1. Keeping an eye on reality (0-4)

0 For the director of music. Of David the servant of the LORD. 1 An oracle is within my heart concerning the sinfulness of the wicked: There is no fear of God before his eyes. 2 For in his own eyes he flatters himself too much to detect or hate his sin. 3 The words of his mouth are wicked and deceitful; he has ceased to be wise and to do good. 4 Even on his bed he plots evil; he commits himself to a sinful course and does not reject what is wrong.

And he said to him, “I will give you all their authority and splendor, for it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. So if you worship me, it will all be yours.” Jesus answered, “It is written: `Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.’ (Luke 4:6-8)

“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. (Matt. 5:14)

My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified. (John 17:15-19)

I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. (Matt. 10:16)

2. Keeping the truth in heart (5-9)

5 Your love, O LORD, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies. 6 Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, your justice like the great deep. O LORD, you preserve both man and beast. 7 How priceless is your unfailing love! Both high and low among men find refuge in the shadow of your wings. 8 They feast on the abundance of your house; you give them drink from your river of delights. 9 For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light.

3. Making a prayer our base, not reality or expectation (10-12)

10 Continue your love to those who know you, your righteousness to the upright in heart. 11 May the foot of the proud not come against me, nor the hand of the wicked drive me away. 12 See how the evildoers lie fallen– thrown down, not able to rise!

Summary

Some Christians seem to have been torn between God’s promise in the Bible and the reality surrounding them, and lost sight of themselves. There is not much difference between the reality of David and ours. Some people turn their backs to reality and live only in their church community. Some others are disappointed by the promise of the Bible and leave the church. But we can live our lives boldly, by being rooted in reality and setting our hearts to the Lord at the same time. That is to make a prayer our base, not reality around us or expectation within us.

For Discussion

1) What do you mean keeping the truth in your heart?
2) What kind of power does prayer have?