Devotion Time: 2012 Devotions: Psalm Week 4 May 21 May 26, 2012

1 DEVOTION TIME: 2012 Devotions: Psalm Week 4 May 21 – May 26, 2012

This week, we will continue to reflect on some selected psalms. The Book of Psalm is the prayer and praise book of God’s people. Generations of Christians have learned to pray and praise God through the psalms.

Read: Read each psalm slowly, paying attention to the cadence and the emotions being expressed. As you read, affirm the truths in the words. Note words that stand out, or phrases that give you pause. The text will be presented in the NIV as well as the NLT (New Living Translation), to help us “hear” each psalm better.

Meditate: Choose one or two key verses from the psalm to remember.

Note: Each psalm contains truths about who God is, and provides lessons, warnings or promises that apply to us. Note these.

Pray: Pray along with the thoughts and wording of the psalm, paraphrasing or directly using the words of the psalm. When the psalms refer to foes or battle, apply the words to our spiritual battles as Christians —“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 6:12). Also, consider if the words of the psalms trigger a special way you can pray for someone else, or intercede for the global Christian community.

MONDAY, MAY 21

BIBLE TEXT Psalm 40 (NIV84) burnt offerings and sin offerings For the director of music. Of David. A psalm. you did not require. 7 Then I said, “Here I am, I have come— 1 I waited patiently for the LORD; it is written about me in the scroll. he turned to me and heard my cry. 8 I desire to do your will, O my God; 2 He lifted me out of the slimy pit, your law is within my heart.” out of the mud and mire; 9 I proclaim righteousness in the great assembly; he set my feet on a rock I do not seal my lips, and gave me a firm place to stand. as you know, O LORD. 3 He put a new song in my mouth, 10 I do not hide your righteousness in my heart; a hymn of praise to our God. I speak of your faithfulness and salvation. Many will see and fear I do not conceal your love and your truth and put their trust in the LORD. from the great assembly. 4 Blessed is the man 11 Do not withhold your mercy from me, O LORD; who makes the LORD his trust, may your love and your truth always protect me. who does not look to the proud, 12 For troubles without number surround me; to those who turn aside to false gods. my sins have overtaken me, and I cannot see. 5 Many, O LORD my God, They are more than the hairs of my head, are the wonders you have done. and my heart fails within me. The things you planned for us 13 Be pleased, O LORD, to save me; no one can recount to you; O LORD, come quickly to help me. were I to speak and tell of them, 14 May all who seek to take my life they would be too many to declare. be put to shame and confusion; 6 Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, may all who desire my ruin but my ears you have pierced, ; be turned back in disgrace. 2 15 May those who say to me, “Aha! Aha!” As is written about me in the Scriptures: be appalled at their own shame. 8 I take joy in doing your will, my God, 16 But may all who seek you for your instructions are written on my heart.” rejoice and be glad in you; 9 I have told all your people about your justice. may those who love your salvation always say, I have not been afraid to speak out, “The LORD be exalted!” as you, O LORD, well know. 17 Yet I am poor and needy; 10 I have not kept the good news of your justice hidden may the Lord think of me. in my heart; You are my help and my deliverer; I have talked about your faithfulness and saving O my God, do not delay. power. Psalm 40 (NLT) I have told everyone in the great assembly For the choir director: A psalm of David. of your unfailing love and faithfulness. 11 LORD, don’t hold back your tender mercies from me. 1 I waited patiently for the LORD to help me, Let your unfailing love and faithfulness always and he turned to me and heard my cry. protect me. 2 He lifted me out of the pit of despair, 12 For troubles surround me— out of the mud and the mire. too many to count! He set my feet on solid ground My sins pile up so high and steadied me as I walked along. I can’t see my way out. 3 He has given me a new song to sing, They outnumber the hairs on my head. a hymn of praise to our God. I have lost all courage. Many will see what he has done and be amazed. 13 Please, LORD, rescue me! They will put their trust in the LORD. Come quickly, LORD, and help me. 14 4 Oh, the joys of those who trust the LORD, May those who try to destroy me who have no confidence in the proud be humiliated and put to shame. or in those who worship idols. May those who take delight in my trouble 5 O LORD my God, you have performed many wonders be turned back in disgrace. for us. 15 Let them be horrified by their shame, Your plans for us are too numerous to list. for they said, “Aha! We’ve got him now!” You have no equal. 16 But may all who search for you If I tried to recite all your wonderful deeds, be filled with joy and gladness in you. I would never come to the end of them. May those who love your salvation 6 You take no delight in sacrifices or offerings. repeatedly shout, “The LORD is great!” Now that you have made me listen, I finally 17 As for me, since I am poor and needy, understand— let the Lord keep me in his thoughts. you don’t require burnt offerings or sin offerings. You are my helper and my savior. 7 Then I said, “Look, I have come. O my God, do not delay.

