The Family Bible Journey Podcast

God's people had been exiled, at least in part, because their leaders had embraced ungodliness instead of righteousness. In these psalms, leaders are reminded that God is not a fool, and will not be mocked, even if we fool ourselves or others. At the same time, the righteous are encouraged in godliness, because godly virtues will never grow old.

Sex is the most intimate of human connections. Used according to God's design, it's a great blessing. Taken out of marriage, it causes great harm. Here we are encouraged to lead pure and decent lives in all we say and do.

In this fourth book of the psalms, our focus shifts to God as an eternal king. It is likely that many, if not all of these psalms were written after the monarchies of Israel and Judah had fallen. Living under other rulers, God's people long for the righteous reign of God.

A fitting end to the third book of the psalms, this is an easter psalm. It rejoices in God's victory for His people. We sing it today, mindful of all the promises Jesus fulfilled for us.

Sexual scandals, such as the one in this chapter, have caused untold damage to the Church. Victims are further victimized when we tolerate such evil, and outsiders are fair when they lose faith in those caught up in such scandals. As Christians, we must confront sexual immorality in our ranks, while repenting of the evils of our age, and pursuing godliness in our relationships.

This solitary psalm of David in the third book of the psalms is a plea that God would preserve Him. Even though David was soiled with sin and had nothing to offer God, he knew God loved Him. When we are brought low, we too can pray to God, knowing that He loves to lift us up!

Paul uses a pretty gross analogy to help us understand how the world views us. Our faith isn't just a little different than worldly ways. It is completely incompatible with worldly wisdom. But that's ok if our theology far surpasses the so-called "wisdom" of today.

We are encouraged in this psalm to seek the Lord where He may be found, in worship and His Word. The world seeks validation in dollar signs and followers, but we seek the signs of God's love where He promises to bless us. When we do, we are blessed, as we walk in His way.

It stinks when God's people are oppressed. Sometimes, people even conspire against us. When we find ourselves suffering, even unjustly, we have comfort in knowing that God will make all things right in the end.

In a world where people are tempted to divide themselves into smaller and smaller factions, Paul reminds us that in Christ jesus, we are united. Why then is it so easy for us to be divided? Because we often inadvertently fall into looking at each other in mere human ways. But the hope for our human relationships is found in Jesus. He Who reconciled us with His Heavenly Father can most certainly reconcile us one to another.

Sometimes God chastises us by giving us what we ask for. In this way, he shows us a few things. The foolishness of sin. The wisdom of His way. The depth of his love when He forgives us.

In these two psalms, we hear the prayers of God's people when he allows them to suffer for their folly, followed by a plea for his love and forgiveness. In these twin psalms, we hear a beautiful expression of God's love for His people in the Hebrew phrase translated as, "may your face shine upon us." This is a tender expression of God's unending love which we can never outrun.

Paul spent months of his life peddling his tents and preaching the gospel in the shadow of the ancient Temple of Apollo. He took the Greek god of wisdom to task, by proclaiming the surpassing wisdom of the God Who is rich in mercy and love.

The enduring faithfulness described in this psalm works two ways. First, there is a detailed account of the Lord's enduring faithfulness to His people, despite their stubbornness towards Him. Second, it encourages us to endure in faithfulness by sharing Christ with coming generations. For those who are journaling with us through the Bible, it is a great double blessing!

Sleepless nights are the worst! When we are oppressed spiritually, and greatly distressed, it's good for us to remember God's deliverance of His people of old. He didn't save them because they were any better than you, but simply because He loved them. He will also deliver you and use your time of distress to draw you ever closer to Himself in love.

First century Corinth was so similar to our current age that there are innumerable applications to our lives. In our Corinthian episodes, we will learn how poignant these lessons are as we hear how deeply rooted Paul's preaching was in the life of this thriving ancient metropolis.

As Asaph wrestles with the terrifying reality of God's wrath, he finds hope in the Lord's promises. St. Paul echoes this sentiment in Romans 3:25-26, where we see how God makes a way for His faithful people to enter His kingdom in Christ. Only in Jesus can we make sense of the forgiveness of sins, and the God Who will judge all in equity and justice.

There are times when it seems the whole world is falling apart. These times, that try our souls, God uses to bring our hearts and attention back to Him. But how do we pray, when it seems all is lost? By calling upon God's promises and remember his unchanging love.