Psalms Reading – 2.19.2022
Psalm 53
For the director of music. According to mahalath. A maskil of David.
1 The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.”
They are corrupt, and their ways are vile; there is no one who does good.
They are corrupt, and their ways are vile; there is no one who does good.
2 God looks down from heaven on all mankind to see if there are any who understand,
any who seek God.
3 Everyone has turned away, all have become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one.
3 Everyone has turned away, all have become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one.
4 Do all these evildoers know nothing? They devour my people as though eating bread;
they never call on God.
5 But there they are, overwhelmed with dread, where there was nothing to dread.
God scattered the bones of those who attacked you; you put them to shame, for God despised them.
they never call on God.
5 But there they are, overwhelmed with dread, where there was nothing to dread.
God scattered the bones of those who attacked you; you put them to shame, for God despised them.
6 Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion! When God restores his people,
let Jacob rejoice and Israel be glad!
let Jacob rejoice and Israel be glad!
Psalm 54
For the director of music. With stringed instruments. A maskil of David. When the Ziphites had gone to Saul and said, “Is not David hiding among us?”
1 Save me, O God, by your name; vindicate me by your might.
2 Hear my prayer, O God; listen to the words of my mouth.
2 Hear my prayer, O God; listen to the words of my mouth.
3 Arrogant foes are attacking me; ruthless people are trying to kill me— people without regard for God.
4 Surely God is my help; the Lord is the one who sustains me.
5 Let evil recoil on those who slander me; in your faithfulness destroy them.
6 I will sacrifice a freewill offering to you; I will praise your name, Lord, for it is good.
7 You have delivered me from all my troubles, and my eyes have looked in triumph on my foes.
7 You have delivered me from all my troubles, and my eyes have looked in triumph on my foes.
If Psalm 53 sounds familiar, it is because it is almost identical to Psalm 14. Paul quotes Psalm 53:3 in Romans 3:12 and then says in Romans 3:23, “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
The statement, “the fool declares there is no God” reveals how depraved and fallen humans can be.
In a recent television commercial featuring Ron Reagan, son of the former President, he is recruiting people to join him in the Freedom from Religion Foundation as it works to keep church and state separate. He closes the commercial by proudly stating, “Ron Reagan, a lifelong atheist, not afraid to burn in hell.” This takes my breath away every time I consider the implications of what he boldly and foolishly proclaims.
David declares God’s overwhelming victory over anyone who dares to deny or oppose Him. However, this does not bring God any pleasure for we know His heart’s desire is for all to be included in the family of God. It is the very reason Christ has yet to return. 2 Peter 3:9, “The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. Instead He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”
In Psalm 54, David deals with another enemy, the Ziphites. On two different occasions, they told King Saul where David was hiding. As David faced these ongoing, fear-inducing moments throughout his life, he affirmed his faith over and over, “Surely God is my help; the Lord is the one who sustains me.”
David models for us how to speak faith as often as we face the trials and troubles of this world.
Memory Verse: Psalm 51:10, “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”
Question(s) to Consider: What words will you use to speak faith into your current troubles?