Psalm 51- False Levels

 ”Be gracious to me, God, according to your faithful love; according to your abundant compassion, blot out my rebellion. Completely wash away my guilt and cleanse me from my sin. For I am conscious of my rebellion, and my sin is always before me. Against you — you alone — I have sinned and done this evil in your sight. So you are right when you pass sentence; you are blameless when you judge. 

Surely you desire integrity in the inner self, and you teach me wisdom deep within. Purify me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. God, create a clean heart for me and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Restore the joy of your salvation to me, and sustain me by giving me a willing spirit. 

The sacrifice pleasing to God is a broken spirit. You will not despise a broken and humbled heart, God.“

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭51‬:‭1‬-‭4‬, ‭6‬-‭7‬, ‭10‬, ‭12‬, ‭17‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

This is king David’s prayer after he was exposed for his sin with Bathsheba and subsequent murder of her husband (one of his good friends).  I think it is so powerful because it is actually the right way for us to think about how we sin as well.  We don’t have to steal our friends wife, get her pregnant and then kill him to rightfully feel like David does here…this is the appropriate response to lying about something so that we look better, or anything against Gods best plan for us.

Lord, help me not have different levels of sin as I consider them…let me see sin from your perspective: any sin is evil and deserving of eternal separation from You.  Even one white lie is enough to damage relationship with you.  God, I am so grateful that you have saved me so that I don’t have to be fearful of this punishment, because you took away my sin, past, present and future!

Help me to live like that is true, hate sin and long for close relationship with You!  Thank you for cleaning me as white as snow and giving me great joy!!!

Psalm 50- False Hope

 ”But God says to the wicked: “What right do you have to recite my statutes and to take my covenant on your lips? You hate instruction and fling my words behind you. When you see a thief, you make friends with him, and you associate with adulterers. You have done these things, and I kept silent; you thought I was just like you. But I will rebuke you and lay out the case before you.”

“Understand this, you who forget God, or I will tear you apart, and there will be no one to rescue you. Whoever offers a thanksgiving sacrifice honors me, and whoever orders his conduct, I will show him the salvation of God.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭50‬:‭16‬-‭18‬, ‭21‬-‭23‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

God is talking to His people who claim to love Him, but their actions prove the opposite.  He condemns them because what they actually do reveals what is true in their hearts.  They hate His Word, reject His teachings and seek out friendship with other people who also reject God.  These people think that Gods silence means he is OK with them, but will be surprised when He rightly sends them to hell.

Reading passages like this remind me that God cares about holiness.  He hates sin and punishes people who claim to follow Him, but don’t live their lives to honor Him.

Thankfully, God does offer salvation for free and He longs for us to enjoy life with Him now and in heaven. Lord thank you for saving me, thank you for slowly changing me to love your Word and to find great delight in following your instructions!  I pray that it would be infectious to those around me, that they may follow you and experience the same joy and peace you have given me!

Psalm 49- Powerless Money

 ”Why should I fear in times of trouble? The iniquity of my foes surrounds me. They trust in their wealth and boast of their abundant riches. Yet these cannot redeem a person or pay his ransom to God  — since the price of redeeming him is too costly, one should forever stop trying  — so that he may live forever and not see the Pit. 

But God will redeem me from the power of Sheol, for he will take me.      Selah“

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭49‬:‭5‬-‭9‬, ‭15‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context 

I love that this passage was written hundreds of years before Jesus came to earth.  Gods plan was clear in the minds of His people long before He enacted the work of redemption through Jesus on the cross.  Even during this time the people knew that God was the only one able to redeem a person, to pay the price required by all the sin committed while they lived.  The price was too great for even the wealthiest king.  God was their only hope!

There is nothing different about that statement almost 3,000 years later.  Nothing we can do will help pay down the debt we owe for the sin we have committed.  If we attempt to do right/good things to pay that debt, we fall utterly short…even if we lived 1,000 years, and perfectly accomplished 1,000,000 good deed every day, we still haven’t scraped the surface.  Elon Musk isn’t rich enough to begin to erase even one sin.  

Yet shockingly, God offers forgiveness for free.  He sent Jesus to live 33 years, perfectly, no sin, no failures, just perfection…then asked Jesus to sacrifice Himself by dying on the cross.  Jesus takes our sin, selfishness and pride…He accepted the penalty and gave us in exchange the opportunity to freely receive the gift of salvation.  Something only God Himself can do.

Rejection of this truth, brings a life dull and impotent.  Only fleeting moments of joy, days or weeks of forgetting that the end of life brings judgment…judgment that we have no answer strong enough to tip the scales in our favor.  We are hopeless without accepting the truth of salvation through Jesus. 

Lord, thank you for saving me, help me live every moment looking for the opportunity to share what you have done in me.  I pray that my life would be an attractive example to those who don’t know you!!!

Psalm 48- Faithful Love

 ”God, within your temple, we contemplate your faithful love. Like your name, God, so your praise reaches to the ends of the earth; your right hand is filled with justice. Mount Zion is glad. Judah’s villages rejoice because of your judgments.“

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭48‬:‭9‬-‭11‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

Gods faithful love is unequaled…not even the love of the happiest, most infatuated couple who is madly in love can compare.  It would be like comparing a glass of water (couple) to the depths of the ocean(God)…incomparable!  Yet, He invites us in to experience and participate in His love. 

I don’t do a good job of  contemplating Your love God!  I agree that Your love is incredible, but I don’t spend time thinking about You…I am much too self focused.

Lord help me to see You, spend time thinking about Your character and how blessed we are to know that You exist let alone have an intimate relationship with.  Lord You are so good and consistent, so loving and reliable, so pure and relatable, so great and matchless!  Remind me to drink in every memory of your faithfulness!

Psalm 47- Praises

 ”Clap your hands, all you peoples; shout to God with a jubilant cry. For the Lord, the Most High, is awe-inspiring, a great King over the whole earth. He subdues peoples under us and nations under our feet. He chooses for us our inheritance — the pride of Jacob, whom he loves.         Selah“

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭47‬:‭1‬-‭4‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

This new section of Psalms is filled with praise and worship.  It is definitely not my preferred type of Bible passage to read.  I am much more comfortable with the portions that give me clear instruction or reminders of who God is.  Honestly, that’s what stands out to me…I don’t spend much of my time in prayer worshiping God.

God You are so unfathomable, so powerful and still loving.  You are the picture of perfection and without limits!  You control the future of everything yet You care about insignificant me.  You are worthy of all the praise of all of the people who have ever lived…yet I often skip over bringing You praise.  Lord help me to remember to give you my praise, because You deserve much more than the little bit I can offer, even if it is all I have.

Psalm 46- Unchanging

 ”God is our refuge and strength, a helper who is always found in times of trouble. Therefore we will not be afraid, though the earth trembles and the mountains topple into the depths of the seas, though its water roars and foams and the mountains quake with its turmoil.      Selah“

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭46‬:‭1‬-‭3‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

The description of the chaos here is monumental.  The strongest structures on earth are being upended from their heights and tossed into the ocean.  This is unimaginable trouble where the most confident knowledge is being rocked.  Yet even in the middle of the worst imaginable situation God is still there for us.

Lord, how incredible that You are to be peace in the storm, even when everything else we know is shake to the core.  Your faithfulness is so reliable, it is an attribute of who You are.  You should be our foundation because You are the only thing guaranteed to stay the same, there is no shifting or even flickering in You!

Lord, establish my confidence in Your unchanging character.  Let me rest in Your faithfulness even when nothing else in life is secure.  You are so good and Your peace is true.

Psalm 45- Worth Fighting For

 ”Mighty warrior, strap your sword at your side. In your majesty and splendor  — in your splendor ride triumphantly in the cause of truth, humility, and justice. May your right hand show your awe-inspiring acts.“

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭45‬:‭3‬-‭4‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

I read this one a bunch of times, and it was hard for me to find anything applicable.  It is about a royal wedding and goes back and forth talking about how wonderful each person is.  But this portion was helpful…truth, humility and justice are three things worth fighting for.

God help me to see when these are not happening so that I can spread your kingdom a little further by stepping into hard situations to bring truth, humility and justice!

Psalm 44- Gods Story

 ”God, we have heard with our ears — our ancestors have told us — the work you accomplished in their days, in days long ago: In order to plant them, you displaced the nations by your hand; in order to settle them, you brought disaster on the peoples. For they did not take the land by their sword — their arm did not bring them victory — but by your right hand, your arm, and the light of your face, because you were favorable toward them. You are my King, my God, who ordains victories for Jacob.“

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭44‬:‭1‬-‭4‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

This psalm is all about Gods people’s frustration that He is not taking care of them like they expect.  They are in a tough spot and feel like God should be doing something to help them.  So here is how they start: remembering all the work He has done in the past…giving God credit for every past victory.