REFLECTION Key Verse

God is …

Lessons for me …

Prayer 3 DEVOTION TIME: 2012 Devotions: Psalm Week 4 May 21 – May 26, 2012 Please write out a prayer referring to the words of the psalm, and personalizing the psalm as a prayer for yourself, or as an intercessory prayer for others. You can also write out a prayer based on what the psalm reveals about who God is, or some lesson or promise you want to respond to in prayer. 4 TUESDAY, MAY 22

BIBLE TEXT

Psalm 42 (NIV84) For the director of music. A maskil of the Sons of Korah. Psalm 42 (NLT) For the choir director: A psalm of the descendants of Korah. 1 As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. 1 As the deer longs for streams of water, 2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. so I long for you, O God. When can I go and meet with God? 2 I thirst for God, the living God. 3 My tears have been my food When can I go and stand before him? day and night, 3 Day and night I have only tears for food, while men say to me all day long, while my enemies continually taunt me, saying, “Where is your God?” “Where is this God of yours?” 4 These things I remember 4 My heart is breaking as I pour out my soul: as I remember how it used to be: how I used to go with the multitude, I walked among the crowds of worshipers, leading the procession to the house of God, leading a great procession to the house of God, with shouts of joy and thanksgiving singing for joy and giving thanks among the festive throng. amid the sound of a great celebration! 5 Why are you downcast, O my soul? 5 Why am I discouraged? Why so disturbed within me? Why is my heart so sad? Put your hope in God, I will put my hope in God! for I will yet praise him, I will praise him again— my Savior and 6 my God. my Savior and 6 my God! My soul is downcast within me; Now I am deeply discouraged, therefore I will remember you but I will remember you— from the land of the Jordan, even from distant Mount Hermon, the source of the Jordan, the heights of Hermon—from Mount Mizar. from the land of Mount Mizar. 7 Deep calls to deep 7 I hear the tumult of the raging seas in the roar of your waterfalls; as your waves and surging tides sweep over me. all your waves and breakers 8 But each day the LORD pours his unfailing love upon me, have swept over me. and through each night I sing his songs, 8 By day the LORD directs his love, praying to God who gives me life. at night his song is with me— 9 “O God my rock,” I cry, a prayer to the God of my life. “Why have you forgotten me? 9 I say to God my Rock, Why must I wander around in grief, “Why have you forgotten me? oppressed by my enemies?” Why must I go about mourning, 10 Their taunts break my bones. oppressed by the enemy?” They scoff, “Where is this God of yours?” 10 My bones suffer mortal agony 11 Why am I discouraged? as my foes taunt me, Why is my heart so sad? saying to me all day long, I will put my hope in God! “Where is your God?” I will praise him again— 11 Why are you downcast, O my soul? my Savior and my God! Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. 5 DEVOTION TIME: 2012 Devotions: Psalm Week 4 May 21 – May 26, 2012 REFLECTION Key Verse

God is …

Lessons for me …

Prayer Please write out a prayer referring to the words of the psalm, and personalizing the psalm as a prayer for yourself, or as an intercessory prayer for others. You can also write out a prayer based on what the psalm reveals about who God is, or some lesson or promise you want to respond to in prayer. 6 WEDNESDAY, MAY 23

BIBLE TEXT Psalm 46 (NIV84) Psalm 46 (NLT) For the director of music. Of the Sons of Korah. According For the choir director: A song of the descendants of Korah, to alamoth. A song. to be sung by soprano voices.

