Consider my affliction and deliver me, For I do not forget Your law. Plead my cause and redeem me; Revive me according to Your word. Salvation is far from the wicked, For they do not seek Your statutes. Great are Your tender mercies, O LORD; Revive me according to Your judgments.
Many are my persecutors and my enemies, Yet I do not turn from Your testimonies. I see the treacherous, and am disgusted, Because they do not keep Your word. Consider how I love Your precepts; Revive me, O LORD, according to Your lovingkindness. The entirety of Your word is truth, And every one of Your righteous judgments endures forever.

The Scribe pleads for revival three times and gives us a clue regarding the “shape” of the LORD's revival.

First, it is according to the Word of the LORD. It is a call us to become very familiar with the Word. Not just passingly familiar, but deep down to the very depths of our being.

Second, it is according to the judgments of the LORD. The scribe of the 119^thPsalm throws himself completely on the mercy and judgment of GOD. It is according to His judgment.

Third, it is the lovingkindness of the LORD, God, the Almighty. No quibbling, no bargaining, no explaining away his sin and failure.

Reading

Morning Psalm 38, Noon Psalm 119:1113-120, Evening Psalm 127

Alternate Reading Plan based on 7 chapters/day from 7 sections of the Scriptures. My groupings are: Genesis-Joshua, Judges to Esther, Job to Song of Solomon, Psalms breaking 119 into convenient sets, Isaiah to Malachi, Matthew to Acts, Romans to Revelation. Set your own up in convenient groupings as fits your study habits.

I suggest either setting aside a period of the day to read all, or break the readings up into morning, mid-day, and evening series. Both approaches have their advantages, and both will build an awareness of the Bible as a whole over time.

But You have cast us off and put us to shame, And You do not go out with our armies. You make us turn back from the enemy, And those who hate us have taken spoil for themselves.  You have given us up like sheep intended for food, And have scattered us among the nations. You sell Your people for next to nothing, And are not enriched by selling them. You make us a reproach to our neighbors, A scorn and a derision to those all around us. You make us a byword among the nations, A shaking of the head among the peoples. My dishonor is continually before me, And the shame of my face has covered me, Because of the voice of him who reproaches and reviles, Because of the enemy and the avenger. All this has come upon us; But we have not forgotten You, Nor have we dealt falsely with Your covenant.

There is a strong break between yesterday's passage and today's. Yesterday dealt with David's pledge of loyalty to the LORD; today's is essentially the LORD's rejection of David's pledge. But David renews his pledge in loyalty in the last line.

Is the lesson to me that just because I have continued in my pledge of loyalty, does not guarantee that the LORD, God, the Almighty is finished with my training regarding that issue?

Reading

Morning Psalm 38 Noon Psalm 119:113-120 Evening Psalm 127,

Alternate Reading Plan is to select the number of chapters to reead a day and set up your own reading plan based on that number. It does not matter how many, what is important is consistency in a daily study of the Scriptures

I suggest either setting aside a period of the day to read all, or break the readings up into morning, mid-day, and evening series. Both approaches have their advantages, and both will build an awareness of the Bible as a whole over time.

Through You we will push down our enemies; Through Your name we will trample those who rise up against us. For I will not trust in my bow, Nor shall my sword save me.  But You have saved us from our enemies, And have put to shame those who hated us. In God we boast all day long, And praise Your name forever. Selah

There is a marked division between trusting in my weapons and trusting in the LORD, God, the Almighty. My two-edged sword is quickly dulled, my Lord’s is  everlastingly sharper than a two-edged sword. Mine is swung by an aging man, my Lord’s is in the everlasting strength of the Holy Spirit.  

The Name of the LORD, God, the Almighty triumphs over all other names that can be named by man.  Glory be to GOD

Reading

Morning Psalm 37, Noon Psalm 119:105-112, Evening Psalm 126,

Alternate Reading Plan based on 7 chapters/day from 7 sections of the Scriptures.

Genesis 26, Ruth 5,Job 26, Psalm 26, Isaiah 26, Matthew 4 1 Corinthians 6

My groupings are: Genesis-Joshua, Judges to Esther, Job to Song of Solomon, Psalms breaking 119 into convenient sets, Isaiah to Malachi, Matthew to Acts, Romans to Revelation. Set your own up in convenient groupings as fits your study habits.

I suggest either setting aside a period of the day to read all, or break the readings up into morning, mid-day, and evening series. Both approaches have their advantages, and both will build an awareness of the Bible as a whole over time.

To the Chief Musician. A Contemplation Of the Sons of Korah. We have heard with our ears, O God, Our fathers have told us, The deeds You did in their days, In days of old: You drove out the nations with Your hand, But them You planted; You afflicted the peoples, and cast them out. For they did not gain possession of the land by their own sword, Nor did their own arm save them; But it was Your right hand, Your arm, and the light of Your countenance, Because You favored them.  You are my King, O God; Command victories for Jacob.

