This week ends with a beautiful psalm that speaks to God’s goodness and what our life should look like when we are made whole in Christ. Throughout these psalms, we see God remind the people of Israel of how many times He has saved them. Let us not forget what the Lord has done for us!
Monday, June 29 – Psalm 78
Key Points:
- This is the longest historical psalm
- It is meant to teach us that history should not repeat itself – how quickly we forget!
- “Can God prepare a table in the wilderness?” – They deliberately put God to the test. He doesn’t promise to give us the finest foods, but He does promise to meet our needs.
- In spite of this, God STILL gave them the bread that angels eat.
- God gave them their desire, but it turned out poorly because their desire for rich food was rooted in selfishness not God’s will.
- Verses 40-55 recount the seven plagues God sent to Egypt.
Today’s Takeaways:
- What are some ways you can remember what God has done?
Tuesday, June 30 – Psalm 79
Key Points:
- “How long O Lord” – Aspah is asking this question in the midst of battle with Jerusalem and Judah.
- Over the course of this psalm, Aspah asks God for rescue from their enemies, for repentance of past sin and it ends with a vow to give thanks.
Today’s Takeaways:
- Aspah asks the question that we all want to ask in the middle of suffering – “HOW LONG?” We can ask God these questions. And we can follow Aspah’s example of turning toward God, not away.
Wednesday, July 1 – Psalm 80
Key Points:
- The phrase “Restore us, O God” is repeated three times. It is a plea for God to change their hearts, not just their situation.
Today’s Takeaways:
- How often do you ask God to change your situation instead of changing your perspective? God wants to use our circumstances to make us look more like Him – full of love and joy and compassion regardless of the situation.
- God is referred to as the “Shepherd of Israel” – when you think about a shepherd, what comes to mind?
Thursday, July 2 – Psalm 81
Key Points:
- It is good and right for us to sing music to God!
- God says He “removed the burden from their shoulders” – He is recounting how he delivered Israel in spite of their sin.
- He gave them over to their own desires. God giving us what we want is not a good thing. We should pray and ask God to align our desires with His desires.
Today’s Takeaways:
- Our lives follow the path of the Israelites. We pray to God to deliver us or provide for us, but then we keep on sinning. In this psalm, God says “with honey from the rock I would satisfy you.”
Friday, July 3 – Psalm 82
Key Points:
- The reference to “gods” in this psalm is likely toward human judges on earth. This is a warning and condemnation that they should not use their power to defend wicked people.
- INSTEAD, God instructs the judges of the earth to DEFEND the weak and poor. This is so upside down in our human minds. God is asking the most powerful people on earth to defend the weak, not gain more power.
- Even powerful people on earth will die just like everyone else.
Today’s Takeaways:
- How can you look out for the “weak and needy” around you?
Saturday, July 4 – Psalm 83
Key Points:
- In the middle of war, Aspah is asking God for help against his enemies. Both the literal enemies of Israel and enemies against God.
- Aspah prayed for specific outcomes for his enemies(verses 13-18).
Today’s Takeaways:
- The first verse of this psalm asks God not to remain silent. We can get frustrated when we don’t hear God in a clear way, but He is always there. What are some ways you can listen to God?
Sunday, July 5 – Psalm 84
Key Points:
- “How lovely is your tabernacle” – It is clear that the author of this psalm loved the house of God. Whether it was an actual tabernacle or a tent.
- This psalm is meant to be an encouragement for us as believers in Christ.
Today’s Takeaways:
- In this time of not being able to have church, these verses feel even more relevant. The author says his soul “even faints” when he cannot worship in God’s house and with God’s people.
- “Teach me your way, Lord, that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart.” – What does it mean to have a divided heart?
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