~ Psalm 28 ~ Spiritual Journey From The Beginning To The End of The Psalm ~

~ Psalm 28 ~ Spiritual Journey From The Beginning To The End Of The Psalm ~

This is truly a fantastic, marvelous, invigorating, spectacular, heartwarming, awe inspiring Psalm of faith! When you build your hope upon the Lord you are on a solid Rock foundation! There is no safer place to be for a sure sound spiritual footing. One can discover that there is security, shelter, well being, peace and protection in the Lord! It is readily available to all that genuinely submit to Him!

We are living in some interesting times! In this Psalm we can ascertain a tranquil place of peace of mind and refuge even in the midst of turmoil and suffering. God is a refuge! Make a point to spend time with the Lord each day! Don’t wait until you are at your wits end! Take some time and just thank Him for being God and all that He has done for you. When or if you are surrounded by trouble or wickedness it is a good time to “Be STILL & KNOW!” Get your bearings and focus on the Lord!

If you haven’t gotten to personally know the Lord spend some time in His Word anyway… Know firsthand what others claim or say they believe! After reading a few pages or so just look out and up at the sky! Well, He spoke it into existence. By the way you are breathing right! That did not just happen! Well did you know that He gave you the breath of life! The point is as your spiritual eyes are opened you will begin to look at life on a much deeper level. You will not just take for granted the natural things you see. Despite what some say this did not happen by a big bang! If it did there would be no order. Look at the seasons. Look at how day turns to night and on and on… The Word of God teaches us how this all came about!

Wherever you are you can ask Him into your heart and accept Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Having the Lord in your life can and will make a difference

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Wickedness is all about us! It cleverly cloaks itself in many different ways. This is why we need the Lord to help us properly navigate through this maze of life! We must continually pray for spiritual discernment to know if something is from the Lord! To know what direction to go in or not to go in. It is important to know that God will never lead us to do anything that goes against His Word! But we must spend time in His Word to know what it says! God does not want us to walk in ungodly counsel or live in fear! But we do have to adorn ourselves with His spiritual armor. You can learn more about the armor in Ephesians 6. Draw closer to the Lord now. Don’t just wait until you are in a crisis mode! Look around you and thank the Lord for all that He has done, is doing and will do. As we pray and spend time communing with the Lord we can begin to better recognize His Voice!

Listen to this Psalm attentively! Here we are able to experience a candid transparent, intimate worship devotional moment in time as David bears his heart to the Lord!

Book of Praise Lesson Highlights

BOOK 1

“A Psalm of David”

Theme: Pray whenever surrounded by trouble or wickedness. God is our only

real source of safety. Prayer is our best help when trials comes our way

because it keeps us in communion with God.

Author: David

David is a marvelous example of the yielded results that occur as we spend intimate personal time with the Lord. One must not mistake his boisterous tone for arrogance. David exudes genuine confidence in the Lord. He knows that he himself will falter whenever he is left to respond on his own! He lifts his hands up in reverence to the Lord! “To You I call, O Lord my Rock; do not turn a deaf ear to me. For if You remain silent, I will be like those who have gone down to the pit. Hear my cry for mercy as I call to You to help, as I lift my hands toward Your Most Holy Place.”

God knows what is in all our hearts! He knows why we do or do not do the things that we do and say! When we are surrounded by those who mean us harm He can protect us. This is not some delusional moment of projecting an erroneous inner fear. This is a front line view of the deep spiritual relationship that David had with the Lord! He is cognizant that there are forces working against him… They to do not honor or respect God’s principles but merely seek to bring him down! David fervently cries out to the Lord and asks him to intervene.

It is important to become increasingly aware of the times that we live in. Much carnality and secular psychology has intertwined itself into the traditions of God’s Church. What is interesting before the 1800’s this was not so as far as secular psychology. God’s Word is supposed to be the life manual for those of us who say we are believers! The Psalm contains a wealth of spiritual wisdom that can be most helpful when seeking to resolve conflict.

Let's ponder a situation of this 21st century! More often than not there are times the Word is laid aside and matters are handled depending on how those feel, who insecurely tightly hold the reigns in leadership. They do not deem it is necessary to consult the Word. They may determine that you are too spiritual or too religious. They may feel that your ideas go against their vision. Or perhaps you are a legalist, or too intellectual! You just plain will not do everything the way they want you to without asking questions? It appears that anyone but you can do whatever they please, and any behavior is excusable, simply because they submit to them without question; they in turn receive their unconditional acceptance...