I was impacted by this first section because the pull for me is so strong to want to do something great for the Lord.  After only three weeks in a slower paced job I am chomping at the bit to do more.  My temptation is to think that God made me to do more, to feel like I should be using all the skills He gave me to do something amazing!  That idea is so praised in my culture and I value it highly.  When I read this today the portions in italics were shouting to me.  Read it again:

”God, we have heard with our ears — our ancestors have told us — the work you accomplished in their days, in days long ago: In order to plant them, you displaced the nations by your hand; in order to settle them, you brought disaster on the peoples. For they did not take the land by their sword — their arm did not bring them victory — but by your right hand, your arm, and the light of your face, because you were favorable toward them. You are my King, my God, who ordains victories for Jacob.“

All of the “You’s” in there are talking about God…I don’t see any the talked about them (or me)…God was doing all the amazing things!

Lord, help me to rest in You and be a player in Your story.  It really is about You, and You have brought me in to be Your tool.  Allow me to play a part in bringing You glory, but use me in whatever way is best to honor You.  I’ll be waiting here for you to call me into whatever that may be…and I bet You won’t use my strength, but rather my weakness.

Psalm 43- Feelings are Real

 ”Send your light and your truth; let them lead me. Let them bring me to your holy mountain, to your dwelling place. Then I will come to the altar of God, to God, my greatest joy. I will praise you with the lyre, God, my God. Why, my soul, are you so dejected? Why are you in such turmoil? Put your hope in God, for I will still praise him, my Savior and my God.“

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭43‬:‭3‬-‭5‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

Our feelings are real…they are important indicators about what is going on inside our heart and mind.  It is often said that they are like the warning lights in your car coming on when there is a problem in your engine.  They are real, but they should not control us.

David is experiencing turmoil, unsettled chaos in his life.  He is also feeling lost, hopeless and alone.  But he is asking the right question: “why?”  He also knows the remedy, spending time in Gods presence.  He is asking God to help him to see more clearly (why), and he is asking to be reminded of what is true (what).  If he moppes around, feeling sorry for himself, he will find more reasons to feel sad or depressed.  We are good at finding more evidence to condemn ourselves.  But David knows he actually needs truth, and truth is found most consistently in God and his Word.

Lord, help me to transfer my focus away from my feeling and onto the truth of who You are and who You created me to be.  Help me to look for all of the reasons I have to praise you, all the blessings you have freely given me.  Help me to find lasting joy in knowing You.  Allow me to see the path forward so that I can follow you into Peace and confidence in You!!!

Psalm 42- Myopias’ Cure

 ”As a deer longs for flowing streams, so I long for you, God. I thirst for God, the living God. When can I come and appear before God? My tears have been my food day and night, while all day long people say to me, “Where is your God?” Why, my soul, are you so dejected? Why are you in such turmoil? Put your hope in God, for I will still praise him, my Savior and my God.“

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭42‬:‭1‬-‭3‬, ‭5‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

What a testimony that David is portraying in this passage.  He is experiencing deep depression and feels abandoned by God…yet, he desires to have God close.  He remembers the joy and blessing that come from being in His presence.  This mentality is not typically, often when I feel depressed I feel similar to David, but my mind goes to feeling hopeless about Gods ability to intervene.

David’s memory overcomes this conclusion, and he chooses to enter into praise, even though he doesn’t feel like it.  He remember all the times in the past God has shown up and has proved Himself able.  He finished out this passage saying, “despite my feelings, I will praise God because He is faithful”.

Lord, bring to my memory all the ways You have been faithful for me in the past.  Help me to muscle up the energy to praise You for these times of blessing, even if those times feel so far away.  Help me to see my situation from Your perspective and how small it is in comparison to You!  Build my trust in Your love for me,

Psalm 41- Powerful Peace Balm

 ”But you, Lord, be gracious to me and raise me up; then I will repay them. By this I know that you delight in me: my enemy does not shout in triumph over me. You supported me because of my integrity and set me in your presence forever. Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Amen and amen.“

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭41‬:‭10‬-‭13‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

This Psalm is hard to read because David has someone or a group of people who don’t want good things for him.  They seem to be ganging up on him and David is feeling discouraged…so he turns to the Lord.

David’s confidence in the Lord is obvious in the last few verses.  He is reminding himself of truth, while he is experiencing unfair treatment, or at least anxiety about things out of his control.  This is something that I must do at times as well!  Remember all the ways God has blessed me, and what He thinks about me and most importantly who He is.  Being with Him drives away all fear, anxiety and fear…His presence is a powerful peace balm!

Lord, help me to run to You at all times.  I need to experience You for comfort rather than be distracted.  I want to run to You at the first sign of fear or joy. God I love You and am so thankful that You desire to be with me and even invite me to be with You!

Psalm 40- Unending Love

 ”How happy is anyone who has put his trust in the Lord and has not turned to the proud or to those who run after lies! Lord my God, you have done many things — your wondrous works and your plans for us; none can compare with you. If I were to report and speak of them, they are more than can be told.“

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭40‬:‭4‬-‭5‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

Many may consider this an exaggeration as David is proclaiming how incredible God is.  Some may think this is because God protects them from facing hard times, but the reality is, God walks with us through the inevitable trials.  He rescues us from terrible lies and reminds us of the truth.  There is no inflation of truth, rather God is better than can be described.

Lord, You are eternally faithful through every season and demonstrate Your love for me in a million different ways. Reminds me of who You are, even in the worst circumstances.  Help me to live like this passage is true and I pray the my life would point everyone back to You !

Psalm 39- Freedom to Choose

 ”“Now, Lord, what do I wait for? My hope is in you. Rescue me from all my transgressions; do not make me the taunt of fools. I am speechless; I do not open my mouth because of what you have done.“

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭39‬:‭7‬-‭9‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

This Psalm is talking about how short life actually is.  That is truly a perspective that is most relevant as you get older.  These three verses David is speechless because of what God has done for him.  David understands fully that only God can remove his sin.  Only God can give real hope.

Lord, you are so good to me!  You have pulled me out of sin where I had only the ability to choose what sin to accomplish next.  You gave me a life of freedom and for the first time the ability to choose to say “no” to sin.  By Your Spirit, You have given me the power to opt for righteousness rather than sin…right over wrong.  Without You, I don’t have a choice!

Lord, let me choose righteousness more often today, than I did yesterday.  Let me be transformed by Your strength, by Your power.  Let me love you intensely and let everyone see Your love in me…

Psalm 38- Self Inflicted Hopelessness

 ”Lord, do not punish me in your anger or discipline me in your wrath. For your arrows have sunk into me, and your hand has pressed down on me. 

For my iniquities have flooded over my head; they are a burden too heavy for me to bear. 

For I put my hope in you, Lord; you will answer me, my Lord, my God.“

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭38‬:‭1‬-‭2‬, ‭4‬, ‭15‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

In this Psalm David is remembering a time where he was overwhelmed by the intensity of his own sin.  He is recognizing just how impactful his sin was in his own life and likely to other people.  He is giving God credit for bringing him to this place of understanding, but he also sees that God is the only one who can help him.

I have felt this same way and this whole Psalm ministered deeply to me.  I had no idea how much pride was woven throughout my life and the way it impacted other people.  Foolishly, I was blind to it, and I had no one or nothing else to blame…this Psalm comforted me, because I knew other people have felt the same way, but also it helped me to stay focused on the One who could change me.

Lord, these Psalms seem hard to relate to, until they align with our experience.  Thank you for writing this as part of scripture so that we can see You working even in the hardest places of our life or the most hopeless scenarios.  Even if it is our fault, You still have compassion and a way of escape.  Help me to trust You always, even when You are the only hope.

Psalm 37- Person of Peace

 ”A person’s steps are established by the Lord, and he takes pleasure in his way. Though he falls, he will not be overwhelmed, because the Lord supports him with his hand. Watch the blameless and observe the upright, for the person of peace will have a future. But transgressors will all be eliminated; the future of the wicked will be destroyed.“

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭37‬:‭23‬-‭24‬, ‭37‬-‭38‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

Gods provision is discussed over and over in this Psalm.  The frustration of how people who reject the Lord are sometimes successful and it seems like they get away with their sinful behavior.  That can be confusing for the one who is sacrificing daily to follow the Lord.  Gods protection and guidance for His people is clear.

What stands out to me is the statement about the person of peace…what is meant by the person of peace?  I love this name because how they live their life is their nickname.  This person is at peace with everyone around them.  They are not often stirred up by their circumstances or by the trials of life.  They live confidently in every decision and rest in Gods promises.  I don’t know about you, but that sounds amazing!

