As I studied again the first four psalms, it seemed that they address all aspects of life — personally (our walk), inter-/nationally (the world’s reactions to God’s ways), family struggles and lastly, how the faith of those justified provide safety and joy.
Psalm 1 shows God’s favor to the counter-culture Christian whose life isn’t immersed in compromise but walks, stands up and relaxes in the truth of God’s Word — not the world’s imitation. That person can rest secure and be guaranteed God’s blessing. “For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous but the way of the wicked will perish.”
Psalm 2 demonstrates the response of people and nations who don’t belong to the Lord. They are enemies of God and his children. Don’t we see that today in our world and country? Natural man and rulers desire the fall and destruction of God’s people whose standards are quite different — who stand up for life, justice, truth from God’s Word. “Blessed are all who take refuge in him.”
To understand Psalm 3, we need to remember that Jesus said our enemies will be members of our own family! David’s son, Absalom, is pursuing him to kill him and take over the kingship. Confidently, David knows the Lord was with him (v. 4), would protect him (v. 3), sustain and give him peace (v. 5) and would fight against his enemies (v. 7). “From the Lord comes deliverance.”
Notice in Psalm 4 how David relies on and relaxes in the character of God. To whom or what do we turn when life tries to choke us, throws us terrifying realities like pandemics, loss of income, cultural unrest, wayward children? David is pursuing God’s mercy and help in his time of need reminding God of his call on his life and his subsequent obedience. In faith and assurance, David declares that joy and peace are his “for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.”
May we “in all our ways know God” personally, inter-/nationally, in the family dynamic in our total faith-walk.
Help us, dear Lord, to live by faith not fear.
Sherry VanHuisen