Wickedness at times often abounds in the background. Abuse of authority, mental and emotional as well as physical, sexual abuse and molestation are all too often overlooked or minimalized... Don't fret or let this make you harbor malice in your heart... You however must continue to seek the Lord's direction. Pray for them as well as yourself... Seek the Lord's direction. You are somewhat a threat because you may cause others to questions their tactics... To speak out in objection will often get you labeled negatively, silenced, isolated, and or deemed as undesirable or unteachable. Afterall everyone else goes along with whatever... They feel you are besides yourself and you want to change everyone else accept yourself anyway... So its easier to discredit you to diminish any influence or authority you might have to make others doubt your sincerity! It appears to them that you want to upset their apple cart? This is why it is so important to pray for discernment! We must always be mindful of our motives! We must pray; "create in me a clean heart O GOD and renew the right spirit within me..."

Whatever happened to Holy boldness? Is it not within God's Church that His standards should be upheld? Some really have no regard for the "works of the Lord!" Keep in mind that it was the religious leaders who demanded that Jesus be crucified! Note the tactics they used. They were more concerned about their titles and perceived position of authority to the point that they could not recognize that Jesus was there because of "the will of His Father!" Jesus was Divine and had unlimited spiritual power & authority yet He simply humbled Himself to die on the cross for the sins of the world. He loved us just that much! All the GLORY belongs to GOD! You may be there simply to show a contrast... It is so important that we must not seek the approval of others over God!

What is so fascinating; a leader will refer to their own lifestyle and the unsaved life they lived before knowing God. They were steadfastly on a collision course with sin traveling the broad road of destruction... So, of course they certainly know that GOD can firsthand work miracles! Afterall, He "Saved" them. Yet now they can determine that one who is "Saved" is not worthy or... Except maybe in this particular situation; perhaps they feel it’s just too much for God to intervene and change the circumstance. Or is it just personal? Or have they been misinformed of your intentions and or distorted thinking has clouded their discernment? Hmmm so who is being judgmental? Or perhaps insecure? Know that division is part of the Spiritual Warfare! This is not always the case. But we still must address the extremes. Could this 'bone of contention' perhaps be due to lack of discernment, faith, or trust? We must lead by example. We must personally embrace the principles of God within our own lives and be willing to be chastised. When we are misunderstood or chastised we must embrace the Fruit of God's Spirit! God wants us to continue to grow spiritually! In HIS time GOD will "work all things together for the good!" There is always hope wiith the Lord because; “All things are possible with God!”

We are all subject to err, therefore we must readily consult the Word of God for correction. Either way matters or issues should be addressed appropriately from a spiritual perspective applying God's Word. Everyone who does not agree with you is not against you... If you recall the Apostle Paul persecuted the early Christians before his spiritual eyes were opened... On the other hand, there are some marvelous, outstanding well rounded God fearing men and women of God who live to please God! They sincerely and dilligently aspire to continually grow in the Grace & Knowledge of His Word and embrace and implement His principles within their lives. They realize that they are forever growing and keep pressing onward towards perfection.

We must always seek the Lord's direction above all! The Truth is there is so much division within God's Church that is not of Him! There are some serious issues that persist! I have seen many congregations split, and split and split again... Please know that God does not need any of us regardless as to what your position may or may not be... We all need HIM! We can learn so much from God's Word! Nothing is too difficult for the Lord! One must sometimes get off the merry go round before they realize that they are continuing to go in circles. This in itself will bring about a change. Recycling dysfunction is not the answer! At least now you have disengaged from the disharmony and instead embraced the principles of God. God can implant His Peace into your heart! We must regularly spend time in the presence of the Lord and then actually implement His principles within our personal lives! Then we can better judge objectively and righteously. Did i say judge? Yes i did! There is nothing wrong with judging! The problem is how we judge! The manner in which we judge is how we too will be judged according to Matthew 7. This is why we first examine our own motives keeping in mind that there is no spiritual benefit in looking for the worst in others. But righteously discerning the ""WILL of the LORD" in any given situation and being humble enough to submit to "HIS WILL!" We serve God by serving others. We all are constantly in need to be renewed, refreshed and sometimes redirected by His Holy Spirit!

Spiritual warfare exists everywhere, it always has been and always will be until JESUS returns for HIS Church! Many forget that we the people are the Church that actually belongs to Him! So why do we even bother to attend worship? It is really all about serving and worshipping GOD! David consistently shares with us the importance of genuine heartfelt worship! Shouts of adoration, dancing waving and clapping our hands are ways in which we express our love for the Lord! This is why we must remain prayerful and "Worship the Lord in Spirit and Truth" wherever and whenever we worship! If you are a believer every place of worship that is opened in the name of the Lord; know you have the freedom to attend if you so desire... We are to "Make a joyful noise unto the LORD...!" Whenever you attend, sing, rejoice, and pray, for the worship service and those who have gathered together there that the worship is pleasing in the sight of God. It is important to remember your body is a temple and the Holy Spirit resides within you. God does not live in a building made by human hands..

