Proclaim Hope Daily | Week 12

Below is a short summary or synopsis of the Bible reading for the day. Use it as a helpful tool to think through the Scripture. There are also some cross references to study other passages of Scripture to highlight or better understand that passage.

This psalter builds a model example which shows us how the righteous pray, or specifically how God’s people can approach him in prayer. David here does three things: 1) petitions (appeals to the Lord through prayer), 2) laments (speaks honestly about his situation of struggle), 3) praises (leans into his faith concerning the goodness and glory of his God). David is not without sin, but concerning his current enemies, he is innocent and has done nothing to provoke this outcome (vv.3-4). In fact, it is the sin of his foes that are creating tribulation for David (vv.2,12). Let us follow this example as we go to the Lord with an earnest heart in supplication, speaking openly about our need, leaving it completely in the hands of the Lord in full faith, as we give him all the glory and honor.

(Philippians 4:4-9; Hebrews 4:14-16; James 5:13-18)

Instruction from Solomon is always anchored in the reality of God’s word and wisdom. The Lord is and has set the ultimate standard, from which he calls us to follow. Those who know and have experienced the truth and love of God will ultimately cherish what Jesus referred to as the two greatest commandments. Loving God sacrificially and others selflessly, by definition exemplifies a divine humility and bears fruit of the Spirit. Anyone that loves God will not elevate his self over the Lord or others. Jesus confirms that if we live by these two commandments we can dwell within the wisdom and will of God, walking in the path of his righteousness. There we will find deliverance and prosperity.

(Isaiah 54:14-17; Matthew 22:34-40; Ephesians 5:15-17; 1 John 3:7-10)

It is abundantly clear that the God of Israel has indeed called and blessed David with a heart that seeks after him. David has been delivered from his enemies, yet he is conflicted and discontent because he himself lives as a king in a luxuriously built home while the dwelling place of the Lord is in a tent. David vows to correct this and build a home for the Lord, however. Through the prophet Nathan, God reminds David that he dwells wherever his people are and cannot be confined to a building made with human hands. God opposes David erecting a house for him and instead promises to build something even greater for David. The Lord assures that he will establish David as a great king over his people and through his lineage will be an everlasting kingdom. This Davidic covenant is partially seen in his son Solomon, but ultimately points to the “Son of David,” the Messianic King Jesus who sits on an eternal throne.

(Isaiah 9:6-7; Mark 10:47-48; Romans 1:1-3; 1 Corinthians 3:16-17; 2 Corinthians 6:16)

An important point to notice is that David was not where he should have been. The king during this time should have been with his army in battle (v.1), yet David remained behind, putting himself in a place of temptation that he may not have experienced otherwise. Unfortunately, here we see the results of unchecked sin, even in the life of a godly man like David. Throughout his life David had taken many wives; indulging the flesh and his lustful desires, while ignoring the Lord’s directive for marriage. David was not simply overtaken in this isolated moment as he gazed at Bathsheba, but overtime he had desensitized himself when it came to certain sin in his life. Growing comfortable with sin and pursuing it is treacherous enough, but the danger of unchecked sin is that it can often lead to other sin. David’s pursuit of his lust quickly led to manipulation and murder. David had many opportunities to turn away, yet temptation had a stronghold over him. Each of us are susceptible to sin and must seek to mortify it daily.

(Genesis 4:7; Romans 8:13; Colossians 3:5; Hebrews 3:13; James 1:14-15)

This portion of David’s life teaches us a lot about the process of sin and how to deal with it practically. First, in regards to sin it must be confronted. This is done through the prophet Nathan as he rebukes David. It is a very uncomfortable process, but we all need a Nathan in our lives to call us out and away from the ledge of destruction. Once the sin is confronted there should be conviction, as the individual understands that God’s moral standard has been broken. When the individual comes to grips with the reality of sinning against God, repentance should follow. Repentance is a two-pronged movement; a turning away from the sin and then turning towards Christ in a drastic effort to keep from said sin. Where true repentance is found there is the grace of God seen in forgiveness and restoration. God is loving and willing to forgive, but he is also just, therefore judgement also accompanies the process. David mourned over his sin, but he knew there was hope in the Lord’s mercy, even in the midst of his just consequences.

(Matthew 18:7-9, 15-17; Galatians 6:1-2; James 5:19-20; 1 John 1:9)

With little but some variation, we find here Psalm 18, a song of David which sings to the testament of what God has done throughout his life. David constantly faced overwhelming challenges. He lived in exile as a fugitive running from the threat of death, he battled against what must have felt like an unending barrage of foes that desired to overthrow him, he weathered the storms of great illness and many tumultuous relationships. Such a man could not have overcome as David did without the sovereign hand of God. David recognized this truth with every inch of his being, which produced such elegant and sincere praise to the Lord with not just his lips and lyre, but with all of his heart, soul and mind.

(1 Samuel 19:1-11; 2 Samuel 1:17-18, 15:13-14, 31; Psalm 38:3-5)

Directly connecting the exodus to the building of the temple (480 years) highlights God’s continued presence and providence with his people. Throughout history there has been times of apostasy and judgement, but the Lord’s covenant remains true. The building of the temple was erected with grand precision and reverence. Portions of the temple, such as the stones, were prepared off-site, preventing any banging or chiseling within the holy dwelling place. This is an interesting analogy for believers, who are being prepared and formed like living stones on earth by God before our entry into the eternal dwelling place with him. Although there is a house built for the Lord, it does not guarantee his presence. Solomon is advised by God to live according to his statutes or else his presence and blessings would be compromised.

(Psalm 78:56-61; Isaiah 59:1-2; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24; 1 Peter 2:5)