May 17 2026

Sunday May 17

Stable and Secure

Philippians 2:3-4; Psalm 15:5

Welcome to Pastor's Chat. Today we’re in Psalm 15, and we’re looking at verse 5. We’ve been talking about how to practice what the Apostle Paul encouraged the church at Philippi to do in Philippians 2:3–4: to esteem others better than themselves and to carry about their lives in lowliness of mind and humility. When we do that, there are practical things we need to do. To me, Psalm 15 describes some of these very practical applications we can make in our lives that will help us fulfill what Paul talked about in Philippians 2.

Now we come down to verse 5. Verse 5 says this: “He who does not put out his money at usury, nor does he take a bribe against the innocent.” Now the word “usury” usually has to do with interest. You do not put out your money simply for oppressive gain through interest. This is not saying you should not invest in the stock market. It is not saying you should not put your money in a savings account that draws interest. This is talking about personal financial integrity.

In all of our business dealings, God cares about how we treat people financially. In the Old Testament, you will find several cases where people loaned out money to make interest, but they charged exorbitant interest. They literally brought hardship upon other people and almost placed them into slavery because of the interest they demanded. Sometimes this still happens in our culture and society today. The Bible is telling us, as believers, that we are not to put hardship on others financially simply for our own personal gain.

Again, He is speaking about our finances and our business dealings. God cares about how we treat others financially. In Proverbs 11:1 it says, “Dishonest scales are an abomination to the Lord, but a just weight is His delight.” If we want to enjoy fellowship with God, we must live honestly and fairly.

Then David closes this chapter with a beautiful promise: “He who does these things shall never be moved.”

Oh, my friend, what stability! What security! The person who walks with God has a steady life. Trials may come. Storms may rage. But they are anchored in the Lord. Psalm 16:8 says, “I have set the Lord always before me; because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved.”

As we close this chapter, may we remember something very important: none of us perfectly measure up to Psalm 15. If we are honest, we all have failed in our speech, our thoughts, our tongue, our motives, and our actions. Ultimately, Psalm 15 points us to Jesus Christ, the only perfectly righteous One who truly fulfilled every one of these qualities. He alone walked uprightly. He alone always spoke the truth. He alone never sinned with His tongue. He alone perfectly pleased the Father.

Because of His death and resurrection, we can be forgiven, cleansed, and brought into fellowship with God. Hebrews 10:19 says, “Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter into the Holiest by the blood of Jesus.” Today, if we really want fellowship with Jesus Christ—sweet fellowship with the Lord—we must walk closely with Christ, confess sin quickly, guard our tongues, live honestly, and cultivate a heart that fears God.

I’m asking today: Is there anything in your life that is hindering your fellowship with the Lord? Are you walking uprightly before Him? Are you speaking the truth in your heart? My friend, when you draw near to God, we are promised that He will draw near to you (James 4:8).

I trust and pray that you, by God’s grace and through the Holy Spirit, live out these truths found in Psalm 15, so that God’s promise will be fulfilled as you enjoy and experience a life of stability and security.

God bless you and may you have a wonderful, wonderful day!