See the how the Lord favored Israel. By His right hand, His arm, the light of His countenance. The very being of the LORD, God , the Almighty. How could they fail? Oh, as we shall see in the meditations to come. It is very possible; in fact Exceedingly possible. The cap E is not a typo.

Reading

Morning Psalm 36, Noon Psalm 119:97-104, Evening Psalm 125,

Alternate Reading Plan based on 7 chapters/day from 7 sections of the Scriptures.

Genesis 25, Ruth 4,Job 25, Psalm 25, Isaiah 25, Matthew 3, 1 Corinthians 5

Ny groupings are: Genesis-Joshua, Judges to Esther, Job to Song of Solomon, Psalms breaking 119 into convenient sets, Isaiah to Malachi, Matthew to Acts, Romans to Revelation. Set your own up in convenient groupings as fits your study habits.

I suggest either setting aside a period of the day to read all, or break the readings up into morning, mid-day, and evening series. Both approaches have their advantages, and both will build an awareness of the Bible as a whole over time.

Vindicate me, O God, and defend my cause against an ungodly people, from the deceitful and unjust man deliver me! For you are the God in whom I take refuge; why have you rejected me? Why do I go about mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?

Send out your light and your truth; let them lead me; let them bring me to your holy hill and to your dwelling! Then I will go to the altar of God, to God my exceeding joy, and I will praise you with the lyre, O God, my God.

Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.

There is a background theme here; David is taking the opposition of his enemies as an indication that the Lord has abandoned him. The middle paragraph and last line indicate the opposite. And should do so for me when I get into my “poor little me, nobody loves me anymore” mind set.

No John, no David. How can the LORD demonstrate His great love for us without a contrasting canvas upon which to paint? If someone came to me back, in my food service days, raving about the meal and I knew that his idea of fine dining was pj&b served on a paper towel, very little was required to know that he was not someone whose judgment should trust.

Instead the LORD is demonstrating His great love for me by the contrast with the false jibes of the world. The contrast between a flawed, crudely cut quartz crystal and the Hope diamond. Even to an untrained eye like mine.

Reading

Morning Psalm 35, Noon Psalm 119:89-96, Evening Psalm 124,

Alternate Reading Plan based on 7 chapters/day from 7 sections of the Scriptures.

Genesis 24, Ruth 3,Job 24, Psalm 24, Isaiah 24, Matthew 2, 1 Corinthians 3

My groupings are: Genesis-Joshua, Judges to Esther, Job to Song of Solomon, Psalms breaking 119 into convenient sets, Isaiah to Malachi, Matthew to Acts, Romans to Revelation. Set your own up in convenient groupings as fits your study habits.

I suggest either setting aside a period of the day to read all, or break the readings up into morning, mid-day, and evening series. Both approaches have their advantages, and both will build an awareness of the Bible as a whole over time.

The LORD will command His lovingkindness in the daytime, And in the night His song shall be with me—A prayer to the God of my life. I will say to God my Rock, "Why have You forgotten me? Why do I go mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?" As with a breaking of my bones, My enemies reproach me, While they say to me all day long, "Where is your God?" Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; For I shall yet praise Him, The help of my countenance and my God.

Isn't the key phrase, "Why have You forgotten me? Why do I go mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?" I know, to the very depths of my being that the LORD, God, the Almighty has not forgotten me. I know that my LORD's arms around me are far stronger than the Evil One's ill will. Why cannot I hear those infinitely varied hymns of praise during the night? How can I allow the hint of Your unfaithfulness to introduce discontent into my soul when I know that that the author of lies is the source? Why can I not sneer at the Evil One, laughing at his lies as I roll over and sleep the sleep of the redeemed?

Reading

Morning Psalm 34, Noon Psalm 119:81-88, Evening Psalm 123,

Alternate Reading Plan based on 7 chapters/day from 7 sections of the Scriptures.

Genesis 23, Ruth 2,Job 23, Psalm 23, Isaiah 23, Matthew 23, 1 Corinthians 2

Ny groupings are: Genesis-Joshua, Judges to Esther, Job to Song of Solomon, Psalms breaking 119 into convenient sets, Isaiah to Malachi, Matthew to Acts, Romans to Revelation. Set your own up in convenient groupings as fits your study habits.

I suggest either setting aside a period of the day to read all, or break the readings up into morning, mid-day, and evening series. Both approaches have their advantages, and both will build an awareness of the Bible as a whole over time.

Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him For the help of His countenance. O my God, my soul is cast down within me; Therefore I will remember You from the land of the Jordan, And from the heights of Hermon, From the Hill Mizar. Deep calls unto deep at the noise of Your waterfalls; All Your waves and billows have gone over me.