Lord, You tell us that You will produce in us most of these qualities as we depend on the Spirit.  Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, goodness, faithfulness and self control.  If I live this way, I will definitely be know as a man of peace.  Give me the strength to surrender to You so that I can produce these qualities and exude peace in every area of life!

Psalm 36- Wrong God?

 ”Lord, your faithful love reaches to heaven, your faithfulness to the clouds. Your righteousness is like the highest mountains, your judgments like the deepest sea. Lord, you preserve people and animals. How priceless your faithful love is, God! People take refuge in the shadow of your wings. They are filled from the abundance of your house. You let them drink from your refreshing stream. For the wellspring of life is with you. By means of your light we see light.“

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭36‬:‭5‬-‭9‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

This Psalm is powerful at comparing the one who is perusing self, while the other is looking at who God is.  This section is taken from the description of God…What an incredible visual description of who God is:

”Lord, your faithful love reaches to heaven, your faithfulness to the clouds. Your righteousness is like the highest mountains, your judgments like the deepest sea. Lord, you preserve people and animals. How priceless your faithful love is, God! People take refuge in the shadow of your wings. They are filled from the abundance of your house. You let them drink from your refreshing stream. For the wellspring of life is with you. By means of your light we see light.“

‭‭If this doesn’t sound like the God you are following, you need to realize that you are not following the God of the Bible.

Lord, help me to worship You because You are amazing!  Highlight for me when I have wrong beliefs about You, and remind me of the truth.  You are so good, we don’t deserve Your love…yet You give it to us.  I surrender to You!!!

Psalm 35- Devine Protection

 ”Let those who want my vindication shout for joy and be glad; let them continually say, “The Lord be exalted. He takes pleasure in his servant’s well-being.” And my tongue will proclaim your righteousness, your praise all day long.“

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭35‬:‭27‬-‭28‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

This Psalm is from David and is full of requests that God would save him from his enemies that are trying to kill him.  For David this was actually his son attempting to Kill him and take his kingdom, or possibly Saul trying to kill his so that he wouldn’t take over as king.  He had a rough life with all kinds of turmoil cause by his own sin or others…

Thankfully, I don’t know of anyone trying to kill me physically…but I know the enemy is working to assassinate my character and drag me into sin.  I know my flesh is working to lure me into pursuing selfish desires.  And I feel the worlds pull to conform to its ways.  Everywhere I turn, destruction is lurking, ready to pull me into the darkness….

Lord, thank you for caring about me and desiring what is good for me.  What a blessing to know that you actually take pleasure in protecting me and giving me what is best…not just the least necessary for me to get by.  You have blessed me immeasurably and continue to protect me.  I echo David and praise you with every step, all day long.

Psalm 34- Blessed Fingerprints

 ”I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips. I will boast in the Lord; the humble will hear and be glad. Proclaim the Lord’s greatness with me; let us exalt his name together. I sought the Lord, and he answered me and rescued me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant with joy; their faces will never be ashamed.“

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭34‬:‭1‬-‭5‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

I love how this passage is packed with delight in the Lord…I can relate to it in this last season.  God continues to be faithful and has blessed in so many ways.  I am literally walking around humming praise songs and just so thankful for all that He has done.

I have not always been able to recognize all that God is doing around me.  There have been seasons of frustration, wonder and trial.  In each of them I look back and see so much of what was invisible to me at the time.  Growth that happened in those seasons, faith that was strengthened, purification and even exposing idols in my life.  Without each of those periods, I would not be able to enjoy God like I do today!

Lord, help me to keep You in the proper place in my life, surrendered to Your leading and seeking You throughout each day.  Continue to show me Your fingerprints on all the blessings and challenges that come my way so that I can praise You in everything!  You have blessed me beyond measure and I am sure I don’t even see half of Your work in my life.  Thank You for loving me!!!

Psalm 33- Minuscule Details

 ”We wait for the Lord; he is our help and shield. For our hearts rejoice in him because we trust in his holy name.

May your faithful love rest on us, Lord, for we put our hope in you.“

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭33‬:‭20‬-‭22‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

This Psalm talks about God being the creator and all of the ways He blesses His people.  It wraps up with these few verses essentially reminding us that if God has created all the earth, and cares about every detail, we can trust Him to help us with the small (and humongous) problems in our life.  We can trust Him with anything and everything.

Sometimes, I feel like there are parts of life I can handle on my own…they are insignificant, things I should be able to handle on my own.  Then I am reminded that God cares about those things too…He desires to be a part of every aspect of my life, even the minuscule details.

Lord, help me to bring You into every thought, every conversation, every decision.  Help me to consult Your Word and seek Your wisdom in everything so that You would be glorified in all that I do, say or think!

Psalm 32- Power of Forgiveness

 ”How joyful is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered! How joyful is a person whom the Lord does not charge with iniquity and in whose spirit is no deceit! 

When I kept silent, my bones became brittle from my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy on me; my strength was drained as in the summer’s heat.  Selah 

Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not conceal my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,” and you forgave the guilt of my sin.  Selah

Therefore let everyone who is faithful pray to you immediately. When great floodwaters come, they will not reach him. You are my hiding place; you protect me from trouble. You surround me with joyful shouts of deliverance.  Selah 

I will instruct you and show you the way to go; with my eye on you, I will give counsel.“

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭32‬:‭1‬-‭8‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

The contrast between living in sin and confessing our sin to God is made clear.  Lord, thank You for Your mercy and grace that allows me to live at peace with You!  Shatter the lies that hold me back from seeking You so that I can eternally live in your joy!

Psalm 31- Protected Under Siege

 ”Blessed be the Lord, for he has wondrously shown his faithful love to me in a city under siege.“

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭31‬:‭21‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

What an incredible reminder that God will show His love in every situation.  It is not only that we see Gods love when everything is going our way…when everything is rainbows and unicorns…but also in the middle of terrible life circumstances.  In fact this is the more critical time to experience His love, when the rest of the world seems to be falling apart.

Lord help me to look for your fingerprints in the storms of life…your love in the midst of trials.  Allow me to give you credit for the care you show when things are going badly!  And give me the wisdom to remember your love even when things are going well!!!

Psalm 30- Fleeting Sorrow

 ”Lord my God, I cried to you for help, and you healed me. Sing to the Lord, you his faithful ones, and praise his holy name. For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor, a lifetime. Weeping may stay overnight, but there is joy in the morning.“

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭30‬:‭2‬, ‭4‬-‭5‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

I love how this Psalm reminds us of the answers that we get from the Lord.  But even better is the comparison of the pain with joy and how one is fleeting and the other eternal.  That is the opposite of what we experience apart from Christ.  It seems like pain, sadness and sickness are the majority of our time, with brief moments where we can forget the rest of our miserable life.

Life with Jesus is exactly the opposite, brief moments of pain in the middle of joyous peace filled days.  Why would anyone want something else?  

God remind me to run to you quickly in the moments of pain so that I can experience your peace, comfort and joy!

Psalm 29- Peace in the Storm

 ”The Lord sits enthroned over the flood; the Lord sits enthroned, King forever. The Lord gives his people strength; the Lord blesses his people with peace.“

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭29‬:‭10‬-‭11‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

This whole Psalm talks about the power of God and how He deserves our worship. The last couple verses stand out to me because of the picture it paints.  Floods are chaotic and bring destruction, they are terrible and uncontrollable…yet God reigns over them.

This is such a good metaphor for our lives!  So much of what we experience in life is out of our control.  We feel helpless to move in the right direction because even when we make plans, they often fall apart.  Yet this verse reminds me that God is firmly seated above all the chaos.  It doesn’t throw Him for a loop when things don’t go the way I expected, He already knew.  And if we are trusting Jesus, he gives us strength to endure the chaos and unexplainable peace.

Lord, you have walked right beside me through so much trial, suffering and chaos.  Never once were you worried about the result, even when I was anxiously wringing my hands, losing sleep and distracted by trying to control things.  You were always calmly confident, siting on your throne, patiently guiding me and attempting to draw my attention back to who You are…and how little I control.  Lord keep my mind focused on who You are and how You have consistently strengthened me and brought me through every chaotic moment!  You are beyond good!!!

Psalm 28- Despair to Delight

 ”Blessed be the Lord, for he has heard the sound of my pleading. The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. Therefore my heart celebrates, and I give thanks to him with my song.“

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭28‬:‭6‬-‭7‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

David begins this Psalm telling God that he needs help. He follows that with pleading that God will listen to him, answer him and powerfully work in his life.  David says the very things we feel while in the midst of suffering or trial: Are You listening?  Are You even there? Do You care about me? We are tempted to suspect the answer to all of those questions is “NO”!  We feel alone and hopeless…

Then you get to the last few verses and David sees help arrive and his feeling change in an instant.  He is transformed from despair to delight because God is at work.  In a flash, David goes from hopeless to happy and claims God as his strength and the only one who can save Him.

