The Lord Our Salvation (Psalm 35, Part 3)

Vindication from the Lord (verses 19-25)

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2035:19-25&version=NIV

God vindicates those who are wronged. Jesus who warned us that we would experience the world’s hatred, experienced the world’s hatred first. May we cast ourselves on God through His Son Jesus Christ.

Vindicating Lord, when our enemies devise false accusations; do not be silent. Do not be far from us. Awake and rise to our defense! Contend for us. Vindicate us in Your righteousness.

Exalt the Lord (verses 26-28)

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2035:26-28&version=NIV

Justice and righteousness will triumph. We may place our hope in God’s redemption. We exalt God, our salvation as we place our joy not in ourselves but in our God.

Exalted Lord, may those who delight in our vindication shout for joy and gladness. We proclaim, “The Lord be exalted, who delights in the well-being of His servants.” Our tongues proclaim your righteousness. We praise You all day long.

O for a faith that will not shrink,

Though pressed by every foe,

That will not tremble on the brink

Of any earthly woe!

William H. Bathurst (1796-1877)

The Lord Our Salvation (Psalm 35, Part 2)

Rescue from the Lord (verses 4-10)

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2035:4-10&version=NIV

When we receive the Lord’s rescue, we have reason for rejoicing. Our faithful God helps the poor and needy—when we were poor and needy Christ rescued us.

Rescuing Lord, judge according to Your justice; we do not seek personal revenge. Our souls rejoice in You and delight in Your salvation. Thank You that You rescue the poor from those who rob them.

Praise to the Lord (verses 11-18)

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2035:11-18&version=NIV

Because Christ experienced his passion for our salvation, our prayers are never lost. As we thank the God of our salvation may our prayers end in praise.

Praiseworthy God, ruthless witnesses question us on things we know nothing about. They repay evil for good. Rescue us from their ravages. Thank You for Your salvation. In the great assembly and among the throngs we will praise You.

The Lord Our Salvation (Psalm 35, Part 1)

When we pray for our enemies, as Jesus taught, we can pray this psalm against the Evil One who tries to harm us.

Protection from the Lord (verses 1-3)

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2035:1-3&version=NIV

We can commit our cause to God, calling on Him to wage war on our behalf. Christ who is with us has overcome the world, giving us his protection.

Protecting Lord, we turn matters over to You. Contend with those who contend against us; fight against those who fight against us. Thank You that You are our salvation.

http://hymninme.com/mp3/psalm035.mp3

Praise for God's Deliverance (Psalm 34, Part 3)

The Lord protects (verses 17-20).

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2034:17-20&version=NIV

Knowing all about our troubles, God mends our broken hearts and crushed spirits. If we humble ourselves, regardless of the severity or number of our troubles, God will deliver us.

Protecting God, thank You that You listen, ready to rescue us. Thank You that You save those who are crushed in spirit. As we often get into trouble, You are still there every time. Thank You for protecting us.

The Lord redeems (verses 21-22).

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2034:21-22&version=NIV

When we take refuge in God we need not fear condemnation. Our guardian and friend, God redeems us and will never desert us.

Redeeming God, protect us from the wicked who waste their lives hating the good. Thank You for paying for our freedom.

O taste the Lord, and see how sweet He is,

The man that trust in him lives still in bliss.

Sir John Davies (1569-1626)

Praise for God's Deliverance (Psalm 34, Part 2)

The Lord to be trusted (verses 8-10)

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2034:8-10&version=NIV

May we discover the goodness of God and take refuge in Him. As we eat Christ’s flesh and drink Christ’s blood, our senses help our understanding. We experience God’s mercy in the midst of our troubles.

Trustworthy God, we open our mouths and taste, we open our eyes and see how good You are. May our worship open doors to Your goodness. Fill us with Yourself.

The Lord’s requirements (verses 11-14)

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2034:11-14&version=NIV

Having been sanctified by our confession of faith, may we restrain our tongues from evil, God will instruct us to fear Him. May He make us peacemakers.

Peace-loving God, help us to listen to You. Help us to guard our tongues from profanity and lying. We turn our backs from sin and do good. We pursue peace.