1 God is our refuge and strength, 1 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. always ready to help in times of trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way 2 So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, and the mountains crumble into the sea. 3 though its waters roar and foam 3 Let the oceans roar and foam. and the mountains quake with their surging. Selah Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge! 4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, Interlude the holy place where the Most High dwells. 4 A river brings joy to the city of our God, 5 God is within her, she will not fall; the sacred home of the Most High. God will help her at break of day. 5 God dwells in that city; it cannot be destroyed. 6 Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; From the very break of day, God will protect it. he lifts his voice, the earth melts. 6 The nations are in chaos, 7 The LORD Almighty is with us; and their kingdoms crumble! the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah God’s voice thunders, 8 Come and see the works of the LORD, and the earth melts! the desolations he has brought on the earth. 7 The LORD of Heaven’s Armies is here among us; 9 He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth; the God of Israel is our fortress. he breaks the bow and shatters the spear, Interlude he burns the shields with fire. 8 Come, see the glorious works of the LORD: 10 “Be still, and know that I am God; See how he brings destruction upon the world. I will be exalted among the nations, 9 He causes wars to end throughout the earth. I will be exalted in the earth.” He breaks the bow and snaps the spear; 11 The LORD Almighty is with us; he burns the shields with fire. the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah 10 “Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.” 11 The LORD of Heaven’s Armies is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress. Interlude

God is …

Lessons for me … 7 DEVOTION TIME: 2012 Devotions: Psalm Week 4 May 21 – May 26, 2012 Prayer Please write out a prayer referring to the words of the psalm, and personalizing the psalm as a prayer for yourself, or as an intercessory prayer for others. You can also write out a prayer based on what the psalm reveals about who God is, or some lesson or promise you want to respond to in prayer. 8 THURSDAY, MAY 24

BIBLE TEXT Psalm 51 (NIV84) then bulls will be offered on your altar. For the director of music. A psalm of David. When the Psalm 51 (NLT) prophet Nathan came to him after David had committed For the choir director: A psalm of David, regarding the time adultery with Bathsheba. Nathan the prophet came to him after David had committed 1 Have mercy on me, O God, adultery with BathSheba. according to your unfailing love; 1 Have mercy on me, O God, according to your great compassion because of your unfailing love. blot out my transgressions. Because of your great compassion, 2 Wash away all my iniquity blot out the stain of my sins. and cleanse me from my sin. 2 Wash me clean from my guilt. 3 For I know my transgressions, Purify me from my sin. and my sin is always before me. 3 For I recognize my rebellion; 4 Against you, you only, have I sinned it haunts me day and night. and done what is evil in your sight, 4 Against you, and you alone, have I sinned; so that you are proved right when you speak I have done what is evil in your sight. and justified when you judge. You will be proved right in what you say, 5 Surely I was sinful at birth, and your judgment against me is just. sinful from the time my mother conceived me. 5 For I was born a sinner— 6 Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; yes, from the moment my mother conceived me. you teach me wisdom 6 But you desire honesty from the womb, in the inmost place. teaching me wisdom even there. 7 Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; 7 Purify me from my sins, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. 8 Let me hear joy and gladness; 8 Oh, give me back my joy again; let the bones you have crushed rejoice. you have broken me— 9 Hide your face from my sins now let me rejoice. and blot out all my iniquity. 9 Don’t keep looking at my sins. 10 Create in me a pure heart, O God, Remove the stain of my guilt. and renew a steadfast spirit within me. 10 Create in me a clean heart, O God. 11 Do not cast me from your presence Renew a loyal spirit within me. or take your Holy Spirit from me. 11 Do not banish me from your presence, 12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation and don’t take your Holy Spirit from me. and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. 12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation, 13 Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and make me willing to obey you. and sinners will turn back to you. 13 Then I will teach your ways to rebels, 14 Save me from bloodguilt, O God, and they will return to you. the God who saves me, 14 Forgive me for shedding blood, O God who saves; and my tongue will sing of your righteousness. then I will joyfully sing of your forgiveness. 15 O Lord, open my lips, 15 Unseal my lips, O Lord, and my mouth will declare your praise. that my mouth may praise you. 16 You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; 16 You do not desire a sacrifice, or I would offer one. you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. You do not want a burnt offering. 17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; 17 The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. a broken and contrite heart, You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God. O God, you will not despise. 18 Look with favor on Zion and help her; 18 In your good pleasure make Zion prosper; rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. build up the walls of Jerusalem. 19 Then you will be pleased with sacrifices offered in the 19 Then there will be righteous sacrifices, right spirit— whole burnt offerings to delight you; with burnt offerings and whole burnt offerings. 9 DEVOTION TIME: 2012 Devotions: Psalm Week 4 May 21 – May 26, 2012 Then bulls will again be sacrificed on your altar. REFLECTION Key Verse

