Author: Alfonso Maldonado

Psalm 46, HE is our refuge!

Psa 46:1, …God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble.

JESUS is our refuge in times of trouble! HE is a fortress to those seeking shelter!

Psa 18:2, The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. 

Psa 46:2-3, THEREFORE WE WILL NOT FEAR, Even though the earth be removed, And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though its waters roar and be troubled, Though the mountains shake with its swelling. SELAH

The Psalmist considered the scariest situation and thought, “THE LORD IS STILL GREATER THAN MY WORST FEARS, WHY BE AFRAID”!

Psa 46:4, THERE IS A RIVER WHOSE STREAMS SHALL MAKE GLAD THE CITY OF GOD, THE HOLY PLACE OF THE TABERNACLE OF THE MOST HIGH. 

The city of GOD is a desert, but in the future, there will be a life-giving river flowing from the throne of GOD!

Rev 22:1, And he showed me A PURE RIVER OF WATER OF LIFE, CLEAR AS CRYSTAL, PROCEEDING FROM THE THRONE OF GOD AND OF THE LAMB.

Isa 44:3, FOR I WILL POUR WATER ON HIM WHO IS THIRSTY, AND FLOODS ON THE DRY GROUND; I WILL POUR MY SPIRIT ON YOUR DESCENDANTS, AND MY BLESSING ON YOUR OFFSPRING; 

GOD wants to pour HIS Spirit on us, not just a few drops of blessing but a river from the throne of GOD!

Joh 7:37-38, On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “IF ANYONE THIRSTS, LET HIM COME TO ME AND DRINK. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, OUT OF HIS HEART WILL FLOW RIVERS OF LIVING WATER.”

Psa 46:10, BE STILL, AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! 

Be anxious for nothing for our hope is in GOD and if HE is with us then WHO CAN BE AGAINST US? SEEK THE LORD, TRUST IN HIM AND HIS STRENGTH!  

Psalm 45, the KING of kings!

Psa 45:1-2, …My heart is overflowing with a good theme; I RECITE MY COMPOSITION CONCERNING THE KING; … You are fairer than the sons of men; GRACE IS POURED UPON YOUR LIPS; THEREFORE GOD HAS BLESSED YOU FOREVER.

The psalmist wrote this psalm concerning the King, but as you read on He’s talking about the KINGS of kings! The LORD JESUS who healed the sick, who gave sight to the blind, raised the dead, and died for all!

Luk 4:22, So all bore witness to Him, and MARVELED AT THE GRACIOUS WORDS WHICH PROCEEDED OUT OF HIS MOUTH. And they said, “Is this not Joseph’s son?” 

Even officers sent to arrest JESUS said.

Joh 7:46, The officers answered, “NO MAN EVER SPOKE LIKE THIS MAN!” 

Psa 45:3, GIRD YOUR SWORD UPON YOUR THIGH, O MIGHTY ONE, WITH YOUR GLORY AND YOUR MAJESTY. 

HIS sword is HIS WORD, and when HE comes back many will be slain by it!

Rev 19:15, Now out of HIS mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. HE HIMSELF TREADS THE WINEPRESS OF THE FIERCENESS AND WRATH OF ALMIGHTY GOD.

Psa 45:6-7, YOUR THRONE, O GOD, IS FOREVER AND EVER; A SCEPTER OF RIGHTEOUSNESS IS THE SCEPTER OF YOUR KINGDOM. You love righteousness and hate wickedness; THEREFORE GOD, YOUR GOD, HAS ANOINTED YOU WITH THE OIL OF GLADNESS MORE THAN YOUR COMPANIONS.

In Heb 1:8-9, we find these same words, but it adds, “BUT TO THE SON HE SAYS: YOUR THRONE, O GOD, IS FOREVER AND EVER…..”,

Mat 8:27, So the men marveled, saying, “WHO CAN THIS BE, THAT EVEN THE WINDS AND THE SEA OBEY HIM?” 

HE IS THE KING OF GLORY, THE KING OF kings and the LORD of lords! One day HIS bride shall be brought to the KING!

