Bible Study Notes in Psalms- Chapter 131

Psalm 131

 

-Theme: Dependency and contentment in God’s design for our lives. Our hope is in the LORD of Israel.

-Historical Insight: This “Psalm of Ascent” was written by arguably the greatest king in all of Israel’s history, King David. Yet, he humbles himself before the LORD in this Psalm knowing there are things too great for him alone. It takes the power of God to accomplish greatness. David was a man after God’s own heart (Acts 13:22).

-*Application* A proud heart, haughty eyes, and going beyond God’s designed plans will get you in a mess of trouble (Proverbs 6:16-19; 16:5; 21:4, Daniel 5:20, Hosea 13:6, Luke 1:51). How important is contentment in your life today (1 Timothy 6:6-12)? When we observe a man who was raised up to be the leader of a great nation, like King David, humbly submitting and admitting that some things don’t need his involvement because of their difficulty, we should understand that we too cannot do it all. This is where the Body of Christ comes in to compliment, surround, and partner with accomplishing Kingdom achievements that far exceeds personal gain (Ephesians 4:1-16). So, today quiet and compose your soul like a little baby with his/her mommy. Cradle yourself in the care of the Father and be content to rest in His will for your life. You will find peace like never before when you flow with His Spirit’s intention. Hope in your capable Sovereign. Resist striving and the natural tendency of pride. Simply answer your call that has been placed upon your life and give all glory to the One who deserves it. If you do this, pretty soon you’ll find that your heart is after God’s too.

 

Verse to Memorize: Psalm 131:1

Bible Study Notes in Psalms- Chapter 130

Psalm 130

 

-Theme: The forgiving power of God, which leads to reverence of Him. Confessing our sins. Waiting on and hoping in the LORD. The lovingkindness of the Redeemer of Israel.

-Historical Insight: This is yet another anonymous “Psalm of Ascent,” which may have been written by Hezekiah.

-*Application* I love the general term “depths” that the author uses here (Psalm 130:1). This term denotes variety in those sunken situations that we find ourselves immersed in throughout our lives when we transgress God’s commands and plans. There’s no doubt about it, sin puts us in a pit. When we are down and without hope for redemption, we can always cry out to God who hears our voice. In His lovingkindness, grace, and mercy He takes pity on our lowly estate and brings us back to a place where we stand in awe of His restoration. His forgiveness, not His justice, is what we truly need. So wait on the LORD and His “abundant redemption (Psalm 130:7).” We have hope in His Word, the cross, and the resurrection that it will come, and all of our iniquities will be washed away giving us eternal sanctified life (Ephesians 5:25-27).

 

Verse to Memorize: Psalm 130:7

Bible Study Notes in Psalms- Chapter 129

Psalm 129

 

-Theme: Trusting in the LORD to devour the devourer. Enduring persecution with the right perspective. The LORD is righteous and delivers. The love of Zion and the shame of those who hate God’s ways.

-Historical Insight: This “Psalm of Ascent” is another anonymous writing, but some have again suggested King Hezekiah as the author who endured well the onslaught of  the Assyrians.

-*Application* Growing up is often hard to do. We are pulled and tugged in so many directions. Evil is trying to steal, kill, and destroy the abundant life that God wants for us as we mature (John 10:10). Persecution is part of the process of spiritual development, and the one who learns to appreciate its tutelage will gain much. The Word here teaches us not to give up in stressful-turbulent circumstances that are brought about by the wicked. Instead, grow out of those experiences and develop the dependency on Christ and love for others that He expects (Luke 10:27, Ephesians 4:15). The wicked have shallow roots and will wither quickly. Spiritually speaking, your standing in Christ is a much more permanent and fruit-bearing plant that will stand the scorching rays of the sun. Finally, be an encourager rather than a discourager. Bless people in the Name of the LORD. It will bring about blessing in your own life, believe it.

 

Verse to Memorize: Psalm 129:2

Bible Study Notes in Psalms- Chapter 128

Psalm 128

 

-Theme: Fear of the LORD to ensure blessings in life. Keys to a peaceful-prosperous home. God’s reward for a man’s devotion to Him is inner peace.

-Historical Insight: This “Psalm of Ascent” is a traditional marriage prayer sung at Jewish weddings. It is an anonymous Psalm, but some have suggested Hezekiah as the author.

