From Phillip with thanks

Psalm 7.

I hope you enjoyed reading, reflecting and praying through Psalm 5. This week’s reflection is based on Psalm 7. The heading of this psalm includes the word ‘shiggaion’; some commentaries suggest it is a certain kind of song, possibly a lamentation. As to the Cush who is mentioned, we have no knowledge. Very possibly, he was one of the many who criticized David or opposed him. Many Christians around the world today suffer criticism or worse fierce persecution and imprisonment today because of their preaching of the Gospel with their words and life.

The psalmist felt that people’s criticisms of him were like the attacks of a lion, cruel and frightening. There will have been times in our life when we have been frightened, we may have experienced fear and great uncertainty in the very recent past. But we know that our refuge is in God, secure in the knowledge that ‘underneath are the everlasting arms.’ (Deuteronomy 33:27).

Pray for any you know today who are going through very difficult circumstances and ask God to send other Christians to help and support them.

Verse 9 and 10 of Psalm 7 reminds us that God is our shield and there will have been many times in our lives when we have known God to be our shield. We have the privilege of praying for Christians who are experiencing danger or hardship and asking God to be their shield and protector.

Pray too for young people with whom we have close relationships, grandchildren, children of our neighbours and friends and others in the community. They face many challenges as they grow up in a world of rapid change. Praise God for the opportunities we may have to influence their lives even in small ways and indeed can be a shield to them at times. Pray that they may come to know the life-giving newness that the Lord Jesus can bring into their young lives.

In verse 17 the Psalmist declares that he will give thanks to the Lord ‘because of his righteousness and will sing praise to the name of the Lord Most High’. We too can give thanks to God for His righteous ways, for leading us in right paths.

We too can sing praise to the Lord, knowing that He is just and in the end righteousness and justice will prevail in our world.

Wednesday’s suggestion:

Pray each day this week for people you know experiencing difficulties or illness. Ask God to protect them and bring them his peace and healing.


Category: The Bridge , Thought for the week