God is …

Lessons for me …

Prayer Please write out a prayer referring to the words of the psalm, and personalizing the psalm as a prayer for yourself, or as an intercessory prayer for others. You can also write out a prayer based on what the psalm reveals about who God is, or some lesson or promise you want to respond to in prayer. FRIDAY, MAY 25

BIBLE TEXT Psalm 55 (NIV84) 21 His speech is smooth as butter, For the director of music. With stringed instruments. A yet war is in his heart; maskil of David. his words are more soothing than oil, yet they are drawn swords. 1 Listen to my prayer, O God, 22 Cast your cares on the LORD do not ignore my plea; and he will sustain you; 2 hear me and answer me. he will never let the righteous fall. My thoughts trouble me and I am distraught 23 But you, O God, will bring down the wicked 3 at the voice of the enemy, into the pit of corruption; at the stares of the wicked; bloodthirsty and deceitful men for they bring down suffering upon me will not live out half their days. and revile me in their anger. But as for me, I trust in you. 4 My heart is in anguish within me; the terrors of death assail me. 5 Fear and trembling have beset me; horror has overwhelmed me. 6 I said, “Oh, that I had the wings of a dove! I would fly away and be at rest— 7 I would flee far away and stay in the desert; Selah 8 I would hurry to my place of shelter, far from the tempest and storm.” 9 Confuse the wicked, O Lord, confound their speech, for I see violence and strife in the city. 10 Day and night they prowl about on its walls; malice and abuse are within it. 11 Destructive forces are at work in the city; threats and lies never leave its streets. 12 If an enemy were insulting me, I could endure it; if a foe were raising himself against me, I could hide from him. 13 But it is you, a man like myself, my companion, my close friend, 14 with whom I once enjoyed sweet fellowship as we walked with the throng at the house of God. 15 Let death take my enemies by surprise; let them go down alive to the grave, for evil finds lodging among them. 16 But I call to God, and the LORD saves me. 17 Evening, morning and noon I cry out in distress, and he hears my voice. 18 He ransoms me unharmed from the battle waged against me, even though many oppose me. 19 God, who is enthroned forever, will hear them and afflict them— Selah men who never change their ways and have no fear of God. 20 My companion attacks his friends; he violates his covenant. Psalm 55 (NLT) my companion and close friend. For the choir director: A psalm of David, to be accompanied 14 What good fellowship we once enjoyed by stringed instruments. as we walked together to the house of God. 15 Let death stalk my enemies; 1 Listen to my prayer, O God. let the grave swallow them alive, Do not ignore my cry for help! for evil makes its home within them. 2 Please listen and answer me, 16 But I will call on God, for I am overwhelmed by my troubles. and the LORD will rescue me. 3 My enemies shout at me, 17 Morning, noon, and night making loud and wicked threats. I cry out in my distress, They bring trouble on me and the LORD hears my voice. and angrily hunt me down. 18 He ransoms me and keeps me safe 4 My heart pounds in my chest. from the battle waged against me, The terror of death assaults me. though many still oppose me. 5 Fear and trembling overwhelm me, 19 God, who has ruled forever, and I can’t stop shaking. will hear me and humble them. 6 Oh, that I had wings like a dove; Interlude then I would fly away and rest! For my enemies refuse to change their ways; 7 I would fly far away they do not fear God. to the quiet of the wilderness. 20 As for my companion, he betrayed his friends; Interlude he broke his promises. 8 How quickly I would escape— 21 His words are as smooth as butter, far from this wild storm of hatred. but in his heart is war. 9 Confuse them, Lord, and frustrate their plans, His words are as soothing as lotion, for I see violence and conflict in the city. but underneath are daggers! 10 Its walls are patrolled day and night against invaders, 22 Give your burdens to the LORD, but the real danger is wickedness within the city. and he will take care of you. 11 Everything is falling apart; He will not permit the godly to slip and fall. threats and cheating are rampant in the streets. 23 But you, O God, will send the wicked 12 It is not an enemy who taunts me— down to the pit of destruction. I could bear that. Murderers and liars will die young, It is not my foes who so arrogantly insult me— but I am trusting you to save me. I could have hidden from them. 13 Instead, it is you—my equal,

God is …

Lessons for me …

Prayer Please write out a prayer referring to the words of the psalm, and personalizing the psalm as a prayer for yourself, or as an intercessory prayer for others. You can also write out a prayer based on what the psalm reveals about who God is, or some lesson or promise you want to respond to in prayer. SATURDAY, MAY 26 Please review the passages from this week, and meditate on your key verses from the week.