Take Up My Cross

Summary v1-4 Hear the wisdom of God v5-20 The outcome for those without wisdom Hear the wisdom of God The Psalm begins with this call for people to hear the wisdom of God, and to pay close attention to it, regardless of status. The outcome for those without wisdom This section begins with a boast of confidence in God that there is no trouble that should overcome the author, or any iniquity or enemy that can cause him to fear. Here also comes one reference to Christ Truly no man can ransom another, or give to God the price of his life, for the ransom of their life is costly and can never suffice, that he should live on forever and never see the pit. I kind of read this to mean that no one can redeem himself - and we are justified only by God's grace, through faith in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Which brings me to this discussion we had on Wednesday night - that we often use the phrase "justified by faith alone". And interestingly, the only (as...

Okay I'm jumping. This Psalm just fell into place.. Summary v1-2 A plea to be heard v3-5 The struggles v6-8 Escapism v9-11 A plea to destroy the city for its evil v12-15 Betrayal v16-19 He redeems my soul v20-21 Betrayal v22 God will sustain v23 God's trustworthy judgement A plea to be heard This is another recurring opening in many Psalms written, especially in times of trouble and suffering. I suppose that we often feel God isn't listening to us when we suffer. We feel alone, we feel like God has neglected us, and we really do cry out for God to hear and answer our prayers. Whether he does answer, though, is a different matter. In Job 1:21 it writes:  Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked shall I return. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord. I guess that God has given and God takes away as He pleases, and we truly don't have any right to complain against Him - that all this is done to His glory - there...