Psalms – Page 3 – Shalom Talk

Water For The Desert

Published on February 20, 2025March 9, 2025 by DanLeave a comment

It was my observation, in the mid 70’s I have a recollection of being taught the downside of meditation. Yoga instructors were barely permitted in church because of the strong eastern influence in their thinking and articulating, the Davidic discussions on meditation was not part of the common teaching and conversations of the mid 70’s Christian scene. For reasons that are unclear to me, none of us noticed the recurring concept of meditation in scripture. Goodness, how things have changed.

Somewhere along the way in the last few years I noted that word ‘meditation’ in the bible and wondered how did that term sneak into God’s vocabulary. Of course, the concept has been there always, just not talked about because of the extreme struggles of the late 60’s when musicians fully abandoned western thought and embraced the eastern thought processes.

To be clear — we all know that scripture provides a formidable discussion of meditation in the Psalms, it explains how we use meditation to embed the teachings of scripture in our heart and influence our actions. We should know that prayer becomes deeper and more personal when we move from prayer to meditation. This is not to say we abandon prayer. Not at all. Each format has its place. Prayer is the tool of choice to bring requests and supplications into his throne room. Prayer is the tool of choice to communicate with God, to learn of his will for our life. But within the context of walking with God, meditation goes much further by transforming our gait into something that brings us closer to him and his plan. We do not do the transforming, HE does, but transformation does gradually occur. Lest we think that meditation is just another trendy notion, please consider the thoughts of Thomas Brooks, a seventeenth-century church leader.

Thomas Brooks said — Remember that it is not hasty reading but serious meditation on holy and heavenly truths, that makes them prove sweet and profitable to the soul. It is not the mere touching of the flower by the bee that gathers honey, but her abiding for a time on the flower that draws out the sweet. It is not he that reads most but he that meditates most that will prove to be the choicest, sweetest, wisest, and strongest Christian. Selah.

In Psalms, we see David meditated on God’s law, His righteousness, His word, His deeds and works, His precepts, His ways, His testimonies, and God Himself. Review Psalms 19, 39, 48, 77, 104, 119, and 143. Read slowly and breathe in the message. God is speaking. Meditate on his word.

Paul says — Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—MEDITATE on these things (Philippians 4:6-8).

Paul tells Timothy to meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all (paraphrased from I Timothy 4:15) — note again that meditation is expected to produce something in us. Eastern meditation empties us so we can see ourselves as God. This is not what David is doing, Biblical meditation is about infusing our mind with the pure virtuous message of scripture. We become very aware of the one true living ‘God who is there’, Jehovah-Shammah.

I think — meditation is deep focused contemplation by a renewed mind on the amazing wisdom of God. David tells us in Psalms 1 to delight in the Lord’s Law. David “meditates (Hebrew – hâgâh) day and night” (Psalms 1:2). This term means to murmur, ponder, to mull over carefully. The word translated meditate in Psalm 119:15 (Hebrew – śı̂yach) talks of a preoccupied mind, often murmuring audible words. This term can be translated as pray (Psalms 55:17) or talk (Psalms 119:27). Psalms 143:5 includes both words, showing their relationship. David says — I remember the days of old; I meditate (hâgâh) on all Your works; I muse (śı̂yach) on the work of Your hands (Psalms 143:5). You want to know what he is thinking? Meditate on His Word.

Meditation is to our heart as water is to the desert. I live in the desert. Most of the year the desert is a dry and dusty place. Shade from a tall mesquite tree is a gift from God. Then comes the monsoon. Oh my.

The desert leaps to life overnight. The brilliance of the morning sun on the fresh green leaves is glorious to the eyes. The entire land looks different after the rain, it really is different. This is the impact of meditation focused on the Word for our soul. Our soul is refreshed.

Our dry and dusty life is filled with power. God moves in us. God is unleased by his tools and his Word. For meditation to be effective – the wall clock is not our friend. We cannot rush God, he will infuse himself and his word into us as he deems proper, at his pace. We are not in control, He is. But rest assured – he will infuse us with His life. Jehovah-Shammah, the Lord who Is there (see Ezekiel 48:35) will arrive.