Lord give me eyes to see Your fingerprints around me.  Allow me to see Your help and give You the credit for it.  Help me to rejoice in the strength that You bring and bolster my confidence that You will continue to show up in the future, build my faith in You!

Psalm 27- Waiting Patiently

 ”I have asked one thing from the Lord; it is what I desire: to dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, gazing on the beauty of the Lord and seeking him in his temple. 

I am certain that I will see the Lord’s goodness in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart be courageous. Wait for the Lord.“

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭27‬:‭4‬, ‭13‬-‭14‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

I really needed this passage this morning…I was feeling down yesterday, discouraged and depressed.  I was surprised because I had such a sweet time with the Lord in the morning, but by dinner time, I was pretty low.  Partly this is the natural transition of work that I was proud of, excited to do and felt like I was making a difference.  New jobs always start off in a challenging way.  Sometimes there seems to be so much to learn and do that it will be impossible to get it all done.  This is the first time in my career that I literally have nothing to do.  That posses it’s own challenges for me, but it has been discouraging.

This Psalm though. reminded me that God has a plan and He has perfectly orchestrated this transition for me.  Maybe I was enjoying the hit of adrenaline that the stressful work setting provided, or I delighted in the feeling of being indispensable …all of which distracted me from being dependent on God. He is asking me to wait on Him…because He has His goodness to show me.

The other portion that was flashing in my face was David’s desire to be close to God.  I have this same goal, that is ultimately why I changed jobs to start with, to follow Him more closely.  To do what He was asking as soon as I understood what He wanted.  It hasn’t been easy, leaving a job that I loved 90% of and people I loved 100% of…but God asked me to do it, so I followed.

I am excited to see what He has in store, because I have the same confidence as David, “I am certain that I will see the Lord’s goodness in the land of the living”!  That means I won’t have to wait till I am in heaven to experience His blessing, but I will see it soon.  Lord, help me to wait patiently on You!

Psalm 26- Becoming Who?

 ”I do not sit with the worthless or associate with hypocrites. I hate a crowd of evildoers, and I do not sit with the wicked.“

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭26‬:‭4‬-‭5‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

I woke up this morning praying about my opportunity to tell my coworkers about Jesus.  Most of the people I work with don’t know Christ so I have to he potential to live out my faith in an attractive way before them.

This verse also popped off the page for me because David is talking about the exact same thing from the opposite perspective.  It is commonly said “show me the five people you spend the most time with and I will show you your future”.  The idea is that we are transformed into the average of the people we spend the most time with.  This is absolutely true.

That is why David is proclaiming so vehemently that he doesn’t spend time with evildoers, the wicked, worthless or hypocrites.  He knows that if he does, he will end up like them…and those characteristics are the exact opposite of what God has called him to.

Lord, help me to choose my friends based on what I desire to become…Lead me to friendships that hold You in high esteem and honor You in every way!  Open my eyes to recognize the people around me that pull me away from You.  God allow me to interact with those who need You but not be influenced by them.

Psalm 25- Unending Mercy

 ”Lord, for the sake of your name, forgive my iniquity, for it is immense.“

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭25‬:‭11‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

This line really jumped out to me, “for the sake of your name”.  I feel like forgiveness is primarily benefiting me (the sinner) and costing God, yet this verse the proclaims the opposite.  

Often times when scripture is talking about “the name” of God it is describing His reputation, or the understanding of who He is.  Accomplishing this action of forgiveness is building, in a positive way, our knowledge of God and His character.  According to this verse it is amplifying Gods reputation because David’s  sins are so big and impact so many people…which is in every other case terrible!

But many times God is the opposite of what we imagine.  In this case He is greater because of His ability to forgive more.  The depth of His riches are demonstrated to be even more vast.  And His compassion is immeasurably more than imagined and proven to be so by every act of forgiveness.

Lord, help me to meditate on the greatness of who you are!  Allow me to release you from the mental box I have placed you within so that I might see your majesty!  Give me a bigger view of You!!!

Psalm 24- King of My Castle

”He will receive blessing from the Lord, and righteousness from the God of his salvation. Such is the generation of those who inquire of him, who seek the face of the God of Jacob.

Selah” (pause and think about this)

”Lift up your heads, you gates! Rise up, ancient doors! Then the King of glory will come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord, strong and mighty, the Lord, mighty in battle.“

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭24‬:‭5‬-‭8 ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

David is glorifying God with this Psalm, reminding the people of how amazing God is.  In the second couple verses David is describing each of us as a castle, with walls and gates. Towers and defenses all around, but no confidence of success.  Have you ever felt under attack, and victory seemed hopeless?

That is exactly what we are without Jesus, a sitting duck, waiting to be attacked…feeling like defense is nearly impossible.  The storms of life, the stress of work, the squeeze of finances, the purposeless feeling of life, loneliness and depression.  All of these close in around us at different times, occasionally punctuated by fleeting moments of fun.  When we look back, it feels like these struggles are the majority of life…

But David reminds us that all of that is unnecessary!  He points out to us that if we open the door, Jesus will come into our life and become the King of the castle.  He will take charge of the defenses, and we cannot fall with Him as king.

God gives us blessings, literally thousands of them daily…the biggest is the gift of righteousness.  Righteousness is not something that we can do/say/be…it is only something given to us by Jesus.  In fact the “good works” we do are like the worst garbage you can imagine.  Yet God takes those as well as our worst sin and gives us righteousness when we admit that we need Him and place our trust in Jesus.

Which life do you want to experience?

Lord, help me to see when I am trying to take charge of my defenses rather than let you defend my castle.  Cause me to rest fully in Your tactics and trust your guidance.  Open my eyes to see the thousands of blessings you give every day and stoke my thanksgiving for them!

Psalm 23- Faithfulness Overflows

 ”The Lord is my shepherd; I have what I need. He lets me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside quiet waters. He renews my life; he leads me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even when I go through the darkest valley, I fear no danger, for you are with me; your rod and your staff — they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Only goodness and faithful love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord as long as I live.“

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭23‬:‭1‬-‭6‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

David’s reflections on who God is and how carefully he leads and guides us are so comforting and calming.  He even talks about trials and terrible chapters of life in a way that brings peace and rest…in His strong hands.

Lord, help me to love you in every season of life!  Help me to look past my circumstances to see your loving hand guiding me, protecting me and blessing me.  Your faithfulness is unending!

Psalm 22- Fulfilled Prophecy

King David lived and wrote this 1000 years before Jesus was crucified…if you don’t remember the narrative read this first-

 ”My God, my God, why have you abandoned me? Why are you so far from my deliverance and from my words of groaning? Everyone who sees me mocks me; they sneer and shake their heads: 

“He relies on the Lord; let him save him; let the Lord rescue him, since he takes pleasure in him.” 

For dogs have surrounded me; a gang of evildoers has closed in on me; they pierced my hands and my feet. I can count all my bones; people look and stare at me. They divided my garments among themselves, and they cast lots for my clothing. 

All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the Lord. All the families of the nations will bow down before you…They will come and declare his righteousness; to a people yet to be born they will declare what he has done.“

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭22‬:‭1‬, ‭7‬-‭8‬, ‭16‬-‭18‬, ‭27‬, ‭31‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

This passage was written more than 3,000 years ago about actual events that happened exactly the same way 2,000 years ago…recorded for us so that we can have confidence in Gods plan for our salvation.

I love that today is the day this landed on the calendar!  Today is Good Friday, the day that Jesus died on the cross with so many of the details called out 1,000 years beforehand.  I even love that this prophecy talks about me: “ They will come and declare His righteousness; to a people yet to be born they will declare what He has done.“I don’t deserve the love that God shows me, but I am so thankful for it!!!

Psalm 21- Dependable Love

 ”Lord, the king finds joy in your strength. How greatly he rejoices in your victory! 

For the king relies on the Lord; through the faithful love of the Most High he is not shaken.“

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭21‬:‭1‬, ‭7‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

This was also written by King David, talking about himself as king.  He clearly is delighted by Gods strength and abilities, rather than the things he has accomplished. He finds joy in Gods strength, Gods triumph and Gods love…the last phrase is what stands out to me.  David has extreme confidence in Gods faithful love.

David feels unshakable because of Gods love for him.  It strikes me that David could be confident in his own wealth, or his incredible fortress or the strength of his army or the number of people who love him and think he is awesome…but he knows all too well that these things can vanish in an instant!  But Gods faithful love can never be taken, it never changes, nor fades.  He could, and in fact does eventually, lose all those other things…but Gods love is constant!

Lord, open my eye to see where I am trusting in anything other than you.  Allow me to find great joy in the work you are doing rather than in what I have done.  My efforts are unreliable and mean nothing in comparison to Your unchanging faithful love for me!  Help me to see your victories and be delighted in You!  My salvation is the greatest victory You have accomplished in my life.

