I am using the daily Bible reading schedule from “The Bible.net” for my daily Bible reading.
Today, I am reading and commenting on Psalms 68-71.
The first of today’s psalms calls on God to strike down His enemies, those who choose to defy His will. The psalmist reminds us of the great things God has done in the past against those who stood against Him. The psalmist gives us an idea of what makes someone an enemy of God by telling us that God is a father to the fatherless and a defender of widows. When God speaks the word, the armies of His enemies flee and those with no power are able to gather plunder from what they leave behind.
The other three psalms in today’s passage are cries for God’s aid and salvation. There are a couple of things which the psalmist writes that I want to highlight. I am not sure how connected they are. He confesses that he is both foolish and sinful, then prays to God that he not bring shame to those who trust in God. Every time I read this passage two thoughts go through my mind. The first is that I also pray that my sins do not bring shame to those who trust in God. But the second is just as important. I pray that God keeps me from actions which might bring shame to those who trust in Him. I know that it is only through the power of the Holy Spirit that I can accomplish this, for I too am foolish.
Later the psalmist makes a claim which I hope one day I also will be able to make. He declares that his life has been an example to many. He even tell us how we can live our lives the same way. The psalmist declared that his life was an example because God had always been his strength and protection. As a result, he cannot stop praising God. From his earliest childhood, God taught him, which led him to constantly tell others about the wonderful things which God had done. Even when life had turned hard for him and he was once again calling for God’s aid, he would not stop praising God and proclaiming His saving power. This passage should certainly serve as an example for us; one which we should strive to bring to life for those who see our lives.