Therefore, I focus on the Word, meditate on his precepts and….

I choose Jesus.

Learning From David

Published on February 18, 2025March 9, 2025 by DanLeave a comment

It has been my observation that one of the more difficult passages for soldier’s (including me) to review and learn from is 2 Samuel 11. This is one of the most poignant accounts of human failure in Scripture notwithstanding the betrayal of Jesus by Judas. Yet, at the same time, it also has great value as it offers us redemptive hope about the greatness of God’s extremely gracious forgiving heart. This passage provides a plain, easy to understand warning about the terrible consequences of sin, coupled with the aftermath of forgiven sin. I traveled down a similar path during the divorce process from my first wife. I am not proud of the time, nor do I talk about it very much. It is my past not my present.

When you start reading 2 Samuel, David is moving in concert with Gods will. He is popular, successful, and able to inspire his people. His throne has been established. His enemies have been subdued, he is respected in the kingdom, and plans are in progress. Then trouble starts.

David sees a beautiful woman near his palace in the evening, he calls her to himself. He sleeps with her and she gets pregnant. Her husband (Uriah) is part of David’s Mighty Men. David knew Uriah. David has Uriah murdered to coverup his sin (2 Samuel 11). As a soldier, I can think of no more heinous action – my commander killing a fellow soldier and taking his wife. I would guess that trust in David as a commander drops to zero among his troops. The prophet Nathan confronts David on behalf of God (2 Samuel 12). David repents. God forgives. David is told that Elohim has forgiven the sin, David’s death will not be required, nor will his throne be required (2 Samuel 12:13). But for David there are consequences for his sin. When much is given to a man; much is expected (Luke 12:48). David’s troubles are not over.

Later, David writes — Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord does not count against them (Psalms 32:1–2). Centuries later, Paul writes of God’s forgiveness for David to demonstrate salvation has always been for the unworthy, we are saved by grace through faith (Romans 4:4–8).

I suspect, it is with humility and tears that God chose to document the tragedy of Uriah, Bathsheba, and David in scripture. This could have slipped into obscurity. But God chose to mark this event in history books. Every time I run across the message in both 2 Samuel 11 and Psalms 51, I am reminded of the extraordinary grace offered to us by the one true living God. It is especially important that we not only see David’s initial reaction; but we need to also take note of the things that happened to David later in life. Review 2 Samuel 12, you will see the death of Davids first born from Bathsheba, you will see civil wars and outside attacks on the Israeli kingdom. You will see the violence and murder committed by his two sons Amnon and Absalom. You will see struggle after struggle as David reels from one mess to another. Yet, Bathsheba is one of a handful of women mentioned in the bloodline for Jesus. Selah!

Words cannot accurately describe the fullness of God’s grace offered to us, especially when we are acutely aware of just how widespread sin is in our life. Death is very near. Yet, we know that God justifies us while we are ungodly (Romans 4:5). Nothing we have ever done is out of range for God’s grace and redemption. God invites us to seek his compassion, his pardon, his shelter (Isaiah 55:6-7).

The deeper truth – there is a wonderful balance to Scripture. While grace draws us close to him, we know that bad things may happen in our life to keep us focused on him (see Hebrew 3:15). I see David’s example as proof that God will always embrace us. God wanted his complete attention. Even during the consequences for our actions – our salvation is not at risk. Elohim’s amazing redemption for us is renewed every morning. His mercy will always overpower the troubles we create. Always…

I choose Jesus.

Moving Back To The City

Published on February 11, 2025March 9, 2025 by DanLeave a comment

It has been my observation that the Hebrew captives in Babylon had reconciled with God, yet they were still captives, content to wait for God’s timing. Then, they heard the message from Isaiah, and they knew they had not waited in vain. As time for their emancipation drew close, they asked questions concerning the things to come. They wondered how much longer they would wait.

