Psalm 39 - 3.11.25

SCRIPTURE: PSALM 39:1-2

“I said, “I will watch my ways and keep my tongue from sin; I will put a muzzle on my mouth while in the presence of the wicked.” So I remained utterly silent, not even saying anything good.”

OBSERVATION

David, the writer of this Psalm, begins with recounting his commitment to God to watch what he does and says to avoid sin. We’re reminded by David’s actions to recall our commitment, our resolve, and solemn promises made to God, yet sometimes we can take those commitments to the extreme. David recognized that avoiding sinful talk around the wicked also kept him from saying anything good. The bottom line is we need to be careful of what we do and say, to not sin with our words, but don’t stay quiet when it comes to good things.

APPLICATION

David shows one way he applied his commitment to not sin with his mouth – especially around wicked people who could use what is said against him - by putting a muzzle on his mouth. A muzzle is something that can force someone to not use the mouth in the wrong way - just like a muzzle on a violent dog. Although I doubt he actually wore a muzzle but the visual use of a muzzle sounds about right to control the mouth. Take note he’s the one who puts the muzzle on his mouth – not anyone else. It’s our own personal responsibility to do whatever it takes to control our mouth.

Controlling what is said, to avoid sin, and how we’re to use and not use our mouth or tongue is covered multiple times in the scriptures. There are 133 references in the Bible using the word “tongue” and 303 using the word “mouth.” Here are few:

“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen” Ephesians 4:29

“Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless.” James 1:26

“Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark.”  James 3:5

“With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.”  James 3:9 - 10

Let’s face it, we’ve all had instances in our life where we have not controlled what we’ve said. Those instances might be from yesterday, today or a long time ago. It could be a curse word said when someone does anything against you, or gossip about others, or a slanderous word about someone or an outright lie. Controlling our mouth / tongue is hard and it’s also easy to fall into sin. We need God’s muzzle on our mouth!

David used recalling his commitment to God to help muzzle his mouth. Being mindful of your position in Christ, your commitment to live a life that is pleasing to Him, being in prayer, and reading His scriptures are all ways to help control your actions and mouth from sin. Just be sure that doesn’t mean you’ll avoid saying the good things even around wicked people.

PRAYER

Lord, help me to be continually mindful of your ways to control my mouth. Forgive me when my words have been sinful. Help me, Lord, to always have words that are pleasing to you, that are an encouragement to others, to uplift and point everyone to you. In Jesus name, amen and amen!

- Mary Oberg

Psalm 38 - 3.10.25

Scripture

Psalms‬ ‭38‬:‭21‬-‭22‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“Lord, do not forsake me; do not be far from me, my God. Come quickly to help me, my Lord and my Savior.”

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Observation

This Psalm is a petition to the Lord from King David.

“A prayer of petition is simply asking for God's help. Jesus repeatedly encourages us to go to the Father and ask him earnestly for what we need.” (www.Biblestudytools.com)

King David pleads with God to take away the guilt that is burdening him. As a result of his sin, He feels that God’s hand is heavy upon him in anger and discipline. He not only speaks about how it is troubling him spiritually, but physically and socially in his relationships as well. He acknowledges that it is only God who could help him, deliver him and “bring back his strength and the light to his eyes.” (Verse 10)

Application

Ask for God’s help, whether for deliverance from sin, wisdom, courage, strength; basically anything!

Also, there are some trials that we go through in life which are a result of our own sin. There is hope when we confess and repent (turn away) from it though!

If King David could bear the depths of his soul to the Lord, we can too! David was open about his sin and how he felt God’s wrath was upon him because of it. He was open about how it was affecting his health and relationships. He was open about his enemies and how people had been returning his good for evil. Then, he confessed his sin and pled with God to draw near to him and save him quickly.

After petitioning the Lord, wait for Him to answer. He hears us. “Lord, I wait for you; you will answer, Lord my God.” -Psalms‬ ‭38‬:‭15‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Prayer

Dear Lord,

Please reveal any areas in my life that is hindering my relationship with You and help me to die to it completely. I desire a life of freedom with You and nothing or no one to come between us. Thank You that I could come to You honestly, like King David did, to petition You for help and forgiveness when I’ve wronged You. Thank You that because darkness could not overtake You, it doesn’t have to overtake me either. Thank You that I can also come to You for help in any other situations. Help me to wait in patience for Your answer.  Thank You in advance that You hear me and WILL answer. In Your name I pray Jesus, Amen.

-Michelle Gaddi

2 Kings 22 - 3.7.25

Scripture: ‭‭2 Kings‬ ‭22‬:‭18‬-‭20‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“Tell the king of Judah, who sent you to inquire of the Lord, ‘This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says concerning the words you heard: Because your heart was responsive and you humbled yourself before the Lord when you heard what I have spoken against this place and its people—that they would become a curse and be laid waste—and because you tore your robes and wept in my presence, I also have heard you, declares the Lord. Therefore I will gather you to your ancestors, and you will be buried in peace. Your eyes will not see all the disaster I am going to bring on this place.’ ” So they took her answer back to the king.”

Observation:

Josiah became king when he was 8 years old and he did what was right in the eyes of the Lord. The two previous kings had done evil. I would love to know what made the difference. 

“In the eighth year of his reign, while he was still young, he began to seek the God of his father David. In his twelfth year he began to purge Judah and Jerusalem of high places, Asherah poles and idols.” ‭‭2 Chronicles‬ ‭34‬:‭3‬ ‭NIV‬‬

He was 16 when he began seeking the Lord. In his eighteenth year as king at 24 years old he began to restore the temple. Workers found the Book of the Law. When it was brought to him by the priest and read to him he believed and knew Judah had broken the covenant. He repented and sent the priest to inquire of the Lord. God saw Josiah’s response to hearing His word and said He would not see the disaster and would die in peace. 

Application:

God’s Word is powerful. He does what He promises. However, over and over again we see God holding back His hand when people humble themselves before Him repenting of their sin. 

“He is the same yesterday, today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8) which means He still does the same today. 

God’s word has great impact. Its power can bring repentance. Also, young people can seek God and be the vessels of change. We need to value all they have to offer. This is not only a reminder for me to be reading the Word myself, but also its power when I share it with others. 

Prayer:

Lord, Thank you for the ways you are always working. You use young and old to do your work. You caused Josiah’s heart to turn to you when others before him had done evil. Please work in those hearts who I’ve been praying for and have not yet turned to you. May I find creative ways to share your Word. Please keep me humble and show me areas of sin I need to repent of. You brought a season of peace to a nation because Josiah repented. Please bring peace to those who need you. I am available to be an agent of change. Give me your voice and wisdom. Thank you for your grace and faithfulness. Amen

- Cindy Howard