Dwell in the Word

Psalm 13 portrays David's desperate cry to God amid difficult circumstances. Feeling forgotten and abandoned, he questions the delay of God's help. Yet, David's faith prevails, acknowledging God's steadfast love and past blessings. As we face uncertainties, we can find solace in this psalm, knowing that God's love endures. Rejoicing in our salvation through Christ, we sing praises, trusting that God is working all things together for our good and His glory.

Psalm 12 reveals the psalmist's distress over a world filled with deceit and lies. David seeks rescue from Yahweh, longing for the godly to prevail. He laments the prevalence of flattering lips and deception, praying for God to stop the wicked. God's response assures safety for the oppressed, for His words are pure and trustworthy. Though vileness surrounds, we must seek God's pure word to be safeguarded from the world's deception and remain faithful to Him.

Psalm 11, attributed to David, portrays his trust in God amidst turmoil. Advised to flee by his advisors, David declares that the Lord is his refuge, questioning why he should run. As king, he faces real threats. He ponders what the righteous can do if the foundations are destroyed, affirming that God sees all. The people's response to the test is crucial. David prays for divine judgment on the wicked, believing in God's righteousness and rewards for the upright. Through Jesus, we find refuge and righteousness, secure in His salvation. Let us seek Him and trust in His promises.

Psalm 10 raises the question of why God seems distant and hidden during difficult times. The psalmist observes the wicked prospering while disregarding God's existence and oppressing the helpless. Although the psalmist believes in God's eventual judgment, it seems distant and unrelated to earthly prosperity. The psalmist prays for God to arise, bring justice, and rescue the afflicted. The psalm acknowledges God's power to save and His eternal reign, trusting that He will execute justice for the oppressed. In our present day, Jesus unlocks the psalm's meaning, assuring us that God secures salvation for the weak. We rely on Christ's throne and trust in His coming judgment to bring justice and end evil. We find comfort, knowing that God will fulfill His perfect will for our good and His glory.

The connection between praise and God's deeds is evident in Psalm 9. David recounts the wonderful acts of the LORD, acknowledging His faithfulness not only to him as king but to the people of God. David focuses on God's judgment, as enemies stumble and perish in His presence, their names blotted out forever. In contrast, the LORD sits enthroned forever, ruling with justice and righteousness. God is a stronghold for the oppressed, unlike human rulers who oppress the weak. Therefore, praises are to be sung, serving as a witness to the nations about the LORD's deeds. David acknowledges his need for God's help and calls for justice and protection. He appeals for the nations to be humbled, recognizing their inferiority before God. This psalm reminds us of our place, surrendering control to God, who acts righteously and justly. With Jesus seated on the throne, having conquered sin and death, we can have confidence in His righteous judgment. He is our stronghold and does not forsake those who trust in Him.

Psalm 8 is a familiar and beloved psalm of praise that expresses awe and wonder at the glory of God. The psalmist acknowledges the majesty of God's name and the splendor of His creation. The phrase "O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth" is a statement of praise and recognition of God's greatness. The psalmist contemplates the vastness of the heavens and the insignificance of humanity in comparison. Yet, despite our smallness, God has bestowed glory and honor upon humans, crowning them with dignity. This psalm reminds us of our purpose to bring glory to God and enjoy a relationship with Him forever. Through Christ's sacrifice, we find our significance and value, as we are rescued and redeemed to glorify God and delight in Him eternally. As we go out into the world, may Psalm 8 resonate in our hearts, proclaiming the majesty and glory of almighty God.

In Psalm 7, David declares his refuge in the LORD amidst the challenges he faces as the anointed king of Israel. Rather than relying on earthly armies and military strength, David puts his trust in God. He recognizes God as his fortress and the one who will deliver him from the various difficulties he encounters. David vividly portrays the seriousness of the situation, fearing that if God does not shelter him, he will be torn apart by his enemies. However, David asserts his innocence and appeals to God's righteous judgment. He acknowledges that God is the ultimate arbiter of guilt and confidently places his fate in God's hands. David acknowledges God as his shield and praises Him for His righteousness. The psalm contrasts the justice God brings with the wickedness of those who accuse David. Ultimately, David gives thanks and sings praises to the LORD.  As Christians, we know Jesus as the ultimate source of defense and righteousness for us today. In Christ, we find refuge and assurance, knowing that He defends us and provides us with His perfect righteousness.

In Psalm 6, the writer finds themselves in a desperate and troubled state. They express their anguish and plead for God's grace and deliverance. The psalmist wonders how long their suffering will continue, feeling deep physical and emotional pain. They implore God to turn back towards them, reminding Him of His steadfast love and promises to His people. Grief consumes the psalmist, causing tears and weariness. However, amidst the sorrow, the psalmist expresses confidence that God has heard their pleas and will answer. They believe that their enemies will be put to shame, for God is faithful and will show favor to His people. The psalmist's trust in God's steadfast love remains unwavering. As believers, we can also approach God with confidence, knowing that our prayers are heard through the intercession of Christ. We can find peace in His answers and trust in His sovereign will.