Whenever we leave God’s Word and His principles out of the business of His Church it will eventually result in chaos! God does not tolerate any form of evil or wickedness. So whenever we are amidst wickeness we must PRAY! It is important to "BE STILL & KNOW!" The marvelous spiritual wisdom within this Psalm teaches us the importance of keeping in close communion with the Lord! The Lord is a mighty Shield!

Jesus was not well received by the majority of the religious leader! He was maligned, slandered, falsely accused, unappropriately tested, terribly mistreated, betrayed and abandoned by those He unselfishly helped yet He NEVER sinned. So we who "all have sinned an fallen short of the GLORY of GOD..." can expect no less! Thank God that we now have access to His Word to know personally what is expected of us! Thank God we have His Holy Spirit to lead guide and direct us! However we must daily asked to be filled and enlightened to keep us on the Narrow Path... Our first agenda must be to please the Lord! There will be times when you must “STAND” on the Word of God when no one else will! When you stand on the Word of God you are never alone! This is why we must continue to study His Word! You cannot stand on what you do not know. In order to stay focused it’s important to develop an ongoing up close and personal intimate relationship with the Lord!

One must continually seek the face of the Lord in order to not become engulfed in much of the bureaucracy or the sometimes emotional charged theatrics or distractions that often mimics genuine worship! This does not mean that one cannot excitedly, physically or emotionally and vociferously express their love for the Lord during worship. Know that what is deemed acceptable varies greatly between the many denominations! We must individually seek the Lord's direction during praise and worship and the giving of thanks and prasie in song. Then, wherever and whenever we assemble collectively for worship it will be pleasing in God's sight. Our ultimate goal should be that our worship is pleasing in His sight and that we are daily growing in His Grace & Love!

Unity and uniformity are not the same thing. Intellectual logic is not bad but it does not override true godly spiritual insight! Self controll is part of the FRUIT of the SPIRIT!" Life presents us with many teachable moments to grow spiritually! As we grow we must actually apply His principles to our own lives and implement and embrace them collectively as His Church! This is how we can move towards progressively becoming on one accord. Jesus is coming back! We are to "WALK BY FAITH NOT BY SIGHT!" As His children we are to live in a perpetual mode of preparing for His anticipated welcomed arrival at any given moment!

It is often asked how come things are the way that they are? What is this world coming to? Know that it is not because of God! EVERYTHING that HE made was GOOD! What we see are the results of what happens when we collectively DO NOT listen to what The Creator has said, instead allow tradition to take the forefront, and do our own thing or simply adopt the ways of the world! The majority often rules and what was; is now changed to adapt to current trends of the masses. What makes it so difficult is its selectively labeled "unconditional love!" That further confuses many about God who is Love! God has revealed to us His Power! He can at any moment say “I’m done!” The sun, stars and the moon would not shine! There would be complete darkness… But instead God is patient and loving and giving us a chance to get it together!

When we search the Scriptures meaningfully we can find viable solutions for today's problems! The Word of God, is applicable in every generation! It's sharper than a "Two edged sword!" so it cuts in both directions. If we really want guidance we cannot attempt to hide behind His Word! In the moment it may seem okay! The Word is meant to shine wherever we are and then shed Light and illuminate our path to God. It does not shine because of us but because of who God is! HIS WORD IS ALIVE! These Psalms are an endless source of beneficial spiritual insight. They repeatedly show us individuals as well as a nation of people oppressed, ruined, renewed and recovered. It also shows when they obeyed, compromised, went the way of the world, tried their own way and when they outrightly disobeyed. The Word is God's primary assistance to guide us. But we always also daily need the guidance of His Holy Spirit; the inner Spiritual Guide to open our understanding and help us grow spiritually...

We can really learn so much from David on a multiplicity of levels! He has experienced wickedness from those he least expected. Not only does his enemies rise against him and his vast armies. His own son Absalom rose up against him in rebellion at one point. Absalom sought to undermine his own father’s honor, integrity and authority. Here in this Psalm we experience the intensity of some of the pain that David is feeling during severe troubles. We need not fight carnally against those who are against us or misinterpret our motives or misunderstand us... Allow the Peace of God to arise within you and focus on pleasing Him instead! As David trust God! David tells us over and over that we can trust God! Here centuries later we are beneficiaries of the cries of David’s fervent prayers. We can learn to become disciplined and remain calm when everything about us is in an uproar! As we trust God He can continue to multiply the Fruit of His Spirit within our lives. God is a righteous God and hears our prayers!