Psalm 20- Unfailing Power

 ”May the Lord answer you in a day of trouble; may the name of Jacob’s God protect you. Some take pride in chariots, and others in horses, but we take pride in the name of the Lord our God. They collapse and fall, but we rise and stand firm.“

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭20‬:‭1‬, ‭7‬-‭8‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

David’s confidence is in God and Gods reputation.  Twice in this short passage David references “the name of God” as where he is drawing strength.  This is similar to how we might think about the US military: another country would not mess with the US because we have the strongest, largest and most sophisticated defense team ever created.  Its reputation is overwhelming, which gives us great confidence.

David’s point is that other people trust in army’s (like the USA) but he is depending on Gods reputation, which outshines any other power.  In fact, His power is incomparable with any other, He could vaporize the US military is a fraction of a second with a single though…zero energy expended.

Lord, thank you for giving me a confidence in You, You have been nothing short of faithful to me for the last 43 years.  Open my eyes to see where I am trusting in anything other than You because I know that it will fade or fail.  You are the only person, power or thing that will never fail!

Psalm 19- Peace & Contentment

 ”The instruction of the Lord is perfect, renewing one’s life; the testimony of the Lord is trustworthy, making the inexperienced wise. Who perceives his unintentional sins? Cleanse me from my hidden faults. May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, Lord, my rock and my Redeemer.“

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭19‬:‭7‬, ‭12‬, ‭14‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

David is honoring God in this Psalm exclaiming all the things that point to God and His goodness.  What stands out to me is the transformative power of Gods Word!  It renews life, makes us wise (the ability to apply knowledge) helps us see ourselves accurately and causes us to desire holiness.

This passage is filled with peace and contentment.  As I read it I can wholeheartedly agree with David and celebrate what God continues to do in my life through His Word.  This passage has the same effect on me as standing in front of a beautiful snow covered mountain, or watching the vast raging waves of the ocean or an incredible rock formation.

God help me to be in awe of you always!  Allow my thoughts to be tested daily so that they may be purified and every sin rooted out.  I long to please you in everything I think, say or do!  You have blessed me in so many ways…I am unworthy of the love you show, but am eternally grateful!!!

Psalm 18- His Perfect Ways

 ”I called to the Lord in my distress, and I cried to my God for help. From his temple he heard my voice, and my cry to him reached his ears. God — his way is perfect; the word of the Lord is pure. He is a shield to all who take refuge in him. Therefore I will give thanks to you among the nations, Lord; I will sing praises about your name.“

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭18‬:‭6‬, ‭30‬, ‭49‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

This is the longest Psalm yet, and it comes from David being chased by Saul and finally experiencing relief because God stepped in to help.  These three verses summarize what is being said.

When things are going badly and there seems to be no possible way for it to get better, it often seems like God is far away and not listening.  During these same times it is tempting to feel like God has made a mistake by allowing us to be in this situation, but David reminds us that God is perfectly in control.  Not only in control but perfectly capable of protecting us through the storm…and he does every time. Finally, we are reminded to take notice of Gods power and be thankful, not just in private, but publicly!

Lord, keep these truths in front of my mind.  Help me to remember your faithfulness even when things are rocky. You are gracious to me and are always faithful…I am blessed to be you child.

Psalm 17- Counterfeits Unveiled

 ”I call on you, God, because you will answer me; listen closely to me; hear what I say. 

But I will see your face in righteousness; when I awake, I will be satisfied with your presence.“

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭17‬:‭6‬, ‭15‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

What a great reminder of who God is and how much He cares for us.  He promises to answer our prayers…and to listen to whatever we have on our minds.  He reminds us that true satisfaction comes only in His presence and that we can see Him face to face.

God help me to remember that my satisfaction, my contentment, my peace come from being with You!  Not from my problems going away, or getting the answer I want to prayer.  

You are the One who gives joy, delight and peace in the midst of every possible situation.  That is not found anywhere else!  Lord, cause the counterfeits of these blessings to stand out to me for what they really are…lies and distractions from knowing You!

Psalm 16- Abundant Joy & Eternal Pleasure

 ”Lord, you are my portion and my cup of blessing; you hold my future. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance. You reveal the path of life to me; in your presence is abundant joy; at your right hand are eternal pleasures.“

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭16‬:‭5‬-‭6‬, ‭11‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

What a subtle and encouraging Psalm!  David has such peace and confidence in how the Lord has blessed him.  Even more wonderful is that the blessing is not because of great wealth or other physical things: it is God Himself.  In Christ, as followers of Jesus, we get that same blessing, God the Holy Spirit dwells within us!!!

The next line is what blows me away! My “boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places”… We all understand that God has given us rules and guidelines in which to live out our life.  Many times those rules are opposite of what we naturally desire, sometimes they are frustrating but in the end make sense, occasionally we are totally on board with them.  But what David is saying is that all of those rules, when we live surrendered to them, are joyful and bring great pleasure!

I feel like I can wholly agree with David on this statement for the first time in my life!  Previously, I found many of the rules made sense but I lived with a constant dissatisfaction and I couldn’t experience this “abundant joy” or “eternal pleasure” David was talking about…only in the last year have I experience these incredible promises to the fullest extent!  The missing piece was surrender.  Surrender is having a confidence in God to do what is best in your life while not trying to control the details.

Lord, I can confidently repeat David’s sentiments “The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places”. Help me to stay surrendered in every part of life so that I can continue to live today in your abundant joy and eternal pleasures!

Psalm 15- Impossible Standard

 ”Lord, who can dwell in your tent? Who can live on your holy mountain? 

The one who lives blamelessly, practices righteousness, and acknowledges the truth in his heart  — who does not slander with his tongue, who does not harm his friend or discredit his neighbor, who despises the one rejected by the Lord but honors those who fear the Lord, who keeps his word whatever the cost, who does not lend his silver at interest or take a bribe against the innocent  — the one who does these things will never be shaken.“

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭15‬:‭1‬-‭5‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

This description of what a person who is qualified to live with God, is a high bar… some of the things are simple for me, while others take some significant effort, but doing all of them, perfectly, every time seems impossible.

Lord, thank you for holding a high bar and not lowering it to something achievable.  Instead, You show me just how impossible Your standard is, cementing my inability to meet it…then meet it for me.  That is the incredible news of the Gospel, we can live with You, know You and have perfect relationship with You through Jesus sacrifice on the cross.

Lords help me to run to You whenever I see my inability to meet Your standards.  Help me rest in Your finished work that qualifies me for the blessing of being Your son!

“God cannot give us a happiness and peace apart from Himself, because it is not there. There is no such thing.”
C.S. Lewis

Psalm 14- Natural Born Fools

 ”The fool says in his heart, “There’s no God.” They are corrupt; they do vile deeds. There is no one who does good. The Lord looks down from heaven on the human race to see if there is one who is wise, one who seeks God. All have turned away; all alike have become corrupt. There is no one who does good, not even one.“

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭14‬:‭1‬-‭3‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

This passage goes from defining a fool to declaring that everyone is the same as the fool.  This seems like a harsh assessment, but it lines up pretty well with reality.  A wise person does just one thing differently, they seek after God.

To “say in your heart” actually means that you act as if it were true, in others words, you do whatever feels good.  Gods observations is that every human will act the fool on his own effort.  The only way to be wise is to seek God and follow His ways…we cannot do that on our own.  We need the Holy Spirit empowering us and we need community to support us or we will continue farther down the path of the fool.

Lord God, thank You for surrounding me with such a rich community of others who can help me see myself more accurately.  Thank You for giving me the Holy Spirit to energize me to follow You…without these blessings I would pursuing vile deeds.  I love You and am so thankful that You chose to love me and that You are patient with me on this journey!

Psalm 13- Depression’s Antidote

 ”How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long will I store up anxious concerns within me, agony in my mind every day? How long will my enemy dominate me? 

Consider me and answer, Lord my God. Restore brightness to my eyes; otherwise, I will sleep in death. My enemy will say, “I have triumphed over him,” and my foes will rejoice because I am shaken. 

But I have trusted in your faithful love; my heart will rejoice in your deliverance. I will sing to the Lord because he has treated me generously.“

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭13‬:‭1‬-‭6‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

I love this Psalm!  It is shocking to me that it is part of scripture because it is so discouraging …until the very end!  Honestly, before I had faced depression myself, I didn’t understand this passage.  But afterward, it was so relatable…it spoke out the very essence of how it felt to be despairing.

The final verse brings with it so much confidence and encouragement!  All three statements are the author remembering who God has shown Himself to be in the past.  These are not hopeful statements, but concrete memories and absolute faith in who God is!

