God's Love in the Book of Psalm (Part One)

One reason I adore the Book of Psalm is the fact that it's (mostly) authored by King David. If I had to describe King David in one word, the word would be REAL. Everything about David was real. From being a childhood shepherd, to a poet/song-writer, to a wicked giant killer, David was all around cool. But let's not forget that he was also an adulterer, murderer, and liar. 

Despite all of his good and not so good qualities, one thing remained the same. David never doubted God's faithful and forgiving nature. In fact, David was said to be a man after God's own heart (Acts 13:22).

Throughout his many songs (or Psalms), we see David's authentic and transparent faith shine through. He doesn't hesitate to acknowledge that life is hard. His life was full of tests, trials, and times of confusion, but one thing David's heart rested upon was God's constant love, mercy, and faithfulness.

As I began to scour the book of Psalm, it became clear to me that God was (an IS) very present. God cares, and we can run to Him and trust Him in all things. He's mighty to save!

Here, come and see what I'm talking about...

Psalm 5:11-12: But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you. Surely, Lord, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield.

Psalm 6:4: Turn, Lord, and deliver me; save me because of your unfailing love.

Psalm 8:3-4: When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?
(AND yet He does!!!)

Psalm 9:9-10: The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.

Ps 10:17-18a: You, Lord, hear the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry, defending the fatherless and the oppressed...

Ps 13:5-6: But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing the Lord’s praise, for he has been good to me.

Psalm 16: Keep me safe, my God, for in you I take refuge.  I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing....” Lord, you alone are my portion and my cup; you make my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance. I will praise the Lord, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure, because you will not abandon me... You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

 Ps 17:6-8: I call on you, my God, for you will answer me; turn your ear to me and hear my prayer.
Show me the wonders of your great love, you who save by your right hand those who take refuge in you from their foes. Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings

Ps 18:1-3: I love you, Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I called to the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and I have been saved from my enemies... He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me...  As for God, his way is perfect: The Lord’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him. For who is God besides the Lord? And who is the Rock except our God? It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure.

Psalm 23: The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Ps 25: 4-10: Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long. Remember, Lord, your great mercy and love, for they are from of old. Do not remember the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways; according to your love remember me, for you, Lord, are good. Good and upright is the Lord; therefore he instructs sinners in his ways. He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way. All the ways of the Lord are loving and faithful...

As I close, I'm reminded of Jesus's words in Matthew 19:26 - "With God, all things are possible!" David certainly understood this fact, although just like us, he had to remind himself of it a time or two.

When you vent your problems in prayer, do you tend to stay in the moment, or are you able to redirect your thoughts to God's capable (and mighty) hands? Why do you think we struggle with fully letting go?