the hairs of my head, and my heart fails within me. 13 Be pleased to save me, Lord;
come quickly, Lord, to help me. 14 May all who want to take my life be put to shame and confusion;
may all who desire my ruin be turned back in disgrace. 15 May those who say to me, “Aha! Aha!”
be appalled at their own shame. 16 But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who long for your saving help always say, “The Lord is great!” 17 But as for me, I am poor and needy; may the Lord think of me. You are my help and my deliverer; you are my God, do not delay.

I love this Psalm and I have the recording of a song based on this Psalm. How reassuring it is to know that God not only hears us, but also looks out for us – he is proactive in his care for us. He lifts us up, he protects us, he gives security – plenty of causes to give thanks. The key is to believe, to seek and to trust. Can we echo the words: ‘ 8 I desire to do your will, my God; your law is within my heart.”’ This Psalm speaks of faith and a willingness to acknowledge and share all that God has done. There is the familiar switching between anguish and praise – which is a real part of life for all of us.

 Psalm 39

Read the Psalm. Think about what stands out for you. What main theme? What phrase/phrases? What can you take away with you? What can you apply to your own life?

1 I said, “I will watch my ways and keep my tongue from sin; I will put a muzzle on my mouth
while in the presence of the wicked.” 2 So I remained utterly silent, not even saying anything good.
But my anguish increased; 3 my heart grew hot within me. While I meditated, the fire burned; then I spoke with my tongue: 4 “Show me, Lord, my life’s end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting my life is.5 You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Everyone is but a breath, even those who seem secure. 6 “Surely everyone goes around like a mere phantom; in vain they rush about, heaping up wealth without knowing whose it will finally be. 7 “But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you. 8 Save me from all my transgressions; do not make me the scorn of fools. 9 I was silent; I would not open my mouth,
for you are the one who has done this. 10 Remove your scourge from me; I am overcome by the blow of your hand. 11 When you rebuke and discipline anyone for their sin, you consume their wealth like a moth— surely everyone is but a breath. 12 “Hear my prayer, Lord, listen to my cry for help; do not be deaf to my weeping. I dwell with you as a foreigner, a stranger, as all my ancestors were. 13 Look away from me, that I may enjoy life again before I depart and am no more.”

Psalm 39 begins with being mindful of what one says, then moves on to a sense of ‘what is the point of life?’ It made me think of Ecclesiastes 3, with its well know words about everything being meaningless. Perhaps we all feel like that sometimes – what is the point? Yes, in the context of eternity, our lives are indeed ‘but a breath’. However, as long as we are here there is meaning, and there is purpose. It is not always easy to know what to say and what to do. We do make wrong choices sometimes. The writer appealed to God despite his feelings of despair. This Psalm was not written at a time of joy. However, the writer still expresses hope.

Psalm 38

Read the Psalm. Think about what stands out for you. What main theme? What phrase/phrases? What can you take away with you? What can you apply to your own life?

1 Lord, do not rebuke me in your anger or discipline me in your wrath. 2 Your arrows have pierced me, and your hand has come down on me. 3 Because of your wrath there is no health in my body; there is no soundness in my bones because of my sin. 4 My guilt has overwhelmed me
like a burden too heavy to bear. 5 My wounds fester and are loathsome because of my sinful folly.
6 I am bowed down and brought very low; all day long I go about mourning. 7 My back is filled with searing pain; there is no health in my body. 8 I am feeble and utterly crushed; I groan in anguish of heart. 9 All my longings lie open before you, Lord; my sighing is not hidden from you. 10 My heart pounds, my strength fails me; even the light has gone from my eyes. 11 My friends and companions avoid me because of my wounds; my neighbours stay far away. 12 Those who want to kill me set their traps, those who would harm me talk of my ruin; all day long they scheme and lie.

13 I am like the deaf, who cannot hear, like the mute, who cannot speak; 14 I have become like one who does not hear, whose mouth can offer no reply. 15 Lord, I wait for you; you will answer, Lord my God. 16 For I said, “Do not let them gloat or exalt themselves over me when my feet slip.” 17 For I am about to fall, and my pain is ever with me. 18 I confess my iniquity; I am troubled by my sin.
19 Many have become my enemies without cause; those who hate me without reason are numerous. 20 Those who repay my good with evil lodge accusations against me, though I seek only to do what is good. 21 Lord, do not forsake me; do not be far from me, my God. 22 Come quickly to help me, my Lord and my Saviour.

