Welcome to BibleBum where we are exploring the entire Bible in one year to better learn how to follow God’s instructions and discover the purpose for our lives.  The BibleBum blog uses The One Year Chronological Bible, the New Living Translation version.  At the end of each day’s reading, Rob, a cultural history aficionado and seminary graduate, answers questions from Leigh An, the blogger host, about the daily scripture.  To start from the beginning, click on “Index” and select Day 1.

Psalms 27-32

Questions & Observations

Q. (Psalm 27): This psalm says to me that as David was devoted to the Lord, sometimes that meant heralding his name and looking down on enemies, and other times, curling up under God’s protection while He does the fighting.  In the latter, when he was surrounded by evil, I hear in David’s words that he tries really hard not to be scared, but it’s hard knowing how fierce and conniving his enemies can be.  And then in the next set, David asks God to show him how to live, maybe so he doesn’t have to be afraid?  That’s what I get anyway.

A. Sounds correct to me.

O. (28): I am hearing a lot of recurring emotions from David.  1) His patience wears thin.  He has a lot of responsibility, in which he asks God to give him direction.  2) And, when he doesn’t get answers, he becomes impatient and scared and starts begging God to forgive him.  3) His endurance is tested because of his enemies keep lurking and lurking and lurking.

Q. (30:6-7): Is David showing us that God turned away from him because of his ego?

A. Yes.  It appears that David forgot that his prospering was from God, not his own efforts, and God appears to have shamed him into seeing how things really are.

O. (31:9-13): In these verses, we revisit many of David’s “ghosts” that are haunting him.  I am reminded of how much David endured for God’s name.  No, he was not perfect, but he was devoted to God.  These verses have renewed my respect for such a soldier of God!

Q. (31:22): Why are some prayers not answered until someone cries out?

A. Why is any prayer answered at all?  God, in His mercy, chooses to listen to His children and show compassion for their needs, but He is by no means obligated to listen to them.  Part of the act of faith that comes in praying is trusting that God not only controls the results of the request, but also the timing of the answer.  I would imagine that in some cases God desires for us to wait into we have nothing left to turn to but Him, and then rescue us.  It would certainly engender a proper understanding of Who is ultimately in control of our lives.

O. (32:5): It’s so wonderful that God has an open ear for us to confess our sins.  I know when I’m hiding guilt or shame, it eats at me.  So, thank you God for this outlet, letting us off the hook with just a heartfelt “sorry.”