May 30, 2026 - Psalms 51-55

“Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy       blot out my transgressions.  Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin!” (51:1-2) -- The cry made by every believer, made with confidence because of Jesus’ death and resurrection.

“But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God.  I trust in the steadfast love of God       forever and ever” (52:8). à Like a green olive tree . . . alive, healthy, bearing fruit.  -- We have no greater gift given to us than the life we have in Christ.

“I call to God, and the LORD will save me.  Evening and morning and at noon I utter my complaint and moan, and he hears my voice. . . . Cast your burden on the LORD, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved” (55:16-17, 22). -- I had a friend who once accused me of just using God as a crutch.  Well, he is much more than that to us.  What comfort, though, to cast our burdens on the Lord, knowing that he will sustain us.

If you but trust in God to guide you

and place your confidence in him,

you’ll find him always there beside you

to give you hope and strength within;

for those who trust God’s changeless love

build on the rock that will not move.

Only be still and wait his pleasure

in cheerful hope with heart content.

He fills your needs to fullest measure

with what discerning love has sent;

doubt not our inmost wants are known

to him who chose us for his own.

Sing, pray, and keep his ways unswerving,

offer your service faithfully,

and trust his word; though undeserving,

you’ll find his promise true to be.

God never will forsake in need

the soul that trusts in him indeed.   --Georg Neumark (1641)