Isaiah 45:11-14 says — Concerning things to come; do you question me … or give me orders about the work of my hands? It is I who made the earth and created mankind on it. My own hands stretched out the heavens; I marshaled their starry hosts. I will raise up Cyrus in my righteousness: I will make all his ways straight. He will rebuild my city and set my exiles free, but not for a price or reward, says the Lord Almighty … The products of Egypt and the merchandise of Cush, and those tall Sabeans— they will come over to you and will be yours; they will trudge behind you, coming over to you in chains. They will bow down before you and plead with you, saying, Surely God is with you, and there is no other; there is no other god. (NIV)

Some of the senior Hebrew men who heard messages from Isaiah and Daniel had spent most of their life in captivity, they could remember the promised land, but it was a distant memory. Their children and grandchildren were born and raised in Babylon. For the children and grandchildren, God’s promised land was only an idea, they had no practical experience.

Now the children hear from this God they have learned about in their homes; they are told of his role in creation. God directs them to submit to the message, the will of their creator, not by way of defiance towards Babylon, but by submission. They are encouraged to avoid complaining and center on faithfulness and focused prayer. God implies in Isaiah 45:9-10 they have nothing of substance to offer him, they are not positioned to impart knowledge to God or give the law to him, they have no authority over God to change the emancipation plan. God requests they yield to the emancipation plan – Cyrus.

I would imagine they were truly perplexed. After two generations of captivity, they had made a new life in Babylon. They were slaves, but part of one of the most powerful cities on the face of the earth. They were safe, free from strife and war. They were not able to choose their life, but they did have a sense of security. Now, their God was saying – change is coming. You are going back to the place your forefathers came from. Scarry? I would guess it was. They start whining. God says to them – be still. I am God. You are not! We are leaving Babylon. That is all there is to say. Get prepared now! We are going.

God encourages them to depend upon him, he is in control. Besides, Cyrus is coming, their security blanket is on the job. It is best to stay close to God where they have protection. Even Cyrus had a sense of his role in this story. Some even say that Daniel meets and greets Cyrus (according to Josephus the historian). Isaiah’s message is not living in a vacuum. Cyrus is aware of the message from God.

The deeper truth– our life is in the hands of God, the God of Israel, the God of Creation, our protector. Our help comes from Jehovah-Jira, who moves to protect his people and restores us to the promised land. We are encouraged to yield to his plan. He exudes authority, he displays the wisdom and power sufficient to govern our life, he demonstrates he can do what is required to bring glory to his plan. The Lord remembers us. He blessed his people Israel in spite of their rebellion, he blessed the house of Aaron, he blessed those who fear (respected) the Lord’s plan—small and great alike (implied in Psalm 115:12-13). We only have one path – submission. We are told – you are going home. Get ready.

I choose Jesus.

Looking in a Mirror

Published on February 4, 2025March 9, 2025 by DanLeave a comment

It has been my observation while skittering through the book of Isaiah looking for a reference on Jesus, there is a beautiful description of God in the throne room in chapter 6. I became extremely aware of my own shortcomings as I reviewed Isaiah’s verbal brush strokes concerning the holiness of God.

Isaiah says — woe to me for I am undone because I am a man of unclean lips and I dwell in the midst of people with unclean lips and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of Hosts (Isaiah 6:5).

Isaiah expresses the feeling of every person who encounters the holiness of God magnified in the purity and blazing presence of God. We can see Isaiah in awe with his glimpse of God in the throne room.

Using God’s holiness as a mirror, we see ourselves as God sees us. As I read Isaiah 6:5, I was humbled by the contrast between Isaiah and the brilliance of God. We walk with God, but we are comfortable in the surroundings that we live today. We look upon the lack of holiness in humans as a normal part of life. We are not surprised when we do not find politicians truthful. We are not totally dismayed by faithless leaders; we have come to expect less than honest activities from people we do business with. Life goes on, yet –the mirror of Isaiah 6:5 hangs there, quietly, unassumingly, revealing ourselves as God sees us.

Hebrews says – For the Law, being only a reflection of the blessings to come and not their substance, can never make perfect those who come near by the same sacrifices repeatedly offered year after year. Otherwise, would they not have stopped offering them, because the worshipers, cleansed once for all, would no longer be aware of any sins? Instead, through those sacrifices there is a reminder of sins year after year, for it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sin (Hebrews 10:1-4).