For me this Psalm splits into three. First, the state of the sinner, freely expressed with detailed description. Yet the sinner still comes to God. He is expressing remorse and very much feeling the consequences of his sin. Then the involvement of others. How they react and engage with him. Do we always know how to engage and interact with someone who finds themselves in some form of disgrace? Finally the turnaround, the seeking of God, the request for restoration. The writer still came to God in their anguish and despair. They opened themselves up to God. This is a great example to us for those times of remorse. God waits for us. He hears us.

Psalm 38

Read the Psalm. Think about what stands out for you. What main theme? What phrase/phrases? What can you take away with you? What can you apply to your own life?

1 Lord, do not rebuke me in your anger or discipline me in your wrath. 2 Your arrows have pierced me, and your hand has come down on me. 3 Because of your wrath there is no health in my body; there is no soundness in my bones because of my sin. 4 My guilt has overwhelmed me
like a burden too heavy to bear. 5 My wounds fester and are loathsome because of my sinful folly.
6 I am bowed down and brought very low; all day long I go about mourning. 7 My back is filled with searing pain; there is no health in my body. 8 I am feeble and utterly crushed; I groan in anguish of heart. 9 All my longings lie open before you, Lord; my sighing is not hidden from you. 10 My heart pounds, my strength fails me; even the light has gone from my eyes. 11 My friends and companions avoid me because of my wounds; my neighbours stay far away. 12 Those who want to kill me set their traps, those who would harm me talk of my ruin; all day long they scheme and lie.

13 I am like the deaf, who cannot hear, like the mute, who cannot speak; 14 I have become like one who does not hear, whose mouth can offer no reply. 15 Lord, I wait for you; you will answer, Lord my God. 16 For I said, “Do not let them gloat or exalt themselves over me when my feet slip.” 17 For I am about to fall, and my pain is ever with me. 18 I confess my iniquity; I am troubled by my sin.
19 Many have become my enemies without cause; those who hate me without reason are numerous. 20 Those who repay my good with evil lodge accusations against me, though I seek only to do what is good. 21 Lord, do not forsake me; do not be far from me, my God. 22 Come quickly to help me, my Lord and my Saviour.

For me this Psalm splits into three. First, the state of the sinner, freely expressed with detailed description. Yet the sinner still comes to God. He is expressing remorse and very much feeling the consequences of his sin. Then the involvement of others. How they react and engage with him. Do we always know how to engage and interact with someone who finds themselves in some form of disgrace? Finally the turnaround, the seeking of God, the request for restoration. The writer still came to God in their anguish and despair. They opened themselves up to God. This is a great example to us for those times of remorse. God waits for us. He hears us.

 Psalm 37

Read the Psalm. Think about what stands out for you. What main theme? What phrase/phrases? What can you take away with you? What can you apply to your own life?

1 Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong;2 for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away. 3 Trust in the Lord and do good;
dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. 4 Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. 5 Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: 6 He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun. 7 Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.8 Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil. 9 For those who are evil will be destroyed, but those who hope in the Lord will inherit the land.

10 A little while, and the wicked will be no more; though you look for them, they will not be found. 11 But the meek will inherit the land and enjoy peace and prosperity. 12 The wicked plot against the righteous and gnash their teeth at them; 13 but the Lord laughs at the wicked, for he knows their day is coming. 14 The wicked draw the sword and bend the bow to bring down the poor and needy,
to slay those whose ways are upright. 15 But their swords will pierce their own hearts, and their bows will be broken. 16 Better the little that the righteous have than the wealth of many wicked;
17 for the power of the wicked will be broken, but the Lord upholds the righteous. 18 The blameless spend their days under the Lord’s care, and their inheritance will endure forever. 19 In times of disaster they will not wither;in days of famine they will enjoy plenty. 20 But the wicked will perish:
Though the Lord’s enemies are like the flowers of the field, they will be consumed, they will go up in smoke.21 The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous give generously; 22 those the Lord blesses will inherit the land, but those he curses will be destroyed. 23 The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; 24 though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand. 25 I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread. 26 They are always generous and lend freely; their children will be a blessing. 27 Turn from evil and do good; then you will dwell in the land forever. 28 For the Lord loves the just and will not forsake his faithful ones. Wrongdoers will be completely destroyed ;the offspring of the wicked will perish. 29 The righteous will inherit the land
and dwell in it forever. 30 The mouths of the righteous utter wisdom, and their tongues speak what is just.31 The law of their God is in their hearts; their feet do not slip. 32 The wicked lie in wait for the righteous, intent on putting them to death; 33 but the Lord will not leave them in the power of the wicked or let them be condemned when brought to trial. 34 Hope in the Lord and keep his way.
He will exalt you to inherit the land; when the wicked are destroyed, you will see it. 35 I have seen a wicked and ruthless man flourishing like a luxuriant native tree, 36 but he soon passed away and was no more; though I looked for him, he could not be found.37 Consider the blameless, observe the upright; a future awaits those who seek peace. 38 But all sinners will be destroyed; there will be no future for the wicked. 39 The salvation of the righteous comes from the Lord; he is their stronghold in time of trouble. 40 The Lord helps them and delivers them; he delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they take refuge in him.

