Psalm 82
This is an interesting psalm because of the contrast that is made between God, who is the 'presiding judge' in the great assembly 1 and the judges who serve among God's people here on earth. Notice that God calls these judges 'gods' but they are mere men 6-7. This is not to say they were 'god-like' or 'godly' but that they represented God to the people in their rulings and judgments. The problem was that they were ungodly and were not being just in dealing with the people and those in need 2-4. They 'do not have a clue' (walk about in darkness) 5 about what is true justice before God and in behalf of others. Note: Those who think they are so powerful because they are judges, will die just like every other ruler 7. God is called upon to judge the earth and the nations 8. Note: Like today, Asaph saw the injustices that were happening to the people who were truly needy. They were being denied justice and the help they were to receive. God, the perfect judge, will one day make 'HIS rulings' and set the record straight, and will make all things right. Note: This offers me hope, because what I see happening world wide is very unjust (from God's Word and Holy Law).

Psalm 83
Asaph calls on the Lord to act in defense of His people from the plots and attacks of their enemies. The enemies of God's people are in fact God's enemies ('Your enemies, Your foes 2 = 'against Your people 3-4, 'they form an alliance against You 5a). Note: We see this same principle in the New Testament: Saul (Paul) persecuted the Church - God's people - which is the body of Christ. (Acts 9:1-5). Many nations form alliances to come against Israel 4-8. The same is true today. Note: Consider how many nations are against the nation of Israel today ! Even the desire to take the land (God's pasture land) is a familiar refrain we hear echoed today. Asaph prays that God will do to the current enemies what He did to enemies in the past 9-15. Note: There are many times that the only response to a situation is to commit the matter into the Lord's hands and allow Him to act in His time and in His way. This does not negate the need for action on our part, but in many cases we are powerless to do anything and must wait upon the Lord. This requires faith. Faith in the Lord, that just as He acted in the past, He will likewise act once again on behalf of His people. The desire of the psalmist is not for 'revenge' but for the Lord to act so that 'men will seek Him' 16 and know that the 'Lord, Most High' is over all the earth 18. Note: Do we pray for people to know the Lord even when He brings His temporal judgments in this life ?

Psalm 84
This psalm is by one of the sons of Korah (title). The focus is on being in the Lord's presence (His dwelling place) 1. While this can and does apply to the psalmist's longing to be at the Lord's temple for worship, it can further apply to one's longing for heaven 1-4. Note: Heaven is a place where the Lord is present and where He is praised continually. Our worship here on earth is but a glimpse of eternity. In verses 5-7 life is described as a pilgrimage that ends with one (the believer 12) entering the Lord's presence. One day with the Lord there, is better than 1,000 (over 2 ½ years) anywhere else. Even being a 'doorkeeper' for God is better than all that the wicked may 'enjoy' in this life 10. The blessing of God's presence in not only in heaven, He is 'present' with those who trust in Him in this life. The Lord is a shield and the  One who bestows favor and good things upon those who trust in Him 11-12. Note: Is your walk with God such that you long for heaven, to be with Him ? Do you love to be in 'His house' (worship in church) ? Being with God is better than anything in this life !

Psalm 85
The psalmist recounts the goodness of the Lord in forgiving the sins of the people of Israel (in the past) 1-3. God forgives iniquity and covers sin. The prayer request is that the Lord would (now) restore them for He is the Savior 4. At present, God was angry with them 5. Revival was needed and would result in joy in the Lord 6. This is requested 7. Listening to God and fearing Him is necessary as part of this saving relationship 8-9. In the Lord there is love and faithfulness 10. He also brings righteousness 11-13. Note: Salvation, revival, and true righteousness is find only in the Lord, for He is the source and fountain of these blessings !

Psalm 86
This is the only psalm by David in this 3rd book of the Psalms. It is a prayer of David (title). He asks the Lord to grant him salvation (from threats) 2, mercy 3, joy 4, answers to his prayers 5-7, instruction and a teachable heart 11-12, strength 16, and a token 'sign' of God's goodness 17. God is good for He: forgives 5, answers 7, does marvelous deeds 10, delivers from death 13, is compassionate 15, is slow to anger 15, abounding in love 15, and gives help and comfort 17. David's desire is to have all nations glorify the Lord 9, and to have his personal enemies be put to shame by the Lord 14,17a. Note: This is a 'full' prayer with much to meditate upon. We have many lessons here on what we can pray for. Do you (and I), like David, call upon the Lord all day long  3 ?