The Lord’s eyes and ears (verses 15-16)

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2034:15-16&version=NIV

God’s eyes see and ears hear our needs. Our cries do not go unheard. May God continue to sanctify us, making us increasingly righteous.

All-seeing God, thank You that You keep Your eyes on Your friends; Your ears pick up our cries. You do not put up with rebels. We turn away from the evil around us.

Praise for God's Deliverance (Psalm 34, Part 1)

As we faithfully trust and obey God He will deliver us. May we praise God at all times, because of our deliverance.

The Lord to be praised (verses 1-3).

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2034:1-3&version=NIV

May we be people of praise, glorifying and exalting God’s name together. In His compassion, God understands us. May we publicly declare God’s greatness.

Lord, we bless You every chance we get. We glory in You, Lord; let the afflicted hear and rejoice. Help us, Lord, to get Your Word out together.

The Lord delivers (verses 4-7).

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2034:4-7&version=NIV

Having trusted God may we radiate joy. May we turn our backs on the world’s power tactics and rely totally on God Himself. We thank God for the blessings we receive from Him. May we exalt His holy name in praise.

We sought You, Lord, and You answered us; You freed us from our anxious fears. We look to You, not hiding our feelings from You. In our desperation we call out and You save us. Thank You for delivering us.

http://www.geneva.edu/object/newsong_pop_psalm34A

Praising God (Psalm 33, Part 3)

Praise God’s Mighty Strength (verses 16-19)

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2033:16-19&version=NIV

Compared to God’s power, reliance on human power is doomed to failure. May God be our strength and the object of our praise. God gives life and delivers those who trust in His steadfast love.

Almighty God, that You look on those who fear You, whose hope is in Your unfailing love. Deliver us from death and keep us alive in famine—physical and spiritual. We rely on Your power alone.

Praise God’s Unfailing Love (verses 20-22).

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2033:20-22&version=NIV

Hopeful waiting is the appropriate stance for God’s people. Our human plans ultimately fail. May we wait in quiet expectation, with confidence in our God, who has chosen us to be His people. May our prayers express our submission to God’s will.

Loving God, we wait in hope for You. In You we rejoice, for we trust in Your holy name. Thank You for Your trustworthiness. Thank You for demonstrating Your unfailing love.

O Almighty God, how manifest is thy greatness! Thou dost what the unmited efforts of all mankind would fail to accomplish. Thou hast given life, and breath, and being to all creatures that live in the air, the waters, or the earth. Surely thou wilt do for thy believing people what thou dost for animals and insects.

Christopher Christian Sturm (1740-1786)

Praising God (Psalm 33, Part 2)

Praise God’s Commanding Control (verses 7-9)

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2033:7-9&version=NIV

Rainstorms, hurricanes, flash floods and tsunamis awe us by their power. God our Creator commands the waters of chaos. The order of the universe reflects His sovereign rule.

Sovereign God, You gather the waters of the sea. Let all the earth fear You, Lord; let all the people of the world revere You. You spoke and it came into being; You commanded, and it stood firm.

Praise God’s Triumphant Plan (verses 10-12)

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2033:10-12&version=NIV

God’s enduring and unshakable plan controls all of human history. By His gracious love He chose us for His inheritance, making us His people.

Thank You, Lord, that Your plans stand firm forever. We make You our Lord. Thank You that You chose us, Your people, for Your inheritance.

Praise God’s Discerning Gaze (verses 13-15)

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2033:13-15&version=NIV

We are privileged to never be out of God’s sight. He sees the secret designs behind our outward behavior. His scrutiny holds us to His standards of righteousness.

All-observant God, that You look down and see all humankind, watching over all who live on earth. Thank You that You consider everything we do.

Praising God (Psalm 33, Part 1)

God made it all, keeps it all, and controls it all. We respond by praising God.

Invitation to Praise (verses 1-3).

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2033:1-3&version=NIV

As new creatures in Christ we have a new song. Musicians and singers are called to join in joyous praise to God. May we encourage each other with spiritual songs.

Thank You, Lord, for giving us a new song to sing. We sing joyfully to You. We praise you and make music to You, shouting for joy.