Lord, remind me of who You have always been in times of struggle so that I am not left in despair.  Help me to remember confidently Your faithfulness to turn even the worst situation into a time of transformation!  Grow my faith to trust you in every situation!!!

Psalm 12- Active Avoidance

 ”You, Lord, will guard us; you will protect us from this generation forever. The wicked prowl all around, and what is worthless is exalted by the human race.“

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭12‬:‭7‬-‭8‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

This Psalm is talking about how all the people are holding down the believer.  Then winds up with this confident statement of Gods faithfulness to care for them.  The last line is very interesting, “what is worthless is exalted by the human race.“. This feels so real today…this happens everywhere I look, by everyone.

We no longer have to seek out sin…it finds us when we are least expecting it.  When I was younger, some sins required planning and sneaking and knowing the right person to help you out…now it seems like you don’t have to sneak or plan or cajole and sin finds you.  Our efforts no longer are invested in finding ways to sin, but much energy must be used to avoid it!

Lord, strengthen me to actively follow You.  Give me the ability to choose right when sin is thrust in my path. You tell us that You will guard and protect us from this generation, and that is what we need!  We need You Lord!!!

Psalm 11- Righteous Deeds

 ”For the Lord is righteous; he loves righteous deeds. The upright will see his face.“

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭11‬:‭7‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Tear Context

This simple verse is excellent in its clarity about Gods character.  It tells us how we are to bring Him glory and the reward we get for our obedience.

Lord, help me not to complicate my life.  Help me to recognize You in the everyday obedience to Your word.  Help me to love You well in my daily tasks so that I can experience You face to face.

Psalm 10- God Locator

 ”Lord, why do you stand so far away? Why do you hide in times of trouble? 

Lord, you have heard the desire of the humble; you will strengthen their hearts. You will listen carefully, doing justice for the fatherless and the oppressed so that mere humans from the earth may terrify them no more.“

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭10‬:‭1‬, ‭17‬-‭18‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

The author starts out by recognizing that God seems far away, he feels like God should have responded more quickly and because he has not fixed the situation he must not be listening, or at least is too far away to help. By the end he is reminded of all the ways that God has protected those who follow closely.  His confidence in God is restored.

I know that in times of trial or pain when I just want it to be gone, it has felt like God has abandoned me…like He was far away and not listening.  I once heard that feeling explained as Gods grace to build our awareness of Him.  It is almost like His absence causes us to take the time to look more carefully, only to realize He is still there, it was me that lost track of Him.

Lord, I want to know Your presence every minute of every day!  Keep my senses sharp to hear Your voice and see Your path.  Help me to feel You right beside me as I walk through joy and sorrow.

Psalm 9- Building a Trap For Myself

 ”I will thank the Lord with all my heart; I will declare all your wondrous works. I will rejoice and boast about you; I will sing about your name, Most High. Those who know your name trust in you because you have not abandoned those who seek you, Lord. 

The nations have fallen into the pit they made; their foot is caught in the net they have concealed. The Lord has made himself known; he has executed justice, snaring the wicked by the work of their hands.“

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭9‬:‭1‬-‭2‬, ‭10‬, ‭15‬-‭16‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

Gods justice is on display in this passage which compares two sets of people: those who love God and the ones who do whatever seems best.  Notice those are two different people with completely opposite ways of interpreting scripture.  One listens to what God says and obeys it.  The other knows what God wants but rejects it to do what sounds better to them…

The question I must ask daily: is there anything in my life that I am doing/saying/thinking that I would not do with Jesus physically in the same room?  Or sometimes it is easier to ask: is there anything I do/say/think that I would be embarrassed to tell my pastor/grandmother/mother-in-law?  These are helpful questions, because our own conscience easily becomes calloused when we constantly choose sin…it no longer bothers us, so we feel like it is ok.

I believe that is what the author is talking about in the second half of these verses.  “They have fallen in a pit they made themselves”. It was all choices they willingly made which has now destroyed their lives.

God help me to see where I have fallen into this trap, where I am blind to how I have rejected You!  I trust You and am so thankful for what You have done in my life.  I don’t want to be anxious about Your justice, I want to rest in confidence knowing You have saved me from myself!

Psalm 8- Insignificant yet Loved

 ”Lord, our Lord, how magnificent is your name throughout the earth! You have covered the heavens with your majesty. When I observe your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you set in place, what is a human being that you remember him, a son of man that you look after him? Lord, our Lord, how magnificent is your name throughout the earth!“

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭8‬:‭1‬, ‭3‬-‭4‬, ‭9‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

David is in awe of who God is, what He has created and how tiny humanity is in comparison.  Gods creation is so much more than we can fathom!  It brings wonder and delight…intricate and complex at every turn.

This passage so accurately depicts the way I feel while hiking in nature.  Everywhere I look there are specific creations of God who intricately created incredible beauty.  Standing in awe of Gods creation is one way to have the proper humble perspective of how small and insignificant I really am!

Lord, I often feel as if the whole world revolved around me.  My prayers often focus on what I need or what would make my family better…but we are so small in light of Your whole creation.  And yet, You intimately care about every one of those details.  God we don’t deserve the care you give us, but I am so grateful that you do.  Help me never to get over the majesty of your creation or the intimate relationship you desire with me!

Psalm 7- Justice

 ”Let the evil of the wicked come to an end, but establish the righteous. The one who examines the thoughts and emotions is a righteous God. My shield is with God, who saves the upright in heart. God is a righteous judge and a God who shows his wrath every day.“

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭7‬:‭9‬-‭11‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

This Psalm demonstrates David’s confidence in the justice of God.  He is being treated poorly and he lays the matter before the Lord.  David asks God to do what is right, to judge which one has the wrong motives, and then to take action.

We always want God to punish those who harm us or who treat us unfairly.  And at the same time, we want God to be gentle with us when we are in the wrong…that is a natural response.  But we don’t always see that as expecting God to act differently just because of our selfish desires.

Thankfully, God does not change how he responds to evil.  And even more to our advantage God is merciful to everyone by giving them the opportunity to have all sin and evil removed through Jesus.  

God, help me to rejoice in my salvation every day!  I don’t deserve Your love, care or attention…yet You give it to me freely.  Help me to be enraptured by Your goodness and may that change how I live!

Psalm 6- Despair Redeemed

 ”Lord, do not rebuke me in your anger; do not discipline me in your wrath. Be gracious to me, Lord, for I am weak; heal me, Lord, for my bones are shaking; my whole being is shaken with terror. And you, Lord  — how long? Turn, Lord! Rescue me; save me because of your faithful love.“

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭6‬:‭1‬-‭4‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

This is one of those really raw psalms than makes me wonder, “why did this make it into scripture?”…it is not only in scripture but it is a song that Gods people would sing…But then I experienced deep depression where I would be staring at the ceiling feeling just like this.  I was desperate for God to show up, He was the only one who could change my situation, but it felt like he was far away and not listening.  From my perspective, for Him to leave me in this hopeless state was against His character:

Reading this passage and others like it, brought me comfort because I saw great people from the past voicing the very thing I was experiencing…and they watched God show up!  And finally so did I!!!  And I t was all because of His faithful love for us.  He was there all along, but the distance I felt amplified my desire to know Him and to see what it is that I was really craving, less despair or more of Him!

God, thank you for seasons of suffering that brought me closer to You! Help me to stay in a posture that desires to know and love You more!  I pray that I would continue to seek You above all other comforts because You last forever and every other thing/feeling/experience is so fleeting…it is gone in a flash leaving me lonely, alone and broken.  You are faithful forever and bring lasting comfort, joy and peace!

Psalm 5- His Righteousness

 ”But I enter your house by the abundance of your faithful love; I bow down toward your holy temple in reverential awe of you. Lord, lead me in your righteousness because of my adversaries; make your way straight before me.“

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭5‬:‭7‬-‭8‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Tead Context

David writes this psalm with great expectation that God is caring for him, even though he is in a tight spot.  He gives God all the credit for helping him, not for what David has done, but because of who God is.  In these verses he is even recognizing that anything good he does if a direct result of God working in his life.

This is a powerful truth that we often overlook: any good that we do is God flowing through us.  Too many times I want to take credit for His work in me.  I want to point to those things as evidence that I am doing well, and completely miss that the good is produced only because I am walking closely with the Lord.

Lord help me to give you all the credit you are due for the incredible work you continue to do in and through me.  Anything I produce on my own is stained with pride and sinful motivations…allow me to recognize the difference and surrender all of myself to you!

Psalm 4- Answered Prayer

 ”You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and new wine abound. I will both lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, Lord, make me live in safety.“

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭4‬:‭7‬-‭8‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

David likely played this Psalm to Saul when he was having trouble sleeping.  Saul was tormented by mental illness and often has trouble sleeping and this poem would redirect his thoughts and remind him of truth.  David reminds him that God hears our prayers and saves us. God sets His people apart as special, and asks us follow Him into Good works.  And the final verses above remind us how God responds: Joy, Peace and Rest.