Psa 45:14-15, SHE SHALL BE BROUGHT TO THE KING IN ROBES OF MANY COLORS; The virgins, her companions who follow her, SHALL BE BROUGHT TO YOU. WITH GLADNESS AND REJOICING THEY SHALL BE BROUGHT; THEY SHALL ENTER THE KING’S PALACE.

Psalm 44, why are YOU so far off?

Psa 44:1, WE HAVE HEARD WITH OUR EARS, O GOD, OUR FATHERS HAVE TOLD US, THE DEEDS YOU DID IN THEIR DAYS, IN DAYS OF OLD

The psalmist remembers his father telling him about the works of GOD in their days! WE, AS FATHERS NEED TO DO THE SAME! TELL YOUR KIDS WHAT GOD HAS DONE IN YOUR LIFE!

Joe 1:3, TELL YOUR CHILDREN ABOUT IT, LET YOUR CHILDREN TELL THEIR CHILDREN, AND THEIR CHILDREN ANOTHER GENERATION.

Psa 44:3, 6 For they did not gain possession of the land BY THEIR OWN SWORD, Nor did their own arm save them; BUT IT WAS YOUR RIGHT HAND, YOUR ARM, AND THE LIGHT OF YOUR COUNTENANCE, BECAUSE YOU FAVORED THEM…. FOR I WILL NOT TRUST IN MY BOW, NOR SHALL MY SWORD SAVE ME

Israel did fight for the land, BUT VICTORY CAME BECAUSE OF THE LORD! IT WASN’T THEIR BOWS, THEIR MONEY, THEIR SWORDS, IT WAS THE LORD! NEVER TAKE CREDIT FOR THE WORK OF HIS HAND;

Psa 44:9, BUT YOU HAVE CAST US OFF AND PUT US TO SHAME, AND YOU DO NOT GO OUT WITH OUR ARMIES. 

From verses 9-11, the psalmist changes his focus. He remembered the stories of his father, but now it seems that GOD has drawn away from his people?

Jos 1:9, Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, FOR THE LORD YOUR GOD IS WITH YOU WHEREVER YOU GO.” 

It wasn’t GOD that left, but the people who left HIM and stopped following HIS WORD! HE clearly stated what would happen if Israel drew away from HIM! Deu 28:15-68

Deu 28:15, “BUT IT SHALL COME TO PASS, IF YOU DO NOT OBEY THE VOICE OF THE LORD YOUR GOD, to observe carefully all His commandments…THAT ALL THESE CURSES WILL COME UPON YOU AND OVERTAKE YOU: 

HE is a loving Father and is prepared to punish HIS children out of LOVE and never in anger!

Heb 12:6-7, FOR WHOM THE LORD LOVES HE CHASTENS, AND SCOURGES EVERY SON WHOM HE RECEIVES.” If you endure chastening, GOD DEALS WITH YOU AS WITH SONS; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten?

Psalm 43, why do you cast me off?

Psa 43:2, Vindicate me, O God, …Oh, deliver me from the deceitful and unjust man! FOR YOU ARE THE GOD OF MY STRENGTH; WHY do You cast me off? WHY do I go mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?

A continuation of the previous psalm where the psalmist is in deep depression!  He is crying out to the LORD, the source of his strength and asking WHY DO YOU CAST ME OFF? WHY DO I GRIEVE? TRIALS LIKE THESE OFTEN TEST OUR FAITH, BUT RESULTS IN A STRONGER BOND WITH THE LORD!

Jas 1:3-4, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

JESUS said, at the start of HIS ministry!

Isa 61:1, “The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon ME, Because the LORD has anointed ME To PREACH GOOD TIDINGS TO THE POOR; HE HAS SENT ME TO HEAL THE BROKENHEARTED, TO PROCLAIM LIBERTY TO THE CAPTIVES, AND THE OPENING OF THE PRISON TO THOSE WHO ARE BOUND; 

Psa 147:3, He heals the brokenhearted And binds up their wounds. 

Psa 43:3-4, Oh, send out Your light and Your truth! Let them lead me; Let them bring me to Your holy hill And to Your tabernacle. Then I will go to the altar of God, To God my exceeding joy; And on the harp I will praise You, O God, my God.

