Psalms – Prayers of Honesty
Short and sweet. At times we love it when the sermon gets right to the point and leaves us with the most important words to follow. David has done just that in our next prayer conversation with God. He asks God, what does it take to come to God’s table at His house and fellowship with God. Psalm 15, The Message
A David Psalm
God, who gets invited
to dinner at your place?
How do we get on your guest list?
2 “Walk straight, act right,
tell the truth.
3-4 “Don’t hurt your friend,
don’t blame your neighbor;
despise the despicable.
5 “Keep your word even when it costs you,
make an honest living,
never take a bribe.
“You’ll never get
blacklisted
if you live like this.”
SOMETHING TO CHEW…
It’s important to note that Psalm 15 is not a prescription for being saved but a description of how saved people ought to live if they want to please God and fellowship with Him. The list contains both positive and negative qualities, and these qualities must be present in all of life at all times. Believers who would fellowship intimately with God must follow David’s example and meet three personal requirements.
1. Seek God’s Presence David asked this question because he loved the house of the Lord (26:8; 27:3-5; 65:4) and desired in his heart to know God better and fellowship with Him in a deeper way. David’s great desire was to be with God in heaven and dwell in His house forever (23:6; 61:4), for God is our eternal home (90:1). Believers today can enjoy intimate fellowship with God through Jesus
Christ (John 14:19-31; Heb. 10:19-25).
2. Obey God
Three basic areas of life are named in verse 2–blameless character, righteous conduct, and truthful conversation–and then these are applied specifically and practically in verses 3-5a. If we are right in these basic virtues, we will “work them out” in every area of life and be obedient to the Lord. Walk, work, and speak are present participles, indicating that the dedicated believer is constantly obeying the Lord and seeking to please Him.
3. Trust God
“He who does these things will never be shaken” (nasb). This means that the godly described in this psalm have security and stability in life and don’t have to be afraid of earthquakes or eviction notices. God’s promise to the godly is that they are firmly grounded on His covenant promises and need not fear. “He who does the will of God abides forever” (1 John 2:17 nkjv). I am reminded of the old hymn…”I shall not be, I shall not be moved”…which means we will not be moved from God’s Presence for our foundation is strong, built upon Jesus, our Savior. We do not live in fear of exposure because we have told the truth. We shall not be moved.
HEART CHECK:Good works cannot procure our salvation, but they ought to prove our salvation (Eph. 2:8-10). What good works do you believe prove most convincingly that a person has received salvation?
David longed for heaven. What aspects of heaven are you longing for? If someone asked “What’s so great about heaven?” how would you respond?
David stressed the value of integrity, honesty, and sincerity. How might we practice these virtues at home, in church, and in the business community?
I am also reminded of the Micah Mandate: “O people, the LORD has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8, NLT)
Be strong. Be consistent. Be saved by the blood the Lamb. Be with God, walking with God with the help of His Holy Spirit, Who is part of God and who, with our permission and yielded will, lives in us.
YES! I shall not be, I shall not be moved…
Dear Heavenly Father,
I cannot do life without first being with You, getting guidance and direction from you. You never disappoint. Thank you for teaching us how to live. Thank your for saving our souls. We are not perfect but we are perfectly forgiven. Because of your forgiveness I gratefully want to obey your commands. Thank you for Your Presence in our lives. I shall not be moved.
In Jesus Name, Amen
