The LORD is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek you.1
Knowledge of Scripture is crucial to know who God is. Although we cannot know him completely, God has revealed facets of his nature through the pages of Scripture, particularly through his various names.
O LORD our God, you answered them; you were a forgiving God to them, but an avenger of their wrongdoings. Exalt the LORD our God, and worship at his holy mountain, for the LORD our God is holy!2 No one qualifies to come before God, to see him and live. Like water and oil can’t mix.
In desperation all man-made religion concocts ways to reach out to God to no avail—for all have sinned and fall short of his glory.3 Whereas, we see God reaching out to man,4 sending his Beloved Son to be man. “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! . . . And I have seen and have borne witness that this is the Son of God.”5 By grace we are saved.6 In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promise Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.7
Through his finish work on the cross,8 by his blood we are made holy.9 Thus, have obtained access to the Father.10 Those who are in Christ are his living saints. As for the saints in the land, they are the excellent ones, in whom is all my delight.11 “He will guard the feet of his faithful ones [saints (NIV)], but the wicked shall be cut off in darkness, for not by might shall a man prevail.12 O you who love the LORD, hate evil! He preserves the lives of his saints; de delivers them from the hand of the wicked.13
The Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.14 Oh, fear the LORD, you his saints, for those who fear him have no lack!15 We are to continuously pray for one another, making supplication for all the (living) saints.16 For precious are the saints in God’s eyes.17
O LORD, I am your servant; I am your servant, the son of your maidservant. You have loosed my bonds. I will offer to you the sacrifice of thanksgiving and call on the name of the LORD.18 I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds. I will be glad and exult in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High.19
Notes:
1. Psalm 9:9-10
2. Psalm 99:8
3. Romans 3:23
4. John 1:1-5, 14
5. John 1:29-34
6. Ephesians 2:8-9
7. Ephesians 1:13-14
8. John 19:30
9. Hebrews 10:10; 13:12
10. Romans 5:2
11. Psalm 16:3
12. 1 Samuel 2:9
13. Psalm 97:10
14. Romans 8:27
15. Psalm 34:9
16. Ephesians 6:18
17. Psalm 116:15
18. Psalm 116:16-17
19. Psalm 9:1-2