-*Application* Fear of the LORD breeds blessing. Walk in His ways and enjoy all of His benefits. Your wife will be a fruitful vine within your home, and your children will be like beautiful olive plants around your table. This is beautiful lyric for a well-adjusted, stable home where peace and love reign over every area. God’s blessings and prosperity only come when we submit to His authority over our lives. When we turn our lives over to the ways of the Master, He gently endorses the steps we take according to His will. From His throne He gives true abundance all the days of our earthly sojourn even giving us longevity to enjoy our grandchildren.

 

Verse to Memorize: Psalm 128:1

Bible Study Notes in Psalms- Chapter 127

Psalm 127

 

-Theme: God is the foundation to any building whether it be making a house, establishing a career, or raising a family. Children are a gift from God, and having many of them is a blessing.

-Historical Insight: This “Psalm of Ascent” is attributed to Solomon, who was David’s son and king over Israel around the time of 1000 B.C. This Psalm parallels the Proverbs in many ways.

-*Application* Without God’s help, any endeavor you try is vain and unproductive. You will feel like you are beating your head against a wall. No matter how hard you try to do your best and accomplish greatness, it just won’t work unless you have the favor of the Most High. He is the One in control of the building and guarding of any endeavor that is being contemplated. This is why the Word of God says “commit your works unto the LORD, and your plans will be established (Proverbs 16:3).” This is where our own agenda must be set aside and complete personal surrender achieved. We must remember that His ways are always higher and better than our own (Isaiah 55:9). God can even bless us in our sleep when we are at rest in His will (Psalm 127:2). The key for us is to yield to His authority and trust Him with our lives and destiny. Give Him the reigns. In that line of thinking, we are to behold (hinneh- see, consider) that children in abundance is a special gift from the LORD. They are a fruit that produce future seed and multiplication of our worldview in Christ. They are to be trained up and shot forth like straight arrows into purposeful targets for victory upon victory in the Kingdom of God. If we do our job right as parents, they will rise up and call us blessed (Proverbs 31:28) leaving us unashamed and proud of the legacy with have left by the power of the Holy Spirit.

 

Verses to Memorize: Psalm 127:1-5

Bible Study Notes in Psalms- Chapter 126

Psalm 126

 

-Theme: God does great things in the midst of our adversity and chastening. His power releases us from sin’s captive hold and brings us into full joy with Him.

-Historical Insight: Another anonymous “Psalm of Ascent,” but is often attributed to the exiles returning from captivity in Ezra 1 as a celebration song.

-*Application* Our God brings us back from the adversity and punishment that we justly receive in this life as a result of straying from His commands, precepts, and ways. The LORD is gracious and merciful towards us when He doesn’t have to be. It is like a beautiful dream when He revives us and blesses us despite our own depravity. His righteousness saves and delivers us from the most distressful situations when we step towards Him in childlike-dependent faith. We become glad again; we laugh, we shout, we sing, we testify once more. “Those who sow in tears shall reap with joyful shouting (Psalm 126:5).” Never forget this my friend. Immerse yourself in His amazing grace.

 

Verse to Memorize: Psalm 126:5

Bible Study Notes in Psalms- Chapter 125

Psalm 125

 

-Theme: The peace and protection of God’s people by the LORD. Having an upright heart for blessings.

-Historical Insight: This is another “Song of Ascent” written anonymously. Some have suggested Hezekiah as the author though in praise of the protection of the LORD against the Assyrians.

-*Application* God will protect His people just like He protects Jerusalem with its mountains all around. Our LORD is our defense. He guards and shields like nothing else. His angels are given charge over His anointed (Psalm 91:11). “The scepter (shebet- rod of authority) of wickedness shall not rest upon the land of the righteous, so that the righteous will not put forth their hands to do wrong (Psalm 125:3).” God will do good to those who are good by His righteousness forever; this is His promise. The workers of iniquity and those who turn away to crooked paths (sin) without acknowledging the redemptive work of Christ Jesus will be lead away in separation from Him (Isaiah 59:2, Luke 16:19-31, Revelation 20:15). God’s peace rests eternally only upon His people, the Israel of faith (Romans 9:24-10:13).

 

Verse to Memorize: Psalm 125:2