Psalm 87
This psalm focuses on the 'city of God' 3b which is Zion. This is where the Lord dwelt among His people 1-2. To be born in Zion was an honor 4b,6b. The surrounding nations would also acknowledge this honor 4. The Most High is the One who establishes Zion 6. The LORD records those who are born there 6. Songs will be sung about this city of God as the source of all things. Note: Even though Zion was the name of the earthly city where God dwelt among His people, it can be understood that it reflected the 'city of God' or heaven; God's dwelling place. If we read this psalm substituting heaven for Zion, we can see a connection with the words of Jesus who said that one must be born again/born from above or heaven (God Himself, being the source of the new birth) One must be born from above (again) if he or she  is to enter the kingdom of God and thus be saved (see: John 3:3-8). God will declare of those born-again, 'that one was born in Zion' 6. What a tremendous honor and privilege it is for any person to 'born' in the city of God, being identified with Him. This honor is open to all who will believe in Jesus as Lord and Savior 4. Knowing the Lord in this personal way moves us to sing of Him, Who is the fountain of all things 7.

Psalm 88
This psalm was written by Herman, the Ezrahite (title). This is the only psalm that focuses on the struggles of the psalmist and ends in despair, not assured with the hope that comes from knowing the Lord and His grace. God is appealed to in prayer continually 2,9,13. Heman was suffering (maybe mental anguish ?) 3, deep depression 6, aloneness 8,18a, having great fears and terrors 15-16. He felt that he was the object of God's wrath and judgment 7, like one close to death 4-5, confined to prison 8b, and overwhelmed and drowning 17. Darkness was his closest friend 18b. Wow ! Note: Have you ever felt so isolated and alone, as though abandon by God ? The psalmist knew what this was like and asked 'why' 14 God did not come to his rescue. There are times when this psalm reflects our lives and we feel that all hope is lost. Do not loose heart for the Lord promises that He 'will never leave you nor forsake you' (Hebrews 13:5). Keep seeking the Lord in prayer and trust Him who on the cross bore our sins and was forsaken by the Lord. He cried out 'My God, My God why have you forsaken me ?' (Matthew 27:46). He was forsaken, so that you and I never would be. We are called upon to trust in Him alone for salvation !

Psalm 89
This is a psalm written by Ethan the Ezrahite (title). He brings by singing the Lord's praises 1-2. He then recounts the Lord's covenant which HE made with David 3-4. He then exalts the Lord who rules over all things in heaven and on earth 5-14. Righteousness and faithfulness are the foundation of His throne 14. Blessed are those who walk in the light of His presence 15, the Holy One of Israel 18. He is the one in whom they rejoice 16. The promises made to David by covenant are enumerated 20-37. God would establish David, his throne, and line forever 35-37. These were tremendous blessings that were to be eternal, however the nation and the throne (of David) were under attack and plundered and shamed 38-46. Note: It was the Lord who brought all of this to pass. Ethan inquires of the Lord; 'how long' would this present state of overthrow continue 46 ? He affirms how fleeting his life is 47 and how powerless he is to escape death 48. (This is true for everyone of us as well). He calls on the Lord to recall how he (Ethan) was suffering at the hands of the Lord's enemies 49-51. Ethan shared in the sufferings of those who opposed the Lord. Note: While David's covenant with the Lord maybe set aside, it has not be made null and void. God will fulfill these promises that He made to David and his descendants (Acts 15:15-18). While Ethan did not understand all this, he was confident in the Lord. The psalm ends with praise to the Lord. Thus ends this 3rd book of the Psalms. Note: Sometimes an individual can suffer because others have been unfaithful to the Lord and are being judged. They are 'caught up' in the disciple which is imposed on the whole. When this happens, do we still seek the Lord in prayer, holding to His Word and praising His name with the ability to say 'Amen' or 'So be it' to the Lord ?