Psalm 1
The book of Psalms opens with a theme which is interwoven through the rest of the psalms, namely the godly (righteous) and the ungodly (wicked). Blessed is the man (and woman) who does not walk (live according to) the counsel (viewpoints, philosophy) of the wicked, nor stand with sinners, nor sit with mockers (a downward spiral) 1. This person avoids the ungodly ways (v 1) and delights in God's law (His Word) 2a (thinking on God and His Word both day and night) and is likened to well watered, flourishing, fruitful tree 3. By way of contrast the wicked are like 'chaff' (able to be blown away) 4 and unable to stand before the Lord or have a place among God's people 5. The LORD (Jehovah) watches over the way of the righteous (they will remain forever)6a, but the wicked (and their ways) will perish 6b. Note: This psalm does not explain (here) how one is deemed righteous or wicked. It only is noting the characteristics of the two types of individuals. Notice also that there are only two classes or categories of people. You are either in one or the other. Which one are you ?

Psalm 2
David opens with a question, a puzzlement, why the nations and peoples (of the world) vainly plot against the LORD and His Anointed One (Christ) 1-2. They desire to cast aside the Lord and His restraints (Laws), described as chains and fetters 3. Note: Those who do not know the Lord see His Law as 'bondage' and rebel against any form of restraint that God would command. Can this be why individuals have trouble with the Ten Commandments being posted in public places ? The human heart is corrupted with our own self and sin which refuses to submit to the Lord and His Word (Romans 8:5-8). The Lord is not threatened by rebellious men and their rejection of Christ 4. The Lord rebukes them 5 and assures all that Christ rules as King 6 at the decree and will of God 7-9. The fullness of Christ's reign will be realized by all, in this world, when He coming again ! The rebellious are warned to serve the Lord with fear and kiss the Son (worship) lest His judgment come quickly 10-12a. Blessed are all who take refuge in Him 12b. Note: Do you and I, in faith, take refuge in the Lord ?

Psalm 3
Note: The words that appear at the beginning of many Psalms are part of the original text of Scripture and give historical background and the setting out of which the Psalm was written. David has foes (Absalom's rebellion) 1-2. But the Lord is David's shield 3. He is able to sleep 5 and has confidence in the Lord, that He will be protected  and delivered 6-8. Note: In the midst of these troubles, David prays 4 and views his circumstances in the light of who God is and his relationship to the Lord. I need to learn this in greater ways in my walk with God.

Psalm 4
This psalm was to be sung (title). The Lord is sought for relief and mercy 1 in the midst of men who shame David (but their seeking false gods ?) 2. After a pause 'selah', the next verses 3-5 is a challenge for the godly to not sin by anger 4 but to offer right sacrifices to the Lord trusting in Him 5. Note: How does one NOT offer a sacrifice in a right way ? Can it be by failure to trust in the Lord ? Who can show us any good ? 6a. David asks for God's favor (as His face shines on them) 6b, and then wants to be one who reflects good by his actions 7-8. Note: The Lord is the source of true joy, peace, and security !

Psalm 5
David appeals to the Lord in prayer. Note: The Lord is (in a personal way) is both King and God to David ('My King and My God') 2. David seeks the Lord in morning prayer 3. He declares the holiness of God, who does not take pleasure in evil, nor dwell with the wicked 4. Note: How does God 'hate all who do wrong' 5 ? Would that not include all of us ? Or can this refer to those whose entire lifestyle is characterized by death 6, deceit 9, and moral guilt 10 ? David knows he can only enter the Lord's presence by His great mercy 7 (as with us, as well) and wants God to lead his life 8. He calls for all who take refuge in the Lord to be glad and sing 11a, for the Lord protects 11b, and surrounds the righteous with His favor (grace) as with a shield 12. Note: The motive for the believers song is the Lord Himself !

Psalm 6
David asks the Lord for mercy in the midst of disciple and anguish of soul 1-3. He appeals to God's unfailing love (His mercies sake - KJV) as the grounds on which he asks the Lord to act on his behalf 4. David looks to the very character of God and is confident that the Lord will hear and grant him relief 9. His 'suffering' is mentioned in 6-7. The source of David's troubles and sorrow are his foes / enemies 7. When the Lord acts, they will be ashamed and dismayed 9-10. Note: There is a right and 'healthy' place for one to be ashamed,especially when one is wrong and is actively going against some who is right !

Psalm 7
David calls on the Lord for refuge and deliverance 1-2. He understands that if he were guilty, the Lord may use his enemies to discipline him 3-5,8-9. God does, in fact, judge sin 11-13 and uses the schemes of the wicked to backfire 14-16. David is confident in the Lord who will protect and vindicate him 8-10, because the Lord is righteous 17a. The Lord is 'the Lord Most High' 17b. Note: While we do not have 'enemies' who are out to take our lives, we do come up against world views that is actively opposed to the truth and ways of God. They who hold these world views do not know the Lord, and thus they oppose and resist the believer who is living according to God's Word. In a future day, the Lord will vindicate all who are His own and will affirm the righteous ones, who know Him ! (see: Revelation 3:9), even though this does not always happen in this life.

Psalms 8
The refrain of this psalm is 'O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth !' 1,9. David is prompted to make this declaration as he considers God's glory as seen in the heavens (the moon and the stars) 2-3. Note: When I look at the night sky, I can only say 'wow' God You are indeed, great ! David turns to man (humanity) and God's care for us and exclaims 'what is man...'. In the big picture (of the unlimited universe, and God is transcendent = over and above all of it), humanity seems insignificant ! Yet, man is God's crowning creation, the only being created in the image of God (Genesis 1:26-27) and given rule and dominion over the earth and its creatures 5-8. Note: This rule and dominion is marred by the fall and the impact of sin. It is restored by the salvation that is provided by Jesus Christ in His death and resurrection. It will be realized in its fullness when the Lord returns. Those who have trusted Christ alone for salvation will live and reign with Christ in His eternal kingdom. This includes a new heaven and new earth in which righteousness dwells   (2 Peter 3:13, Revelation 21:1-8).