Summary: The psalmist claims that God's followers will be happy, blessed, and prosperous.
Response: I can see where Jesus had to clarify some things. Life for a believer isn't always rainbows and butterflies, but that doesn't mean that God doesn't bless in different ways.
Summary: Solomon (hey there buddy) posits that only that which God starts really turns out as well as it should, especially one's family.
Response: I've definitely seen when I try to start something versus when God opens doors for me. The phrase used here, "in vain," certainly comes to mind.
Summary: The psalmist recounts God's outpouring of blessing, overwhelming with joy and apparent to all. He wants it to happen again, to flood in, to comfort those who weep.
Response: I've seen many times the kind of action that only God can do. I know He is already working and I just need to follow Him and keep my eyes peeled.
Summary: The psalmist compares godly people with the mountain on which Jerusalem sits, being immovable and surrounded by similar mountains to protect it. Then the usual do good to good, do bad to bad.
Response: I suppose I can see fairly easily how people get this idea that God is just looking for them to slip up so he can smite them. The word here may be God-inspired, but I have doubts it's God's will and not the writer's.
Summary: The psalmist confesses God's protection, noting that he and fellow believers would never have made it on their own.
Response: Lord, help me to see Your hand in my life, that I can praise You all the more.