Don’t worry about what others are up to, take care of your own actions. ‘. 3 Trust in the Lord and do good’ There is much good advice in these verses. Good overcomes evil. There are consequences for those who choose to go against God’s ways. Let God’s word in this Psalm speak to you as and where you are. Are you concerned that those who are evil seem to be getting away with it? This tells us that they are not and will not. Are you trusting in God for all aspects of your life? God is with you, he will lead you, guide you, protect you, and show you the way forward as you trust him and take refuge in him.

 Psalm 36

Read the Psalm. Think about what stands out for you. What main theme? What phrase/phrases? What can you take away with you? What can you apply to your own life?

1 I have a message from God in my heart concerning the sinfulness of the wicked: There is no fear of Godbefore their eyes. 2 In their own eyes they flatter themselves too much to detect or hate their sin. 3 The words of their mouths are wicked and deceitful; they fail to act wisely or do good.
4 Even on their beds they plot evil; they commit themselves to a sinful course and do not reject what is wrong.5 Your love, Lord, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies.
6 Your righteousness is like the highest mountains, your justice like the great deep. You, Lord, preserve both people and animals. 7 How priceless is your unfailing love, O God! People take refuge in the shadow of your wings. 8 They feast on the abundance of your house; you give them drink from your river of delights. 9 For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light.

10 Continue your love to those who know you, your righteousness to the upright in heart.
11 May the foot of the proud not come against me, nor the hand of the wicked drive me away.
12 See how the evildoers lie fallen— thrown down, not able to rise!

Today we read about why so many do not see their need of God. They just can’t see it. Despite that, God is still ever loving and faithful and just. Those who do know God have a completely different appreciation of life and all that it offers. I find this Psalm ends rather abruptly, as if something is missing. However, the evildoers do not fare well. The victory of God is reflected. Are we too open to messages from God? Know his love and his faithfulness and love.

Psalm 35

Read the Psalm. Think about what stands out for you. What main theme? What phrase/phrases? What can you take away with you? What can you apply to your own life?

1 Contend, Lord, with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me.
2 Take up shield and armour; arise and come to my aid. 3 Brandish spear and javelin against those who pursue me. Say to me, “I am your salvation.” 4 May those who seek my life be disgraced and put to shame; may those who plot my ruin be turned back in dismay. 5 May they be like chaff before the wind, with the angel of the Lord driving them away; 6 may their path be dark and slippery, with the angel of the Lord pursuing them.7 Since they hid their net for me without cause and without cause dug a pit for me, 8 may ruin overtake them by surprise— may the net they hid entangle them, may they fall into the pit, to their ruin. 9 Then my soul will rejoice in the Lord and delight in his salvation.
10 My whole being will exclaim, “Who is like you, Lord? You rescue the poor from those too strong for them,the poor and needy from those who rob them.” 11 Ruthless witnesses come forward; they question me on things I know nothing about. 12 They repay me evil for good and leave me like one bereaved. 13 Yet when they were ill, I put on sackcloth and humbled myself with fasting. When my prayers returned to me unanswered, 14 I went about mourning as though for my friend or brother. I bowed my head in grief as though weeping for my mother. 15 But when I stumbled, they gathered in glee; assailants gathered against me without my knowledge.They slandered me without ceasing. 16 Like the ungodly they maliciously mocked; they gnashed their teeth at me. 17 How long, Lord, will you look on? Rescue me from their ravages, my precious life from these lions. 18 I will give you thanks in the great assembly; among the throngs I will praise you. 19 Do not let those gloat over me who are my enemies without cause; do not let those who hate me without reason maliciously wink the eye.20 They do not speak peaceably, but devise false accusation against those who live quietly in the land. 21 They sneer at me and say, “Aha! Aha! With our own eyes we have seen it.” 22 Lord, you have seen this; do not be silent. Do not be far from me, Lord. 23 Awake, and rise to my defence! Contend for me, my God and Lord.24 Vindicate me in your righteousness, Lord my God; do not let them gloat over me. 25 Do not let them think, “Aha, just what we wanted!” or say, “We have swallowed him up.” 26 May all who gloat over my distress be put to shame and confusion; may all who exalt themselves over me be clothed with shame and disgrace. 27 May those who delight in my vindication shout for joy and gladness;
may they always say, “The Lord be exalted, who delights in the well-being of his servant.”