He is in a dark place and is asking the LORD for guidance! LEAD ME LORD OUT OF THIS DEPRESSION THAT I MAY PRAISE YOU AGAIN!

Psa 119:105, YOUR WORD IS A LAMP TO MY FEET AND A LIGHT TO MY PATH. 

2Cor 1:3-4, Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and GOD OF ALL COMFORT, WHO COMFORTS US IN ALL OUR TRIBULATION, THAT WE MAY BE ABLE TO COMFORT THOSE WHO ARE IN ANY TROUBLE, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.

The LORD may use you and your experiences to comfort others! REMEMBER, HIS WAYS ARE NOT OUR WAYS, HIS THOUGHTS ARE HIGHER THAN OURS! TRUST IN THE LORD

Psa 130:5, I WAIT FOR THE LORD, MY SOUL WAITS, AND IN HIS WORD I DO HOPE. 

Psalm 42, depression!

Psa 42:1-2, AS THE DEER PANTS FOR THE WATER BROOKS, SO PANTS MY SOUL FOR YOU, O GOD. MY SOUL THIRSTS FOR GOD, FOR THE LIVING GOD. WHEN SHALL I COME AND APPEAR BEFORE GOD?

The Psalmist, the Sons of Korah, was suffering from depression and was thirsty for the presence of GOD. He didn’t thirst for vain idols, but for the living GOD!  Scripture tells us..

Php 4:6-7, BE ANXIOUS FOR NOTHING, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; AND THE PEACE OF GOD, WHICH SURPASSES ALL UNDERSTANDING, WILL GUARD YOUR HEARTS AND MINDS THROUGH CHRIST JESUS. 

When we thirst, there is only one place to go!

John 7:37, … JESUS STOOD AND CRIED OUT, SAYING, “IF ANYONE THIRSTS, LET HIM COME TO ME AND DRINK.

Psa 42:4, WHEN I REMEMBER THESE THINGS, I pour out my soul within me. FOR I USED TO GO WITH THE MULTITUDE; I WENT WITH THEM TO THE HOUSE OF GOD, WITH THE VOICE OF JOY AND PRAISE, With a multitude that kept a pilgrim feast. 

Remembering his past joy only makes him sadder! His emotions are stirred up!

Psa 42:5, Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? HOPE IN GOD, FOR I SHALL YET PRAISE HIM FOR THE HELP OF HIS COUNTENANCE. 

Speaking to his own soul, why is my heart so sad? Depression is no joke, but the Psalmist new THAT HE SHALL PRIASE HIM AGAIN!

Psa 30:5b, … Weeping may endure for a night, BUT JOY COMES IN THE MORNING. 

Psa 62:8, TRUST IN HIM AT ALL TIMES, YOU PEOPLE; POUR OUT YOUR HEART BEFORE HIM; GOD IS A REFUGE FOR US. SELAH 

REMEMBER HE IS FAITHFUL AND HE WILL DELIVER YOU FROM EVERYTHING IN HIS TIME! TRUST IN HIM FOR HE IS A REFUGE TO THOSE THAT SEEK HIM! HE IS FAITHFUL!

Psa 30:11-12, You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; You have put off my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness, To the end that my glory may sing praise to You and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks to You forever.

Psalm 41, Pity on the poor!

Psa 41:1-3, …BLESSED IS HE WHO CONSIDERS THE POOR; THE LORD WILL DELIVER HIM IN TIME OF TROUBLE. The LORD will PRESERVE HIM AND KEEP HIM ALIVE, And HE WILL BE BLESSED ON THE EARTH; You will not deliver him to the will of his enemies. THE LORD WILL STRENGTHEN HIM ON HIS BED OF ILLNESS; YOU WILL SUSTAIN HIM ON HIS SICKBED.

Poor economically, but can also mean weak or helpless! Either way, this is a promise of GOD; The LORD will repay him for his generosity!

Pro 19:17, HE WHO HAS PITY ON THE POOR LENDS TO THE LORD, AND HE WILL PAY BACK WHAT HE HAS GIVEN.

