Sunday Scripture

 

Time for another Sunday Scripture!  Again today we're continuing my simple study of Psalms.  You can see a copy of the journal I'm using here: The Book of Psalms 1-50 or you can find all the resources simply by scrolling down on the same page.  I'm attempting to SOAP each Psalm too, though some of them are longer so I will likely only do a selected passage from many of them. [Quick reminder that S stands for Scripture; O stands for for observation; A stands for application, and P stands for prayer.]  Each psalm's study also includes a reflection question, which I've been attempting to journal an answer to.  Today we're looking at Psalm 38:18.

S= "For I will declare mine iniquity: I will be sorry for my sin."  (Psalm 38:18)

O= The biblical heading is "A Psalm of David, to bring to remembrance."  C.I. Scofield, in the Scofield reference Bible, titles Psalm 38 "Godly sorrow for sin."  My copy of the ESV titles this psalm "Do Not Forsake Me, O LORD".

In the first ten verses of this psalm, David describes his physical, mental, emotional and spiritual symptoms as he deals with sin in his life.  He feels as if there is no soundness in his flesh; he feels "in over his head" with his sin issues.  

His sin feels like a "loathsome disease" and as if there is no soundness in his flesh.  He feels feeble and without strength; even his vision and hearing seem affected.  

Emotionally and mentally he is troubled.  He mourns over his sin.  He feels foolish and broken; disquieted.  His sorrow is continually at the forefront of his thinking.  

 His friends, lovers, and kinsmen have distanced themselves from. him.  His enemies lay snares for him, 

Spiritually he senses God's hot displeasure and His hand pressing upon him.  Yet, he understands that his only hope is in God helping him.  He asks God to hear him, and declares his iniquity, resolving to sorrow over sin.  He asks God to make haste to help him.

To me, "I will be sorry for my sin" seems a little bit lame.  However, the NKJV says "I will be in anguish over my sin", which seems far more appropriate.  One commentator noted that David openly acknowledges his sin.  His deep concern over his sin "relates not only to its consequences, but to the sin itself."

Cross-reference for "will declare" (or "confess") -- "I acknowledged my sin unto Thee, and mine iniquity have I not hidden.  I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the LORD, and Thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin.  Selah."

Cross-reference for "sorry" -- "Now I rejoice; not that ye were made sorry but that ye sorrowed to repentance, for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing.  For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of; but the sorrow of the world worketh death."  (2 Corinthians 7:9-10)

A= "Guilt can prompt us to repent.  David's guilt led him to confess and then ask God for help.  This psalm helps us see that acknowledging our sin is the only way out of the trap of fear and destruction."  -- Bible Gateway

"True repentance is sorrow over the sin itself, not just the miserable results that sin can bring." -- Good Morning Girls

P= "Lord, how thankful I am that You have made a way for sinners to be right with You.  I can't imagine how heavy and painful the burden of my sin would be had You not provided for me the assurance that when we confess our sin, You are faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  Help me to keep short accounts with You throughout each day, I pray in Jesus' name, Amen."

Reflection Question: David asked God for forgiveness of his sins.  True repentance is sorrow over the sin itself -- not just the miserable results that sin can bring.

Is there a sin in your life that you need to confess?  Confess it now.  Consider if you have sinned against someone else and go to them and apologize today.

My Response:  At this point in my life, I try to keep "short accounts" with God and confess sin as soon as I am conscious of it.  I also pray daily through a list of my most common sin issues, focusing on one per day, and this can often bring to mind something I need to get right.

Again, this is a super simple look at Psalm 38:18.  Please study this psalm out for yourselves for further insights and encouragement!

Sunday Scripture

 
 

Time for another Sunday Scripture!  Again today we're continuing my simple study of Psalms.  You can see a copy of the journal I'm using here: The Book of Psalms 1-50 or you can find all the resources simply by scrolling down on the same page.  I'm attempting to SOAP each Psalm too, though some of them are longer so I will likely only do a selected passage from many of them. [Quick reminder that S stands for Scripture; O stands for for observation; A stands for application, and P stands for prayer.]  Each psalm's study also includes a reflection question, which I've been attempting to journal an answer to.  Today we're looking at Psalm 37.  We were to zero in on verse 4, but I chose to SOAP verses 3-4.  I have SOAPed these verses in the past, but some of this material will be new.

S=  "Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.
"Delight thyself also in the LORD; and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart."  (Psalm 37:3-4)

O= Psalm 37 is a Psalm of David.  C.I. Scofield titles it "Trust in the LORD".  My ESV Bible titles it "He Will Not Forget His Saints".  

