Author: Dana Hagstrom

Read Psalm 7

From the standpoint of form and flow, this psalm seems choppy to me, and I had a hard time following it.  That may or may not have happened to you, but I just wanted to put that out there.  Sometimes when we read Scripture it really speaks to us, and other times we struggle with a passage and have to read it over and over.  The latter happened to me today.

Overall, I see the psalmist really crying out for help once again.  This is a good reminder to all of us to not go it alone, but to rely on God.  The psalmist was enduring persecution and being falsely accused for something he was not doing.  Has that ever happened to you?  Maybe even as a child being blamed for something you didn’t do.  What was your immediate thought — retaliation, perhaps?  I would suggest that when we feel a struggle, we need to give it to God, not keep letting it bother us.

There are some good images here referring to God:  my shield, fair judge, just.  I like how the psalmist says, if I am guilty, punish me, he is not proclaiming his own perfection.

Look around your world today.  What evil is lurking in the shadows waiting for an opportunity to strike?  What are your temptations–maybe Christmas goodies, overspending, etc.  Remember that rather than taking on the defense alone, God is your shield.

Let’s pray.  Father God, thank you for protecting us and revealing yourself to us through your Son, Jesus.  Use us to reflect your light and hope in this evil world.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

Read Psalm 5

It’s all about relationships. The psalmist’s relationship with God reveals the many facets of communication necessary to grow and build a relationship.  He starts with a plea and affirmation, and then moves on to trust by seeking God’s will, and finishes with a request for protection and blessing on himself and others.  Don’t you love how psalms can run the gamut of emotions in only a few short verses?  We could probably also look at this as a good prayer pattern for us to follow.

What verse jumps out to you today?  Read that one a couple times and just relish the message.

Verse 8 really spoke to me “Lead me in the right path, O Lord, or my enemies will conquer me.  Tell me clearly what to do, and show me which way to turn.”  That could be my cry today.  My enemy is my own distractions, and I truly want to be following the path God has for me in our new home.  I want to live in God’s will, yet I struggle with the temptation to be in control.  What are your struggles in keeping focused on God?

Let’s pray.  Lord, you are so awesome and I love being in relationship with you.  Help me resist the devil and all his schemes.  Help me stay focused on you and what you want for me. In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

Read Psalm 4

Does this psalm seem a bit disjointed to you?  I notice that there seem to be several themes bouncing around.  I’m struck by David’s confident air intermixed with his doubting.  As followers of Jesus, we don’t have to doubt for we have the assurance that God will, and does, listen, have mercy, and answer those whose trust him.  We cannot rely on the world or other people for our joy.  While our friends, and the world, may bring us happiness, it is temporary at best.  God is forever.

I like verse 8, “I will lie down in peace and sleep, for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe.” (NLT) That sounds like a great nap to me, and in this busy time of preparing for Christmas, we often find ourselves harried and so focused on the result that we fail to focus on the reason.  To lie down in peace, that would be the ultimate expression of trust in our Lord, and a total release of the day’s stress and struggle.  Take a moment now to just sit quietly and try to put all of your holiday plans, including menus, travel dates, gifts, etc, aside and just be in the peaceful presence of God.

Do you need to do a better job of resting in God’s presence each day? What might you change in your life to enable you to trust God more fully? Do you feel the walls crushing in on you?  Use the wisdom of this psalm to calm and connect.

Let’s pray.  Lord, help me today to set aside those things that distract me from you.  May I do a better job of trusting in you for your mercy and grace, and give you thanks for the peace you promise.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

Read Psalm 3

In  these few short verses, David cries out for God in time of need and has bold assurance that he is being protected by God, and that God is in control.  While his enemy surrounds, he is not afraid.  David recognizes where his safety and guidance is coming from, and it is not his own strength and merit.  How easy it would be for David to rest on his laurels and popularity.

We could learn a lot from  this attitude.  When I first read the word “enemy”, I pictured certain individuals.  Did you have a similar picture come to mind of those that are challenging you or causing you pain?  I have to admit, that sadly, when I read the words “slap all my enemies in the face”, I smiled.  Lord forgive me!  They are truly not my “enemies” and I certainly do not “fear” them.  But perhaps you are in a place where fear has set in?

This psalm reminds us that God is our protection, the shield around us, and victory comes from the Lord!  No matter what our struggles, or who might be oppressing us, in God we have victory.

Let’s pray.  Lord, thank you for your shield of protection, for the peace that only you can give.  Help us feel those arms of love today as we face what may come our way.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.