David realizes that God is in control! He knows that in a millisecond if the Lord chooses He can change anything. Our unheard thoughts are not hidden to the Lord! David does not try to hide his thoughts nor his motives because he knows that he is totally transparent to the Lord. As King David’s life is often far from serene. He knows that whatever is not of God in His time it will come to nothing! This is why we need to regularly consult the Lord!

God really does know everything about everyone, everywhere at all times! We in our very little infinitesimal thinking often hinder Him doing a great work through us because of our small minded thinking! We must STOP trying to put God in a box... When we really trust God to be God in our lives; this is when we will see more of His miraculous works manifest! It is through faith that we are able to step out into the unknown! The shield of faith is part of the armor of the Lord! Knowing that we are earnestly seeking the will of the Lord we are able to step out on our faith as we trust God! As Christians always remember we are to "walk by faith!" Waiting for God is not always easy but it is well worth it! Whenever the impossible actually does manifest and becomes possible we know that it was nothing but the Lord! “God is truly more than able!”

“Do not drag me away with the wicked, with those who speak cordially with their neighbors but harbor malice in their hearts. Repay them for their evil deeds and for their evil work; repay them for what their hands have done and bring back upon them what they deserve. Since they show no regard for the works of the Lord and what His hands have done, He will tear them down and never build them up again.”

God can and does answer prayer! But it does not always happen the way in which we would like it to happen. We can gain great inner strength and healing as we learn to trust in and wait on the Lord’s timing! Notice how the seasons of the year change and it looks like nothing is happening? Well during this time it is when the root system which is below the surface is being strengthened. As we wait on the Lord we can become more grounded in His Word! Not just to learn it to quote it. But ask the Holy Spirit to implant it into our hearts so it can become grafted into who we are becoming in the Lord! We then acquire more patience rather than tolerance... As we grow spiritually when the opportunity or a situation arises we should seek to readily implement and invite the principles of His Word aboard to help us! This is also how we can get off the merry go round. Instead of continuing to spin around we can stand our ground.

In this marvelous heart warming Psalm David cries for mercy! He lets us know that the Lord has heard his prayer and he has been helped! He is so elated that he lifts his hands in prayer, rejoices and sings! He sincerely and fervently worships God! God is so worthy of our Praise! Regardless at to what is or is not happening we can give Him Praise! We as believers must daily adorn the armor of the Lord in order to emerge victoriously! YES the Lord provides us with a spiritual garment of Prasie! We live amidst spiritual warfare. But really the battle is not ours. We must learn to position ourselves by spiritually posturing our hearts and minds to align up with the Word of God! The Christian walk is not an easy walk! There are many pitfalls and obstacles that serve to hinder us from going forth and forging ahead. Conforming to be accepted is not good... We are to be "transformed by the renewing of our minds" through the Word of GOD! Therefore we must keep the spiritual sword close to our hearts. We must learn to use it properly to guard our hearts and minds against whatever is not of God! To digest its contents so we can be spiritually fed, led and strengthen to arise to the occasion when necessary. But most of all we must often Praise God for who He is!

This is why we all need a Savior! To save us from the power of sin from reigning within our lives. Sin separates us from the Lord! When found in err readily confess and get back on track... Don't let anyone pull you so low that you hate them. Pray for them and yes guard your heart! "Overcome evil with GOOD." Seek God's direction above all and know; God will fight our battles! We must daily learn to recognize His voice over the noise of this world. We must diligently learn to seek Him first above everything else! Yes, as David did we must cry out to the Lord to lead, guide direct and protect us! Sometimes we must cry out silently! Some times we must not even say a word... GOD still hears us in the silence! But there are times when we must boldy confront sin in love!

Once you truly accept the Lord into your heart you are no longer an orphan left to fend on your own! You are adopted into His family as His child! You are a member of His Church! Get to know Him personally through Jesus Christ for yourself! It is only in the Lord you can discover true security & significance! He is the only King of Kings and the Lord of Lords! He is the Great "I AM!" He is the Good Shepherd who always looks after the sheep of His pasture! Truly The Lord is my Shepherd! Praise God! Thank You Lord! & HALLELUJAH!!! “Praise be to the Lord, for He has heard my cry for mercy. The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to Him in song.”

This Psalm concludes saying:”The Lord strength is of His people, a fortress of salvation for His anointed one. Save Your people and bless Your inheritance; be their Shepherd and carry them forever.”