I am unable to properly define the holiness of God. Try I am, but it is impossible. Why? God is incomparable, incomprehensible, and his level of holiness is undefinable with the language of mere humans. Holy is the way God is. He is not conforming to a higher standard of holiness; He is the standard. His incomprehensible purity pushes out any thoughts that suggest he is other than what he says. To keep us safe we only see his glory in part; yet His majesty and power envelops us; we who walk with him are given tools and grace to resist irreparable moral collapse (Hebrews 1:3-4 paraphrased). Every time we can detect his judgment in history, his action has been an act of holy preservation.

David said — On the glorious splendor … of Your wonderful works, I will meditate. (Psalms 145:5)

So, what do we do? We must, like Moses, cover ourselves with faith and humility before we take an ever so brief look at the God who no man can see and live. Once again, I think of Isaiah’s observation at the top of this essay (Isaiah 6:5). God is a perfect mirror to help us see our imperfections.

God says – I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim my name in your presence. I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. But you cannot see my face, for no one may see me and live. There is a place near me where you may stand on a rock. When my glory passes by, I will put you in a cleft in the rock and cover you with my hand until I have passed by. Then I will remove my hand and you will see my back; but my face must not be seen (Exodus 33:19-23 paraphrased).

God’s holiness is like a mirror, the mirror hangs there, gently, unostentatiously revealing our nature through God’s eyes. We see ourselves, we shudder, and then we head north in humility to walk with him. It is that simple. In our walk, we respect the things of God. His mirror keeps us in a safe harbor.

I choose Jesus.

Time To Rise Up

Published on February 3, 2025 by DanLeave a comment

It has been my observation that meditation comes in many formats, the common thread for them is –focus on a single point in scripture, focus on God, and exclude all other thoughts. My personal journey with meditation for the last year or so has been the formation of written thoughts that fit on one page.

When I am gathering my information, I look at many sources, I read many people on the subject. Then I check-in with my favorite commentators — RCH Lenski, John Walvoord, Henry Thiessen, and Mathew Henry. Once I have the basics then I start meditation and scribbling. I ask the basic questions, who, where, what, when, and why. I slip deeper into thought. I get really quiet. I search for the cadence on the subject, building sentences and ideas, finding the path through the data until I get to the essence. I want each sentence in the essay to connect with the previous. During this process I am focused on God’s Word (only a few verses), and I am discovering the things I need to understand and act upon.

Psalm 77, a psalm of Asaph, provides a grand perspective of meditation. It defines the journey of his deep thinking and provides an insightful view of pondering on the things of God. Asaph links his thinking with the creation of a written document – this guy created songs (wrote stuff down) from his meditation. Then used the songs to expand and enhance his subsequent meditation events.

Asaph said – I remembered you (my God), and I groaned; I meditated, and my spirit grew faint. You kept my eyes from closing; I was too troubled to speak. I was not able to find the words. I thought about the former days, the years of long ago; I remembered my songs in the night. My heart meditated and my spirit asked: Has God forgotten to be merciful? Where is he? Did he take the day off? Has he, in anger, withheld his compassion? Am I now an outsider? Then I thought – I will turn my focus upon the years when the Most High stretched out his right hand with mercy towards me. I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will consider all your works and meditate on all your mighty deeds. These memories will bring me peace (implied in Psalms 77:3-6, Psalms 77:9-12).

Take note of the line of reasoning Asaph builds. He groans from the weight. He is full of trouble, he is struggling to focus, but he keeps at it. His mind is racing, it is too troubled to even sleep. We have all been there. Then he remembers God. He remembers the old days; he recalled his previous songs and the circumstances that caused their creation. He can hear the songs and it brings him some respite. He drifts deeper into his meditation, his head cleared of the noise. He is finding the cadence of thought, his rhythm. He forms an appeal for peace – Asaph gets really focused. Now he is cruising. His heart is calm, he is resting in the hand of God. He remembers the deeds, the good stuff that God has done. He remembers the miracles of long ago. They still are true, they still testify to the glory and power of God, and they are relevant to his current situation. he ponders on the mighty deeds of God.