I read this after having up at 1am worried about work and concerned I will not be able to go back to sleep.  I prayed for help, and seconds later he answered with Joy, Peace and Rest.  God is so good!  

I know this type of thing happens to me all the time, but most of my life I have forgotten that I reached out for help from God, or I chalked it up to coincidence… God has been faithfully answering prayers for his people for all of history, but so often He doesn’t get credit for the answers or, we forget that we even had a problem!  How tragic for us to miss out on seeing the fingerprints of God on our life!!!

Lord help me to see where you are working around me.  Help me to celebrate your answered prayer and help others to see it too.  I pray that my life would be a beacon for your work in the world that You would receive the glory!

Psalm 3- Unshakable Faith

 ”But you, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, and the one who lifts up my head. I cry aloud to the Lord, and he answers me from his holy mountain. Selah“

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭3‬:‭3‬-‭4‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Contect

David writes this Pslam while his son is chasing him to kill him and take over the Kingdom.  People are mocking David for believing that God will save him…But David has an unshakable faith that God can save him, that God actually listens to him and responds to prayer.

David’s unshakable faith comes from history of watching God respond time and time again.  We all have seen God respond and answer prayer, but most of the time we don’t give God credit for the work He does…we pray about a hard situation and then it changes and we completely forget that we even prayed about it, or we chalk it up to coincidence.  We pray for strength in a tough day and get an encouraging text from a someone, our mood is lifted and we are thankful for that friend.  But rarely do we thank God for His answer to prayer…and often we complain to God that He is allowing us to suffer, never seeing his fingerprints around us.

Lord, help me to recognize Your hands at work all around me so that I can continue to have the same unshakable faith in You that David had.  I want to ask “where has God answered prayer today?” and really reflect on Your faithfulness.  Give me eyes to see and a memory that gives You alone credit for answers prayer!

Psalm 2- Awe vs Rebellion

 ”Serve the Lord with reverential awe and rejoice with trembling. Pay homage to the Son or he will be angry and you will perish in your rebellion, for his anger may ignite at any moment. All who take refuge in Him are happy.“

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭2‬:‭11‬-‭12‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

This chapter is titled “coronation of the king” and what is amazing is that this was written more than 1000 years before Jesus came to earth. In 1044BC.  David was looking forward to a day that has not even happened yet…this is when Christ returns and sets up his throne in Jerusalem.  These last couple verses give us the two ways that we can interact with King Jesus: Awe or Rebellion.

Rebellion is what comes so naturally to all of us, because we know what we want and chase after it.  In fact we do that from the moment we are born.  Think about a hungry baby or a toddler who wants a toy…we are the same way, only a bit more sophisticated.  I am tempted to achieve things so that other people think I am impressive.  Others desire comfort/pleasure so that they can escape the sadness they feel.  Neither of these things accomplish the goal and they leave us empty.

Awe on the other hand is similar to looking at the night sky, standing in front of the ocean or gazing at snowy mountain peaks…it’s that feeling of smallness, a recognition that we are insignificant, yet God still loves us.  He sent Jesus to sacrifice Himself, for me, for you even though we are just a tiny speck.

Lord grow my awe of you and help me to see where rebellion still has a hold on my life.  Help me to recognize it and repent and surrender to Your way.  I don’t deserve Your love or care, let alone that You hear my prayer and answer them!  You are a magnificent Creator who deserves more than our imperfect love, but I give you all that I am!

Psalm 1- Choos Your Own Adventure

 ”How happy is the one who does not walk in the advice of the wicked or stand in the pathway with sinners or sit in the company of mockers! Instead, his delight is in the Lord’s instruction, and he meditates on it day and night. He is like a tree planted beside flowing streams that bears its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers. 

The wicked are not like this; instead, they are like chaff that the wind blows away. Therefore the wicked will not stand up in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous. 

For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked leads to ruin.“

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭1‬:‭1‬-‭6‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

This is one of my favorite passages in all of Scripture!  It lays down two very simple paths and the result of them.  I love that God makes this so clear and now after 43 years of life, I validate it’s accuracy!

Do you want to be filled with joy and experience success ?  Follow the advise of the first few verses…and avoid the second!

Do you want to run toward your destruction and feel like your life is just meaninglessly blowing away?  Do the opposite of the first…

What a promise God has given us!!!  Read it again…

”Great blessings belong to those who don’t listen to evil advice, who don’t live like sinners, and who don’t join those who make fun of God. Instead, they love the Lord’s teachings and think about them day and night. So they grow strong, like a tree planted by a stream— a tree that produces fruit when it should and has leaves that never fall. Everything they do is successful. 

But the wicked are not like that. They are like chaff that the wind blows away. When the time for judgment comes, the wicked will be found guilty. Sinners have no place among those who do what is right. 

The Lord shows his people how to live, but the wicked have lost their way.“

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭1‬:‭1‬-‭6‬ ‭ERV‬‬

Chose your own adventure…the best part is, we get to know which ending is a direct result of our choices.  God help me to remember this every morning so that I would choose to meditate on Your Word!

Malachi 4- Options

 ”“For look, the day is coming, burning like a furnace, when all the arrogant and everyone who commits wickedness will become stubble. The coming day will consume them,” says the Lord of Armies, “not leaving them root or branches. But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings, and you will go out and playfully jump like calves from the stall.“

‭‭Malachi‬ ‭4‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

The final chapter in the Old Testament gives a look ahead to the last moments of earth before God sets up His new kingdom.  Malachi gives the two options: those following Jesus who are jubilant and celebrate vs people who follow their own rules who are utterly destroyed.

I suspect that those following their own ideas don’t even know how far from God they are.  If Satan has done a good job, they probably would even think they are “doing good with God”.  Their hearts and minds have been numbed to the conviction of sin.  Their conscience no longer bothers them when they actively reject obedience to do what makes them feel good…God help them see the error of their ways so that they don’t continue in that exhausting, demoralizing pattern…only to be completely decimated.  Help them to turn to You and experience the joy of knowing  and following You!

Following You God, is only possible when I am surrendered in every decision and every plan.  I must ask the question, “what does God want me to do?”…then do that thing.  Over the last year, I have been getting better at hearing Your answer.  It seems ridiculous that it has taken me nearly 38 years of following Jesus to start hearing You more clearly!  But I am thankful that You are patient with us fools!!!

Malachi 3- Obedience Rewarded

 ”So you will again see the difference between the righteous and the wicked, between one who serves God and one who does not serve him.“

‭‭Malachi‬ ‭3‬:‭18‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

In this last communication to His people, there is only one more chapter before God goes silent for 400 years.  He is talking about Jesus coming to earth to care for His people…they will have been familiar with seeing good and bad things happen to everyone.  To Gods people they will be wondering if obedience matters to God…

The answer is clear, the righteous will be blessed but the disobedient will experience suffering and loss.  

Lord, I feel like this has been true in my life even this week…even though obedience is not easy, you have blessed me beyond comprehension.  You have led me very obviously to a different job, one that is not as sexy or impressive…but one that perfectly fits who you created me to be.  Laying down what I desire and accepting your gift has brought all that I had hoped…a blessing in every way.

Help me to rest in You, knowing that you are leading me clearly.  Continue to guide me and give me confidence in your direction.  Allow me to rest in contentment every day, waiting expectantly for opportunity to serve you more.

Malachi 2- Perfect Life

 ”“My covenant with him was one of life and peace, and I gave these to him; it called for reverence, and he revered me and stood in awe of my name. True instruction was in his mouth, and nothing wrong was found on his lips. He walked with me in peace and integrity and turned many from iniquity. For the lips of a priest should guard knowledge, and people should desire instruction from his mouth, because he is the messenger of the Lord of Armies.“

‭‭Malachi‬ ‭2‬:‭5‬-‭7‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

What an incredible promise that God gave…life and peace, integrity and purity, wisdom and instruction, closeness with God Himself.  These are what make a perfect life, and God gives them to us without cost.

This chapter goes on to describe how Gods people have been given this incredible blessing, and have thrown it all away…they have rejected God.  They are following their own desires and God is actively cursing them rather than blessing them.  What does it look like to reject God and throw away the blessings?

Lord, give me the wisdom to see where I am throwing away your blessing. When I have your best right within my grasp, but instead do what I want.  When your presence gives me peace within my soul, even in challenging times, but I instead reach for the thing that numbs my mind…I can feel better or at least not feel, for a fleeting moment…then I am back to feeling lost and anxious.  Highlight these times for me, like a flashing neon sign…help me to see it!

