19 How
abundant are the good things
that
you have stored up for those who fear you,
that you bestow in the sight of all,
on
those who take refuge in you.
20 In the
shelter of your presence you hide them
from
all human intrigues;
you keep them safe in your dwelling
from
accusing tongues.
What
circumstances create a sense of fear in a person’s life? How are these
circumstances similar or different then having a fear of the Lord?
What
does an “abundance” of “good things” look like for someone who fears the Lord?
Look
back through this whole psalm. Find each instance of the word “refuge” and note
how it is used.
Why
would people need to hide from “human intrigues” –- what does that mean?
21 Praise
be to the Lord,
for
he showed me the wonders of his love
when
I was in a city under siege.
22 In my alarm I
said,
“I
am cut off from your sight!”
Yet you heard my cry for mercy
when
I called to you for help.
23 Love
the Lord, all his faithful
people!
The Lord preserves those who are true
to him,
but
the proud he pays back in full.
24 Be strong and take
heart,
all
you who hope in the Lord. NIV
After all the reflection on anguish in
this psalm, what could be surprising about the author proclaiming “Praise be to
the Lord” in verse 21?
Can you identify a time in your life when
you felt like verse 22 was true?
Imagine the author of this psalm as a personal life mentor. How is verse 24 an important pattern to learn from this lifelong follower of God?
::::: Application Challenge :::::
Memorize verse 24. In the next 24 hours
repeat these words again and again. And then, at any moment where anguish or
anxiety begins to entrap you, speak these words as an encouraging reminder for
your soul.