Now, let us pay attention to the change in Psalm 77. Asaph said — The waters saw you, God, the waters saw you and writhed; the very depths were convulsed. The clouds poured down water, the heavens resounded with thunder; your arrows flashed back and forth. Your thunder was heard in the whirlwind, your lightning lit up the world; the earth trembled and quaked. our path led through the sea, your way through the mighty waters, though your footprints were not seen. (Psalm 77:16-19).

Asaph is extremely focused, he thunders out the majesty of God, this is not empty thinking, this is meditation that leads to a call to action. Asaph is a warrior. God is on the move, thunder and lightning abound. Meditation over. The warrior is ready to act. It is time to rise up. God is on the move! Selah!

I choose Jesus.

Looking In A Mirror

Published on January 30, 2025February 3, 2025 by DanLeave a comment

Isaiah says — woe to me for I am undone because I am a man of unclean lips and I dwell in the midst of people with unclean lips and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of Hosts (Isaiah 6:5).

David said — On the glorious splendor … of Your wonderful works, I will meditate. (Psalms 145:5)

I choose Jesus.

Communion with God

Published on January 28, 2025February 3, 2025 by DanLeave a comment

It was my observation in the Old Testament, two Hebrew words are translated “meditate.” One of the words hints about a quiet muttering sound; the other suggests an idea to be taken up or absorbed. Taken together, we get the idea of someone pondering a biblical text, quietly vocalizing the meaning.

David writes — I will meditate on Your precepts, and contemplate Your ways (Psalms 119:15)

JI Packer said — Meditation is the activity of calling to mind, and thinking over, and dwelling on, and applying to oneself, the various things that one knows about the works and ways and purposes and promises of God… It is an activity of holy thought, consciously performed in the presence of God, under the eye of God, by the help of God, as a means of communion with God.

If our focus of meditation is on God, his word, his holiness, his ways, his creation, then we are moving in the right direction. We are putting the makers mark on our heart. We are infusing scripture into the very place where it can do the most good to shape our inner life and outer actions…

CS Lewis says — meditation is a devotional practice that we engage in with God’s help to know Him better, love Him more, experience closer communion with Him, and live for His glory.

Read this slowly — But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night (Psalms 1:1-2); I meditate on You in the night watches (Psalms 63:6); My tongue also shall talk of Your righteousness all the day long (Psalms 71:24); Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight (Psalms 19:14); My mouth shall speak wisdom, and the meditation of my heart shall give understanding (Psalms 49:3); I will meditate on Your precepts, and contemplate Your ways (Psalms 119:15); My hands also I will lift up to Your commandments, which I love, and I will meditate on Your statutes (Psalms 119:48); Oh, how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day I have more understanding than all my teachers, for Your testimonies are my meditation (Psalms 119:97, 99). Are you feeling it?? If not read it again.

When God asked Joshua to lead the Hebrew nation into the promised land, He said — This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success (Joshua 1:8). To accomplish this task, the thing that God called him to accomplish, Joshua needed to infuse himself with God’s message, breathe it into the other people around him, and move the nation forward.

When you start to crawl into the life of Paul you get the feeling that he was far beyond just carrying a box of scripture around, with file tabs and handy little bookmarks to make it easy to find stuff. They were so closely tied (meditation) to the message he simply allowed streaming thought to prevail. Paul walked and talked about this stuff all the time.

Yet, Paul was the first to say – I struggle with this thing. I know what is right, but fail, I want to do right and I fail, I could just sit in the road and pout. But thanks be to the Jesus I serve — He knows my weaknesses and lifts me up. Not by me, but by the grace of Jesus I live (paraphrased from Romans 7). This infusion of the Word on his heart was amazing. He moves back and forth between the old covenant and the new, using the old to explain the new — never missing a beat, he hears from God, he understands, and he moves forward. No fear.

This solid grasp of God’s intent, empowered by the Spirit of God infusing us with the Word, is what we need. All of us. How else can we successfully navigate the daily drama of a fallen world? This is how God whoops Lucifer. Jesus scores. Lucifer is down.

I choose Jesus.