June 4 A READ PSALMS 19–24
In God We Trust
OVERVIEW
God’s involvement in the lives of his people is the dominant theme of the psalms in today’s reading. God reveals himself in the world and in the Word (Psalm 19); he gives enablement and victory to those who do battle for him (20–21); and he sends his Messiah to suffer on the cross (22), shepherd his people (23), and establish his rule over the earth (24). Indeed, he is worthy to be trusted.
MY DAILY WALK
What do retirement funds, college degrees, and nuclear submarines have in common?
They are all designed to give you a sense of security. Security for your future, security for your vocation, security for your protection. But do they? Security in an increasingly insecure world is one of today’s most sought after—and elusive—commodities.
Nearly three thousand years ago, the ultimate military weapons were the chariot and the horse. Armies that could field them were considered virtually invincible. But Israel was to be different. God’s law forbade them to multiply horses (Deuteronomy 17:16). Instead, they were to trust in God, who had promised to fight for his people. That is why David’s affirmation of trust in a delivering God (Psalm 20:7) is so appropriate. It’s the answer to the national security problem—both in his day and ours.
On scratch paper, list in pencil five things the world says will make you secure. Then across the list, write in ink the words of Psalm 20:7: “We boast in the name of the LORD our God.”
THEY ARE WELL KEPT WHOM GOD KEEPS.
INSIGHT
More than a Question | Ps. 22:1
In New Testament times, before chapters and verses were part of the Bible, Scripture passages were known by their first words. (Genesis, for example, was known as “In the beginning.”) With that in mind, read Mark 15:34. Was Jesus simply crying out in anguish from the cross? Or was he declaring to his friends and enemies that Psalm 22 was written about him? His words were taken to heart—this became the most quoted psalm in the New Testament.
For the choir director: A psalm of David.
1The heavens proclaim the glory of God.
The skies display his craftsmanship.
2Day after day they continue to speak;
night after night they make him known.
3They speak without a sound or word;
their voice is never heard.*
4Yet their message has gone throughout the earth,
and their words to all the world.
God has made a home in the heavens for the sun.
5It bursts forth like a radiant bridegroom after his wedding.
It rejoices like a great athlete eager to run the race.
6The sun rises at one end of the heavens
and follows its course to the other end.
Nothing can hide from its heat.
7The instructions of the LORD are perfect,
reviving the soul.
The decrees of the LORD are trustworthy,
making wise the simple.
8The commandments of the LORD are right,
bringing joy to the heart.
The commands of the LORD are clear,
giving insight for living.
9Reverence for the LORD is pure,
lasting forever.
The laws of the LORD are true;
each one is fair.
10They are more desirable than gold,
even the finest gold.
They are sweeter than honey,
even honey dripping from the comb.
11They are a warning to your servant,
a great reward for those who obey them.
12How can I know all the sins lurking in my heart?
Cleanse me from these hidden faults.
13Keep your servant from deliberate sins!
Don’t let them control me.
Then I will be free of guilt
and innocent of great sin.
14May the words of my mouth
and the meditation of my heart
be pleasing to you,
O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.