28 My tongue will proclaim your righteousness, your praises all day long.

The sense I get from this Psalm overall is an appeal for justice. The writer uses very strong images throughout. There is a sense for a desire for revenge, yet also for peace, ending with a turnaround to praise. A number of Psalms call for justice and rescue from foes. The writer knows that God is with him, that he does not fight alone. He comes to God is his plight, and pours out his anguish. Perhaps we too sometimes ask in times of difficulty ‘17 How long, Lord, will you look on?’. There is no mincing of words, but there is a lot of openness of expression. Coming to God and giving him the detail of life. God is interested in the detail of our lives too. Can we come to him like the Psalmist and empty ourselves, and still offer him praise?

 Psalm 34

Read the Psalm. Think about what stands out for you. What main theme? What phrase/phrases? What can you take away with you? What can you apply to your own life?

1 I will extol the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips. 2 I will glory in the Lord; let the afflicted hear and rejoice. 3 Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt his name together 4 I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. 5 Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame. 6 This poor man called, and the Lord heard him;
he saved him out of all his troubles. 7 The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him,
and he delivers them. 8 Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him. 9 Fear the Lord, you his holy people, for those who fear him lack nothing. 10 The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing. 11 Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord. 12 Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days, 13 keep your tongue from evil and your lips from telling lies. 14 Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it. 15 The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are attentive to their cry; 16 but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil,to blot out their name from the earth. 17 The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. 18 The Lord is close to the broken hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. 19 The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all;
20 he protects all his bones, not one of them will be broken. 21 Evil will slay the wicked; the foes of the righteous will be condemned. 22 The Lord will rescue his servants; no one who takes refuge in him will be condemned.

This Psalm continues with an encouragement to praise God and worship. Wherever we are, whatever we are doing, whatever is happening in our lives, under it all it is good to take God consciously with us and seek to praise him – just being in his presence is a form of worship. It is so important in today’s world to be able to know God’s presence with us, whether it is felt or not, it is there. ‘8 Taste and see that the Lord is good;blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.’ However, our walk with God is not passive, it is proactive. We taste, we choose to revere God, we come to him, we seek him, we listen to him. We are called to turn from the evil in this world, to be open to change our own behaviours. Know God is close to us in all that we do.

 Psalm 33

Read the Psalm. Think about what stands out for you. What main theme? What phrase/phrases? What can you take away with you? What can you apply to your own life?

1 Sing joyfully to the Lord, you righteous; it is fitting for the upright to praise him. 2 Praise the Lord with the harp; make music to him on the ten-stringed lyre. 3 Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy.4 For the word of the Lord is right and true; he is faithful in all he does.
5 The Lord loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of his unfailing love. 6 By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth. 7 He gathers the waters of the sea into jarshe puts the deep into storehouses. 8 Let all the earth fear the Lord; let all the people of the world revere him.9 For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm. 10 The Lord foils the plans of the nations;he thwarts the purposes of the peoples.
11 But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.

12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord the people he chose for his inheritance. 13 From heaven the Lord looks down and sees all mankind; 14 from his dwelling place he watches all who live on earth— 15 he who forms the hearts of all, who considers everything they do. 16 No king is saved by the size of his army; no warrior escapes by his great strength. 17 A horse is a vain hope for deliverance; despite all its great strength it cannot save. 18 But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love, 19 to deliver them from death
and keep them alive in famine. 20 We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield. 21 In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. 22 May your unfailing love be with us, Lord,
even as we put our hope in you.