Observing the entire psalm this reading, I see many commands for things to do and not do, especially in verses 1-8.

Fret not; don't be envious (v. 1)
Trust in the Lord; do good (v.3)
Delight in the Lord (v. 4)
Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him (v. 5)

Rest in the Lord; wait patiently for Him ; don't fret (v. 7)

Cease from anger; forsake wrath; don't fret (v. 8)

Depart from evil; do good (v. 27)

Wait on the Lord; keep His way (v. 34)

For many of these, there seem to be conditions here which, if they are met, certain things will result.

IF (or maybe SINCE) we trust in the LORD, and do good, THEN we will dwell in the land, and we will be fed. (verse 3)

IF (or SINCE) we delight ourselves in the LORD, He will give us the desires of our hearts.  (verse 4)

Concerning verse 3, Charles Spurgeon writes: "In 'the land which floweth with milk and honey'; the Canaan of the covenant.  Thou shalt not wander in the wilderness of murmuring, but abide in the promised land of content and rest.  'And verily thou shalt be fed', or shepherded ... The good shepherd will exercise His pastoral care over all believers.  In truth they shall be fed, and fed on truth."

Concerning verse 4, Spurgeon says, "A pleasant duty is here rewarded with another pleasure.  Men who delight in God ask for nothing but what will please God; hence it is safe to give them carte blanche.  Their will is subdued to God's will, and now they may have what they will.  Our innermost desires are here meant, not our casual wishes; .... these deep, prayerful, asking desires are those to which the promise is made."

A cross-reference for "trust in the LORD" (i.e. faith) is Psalm 84:12 -- "O LORD of hosts, blessed is the man who trusteth in Thee."

A cross-reference for "Delight thyself also in the LORD" is Isaiah 58:14 -- "Then shalt thou delight thyself in the LORD; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob, thy father; for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it."

Cross-references for "desires of thine heart" include 

Psalm 145:18-19 -- "The LORD is near unto all those who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth.  He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him; He also will hear their cry, and will save them."

and

Matthew 7:7-8 -- "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you; For everyone that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh, it shall be opened."

A= Very simply, these are things I need to do as a believer: trust in the Lord; do good; delight myself in the Lord.  These activities, among others, are part of how the Lord wants me to live life where He has placed me.  He will provide for me there.  I suppose "thou shalt be fed" may also refer ro being satisfied in Him and being fed from His Word.  As I delight in Him, He will take my old desires and align them with His desires for me -- and thus will give me the desires of my heart.

P= "Lord, how I praise You for the truths of Your Word.  I praise You that You are very clear in how You want Your children to live.  I feel that my desires align with Your will for me, but it's possible there are desires that don't please You.  I pray that You will search my heart, and, if there is something not from You, that You'll replace it with Your desires for me.  I thank You for how You will work, in the powerful name of Jesus, Amen."

Reflection Question: When we are delighting in worldly things, our flesh longs for things that are not pleasing to the Lord.  When we are delighting in God, He takes our old desires and makes them new.

Is there something you are longing for today, that perhaps is not from the Lord?  Pray and ask God to exchange your desires for His desires and Your will for His.

My response: I don't know if there is anything I'm longing for that is not from the Lord.  I don't think so, really.  My deepest desires involve my loved ones coming to salvation or, if saved, coming to a closer walk with Him.

This has been a very surface look at Psalm 37.  There is much, much more to this psalm, so as always I urge you to dig deeper for yourself.  You are sure to be blessed in doing so!

Sunday Scripture

 

Time for another Sunday Scripture!  Again today we're continuing my simple study of Psalms.  You can see a copy of the journal I'm using here: The Book of Psalms 1-50 or you can find all the resources simply by scrolling down on the same page.  I'm attempting to SOAP each Psalm too, though some of them are longer so I will likely only do a selected passage from many of them. [Quick reminder that S stands for Scripture; O stands for for observation; A stands for application, and P stands for prayer.]  Each psalm's study also includes a reflection question, which I've been attempting to journal an answer to.  Today we're looking at Psalm 36.  We were to zero in on verse 9, but I chose to SOAP verses 9-10.

S= "For with Thee is the fountain of life; in Thy light shall we see light.

"O continue Thy lovingkindness unto them that know Thee; and Thy righteousness to the upright in heart."  (Psalm 36:9-10)

O= The Open Bible titles this psalm "The Excellent Lovingkindness of God".  The biblical superscription is "To the Chief Musician, A Psalm of David, the Servant of the LORD."

