Psalms 52-59 are an incredible collection of Psalms written during the season in which David was fleeing for his life from King Saul. Yet despite the perils David faced, David declared repeatedly that his trust was in the Lord.  David's refuge was in the shadow of God's wings (Ps. 57:1)!

Our work matters to God.  Work was given as a good gift before the fall of humankind. We should bring to our work:  energy and enthusiasm, wholeheartedness,  and excellence.

Should Christians keep a day of rest?  What about Sabbath or Saturday versus Sunday?  How does rest help?  How might we keep a day of rest?

After confessing his sin and requesting to be cleansed, David also asks God to restore him and then he promises to teach others the lessons he has learned.

Paul prays that we will glorify God! Perhaps a tough message for a society focused upon self.  But Paul's prayer begs the question, "Whose glory am I seeking?"

David prays: purge me with hyssop; wash me; blot out my iniquities. Hyssop was used for sprinkling with blood.  The blood of an innocent victim sprinkled on something or someone was a sign of cleansing. If you trust in Christ, you have been cleansed by the blood of THE innocent victim, Jesus. What can wash away our sins?  Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

Biblical hope is not wishful like hoping to win the lottery.  It is not human optimism.  It is not self-reliance. Biblical hope is based on the person and character of God; it is based on who He is and what He has done. Our world needs hope; we need hope.  So Paul urges us to pray that the God of hope would fill us with all joy and peace in believing so that by the power of the Holy Spirit we may abound in hope.

Jesus and Paul both pray for unity.  Unity in the Church draws others to Christ.  It brings glory to God.  And it protects against outside attacks. Unity is not conformity. The New Testament uses three images to speak of the unity of the church:  A family, a fellowship, and a body.

Only God's mercy is sufficient to forgive our sins!

Paul prays that the church in Ephesus, and in turn we would be grounded in love.  He prays we would be grounded in the love of Jesus and thus love like Jesus.