Fear No Fear

(All scripture from Lexham English Bible, Copyright 2012 Logos Bible Software)

Psalm 36 is a contrast between how people act and how God acts. About how self-deceived the people are and how merciful God is who constantly reaches out to them in Love and Mercy.

Psalm 37 is an exhortation to those who trust in God not to worry about the wicked. They come and go. Their fortunes wax and wane. But in the end, they all fall. Those who trust in the Lord should focus on doing good, trusting God, and living on His faithfulness.

Psalm 38 is a reminder that in our pain and brokenness, in our bad circumstances and ruined fortunes, in our suffering and persecution God is our HOPE. Our enemies may be strong, but God is stronger. God never leaves us to sink. And God WILL deliver.

Psalm 39 is about repentance. Acknowledging sin and asking for wisdom and revelation so that the psalmist can fully turn from it, as well as avoiding it in future. It is a thankful song to God who forgives those who are repenting in truth, not just words.

Psalm 40 is about remaining faithful in trusting God ESPECIALLY when you are in trials. Our delight is in the Word, which teaches the TRUTH that pierces circumstance, feeling, and perception. The Lord is our help and our deliverer.

Psalm 41 is about performing the blessing of Abraham: to bless others because we are blessed. It brings us so much more than we can handle (Luke 6:38). But when we despise the blessing, hoarding it and not ministering to others, nothing good comes our way and we become desolate. The wicked can come against us, speak lies, and persecute; but the BLESSING brings us the things of God in ALL circumstances because God is faithful and performs His Word. He KEEPS covenants.

“Why are you in despair, O my soul, and disturbed within me? Hope in God, because I will again praise him, for the salvation of his presence.” (Psalm 42:5)

Psalm 42 is looking at how we FEEL in times of trouble. It looks beyond that, remembering better times with fellow believers and in the presence of the Lord. It YEARNS for more of God’s presence. It rests on the truth that God is there, worship will rise in spite of trouble, and when we step out in our trusting in God there is NO REASON for our flesh to wallow in its feeings.

Summary

Key Players: God, David

Key Verse(s): Psalm 36:5-9; 37:7-9; 38:15-16; 39:1; 40:3-5; 41:1-3; 42:11