What an incredible promise that God gives…life and peace, integrity and purity, wisdom and instruction, closeness with God Himself.  These are what make a perfect life, and God gives them to us without cost!

Malachi 1- Delighted by Sacrifice

 ”“My name will be great among the nations, from the rising of the sun to its setting. Incense and pure offerings will be presented in my name in every place because my name will be great among the nations,” says the Lord of Armies. 

But you say, ‘Look, what a nuisance! ’ And you scorn it,” says the Lord of Armies. “You bring injured, lame, or sick animals. You bring this as an offering! Am I to accept that from your hands?” asks the Lord.“

‭‭Malachi‬ ‭1‬:‭11‬, ‭13‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

The final book of the Old Testament and the minor prophets, Malachi is hearing from the Lord a message for Gods people.  He is calling them out for being selfish in their worship…

They are required to give God their best.  It is to show a recognition that God has given them everything and demonstrate how much they trust God to continue providing for them.  But in selfishness they are trying to “follow the rules” by sacrificing, but are giving their worst…the defective (because it is going to die anyway).  In essence they are saying, God you can have this one, because I am throwing it away anyway.

This is NOT what God is after.  God wants to know that we trust Him.  He wants us to be fully reliant on His care of us.  The best part is that He always cares for us and provides for our needs.  

This came to life for me years ago when I was trying to figure out how to give God my best in spending time with Him.  I was reading or praying whenever “I had a few extra minutes”…that often resulted in forgetting or just a minute of prayer before nodding off to sleep.  But that was not my best, nor was I gaining anything from it!  That was tedious, boring and felt worthless. Then  God convicted me to give of my best as a pleasing sacrifice to Him, which is why I spend these moments with Him before accomplishing anything else.

God, thank you for blessing me with that conviction for the last 20yrs and showing up each day!  My day doesn’t feel settled if I miss out…I look forward to this time each morning.  The sacrifice has become a delight!  You are so good!

Zechariah 14- Refreshed

 ”On that day living water will flow out from Jerusalem, half of it toward the eastern sea and the other half toward the western sea, in summer and winter alike. On that day the Lord will become King over the whole earth  — the Lord alone, and his name alone.“

‭‭Zechariah‬ ‭14‬:‭8‬-‭9‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

This is imagery of the future when the Lord returns and establishes His kingdom.  He will reign from Jerusalem and the water here depicts life giving quality of His rule.  He is the sustainer of life to humanity, just like water is to plants.  

We all know what plants do if they don’t get enough water, they wilt, then get flimsy and later start to dry out and become fragile…then finally are broken to pieces and die.  Our souls are the same way with God…we start to feel weak and without strength to do normal activities. Then we dry out and feel numb to even remember His presence. Finally we are fragile and broken, so that even a strong wind of trial will shatter us.

Lord, thank you for dwelling inside me, and giving me your Word to drink in daily.  Thank You for sharing Your presence with me and helping me to see Your guiding!  Allow me to feel the refreshment of Your delight as I follow You in obedience.

Zechariah 13- Simplicity of Salvation

 ”“On that day a fountain will be opened for the house of David and for the residents of Jerusalem, to wash away sin and impurity.“

‭‭Zechariah‬ ‭13‬:‭1‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

What an image… sin washed away as easily as washing your hands.  The picture is more surprising to the original audience than it is to us, because they were still required to slaughter an animal for their sin.  That was a never ending process for God people before Jesus came!

For us it is more familiar because we only have to confess our sin to the Lord and trust that His work on the Cross will take care of it.  That washes us clean, even faster than washing your hands.  When we truly believe Jesus removes all sin that we have done in the past, nothing that we will do all at once…that is mind blowing and by the Spirit's power we should begin to sin less and less.  The sin that we chose to commit should be less and less…and our intentional obedience should be increasing.  We will also find ourselves delighted to say NO to previously attractive sin and choosing to obey happily.  This is what it looks like to follow Jesus.

God, help me to trust You at every turn.  Even when the path forward seems hard, help me to be confident that You actually want what is best for me.

Zechariah 12- Eternal Life Today

 ”“Then I will pour out a spirit of grace and prayer on the house of David and the residents of Jerusalem, and they will look at me whom they pierced. They will mourn for him as one mourns for an only child and weep bitterly for him as one weeps for a firstborn.“

‭‭Zechariah‬ ‭12‬:‭10‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

More than 500 years before Jesus was born Zachariah prophesied about Jesus death.  He told where He would be crucified and that they would pierce his body (hands, feed and side).  This is not the only time Jesus death is portrayed before it happened…in fact there are more than 300 times!  (Here is a quick article https://www.gotquestions.org/prophecies-of-Jesus.html)

Gods plan was put into effect from the beginning of time.  He knew what would happen and what He would to to resolve the problem of sin.  We are still in the middle of Gods plan for redemption and I am so thankful that one day, we will be with Him and He will make all things new.  Nothing will be stained by sin and destruction!  There will be no more pain and suffering or even death.

Lord, you have a perfect plan, help me to walk into Your plan every day.  Correct my thinking when I go my own way and help me to trust You every step!  I need You because my own plans are stubborn and “make sense”…but they don’t lead to life.  That is where I want to live today…the life abiding with You.

Zechariah 11- Sweet Salvation

 ”I am about to raise up a shepherd in the land who will not care for those who are perishing, and he will not seek the lost or heal the broken. He will not sustain the healthy, but he will devour the flesh of the fat sheep and tear off their hooves.“

‭‭Zechariah‬ ‭11‬:‭16‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

This horrifying description is the exact opposite of how God cares for his people.  He uses this statement to magnify His own character… in fact these are all of the worst possible ways to care for sheep.  This shepherd is described as lazy, uncaring and selfish.  He won’t spend any time or effort to help or restore his sheep.

God on the other hand showed Himself, over and over to be loving, caring and has stoped at nothing to prove this.  In fact He has held nothing back from redeeming us, He sent us Jesus… and sacrificed Him so that we could have life.

God help me to be in awe of this every moment of every day!

Zechariah 10- Patience

”I will strengthen the house of Judah and deliver the house of Joseph. I will restore them because I have compassion on them, and they will be as though I had never rejected them. For I am the Lord their God, and I will answer them.“ ‭‭

Zechariah‬ ‭10‬:‭6‬ ‭CSB‬‬ 

Read Context

This theme comes up so often because I think we need lots of reminders that God redeems us because of who He is, not because of what we do.  The second part of this is even more valuable to be reminded- God will answer when we call to Him.

Lord help me to wait patiently when I pray. Of course, I want things to change instantly or to be resolved in an instant, but You know the best timing so help me to wait on you.  You are a good Father, who gives good things to us…and I want to leant what You have for me and be in the center of your will.

Zechariah 9- Always Good

”Tyre has built herself a fortress; she has heaped up silver like dust and gold like the dirt of the streets. Listen! The Lord will impoverish her and cast her wealth into the sea; she herself will be consumed by fire. The Lord their God will save them on that day as the flock of his people; for they are like jewels in a crown, sparkling over his land.“ ‭‭

Zechariah‬ ‭9‬:‭3‬-‭4‬, ‭16‬ ‭CSB‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/1713/zec.9.CSB

Once again there is an example of people who are trusting in their own ability, their own wealth, their ability to prevent catastrophe.  They feel safe and like they don’t need God.

I am pretty good at figuring things out, making a plan and executing it.  Many time I am successful at doing the thing, but there are often casualties… sadly, I don’t always notice them.

Lord, help me to trust you rather than my own abilities.  I want to accomplish what is in your plan, without sacrificing those I care most about or inflicting a poor reputation on You.  Help me to trust that You are always good and don’t hold good things away from me!

Zechariah 8- God With Us

 ”Many peoples and strong nations will come to seek the Lord of Armies in Jerusalem and to plead for the Lord’s favor.” The Lord of Armies says this: “In those days, ten men from nations of every language will grab the robe of a Jewish man tightly, urging: Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.”“

‭‭Zechariah‬ ‭8‬:‭22‬-‭23‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

In this chapter God is telling His people what the end will be like.  He is giving them a view of the far future where all the people of the world are blessed by His rule and reign.  Everyone sees clearly that God is blessing His people and wants to participate in receiving that blessing.

There should be some of this going on today.  We have been blessed by God through Salvation and it is available to the whole world.  Salvation from the penalty of sin is wonderful, but along with that God the Holy Spirit lives with us.  The people around us should see something different about how we live, the joy we experience and even the way we endure trials…it should look significantly different than the way of the lost.

Lord, help me to live in a way that helps the lost long for peace with God!  I pray that my life openly, both good and bad, highlights your goodness and grace.  Give me opportunities to demonstrate Your love and boldness to walk confidently into them.  Help the blinded to see their own need and the solution in You!