The LORD doesn’t forget even the smallest thing we do! Even if you give a glass of water in HIS name HE will remember!

Mar 9:41, FOR WHOEVER GIVES YOU A CUP OF WATER TO DRINK IN MY NAME, because you belong to Christ, assuredly, I say to you, HE WILL BY NO MEANS LOSE HIS REWARD. 

Psa 41:9, Even my own familiar FRIEND in whom I TRUSTED, WHO ATE MY BREAD, HAS LIFTED UP HIS HEEL AGAINST ME.

David was indeed betrayed by his trusted advisor Ahithophel, and his own son Absalom, but this was fulfilled by Judas when he betrayed JESUS!

Joh 13:18, “I do not speak concerning all of you. I know whom I have chosen; but that the Scripture may be fulfilled, ‘HE WHO EATS BREAD WITH ME HAS LIFTED UP HIS HEEL AGAINST ME.

Luk 22:21, BUT BEHOLD, THE HAND OF MY BETRAYER IS WITH ME ON THE TABLE. 

Psa 41:12-13, As for me, You uphold me in my integrity, And set me before Your face forever. Blessed be the LORD God of Israel From everlasting to everlasting! Amen and Amen.

MEN MAY BETRAY YOU, BUT THE LORD IS ALWAYS FAITHFUL TO HIS WORD AND PROMISES! DAVID DIDN’T FOCUS ON THOSE THAT RETURN EVIL FOR GOOD, BUT HIS FOCUS WAS ALWAYS ON THE LORD!

Psa 118:8, IT IS BETTER TO TRUST IN THE LORD THAN TO PUT CONFIDENCE IN MAN. 

Psalm 40, HIS Thoughts for us!

Psa 40:1-3, … I WAITED PATIENTLY FOR THE LORD; AND HE INCLINED TO ME, AND HEARD MY CRY. HE ALSO BROUGHT ME UP OUT OF A HORRIBLE PIT, OUT OF THE MIRY CLAY, AND SET MY FEET UPON A ROCK, AND ESTABLISHED MY STEPS. He has put a new song in my mouth—Praise to our God; Many will see it and fear, And will trust in the LORD.

In times of trouble it’s hard, at least for me, to patiently wait on the LORD! I remember that we were bleeding out money and nothing coming in, BUT THEN HE OPENED A DOOR FOR ME! ALL I COULD DO IS PRAISE HIM! THAT WAS TWO YEARS AGO TODAY (OCT 1, 2018)! REMEMBER THE LORD KNOWS WHAT HE IS DOING AND IS NEVER LATE!

Psa 40:4, BLESSED IS THAT MAN WHO MAKES THE LORD HIS TRUST…

Psa 40:5, MANY, O LORD MY GOD, ARE YOUR WONDERFUL WORKS WHICH YOU HAVE DONE; AND YOUR THOUGHTS TOWARD US CANNOT BE RECOUNTED TO YOU IN ORDER; IF I WOULD DECLARE AND SPEAK OF THEM, THEY ARE MORE THAN CAN BE NUMBERED. 

The LORD is always working and is never sleeping on the job! HIS thoughts for you can’t be counted for HE is always thinking of you!

Jer 29:11, FOR I KNOW THE THOUGHTS THAT I THINK TOWARD YOU, says the LORD, THOUGHTS OF PEACE AND NOT OF EVIL, TO GIVE YOU A FUTURE AND A HOPE. 

We were at the beach recently, and while looking at the sand it brought this beautiful scripture to memory!

Psa 139:17-18, How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! HOW GREAT IS THE SUM OF THEM! IF I SHOULD COUNT THEM, THEY WOULD BE MORE IN NUMBER THAN THE SAND; When I awake, I am still with You.

The Creator of the universal, the Creator of everything seen and unseen knows your name! HE listens to your voice and looks upon you at every moment! HE is always thinking about you and has a plan for you! WOW!

Psa 40:17, But I am poor and needy; YET THE LORD THINKS UPON ME. You are my help and my deliverer; Do not delay, O my God. 

