Psalms Bible Study Notes Chapters 37-39

3/3/2012

Psalm 37

-Theme: Trust and wait in the LORD, and don’t fret over evil people. Bear up under suffering and remember His goodness. A vivid contrast between the righteous and the wicked.

-*Application* How often do we find ourselves doing just the opposite of what the psalmist commands here? We much too quickly resolve to defend what we see as our just cause and worry about how we can resolve the situation in our own power. What the Word says here is that we are better off trusting the LORD and cultivating faithfulness. Could we resolve instead to delight ourselves in the LORD and wait patiently to see His plan and His purpose for our circumstance? We must see the long term in these situations and remember that it is the end that counts. Allow the LORD to develop your character and conform you to His perfect image when these times come. Otherwise, we too become wicked in our schemes and will be devastated and cut off.

 Psalm 38

-Theme: While our sin separates us from God causing pain and suffering, our godly sorrow brings healing and protection as we confess our sins to Him.

-*Application* The effects of sin are difficult and cause us much disgrace and hurt mentally, physically, socially, and spiritually. Our desire must be for the LORD and restoration with Him after times of falling. This is biblical repentance and is the first step back into proper fellowship with God. We must lay our iniquities bare before Him. Sometimes the best way to handle the discipline of the LORD is complete silence and just allow Him just to change us from what we were. Confession is key to release us from the anxiety that sin causes. Our salvation comes from the LORD and he will hasten to the humble and contrite (Psalm 51:17, Isaiah 57:15; 66:2).

Psalm 39

-Theme: An appeal to God because of the brevity of life. Apart from the LORD life is fleeting and empty.

-*Messianic prophesy* The muteness of Christ before His accusers (Psalm 39:13-15, Isaiah 53:7, Matthew 27:13-14, Mark 15:4, Luke 23:9)

-*Application* Life is but a vapor; it is here for a little while and then it passes away (James 4:14). We must remember that our lives go by quicker than we could ever imagine, and only what is done for God will last. Our only hope for eternality rests in the LORD and His mercy.

Verse to Memorize: Psalm 37:4