I’m surprised how little I have heard this Psalm read in church over the years. It is amazing. It not only says how important it is for us to praise God, but it also gives good reasons for doing so. It makes it very clear that whatever we plan as human beings – both individually, corporately and nationally and internationally, if they don’t fit in with God’s overall plan they will be thwarted. If God wants something, he can do it and he does do it, but not always in the way that we would like. His word is true, he is faithful, his love is unfailing. That’s just part of it. Wow! Perhaps we should read this psalm more often, and take it on board. It is packed with hope and love and wisdom.

 Psalm 32

Read the Psalm. Think about what stands out for you. What main theme? What phrase/phrases? What can you take away with you? What can you apply to your own life?

1 Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered.
2 Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord does not count against them and in whose spirit is no deceit. 3 When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. 4 For day and night your hand was heavy on me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer. 5 Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.” And you forgave the guilt of my sin. 6 Therefore let all the faithful pray to you while you may be found; surely the rising of the mighty waterswill not reach them. 7 You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. 8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you. 9 Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to you. 10 Many are the woes of the wicked, but the Lord’s unfailing love surrounds the one who trusts in him. 11 Rejoice in the Lord and be glad, you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart!

I know a chorus that is based on the words of this Psalm, and I love the words. We are blessed. We are forgiven. If God can overlook our sin and not count it against us, I wonder whether we are able to do the same? It is so important, because an ability to do this frees us, and gives us that very freedom for which Christ died. Letting go. Moving on. Not just from sin, but from anything that holds us back and entangles us. Perhaps a type of loss. A lack of forgiveness for others or ourselves. We are blessed to be a blessing. There is admission and a need to receive from God. A need for prayer. God protects, he saves. God says, ‘8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.’ The Psalmist speaks of God’s unfailing love. Can we thank God for something today?

 Psalm 31

1 In you, Lord, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; deliver me in your righteousness. 2 Turn your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me. 3 Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me. 4 Keep me free from the trap that is set for me, for you are my refuge. 5 Into your hands I commit my spirit; deliver me, Lord, my faithful God. 6 I hate those who cling to worthless idols; as for me, I trust in the Lord. 7 I will be glad and rejoice in your love, for you saw my affliction and knew the anguish of my soul. 8 You have not given me into the hands of the enemy but have set my feet in a spacious place. 9 Be merciful to me, Lord, for I am in distress; my eyes grow weak with sorrow, my soul and body with grief. 10 My life is consumed by anguish and my years by groaning; my strength fails because of my affliction, and my bones grow weak. 11 Because of all my enemies, I am the utter contempt of my neighbours and an object of dread to my closest friends— those who see me on the street flee from me. 12 I am forgotten as though I were dead; I have become like broken pottery. 13 For I hear many whispering, “Terror on every side!” They conspire against me and plot to take my life. 14 But I trust in you, Lord; I say, “You are my God.” 15 My times are in your hands; deliver me from the hands of my enemies,from those who pursue me. 16 Let your face shine on your servant; save me in your unfailing love. 17 Let me not be put to shame, Lord, for I have cried out to you; but let the wicked be put to shame and be silent in the realm of the dead. 18 Let their lying lips be silenced, for with pride and contempt they speak arrogantly against the righteous. 19 How abundant are the good things that you have stored up for those who fear you, that you bestow in the sight of all, on those who take refuge in you.
20 In the shelter of your presence you hide them from all human intrigues; you keep them safe in your dwellingfrom accusing tongues. 21 Praise be to the Lord, for he showed me the wonders of his love when I was in a city under siege. 22 In my alarm I said, “I am cut off from your sight!” Yet you heard my cry for mercy when I called to you for help. 23 Love the Lord, all his faithful people! The Lord preserves those who are true to him,but the proud he pays back in full 24 Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.

As we go through some Psalms over the next month, a different approach. Read the Psalm. Think about what stands out for you. What main theme? What phrase/phrases? What can you take away with you? What can you apply to your own life?

I find most Psalms wax and wane, switch between levels of calm and emotions. This is no exception with talk of refuge and deliverance along with talk of hate and affliction! The writer appeals to God while at the same time expressing distress and contempt. I love verse 3: ‘3 Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me.’ I am struck by words in verse 5: ‘5 Into your hands I commit my spirit.’ The writer doesn’t mince his words. He is open and speaks freely.

In almost the same breath he speaks of trust and then conspiracy. There are so many different ideas and expressions in this one Psalm. The lovely verse 16:’ 16 Let your face shine on your servant; save me in your unfailing love. Perhaps something to learn from this, God will listen to your honest ramblings. ‘24 Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.’