In this episode, we explore Psalm 5 and its themes of crying out to God, seeking justice, and finding refuge in Him. While the book of Psalms is known for its praises, it also contains heartfelt pleas and prayers. Here in Psalm 5 we see David express his dependence on God and he contrasts himself with his wicked enemies. David calls for justice to be done according to God's standards, acknowledging that the righteous find refuge in God's protection. We close up connecting these themes to the person of Christ, highlighting his perfect righteousness and the victory he has won. Through faith in Christ, believers can experience the covering of their sins and find refuge in Him. As God’s servants we are to serve God in humility and faith, recognizing Christ as the key to understanding and applying the Psalms.

We dive into the fourth chapter of the Psalter, where the Psalmist once again cries out for help from God. The Psalmist acknowledges that God is the source of his righteousness and has answered his prayers in the past. There is a plea for God's grace and an understanding that God listens to the prayers of His people, despite their unworthiness. The Psalmist recognizes that God sets apart his people, making them holy, and he cares for them. Instead of responding with anger or taking matters into our own hands, this Psalm encourages viewers to trust in God and seek peace. As believers we trust God's sovereignty and find safety in Him alone. As application for us today, we close with the peace that faith in Christ offers to us.  Through Him, believers find eternal safety and can trust in God's protection.

Psalm 3 presents a different tone compared to the previous psalms. David, facing difficult circumstances, cries out to God when he fled from his son Absalom. Despite the opposition and mocking from his foes, David places his hope and trust in God. He recognizes that God is his shield, protector, and the lifter of his head. David finds solace in God's ability to rescue and sustain him, even in the midst of adversity. He demonstrates unwavering faith, refusing to believe the accusations of his enemies. Instead, he relies on God's promises and character. David's trust in God allows him to rest and sleep peacefully. He acknowledges God's sovereignty and protection, declaring that he will not fear the multitude of people against him. He calls on God to save him, knowing that God has the power to defeat his enemies. David concludes by acknowledging that salvation belongs to the Lord and that his blessing is upon his people. As believers in Christ, we can also find comfort and assurance in God's victory over sin and the challenges we face. We can trust in God's protection, rest in His sustaining power, and confidently proclaim that salvation belongs to the Lord.

In this episode we delve into the profound insights of Psalm 2, building upon what we saw in Psalm 1. There we found that the blessed one spoken of in Psalm 1, ultimately points to Jesus and is Jesus who unlocks the deeper meaning of the Psalms for us.

Psalm 2 raises the question of why nations and people conspire against God and His anointed one, challenging their opposition to the Messiah. We explore the futility of plotting against God, emphasizing His unrivaled power and victory. We also see that the Hebrew word for "plot," which echoes the word "meditate" in Psalm 1, suggests that deliberate contemplation of God's word is essential. Psalm 2 unveils a messianic prophecy, revealing Jesus as the Anointed One who reigns over all nations. It emphasizes the universal reach of God's salvation, encompassing both Hebrews and Gentiles.  Pastor Mark concludes with an exhortation to serve God, find refuge in Jesus, and live according to His word, avoiding opposition and embracing blessings through faith in the Savior, the Blessed One who won victory for his people.

The passage today is Isaiah 66:15-24.

Today we look at Isaiah 66:7-14.

The passage for today is Isaiah 66:1-6.

Today's passage for Dwell in the Word is Isaiah 65:17-25.

The passage for today is Isaiah 65:1-16.

The passage today is from Isaiah 63:15-64:12.

The passage for Dwell in the Word today is Isaiah 63:1-14.

The passage for today's Dwell in the Word is Isaiah 62:1-12.

The passage for this 300th episode of Dwell in the Word is Isaiah 61:1-11.

Today we look at Isaiah 60:1-22.

Today we take a look at Isaiah 59:14-21.

The passage for today is Isaiah 59:1-13.

The passage today is Isaiah 58:1-14.

The passage for today is Isaiah 57:14-21.

The passage for today is Isaiah 57:1-13.

The passage for today is Isaiah 56:1-12.

Today we look at Isaiah 55:1-13.

The passage for today is Isaiah 54:1-17.

The passage for today is from Isaiah 52:13-53:12.

Today we take a look at Isaiah 52:1-12.

The passage for today's Dwell in the Word is Isaiah 57:1-13.

On this Monday we take a look at Isaiah 51:1-23.

The passage today is Isaiah 50:1-11.

The reading for today is Isaiah 49:8-26.

Today we take a look at Isaiah 49:1-7.

The passage for today is Isaiah 48:12-22.

The passage for Dwell in the Word today is Isaiah 48:1-11.

The passage for Dwell in the Word today is Isaiah 47:1-15.

The passage for today is Isaiah 46:1-13.

The passage today is from Isaiah 45:14-25.

The passage today is from Isaiah 45:1-13.

The passage for today is Isaiah 44:21-28.

The passage for today is Isaiah 44:9-20.

The passage for Dwell in the Word today is Isaiah 44:1-8.

The passage for today is Isaiah 43:1-28.

Today we will be looking at Isaiah 42:18-25.

The passage for our final Dwell in the Word of 2022 is Isaiah 42:10-17.