Here's some practical, applied daily, Christian faith. Got a case of the grumps today? Turn to the LORD in praise. Hope in God. Ask Him to demonstrate His providence. Ask Him to build your confidence in His promise in Romans 8:28.

Reading

Morning Psalm 33, Noon Psalm 119:73-80, Evening Psalm 122,

Alternate Reading Plan based on 7 chapters/day from 7 sections of the Scriptures.

Genesis 21, Ruth 1,Job 22, Psalm 22, Isaiah 22, Matthew 22, 1 Corinthians 1

My groupings are: Genesis-Joshua, Judges to Esther, Job to Song of Solomon, Psalms breaking 119 into convenient sets, Isaiah to Malachi, Matthew to Acts, Romans to Revelation. Set your own up in convenient groupings as fits your study habits.

I suggest either setting aside a period of the day to read all, or break the readings up into morning, mid-day, and evening series. Both approaches have their advantages, and both will build an awareness of the Bible as a whole over time.

I cry out with my whole heart; Hear me, O LORD! I will keep Your statutes. I cry out to You; Save me, and I will keep Your testimonies. I rise before the dawning of the morning, And cry for help; I hope in Your word. My eyes are awake through the night watches, That I may meditate on Your word.

Hear my voice according to Your lovingkindness; O LORD, revive me according to Your justice. They draw near who follow after wickedness; They are far from Your law. You are near, O LORD, And all Your commandments are truth. Concerning Your testimonies, I have known of old that You have founded them forever.

Crying out to the LORD! Hear me! Save me! I hope! I meditate! Revive me! Other Psalms speak of singing His praises or bowing down before Him. All are forms of Worship. All bring joy to the LORD, God the Almighty. But what is called for is not a casual approach, but a resolute intention to come together to worship. Or if alone, an intentional period of worship.

And it is a two-way street. As my being is filled with praise to the Almighty, there is an up-welling of praise and joy that bubbles in my system. What a Joy to Praise the LORD, God, the Almighty.

Reading

Morning Psalm 32, Noon Psalm 119:65-72, Evening Psalm 121,

Alternate Reading Plan based on 7 chapters/day from 7 sections of the Scriptures.

Genesis 21, Judges 21,Job 21, Psalm 21, Isaiah 21, Matthew 21, Romans 21

My groupings are: Genesis-Joshua, Judges to Esther, Job to Song of Solomon, Psalms breaking 119 into convenient sets, Isaiah to Malachi, Matthew to Acts, Romans to Revelation. Set your own up in convenient groupings as fits your study habits.

I suggest either setting aside a period of the day to read all, or break the readings up into morning, mid-day, and evening series. Both approaches have their advantages, and both will build an awareness of the Bible as a whole over time.

To the Chief Musician. A Contemplation of the Sons of Korah. As the deer pants for the water brooks, So pants my soul for You, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God? My tears have been my food day and night, While they continually say to me, "Where is your God?" When I remember these things, I pour out my soul within me. For I used to go with the multitude; I went with them to the house of God, With the voice of joy and praise, With a multitude that kept a pilgrim feast.

I was engaged in an internet conversation (180 characters allowed in the text message) for several hours today which was abruptly ended by the other individual with the announcement that he considered me to be a clueless, arrogant fool. The subject was the truth claims of the Christian faith, in particular that the blood of Jesus Christ cleans us of all sin.

My soul was thirsting for the voice of the living God, as a deer pants for the water brook.. “Where is your God” rang in my ears and now here He is. My thirst is slaked, I am refreshed for I know that my Savior lives. The LORD, God, the Almighty is in control of all things, including young men that consider themselves to be smarter than God.

Reading

Morning Psalm 31, Noon Psalm 119:57-64, Evening Psalm 120 Yesterday was 2 oops, sorry

Alternate Reading Plan based on 7 chapters/day from 7 sections of the Scriptures.

Genesis 20, Judges 20, Job 20, Psalm 20, Isaiah 20, Matthew 20, Romans 20

My groupings are: Genesis-Joshua, Judges to Esther, Job to Song of Solomon, Psalms breaking 119 into convenient sets, Isaiah to Malachi, Matthew to Acts, Romans to Revelation. Set your own up in convenient groupings as fits your study habits.

I suggest either setting aside a period of the day to read all, or break the readings up into morning, mid-day, and evening series. Both approaches have their advantages, and both will build an awareness of the Bible as a whole over time.

To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David. Blessed is he who considers the poor; The LORD will deliver him in time of trouble. The LORD will preserve him and keep him alive, And he will be blessed on the earth; You will not deliver him to the will of his enemies. The LORD will strengthen him on his bed of illness; You will sustain him on his sickbed.

