READ: Psalms
1-3
God’s hands-on involvement in the happenings on
earth is a clear theme in these Psalms. It is clear that He is not a far-away,
distant Deity, but rather a very personal God who takes interest – even
passionate interest – in the details of both individuals and nations.
In Psalm 1 we learn how God interacts with people
differently depending on whether or not they obey Him. He gives special
attention and protection to those who make the Lord and His Word their delight.
Verse 6 teaches us God “knows” or “watches over” the way of the righteous. This
gives us a picture of God being closely involved. Like a parent “watches over”
a child as she learns to walk, she moves obstacles out of the way, picks her up
when she stumbles, then scoops her up with a whoop of joy when she finally
runs. Yet, those who choose wickedness have a different experience. Instead of
the hands-on, personal God of the righteous, they experience distance and
ultimately, demise.
Even nations, according to Psalm 2, attract the
attention of our ever-involved God. He watches and listens as nations and
government leaders shake their fist at God and His ways. He laughs. He scoffs.
He rebukes. He warns. God is clearly involved in the goings on of world
politics!
The author of Psalm 3 actually addresses the issue
right off the top in verse 2. People are saying God will not rescue him. They
don’t believe God is involved enough to actually make a difference! Yet the
author gives beautiful examples of how God is dynamically involved. He explains
how God shields and protects him, and gives him dignity. He knows God hears him
and answers his prayers. Even when things are going crazy he sleeps well
because of God’s attention, and wakes up because God sustained him. God has
removed his fear even with enemies on his doorstep.
This author has no doubt. He has experienced
God. No one can tell him otherwise!
JOURNALING
AND PRAYER
1. Reflect on your experiences with God. Ask Him to
bring to mind times when He has intervened in your life. Spend some time in
thanksgiving for His active involvement.
2. Ask God to show you if you have any unbelief in
your heart regarding whether or not He truly longs to be involved, and is involved,
in every area of your life. Confess and ask God to plant this truth deep in
your heart with a word, thought or picture.
3. Reflect on a prayer request you have that may seem impossible. Pray and ask God for a sign
or sense of His involvement in this particular request. Then take a few moments
to pray for it again, this time with confidence in a God who cares about the
details.
