May 22, 2026 - Psalms 11-16

“Because the poor are plundered, because the needy groan, I will now arise,” says the LORD; ‘I will place him in the safety for which he longs.’  The words of the LORD are pure words, like silver refined in a furnace on the ground, purified seven times” (12:5-6). à The Lord is a place of refuge.  He has declared himself to be that, and his word is good.

“Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge.  I say to the LORD, ‘You are my Lord; I have no good apart from you’” (16:1-2). à We have all we need in the Lord.

“You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore” (16:11).  In our God and his salvation is not mere religious ritual (Wow, we are seeing lots of that on our trip!) but fullness of joy!

O for a thousand tongues to sing

my great Redeemer’s praise,

the glories of my God and King,

the triumphs of his grace!

Jesus! the name that charms our fears,

that bids our sorrows cease,

‘tis music in the sinner’s ears,

‘tis life and health and peace.   --Charles Wesley (1739)