Praise God’s Creative Word (verses 4-6)

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2033:4-6&version=NIV

God’s word gives us His divine characteristics—truth, faithfulness, righteousness, justice, and love. By His word God created all things.

Creator-God, thank You that Your word is right and true; You are faithful in all You do. Thank You that You love righteousness and justice. Thank You that the earth is full of Your unfailing love. Thank You that by Your word the heavens were made.

http://www.geneva.edu/object/newsong_ehp_psalm33_1_11

The Blessings of Forgiveness (Psalm 32, Part 3)

The Counsel of Forgiveness (verses 8-10)

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ps%2032:8-10&version=TNIV

We have not been pardoned to follow our lusts, but to increase holiness. So why do we persist in surrendering to the desires of our bodies? The answer to our problem is not silence and the solution is not rationalization. Forgiveness is both the answer and the solution. God will teach and forgive us.

Instruct us and teach us in the way we should go. Forgive us, Lord, for behaving as animals. May we yield to your direction. Counsel us. Thank You for surrounding us with Your unfailing love.

The Joy of Forgiveness (verse 11)

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ps%2032:11&version=TNIV

When we trust in God we have reason for joy. Having been blessed with forgiveness we only respond with gladness.

Lord, we rejoice in You. With gladness we sing praises to You. Praise You!

My sin—O, the bliss of this glorious thought,

My sin—not in part but the whole,

Is nailed to the cross and I bear it no more,

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!

Horatio Gates Spafford (1828-1888)

The Blessings of Forgiveness (Psalm 32, Part 2)

The Relief of Forgiveness (verses 3-5)

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ps%2032:3-5&version=TNIV

Nothing we hide in the depths of our conscience is hidden from God. No matter what our sin, it is against God who made us and loves us. Only He can forgive us and put our minds at ease, giving us relief.

Lord, You know our sins—all of them. We acknowledge them to You. We confess our transgressions to You, Lord. When on the cross Jesus said, “It is finished,” You forgave us. Thank You!

The Protection of Forgiveness (verses 6-7)

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ps%2032:6-7&version=TNIV

The violent force of water cannot be resisted by our modern technologies. Like the force of water, we are buffeted by the evil one on every side. But God will defend us on every side. Therefore we can do no less than sing God’s praise.

Lord, increase our faith as we pray to You. You have delivered us. May we encourage our community of faith to pray in times of distress. You are our hiding place. You protect us from trouble. Surround us with songs of deliverance.

The Blessings of Forgiveness (Psalm 32, Part 1)

Real freedom and joy come only when we receive God’s forgiveness.

The Blessing of Forgiveness (verses 1-2)

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ps%2032:1-2&version=TNIV

We try convince ourselves that we live honest lives when we do not. We have missed the mark, wandered from the right path and tried to cover our tracks. Only with confession and repentance can we experience the true joy of forgiveness.

Lord, forgive our transgressions and cover our sins. Do not count our sin against us. Remove all deceit from our spirits.

http://www.geneva.edu/object/newsong_psalm32

God Our Deliverer (Psalm 31, Part 3)

Proclaim God’s Goodness (verses 19-20)

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2031:19-20&version=NIV

God comes to us on His own terms and in His own time, relating to us with love. As we enjoy the benefits of His loving acts, resting in His peace, we proclaim God’s goodness.

Lord God, we proclaim Your goodness, which You bestow on all those who take refuge in You. You hide us from human intrigues; You keep us safe from accusing tongues.

Call to Praise (verses 21-24)

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2031:21-24&version=NIV

When we were lost, God heard our cry for help. He raises our hope in our time of need. When we surrender our lives to Him, we will discover what it means to live in God’s presence and power. We call His saints to praise Him even as we persevere in love and loyalty to Him.

Praise be to You, Lord, for You showed us the wonders of Your love. You hear our cry for mercy when we call for help. We love You, Lord! May we be strong and take heart, as we hope in You.

You hide the rewards and prizes for those who fear you, O Lord, many and great and marvelous though these are, and instead you allow them to struggle with sweat and tears. Yet there comes the time when you reveal the rewards, giving cheer to the athletes.

Theodoret of Cyr (393-466)