February 13, 2024
“I sought the LORD, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears” (Psalm 34:4 ESV). David wrote this psalm while he was on the run from King Saul. He had even tried to gain favor with a foreign king named Abimelech, but became afraid and feigned insanity to escape him. So at
February 8, 2024
‘But I trust in you, O Lord; I say, “You are my God.” My times are in your hand’ (Psalms 31:15 ESV). David put his trust in the Lord, even in the timing of things. He trusted that the time of his birth, death, and every appointment in between was in God’s hands. Therefore, he
December 26, 2023
“Let each generation tell its children of your mighty acts; let them proclaim your power” (Psalm 145:4 NLT). The psalmist David spoke of the profound job that each generation has to tell its children about God, both His mighty acts and power. The Israelites who took possession of the Promised Land were faithful, but they
December 6, 2023
“Just as the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds his people, both now and forever” (Psalm 125:2 NLT). Psalm 125 is one of the 15 “psalms of ascent,” written to prepare the hearts of worshipers as they climbed up to the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. Entourages of pilgrims like the one that traveled from
November 28, 2023
“Lord, it is time for you to act, for these evil people have violated your instructions” (Psalms 119:126 NLT). The psalmist saw the people of the world becoming more and more rebellious, ignoring the law of God. He called on the Lord to take action. This call was made especially acute by the fact that
November 24, 2023
“LORD, you are mine! I promise to obey your words!” (Psalm 119:57 NLT). The psalmist declared that the Lord Himself was his portion, his reward. He sought not the Lord’s hands, but His face. While others seek blessing, he sought the Bestower of all true blessings. Remember the parable Jesus told of the prodigal son?
November 10, 2023
“My heart is confident in you, O God; no wonder I can sing your praises with all my heart!” (Psalm 108:1 NLT). David declared the confidence of his heart towards God. In other words, David had set and established his heart on God. He had fixed his focus on God alone. Having made God the
November 3, 2023
“Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what he has done. Sing to him; yes, sing his praises. Tell everyone about his wonderful deeds” (Psalm 105:1-2 NLT). There are four words for worshiping the Lord given in the first two verses of Psalms 105. Did you notice them?
October 29, 2023
“I will refuse to look at anything vile and vulgar” (Psalm 101:3 NLT). David wrote this psalm, beginning nearly every verse with the personal pronoun, “I.” The psalm shows his desire to have a predetermined and settled code of conduct in facing certain situations that might tempt him to sin. In verse 3, he declared
September 12, 2023
“But when I am afraid, I will put my trust in you. I praise God for what he has promised. I trust in God, so why should I be afraid? What can mere mortals do to me?” (Psalm 56:3-4 NLT). David knew what to do when he felt afraid. He had already decided in advance