IT’S NOT WHAT WE HAVE TO OFFER HIM, BUT WHAT HE HAS TO OFFER US! HE IS LOVE, AND A FATHER TO THOSE THAT PLACE THEIR TRUST IN HIM! BLESSED ARE YOU IF YOU TRUST IN HIM!

Psalm 39, Life is short, prepare for HIM!

Psa 39:1-3, I WILL GUARD MY WAYS, Lest I sin with MY TONGUE; I WILL RESTRAIN MY MOUTH WITH A MUZZLE, While the wicked are before me.” I WAS MUTE WITH SILENCE, I HELD MY PEACE EVEN FROM GOOD; And my sorrow was STIRRED UP. MY HEART WAS HOT WITHIN ME; While I was musing, THE FIRE BURNED. THEN I SPOKE WITH MY TONGUE:

David guarded his mouth and restrained himself from sinning with his tongue! He knew it would only cause trouble if he spoke out! It burned within him and finally it came out!

Psa 39:4-5, “LORD, make me to know my end, And what is the measure of my days, That I may know how frail I am. Indeed, You have made my days as handbreadths, And my age is as nothing before You; Certainly every man at his best state is but vapor. Selah

Rather than lashing out against his enemies or the people around him he broke out in prayer! A WHILE BACK, I WAS UPSET AND I DECIDED NOT TO RESPOND TO THIS LADY, BUT SHE KEPT ON PUSHING MY BUTTONS! IT WAS LIKE A VOLCANO BLOWING UP WITHIN ME; I LASHED OUT IN ANGER, BUT IT ONLY CAUSE MORE TROUBLE AND DIVISION! 

Psa 90:12, SO TEACH US TO NUMBER OUR DAYS, THAT WE MAY GAIN A HEART OF WISDOM. 

What good comes out when you lash out to those that provoke you? Life is but a vapor where here one day and gone the next!  Rather than causing more division, David vented to the LORD! THIS IS TRUE WISDOM!

Psa 55:22, CAST YOUR BURDEN ON THE LORD, AND HE SHALL SUSTAIN YOU; HE SHALL NEVER PERMIT THE RIGHTEOUS TO BE MOVED.

Psa 39:6-7, SURELY EVERY MAN WALKS ABOUT LIKE A SHADOW; SURELY THEY BUSY THEMSELVES IN VAIN; HE HEAPS UP RICHES, AND DOES NOT KNOW WHO WILL GATHER THEM. “AND NOW, LORD, WHAT DO I WAIT FOR? MY HOPE IS IN YOU.

People spend their lives gathering more and more stuff for themselves, but when you time is up you go to the grave with nothing! DAVID’S HOPE WAS NOT FOR MORE RICHES, BUT TO BE IN THE PRESENCE OF THE LORD! GUARD YOUR MOUTH AND GUARD YOUR EYES FOR THIS WORLD ONLY OFFERS TROUBLE! SEEK TRUE RICHES IN THE LORD!

Psalm 38, in sickness and health!

TO BRING TO REMEMBRANCE, O LORD, do not rebuke me in Your wrath, Nor chasten me in Your hot displeasure! For Your arrows pierce me deeply, And Your hand presses me down.

David felt that he was physically ill because of his sins, he felt the piercing pain which he called the LORDs arrows! HE DOESN’T DEAL WITH HIS SONS WITH JUDGEMENT, BUT AS A FATHER WHO PROPERLY CORRECTS HIS SON!

Pro 3:12, FOR WHOM THE LORD LOVES HE CORRECTS, JUST AS A FATHER THE SON IN WHOM HE DELIGHTS. 

For those fathers, we should never rebuke our children in our anger, but in love that they may understand their error!

Psa 38:3-5, There is NO SOUNDNESS IN MY FLESH Because of Your anger, NOR ANY HEALTH IN MY BONES BECAUSE OF MY SIN. For MY INIQUITIES have gone over my head; LIKE A HEAVY BURDEN THEY ARE TOO HEAVY FOR ME. MY WOUNDS ARE FOUL AND FESTERING BECAUSE OF MY FOOLISHNESS. 