"David uses this title ["the servant of the LORD"] here and in Psalm 18.  In both he describes the dealings of God with both the righteous and the wicked, and it is most fit that he should take his place with the servants of the Lord."  -- Charles Spurgeon, The Treasury of David

In this psalm, David spends the first four verses describing the character and favor of the wicked.  In verse 5-7 he segues to the character of God -- His righteousness, justice, providential care, mercy, faithfulness, and lovingkindness.  Verses 8-10 describe some of the blessings of being God's children.

Cross-references for "fountain of life" -- "For my people have committed two evils: they have forsaken Me the fountain of living waters; and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns that can hold no water."  (Psalm 36:9)

"Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give Me to drink, thou wouldest have asked of Him, and He would have given thee living water."  (John 4:10)

 "Whosoever drinketh of the water that I give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life."  (John 4:14)

Cross-references for "in Thy light" -- "[Jesus] was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world."  (John 1:9)

"But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a people of His own, that ye should show forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvelous light."  (1 Peter 2:9)

"To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins."  (Acts 26:18)

Cross-references for "know Thee" (v. 10) -- "But now, after ye have known God,  or rather are known by God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, unto which ye desire again to be in bondage?" (Galatians 4:9)

"Pour out Thy wrath on the nations that have not known Thee, and upon the kingdoms that have not called upon Thy name."  (Psalm 79:6)

A= Concerning God as the fountain of life, Spurgeon writes: "[Verse 9] is made of simple words, but like the first chapter of John's Gospel, it is very deep.  From the Lord, as from an independent, self-sufficient spring, all creature life proceeds; by Him it is sustained; rhrough Him alone it can be perfected.  Life is in the creature, but the fountain of it is only in the Creator: of spiritual life, this is true in the most emphatic sense."

Concerning God's light, Spurgeon wrote: "Purely and only by His own illumination, the Holy Spirit lights up the dark recesses of our heart's ungodliness."

I love these thoughts from Susan K. Pitts and Becky Thompson in the Midnight Mom Devotional Bible: "David was certainly afraid at times. He experienced moments of trembling fear. But David knew exactly where to turn for Light when life presented no clear path forward. And so do we ...  in the middle of every hard or heavy season, it is the Light of God’s Word that illuminates our path. It’s the instruction of His Word that lights our next steps forward. It’s the warm glow of His Presence that kindles a fire in our hearts even when everything else feels uncertain."

P= "Lord, how thankful I am that You are the fountain of life.  Not only are you the Creator of physical life, but You provide eternal life through the gift of Your Son.  You give us all that we need to live the Christian life -- 'all things that pertain unto life and godliness'.  

And in Your light we see light.  You are the Light of the world.  You commanded light to shine out of darkness.  Your Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our paths.  Blessing upon blessing!  I praise You in Jesus' name, Amen."

Reflection Question: David spoke about the evil in the world and prayed that he would not be driven away by wickedness.  

Is there anything in your heart that is pulling you away from God?  Ask Him to shine his light upon it.

My response: Honestly, I cannot think of anything in my heart that would be pulling me away from God, but I would ask Him as David did in Psalm 139: "Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me ...".

This is again a very brief, surface look at a psalm.  I encourage you to dig deeply into Psalm 36 for yourself!

Sunday Scripture

 

Time for another Sunday Scripture!  Again today we're continuing my simple study of Psalms.  You can see a copy of the journal I'm using here: The Book of Psalms 1-50 or you can find all the resources simply by scrolling down on the same page.  I'm attempting to SOAP each Psalm too, though some of them are longer so I will likely only do a selected passage from many of them. [Quick reminder that S stands for Scripture; O stands for for observation; A stands for application, and P stands for prayer.]  Each psalm's study also includes a reflection question, which I've been attempting to journal an answer to.  Today we're looking at Psalm 35.  We were to zero in on one phrase from verse 27, but I chose to SOAP both verses 27 and 28, and also took a quick look backward at verse 26.

S= "Let them shout for joy, and be glad, who favor my righteous cause.  Yes, let them say continually, Let the LORD be magnified, who hath pleasure in the prosperity of His servant.

"And my tongue shall speak of Thy righteousness and of Thy praise all the day long."  (Psalm 35:27-28)

O= Psalm 35 is titled by C.I. Scofield "David's prayer against his enemies" in the Scofield Reference Bible.

As I read verse 26 I was struck by the similarities in wording and construction to verse 27.  Yet the meaning is completely different -- even opposite.  

There are two categories of people spoken of in these verses.  Verse 26 speaks of those who rejoice at David's hurt and who magnify themselves against him. Verse 27 speaks of those who favor David's righteous cause.

