Bible Chapter: Psalms 31 & 32

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    In life many people have times of distress and sorrow.  Here the psalmist expresses a prayer to the Lord in his distress and sorrow. He prayed for God to deliver him and to be his solid rock of hope. There are enemies who were out to destroy him and he expressed the thought that he feels like a dead man. At the same time he said he puts his trust in the Lord. It is the wicked who should be ashamed, not the one who believes in God.  The Psalm ends with the challenge to be of good courage and God will strengthen the heart.  This is for all who hope in the Lord.
    Seeking happiness is one of the most common traits of people everywhere.  The only people who can be truly happy are those who have been forgiven by God. People who have been forgiven have a clear conscience and experience the relief and peace that comes through God's pardon. When God forgives a person he does not hold their sin against them any longer. It is not possible to truly hide sin from God, even though people continually try. The psalmist said that he acknowledged his sin before God and that admission is what brought him forgiveness.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    There are many things that never change. The sinfulness of the human race is one of them. We are living in an age when many sinful activities are not only tolerated but encouraged.  Sin is being legalized.  Over and over again I am seeing sin promoted as good and the truths of God's Word being distorted. The examples of prayer that we see in the Psalms should help set the pattern for our prayer today, to seek God's help in overcoming the power of the sinful enemies of God. I need to keep reminding myself that prayer is the weapon that God has given us, prayer is the battle.  All believers are called to serious prayer.

3.  How can I help someone?
    I want to help people see the clear truths of God's word. His truth will never change and the lies and deception of the enemy only bring people into bondage. God's forgiveness and living in obedience to his word will truly set people free.