Now here's a new thought. Ministries to the lost, the least and the lonely are forms of worship of the LORD, God, the Almighty. Yes, there are many forms of ministry that we consider as being “out in the LORD's work,” and often workgets more emphasis than ministry, but rarely if ever considered ministry.

But it is one of the highest forms of labor. To be the LORD's eyes, His hands, His feet is both a great blessing and a great responsibility. We each have our own calling to feed the 5000.

Reading

Morning Psalm 29, Noon Psalm 119:41-48, Evening Psalm 118

Alternate Reading Plan based on 7 chapters/day from 7 sections of the Scriptures.

Genesis 18, Judges 18, Job 18, Psalm 18, Isaiah 18, Matthew 18, Romans 18

My groupings are: Genesis-Joshua, Judges to Esther, Job to Song of Solomon, Psalms breaking 119 into convenient sets, Isaiah to Malachi, Matthew to Acts, Romans to Revelation. Set your own up in convenient groupings as fits your study habits.

I suggest either setting aside a period of the day to read all, or break the readings up into morning, mid-day, and evening series. Both approaches have their advantages, and both will build an awareness of the Bible as a whole over time.

Let them be ashamed and brought to mutual confusion Who seek to destroy my life; Let them be driven backward and brought to dishonor Who wish me evil.  Let them be confounded because of their shame, Who say to me, "Aha, aha!" Let all those who seek You rejoice and be glad in You; Let such as love Your salvation say continually, "The LORD be magnified!" But I am poor and needy; Yet the LORD thinks upon me. You are my help and my deliverer; Do not delay, O my God.

I sense an element of discouragment and an "Oh, woe is me" attitude on David's part as he concludes this magnificant hymn of dependency upon the LORD. As He approaches the end, he wraps it up with a final plea for the LORD's justice to prevail, but then slips into his poor and needy routine. He acknowledges the favor that he has with the LORD, that He is David's help and deliverer, and ends with a heartlfet plea, "please, please don't delay, O my God"

There are times when I feel a brother to brother empathy with David, and treasure the concluding words of this Psalm. O, do not delay, my LORD and Savior.

Reading

Morning Psalm 28, Noon Psalm 119:33-40, Evening Psalm 117

Alternate Reading Plan based on 7 chapters/day from 7 sections of the Scriptures.

Genesis 17, Judges 17, Job 17, Psalm 17, Isaiah 17, Matthew 17, Romans 17

My groupings are: Genesis-Joshua, Judges to Esther, Job to Song of Solomon, Psalms breaking 119 into convenient sets, Isaiah to Malachi, Matthew to Acts, Romans to Revelation. Set your own up in convenient groupings as fits your study habits.

I suggest either setting aside a period of the day to read all, or break the readings up into morning, mid-day, and evening series. Both approaches have their advantages, and both will build an awareness of the Bible as a whole over time.

Blessed is that man who makes the LORD his trust, And does not respect the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies. Many, O LORD my God, are Your wonderful works Which You have done; And Your thoughts toward us Cannot be recounted to You in order; If I would declare and speak of them, They are more than can be numbered. Sacrifice and offering You did not desire; My ears You have opened. Burnt offering and sin offering You did not require.

Then I said, "Behold, I come; In the scroll of the book it is written of me. I delight to do Your will, O my God, And Your law is within my heart." I have proclaimed the good news of righteousness In the great assembly; Indeed, I do not restrain my lips, O LORD, You Yourself know. I have not hidden Your righteousness within my heart; I have declared Your faithfulness and Your salvation; I have not concealed Your lovingkindness and Your truth From the great assembly.

What does the LORD, God, the Almighty require of me? Not the rituals of burnt and sin offerings, not long wordy and verbose prayers. Not strutting down the avenue greeting all the well dressed Christians and ignoring the destitute. If anything, that is a form of self-adulation.

No, I am to delight in doing His will, in obeying His commandments, of proclaiming the good news of righteousness in the assemblies, declaring His faithfulness and salvation, and not concealing His lovingkindness and truth from the great assembly. A tall order but it will come naturally as I immerse myself in His Word. Here are a couple of reading plans that will help in the immersing.

Reading

Morning Psalm 26 Noon Psalm 119:17-24, Evening Psalm 115

Alternate Reading Plan based on 7 chapters/day from 7 sections of the Scriptures.

Genesis 15, Judges 15, Job 15, Psalm 15, Isaiah 15, Matthew 15, Romans 15

My groupings are: Genesis-Joshua, Judges to Esther, Job to Song of Solomon, Psalms breaking 119 into convenient sets, Isaiah to Malachi, Matthew to Acts, Romans to Revelation. Set your own up in convenient groupings as fits your study habits.

I suggest either setting aside a period of the day to read all, or break the readings up into morning, mid-day, and evening series. Both approaches have their advantages, and both will build an awareness of the Bible as a whole over time.