May 1st Chronological Bible Readings

2 Samuel 22:1-51; Psalm 18
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Today in Second Samuel chapter 22 we read David’s Song of Praise to God! This is an incredible chapter and certainly reminds us why David composed so many powerful Psalms as well.  In fact, you will notice that this song of praise from David today is, oh, the same as Psalm 18... :)  It is thought that this Song was composed shortly after David's victory over an enemy, but before his sins against Bathsheba and Uriah.  The Song starts off with David using the metaphor of a rock in verses 2 & 3:  "The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection."  The metaphor of a rock is very appropriate for David, as he often had taken refuge among the rocks of the desert (when fleeing from Saul, for example), but David realized that his true security was found only in God.

In verses 31 through 33 of David’s Song of Praise to God in today's readings we read these incredible words: “As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the Lord is flawless.  He is a shield for all who take refuge in him. For who is God besides the Lord? And who is the Rock except our God?  It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect.”  Can you imagine yourself saying these words to God in praise?  Can you say these words now to God?  It is interesting to think about the word “perfect” – used twice in these verses.  I don’t know about you, but sometimes I have been accused of being a “perfectionist.”  But, really, can you or I be perfect or create anything perfect?  I don’t think so.  I do think we can live in a loving, growing relationship with God who will arm us with strength and make our way “perfect.”  But, it is not us making us perfect.  It is God.  God’s way is perfect.  His word – the Bible – is flawless.  This is why we study the Bible. We are flawed people looking for flawlessness.  God and the Bible deliver this to us. Is God a shield for you?  When the storms of life come, do you take refuge in God?  Do you believe there is any other God besides the Living God of the Bible?  Is there anything else out there?  I don’t think so.  I’ve looked.  I have never found anything else besides our Heavenly Father, Son & Holy Spirit.  He is the Rock whose way is perfect. Who arms us with strength and makes our way perfect.

Bible.org's commentary on today's Second Samuel readings titled "David's Song of Salvation" is at this link.

Psalms - Psalm 18 is an amazing one!  Verse 1 today is so beautiful: "I love you, LORD; you are my strength."  How often do you tell God that you love him?  One thing that one of my former pastors does when he prays publicly, which absolutely moves me, is that he closes out just about every prayer with "God we love you.  And we pray all of this in the name of your son Jesus."   The last line of course is the powerful line!  But, that second to last line... is just beautiful.  Just telling God that we love him.  I'm not sure I tell God that I love him often enough.  God may not "need" to hear it.  But I think that I need to say it more often.  I love you God!

I love Psalm 18 verses 25 through 27: "To the faithful you show yourself faithful; to those with integrity you show integrity. To the pure you show yourself pure, but to the wicked you show yourself hostile. You rescue those who are humble, but you humiliate the proud."  Are you showing yourself to be faithful to God?  Are you living with integrity?  Are you showing yourself to be pure?  Is God showing you these things as well?

I really love verse 28: "LORD, you have brought light to my life; my God, you light up my darkness."   Has Jesus brought light into your life?  Does God light up your darkness?

The closing verse 50 of Psalm 18 today is powerful - and I believe can apply to both David and Jesus: "You give great victories to your king; you show unfailing love to your anointed, to David and all his descendants forever."  Are you a spiritual descendent of David?  Do you believe that God shows you unfailing love?  Do you think that God's Word, the Bible, shows His unfailing love for you?

Worship Video:  Today's readings reminded me of the song "Way Maker:"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1kBvpS3z9Qo

Do you know our Way Maker God? Click here to meet Him!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today:  "I love you, Lord; you are my strength." Psalm 18:1 NLT

Prayer Point: Pray that you would love God every moment of every day. Pray that you would say "I Love You God" daily. Pray that God is your strength.

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings?  Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Chronological Bible readings at this link.

p.s. #2 - Download a schedule of our Chronological Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

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Comments

[Pam Harvey]

I like to say to my Lord Jesus “I love you too” because He loves me first and best.