Verse 26 says of those in the first category, 'Let them be ashamed and brought to confusion" and "let them be clothed with shame and dishonor."

Verse 27 says of those in the second category, "Let them shout for joy and be glad."

Verse 26 says of those in the first category that they magnify themselves against David.

Verse 27 says those in the second category will desire to magnify God continually -- not themselves!

Verse 27 adds that the LORD takes pleasure in the prosperity or well-being of His servant.

In verse 28 David concludes, "And my tongue shall speak of Thy righteousness and of Thy praise all the day long."

Cross-reference for "Let them be ashamed" (verse 26) -- "Let them be confounded and put to shame who seek after my soul; let them be turned back and brought to confusion that devise my hurt."  (Psalm 35:4)

Cross-reference for "clothed with shame and dishonor" -- "They that hate thee shall be clothed with shame, and the dwelling place of the wicked shall come to nothing."  (Job 8:22)

Cross-reference for "magnify themselves against me" -- "If indeed ye will magnify yourselves against me and plead against me my reproach."  (Job 19:5)

Cross-references for "say continually" -- "Let all those who seek Thee rejoice and be glad in Thee; let such as love Thy salvation say continually, The LORD be magnified."(Psalm 40:16; Psalm 70:4)

"Oh, magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt His name together."  (Psalm 34:3)

Cross- reference for "who hath pleasure" -- "For the LORD taketh pleasure in in His people; He will beautify the meek with salvation."

A= In facing trials and turmoil, the best approach I have found is to remember that God is in it with me (Psalm 91, Psalm 23, and more).  I can and should remember that He is with me and that He is working.  I must remember His greatness, His sovereignty, His mighty power, His wisdom -- every aspect of His character -- and know that He will bring all of those to bear on my situation.  I may call out to Him for help at any time and be assured that He will answer.

P= "Lord, I thank and praise You so much for all that You do for us every day and especially in our trials.  Help me to never forget that You are with me and that You have a purpose in the trials that You allow.  May I keep Your character and attributes in the forefront of my thinking as I face the difficulties of life and seek to encourage others in their own trials.  I thank You for all that You are and all that You are doing in my life, in Jesus' name, Amen."

Reflection Question: In the midst of David's trials and turmoil, he continues to call on God for help and then praise the Lord for His greatness.

How do you respond to trials and turmoil in your life?  Do you call out to God for help?  Do you praise God for His greatness?

My response: In my experience, calling out to God for help and praising Him for His greatness are the only truly helpful responses to trials.  He is the only One who can help us in our trials and the only One who can give us peace in the midst of turmoil.  Worry is not the answer,  as it will accomplish nothing; Jesus Himself says so.  Complaining or venting to other people will solve nothing. Asking for God's help is the very best response.

Praising God for His greatness is linked with asking for His help.  As we consider His character and attributes and praise Him for these, we are inevitably reminded of how He will bring these to bear on our situation.  He is all powerful and can change our circumstances or bring us through them.  He is all wise and will orchestrate circumstances as He sees best.  We could go on and on praising God in our trials!  And I believe that we should.

As always, this is a pitifully inadequate summary of part of a psalm -- in this case, Psalm 35:27-28.  I encourage you to look deeply into Psalm 35 for yourselves.  There is so much more to see and learn from it!

A few goals for October

 

Where oh where did September go? I can hardly believe it's time to set some goals for October:

* Keep up with Flylady's homemaking zones of the week

* Attend a one-day senior retreat

* Attend a couples' retreat

* Get together with our young friends for a meal and fellowship 

* Post in this blog as often as possible 

* Post in my Christmas blog as often as possible

* Continue planning and making Christmas gifts and decor

* Continue planning for family birthday gifts and crafting any handmade ones

* Continue studying and preparing for my Sunday Scripture blog posts

* Plan meals with a greater emphasis on healthy eating

* Get early light each morning

* Get to bed by 8:30 each night we are at home

* Drink enough water each day

* Walk and/or exercise at least 4 times each week

*  Take a short vacation to northern Vermont

* Continuing preparing for and teaching a ladies Sunday School class

* Attend a friend's funeral and celebration of life

* Work at our volunteer jobs as needed

* Seek to encourage friends by email and phone chats

* Figure out finishes for some completed cross-stitch and embroidery projects

* Prepare many new listings for my Etsy shop

* Help prepare for and attend our church's missions conference

HEALTHY HABITS FOR OCTOBER:  Drink more water/get more sleep/exercise daily/intermittent fasting/limit carbs/get morning light

WORD FOR 2026: Intentional

And there are a few goals for October 2026!