David felt no health in his flesh nor bones and he attributed his pains to his sins! I LOVE THE HOW DAVID SPEAKS TO HIS FATHER! HE DOESN’T HIDE ANYTHING FROM HIM AND JUST TALKS TO THE LORD HOW HE FEELS! JESUS SAID TO ALL THOSE WHO ARE WEARY!

Mat 11:28, COME TO ME, ALL YOU WHO LABOR AND ARE HEAVY LADEN, AND I WILL GIVE YOU REST. 

Psa 38:18, FOR I WILL DECLARE MY INIQUITY; I WILL BE IN ANGUISH OVER MY SIN. 

THE LORD IS FAITHFUL AND JUST TO FORGIVE US OUR SINS AND ALL UNRIGHTEOUSNESS, IF WE CONFESS THEM! (1John 1:9)

Pro 28:13, He who covers his sins will not prosper, BUT WHOEVER CONFESSES AND FORSAKES THEM WILL HAVE MERCY. 

Psa 38:21-22, Do not forsake me, O LORD; O my God, be not far from me! MAKE HASTE TO HELP ME, O LORD, MY SALVATION!

The title of this Psalm is “TO BRING TO REMEMBRANCE” Not that the LORD needs to be reminded, but in scripture, FOR GOD TO REMEMBER IS FOR HIM TO ACT! MAKE HASTE TO HELP ME O LORD, MY SALVATION! 

DAVID ALWAYS SOUGHT THE LORD, IN SICKNESS AND IN HEALTH, IN TRIALS AND GREAT JOY! THE LORD WAS THE STRENGTH OF HIS LIFE AND SO IT MUST BE FOR US! SEEK THE LORD DAILY!

Psalm 37, The Wicked and the JUST!

Psa 37:3, Trust in the LORD, and do good; Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness. 

It is because of the LORD that the land is able to provide food for all! YET we can also feed ourselves in the TRUTH OF HIS WORD! We have to Trust in HIM, prepare our hearts, seek the LORD, read HIS word and DO IT!

Ezr 7:10, FOR EZRA HAD PREPARED HIS HEART TO SEEK THE LAW OF THE LORD, AND TO DO IT, AND TO TEACH STATUTES AND ORDINANCES IN ISRAEL. 

Psa 37:4-5, DELIGHT YOURSELF ALSO IN THE LORD, AND HE SHALL GIVE YOU THE DESIRES OF YOUR HEART. COMMIT YOUR WAY TO THE LORD, TRUST ALSO IN HIM, AND HE SHALL BRING IT TO PASS.

Delight, commit and Trust in the LORD and HE will give to you what you’ve desired! YET, WHAT WAS DESIRED WILL BE LIKE RAGS COMPARED TO WHAT HE HAS PREPARED FOR THOSE WHO LOVE HIM! BUT THE BEST IS YET TO COME!

1Co 2:9, But as it is written: “EYE HAS NOT SEEN, NOR EAR HEARD, NOR HAVE ENTERED INTO THE HEART OF MAN THE THINGS WHICH GOD HAS PREPARED FOR THOSE WHO LOVE HIM.” 

Psa 37:23-24, THE STEPS OF A GOOD MAN ARE ORDERED BY THE LORD, And He delights in his way. THOUGH HE FALL, he shall not be utterly cast down; For the LORD upholds him with His hand.

It’s not “IF WE FALL”, we will have trials in this life, but the trials are meant to strengthen our faith in HIM; for HE upholds us!

Psa 37:25, I have been young, and now am old; YET I HAVE NOT SEEN THE RIGHTEOUS FORSAKEN, NOR HIS DESCENDANTS BEGGING BREAD.

Psa 37:28, For the LORD LOVES JUSTICE, And DOES NOT FORSAKE HIS SAINTS; They are preserved forever, BUT THE DESCENDANTS OF THE WICKED SHALL BE CUT OFF. 

Since the LORD is a righteous Judge, HE will not let the wicked go without punishment!

Pro 2:22, But the wicked will be cut off from the earth, And the unfaithful will be uprooted from it. 

Time is short and HE is at the door! Seek HIM while HE can be found and do good! You wont regret it!