Galatians 3:1-14; Psalm 57

Galatians 3:1-14
Paul clearly and emphatically and, I must say, with some frustration states that the Galatians' salvation and ours came as a direct result of our faith in Christ. In addition, at salvation the Holy Spirit came to live within us because we believed. And not only that, our power to live the Christian life comes through faith too! We can experience none of these through obeying rules. vv. 1-5

In v. 6, Paul uses the example of Abraham from the Old Testament. The Jews were and are descended from him and they count him their "father." And so think how persuasive this argument is, "Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith. The real children of Abraham, then, are those who put their faith in God." vv 6-7 And not only that, God promised Abraham that "all nations will be blessed through you." Christ Himself was descended from Abraham, and He offers salvation to everyone. "So all who put their faith in Christ share the same blessing Abraham received because of his faith." v. 9

vv. 10-12 remind us that no one can be made right with God by keeping the law or rules of any kind. "For the Scriptures say, 'It is through faith that a righteous person has life.'"

"But Christ has rescued us from the curse pronounced by the law. When he was hung on the cross, he took upon himself the curse for our wrongdoing." Praise the Lord! Through Jesus Christ, God offers salvation and the promised Holy Spirit to Jews and Gentiles alike--through faith. vv. 13, 14

Psalm 57
God surely knows that this life is full of troubles! Over and over in the Psalms, He offers love and help to us when we're in trouble. David says that he looks to God for protection. "I will hide beneath the shadow of your wings until the danger passes by." This is an interesting picture; perhaps we are to visualize an eagle or some other large bird which is easily able to protect its helpless young.

David expresses faith in God, "My God will send forth his unfailing love and faithfulness." v. 3
And he exuberantly praises God. "Be exalted, O God, above the highest heaven! May your glory shine over all the earth."  The song I have linked to below must surely come from this psalm, especially vv. 9-11. The Psalms were the Old Testament hymnbook. It's nice when we can sing them too!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4QRXCYHh9hg