You can imaginemy joy and relief when I eventually learned that if we confess our sins,God forgives us and purifies us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).
- P53
Guilt is something every believer struggles with at some point in theirjourney. Most of the time, it is related to a specific sin, in which casewe can freely confess to God and ask to be cleansed. - P53
But sometimes,guilt hangs over us, vague and ominous. It causes us to franticallyscrutinize our lives, desperate to keep our slate clean. - P53
But this self-absorbed guilt is a trapthat
keeps you focused on whatyou are do-ing wrong so that you forget the One who has already paid for yourwrongdoings. - P53
The psalmists teach us the way out of the quicksand ofguilt: when your sins overwhelm you, don‘t look inward; look to theGod who saves you. Let your focus shift from yoursins toHis mercy. - P53
[NIV] 1 Blessed are those who have regard for the weak;the LORD delivers them in times of trouble.
[NLT] 1 Oh, the joys of those who are kind to the poor! The LORD rescues them whenthey are in trouble. - P54
10 But may you have mercy on me, LORD; raise me up,
that I may repay them.
10 LORD, have mercy on me. Make me well again, so I can pay them back!
- P55
11 I know that you are pleased with me, for my enemydoes not triumph over me.
11 I know you are pleased with me, for you have not let my enemies triumph over me.
- P55
12 Because of my integrity you uphold me and set mein your presence forever.
12 You have preserved my life because I am innocent; you have brought me intoyour presence forever.
- P55
13 Praise be to the LORD, the God of Israel, from ever-lasting to everlasting. Amen and Amen.
13 Praise the LORD, the God of Israel, who lives from everlasting to everlasting. Amenand amen! - P55
Blessed are those who care about the weak; the Lord protects and preservesthem. - P55
The psalmist asked the Lord for mercy, for his enemies slander him andeven his close friend has turned against him. - P55
The psalmist knows that the Lordis pleased with him because his enemy does not triumph over him. Becauseof his integrity, the Lord upholds him. - P55
David speaks of the favor, provision, and protection that the righteousenjoy from the Lord. He goes on to confess his sins to God and ask forHis mercy, implying that humility and confession are closely relatedto salvation and blessing. - P56
This might come as a surprise to many of uswho think that God is most pleased by our spiritual discipline, fruitfulministry, and zealous evangelism. - P56
These are all valuable things thatwe should earnestly pursue, but the root of blessedness is much moresimple. - P56
It comes with a sober recognition of our sin and our need forGod‘s saving grace. - P56
Everything in the Christian life should flow fromthis posture of humility. - P56
David‘s complaints against his enemies culminate in a description ofbetrayal: a close friend with whom David shared his bread has nowturned against him. - P56
If this verse sounds strangely familiar, it is becauseit is a prophetic revelation of Judas Iscariot, who ate from the samebowl as Jesus and then, that very same night, handed Him over to Hisexecutioners (Matt. 26). - P56
Betrayal is one of the most painful things aperson can experience, and the Son of God endured it for our sake.
- P56
But just as God upheld David and did not let his enemies triumph, Helifted up His Son and gave Him victory over the Enemy. - P56
And thoughwe may also experience painful seasons in our relationships, that victoryis also ours. - P56
Dear God, You have called me to live faithfully before You in this sinful world.
- P57
Help me to maintain a humble spirit of repentance and patience in the faceof my trials and enemies. In Jesus‘ name, amen. - P57
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