Psalms

674 results found

“Sing to the LORD, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples!” (Psalm 96:2-3)

October 25, 2013

The Psalmist calls us to sing, bless, tell, and declare the Name, salvation, glory, and works of God to all nations. Jesus commands us to go and make disciples of all nations (Matt. 28:19). So, which one(s) are you doing (singing, blessing, telling, declaring or discipling)? I like doing them all!

“Teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom” (Psalm 90:12)

October 22, 2013

This psalm, attributed to Moses, encourages us to be aware of the fleeting nature of life and to determine not to waste our days. This is not a morbid instruction, but one that faces reality. We have a finite number of days appointed unto us on planet Earth. Number them, be aware that each day is a gift from God and a holy stewardship. The promise of eternal life should not release us to waste this season, but should pull us toward investing every moment we have for God, so that we store up riches in heaven.

“Once for all I have sworn by my holiness; I will not lie to David. His offspring shall endure forever, his throne as long as the sun before me” (Psalm 89:35-36)

October 20, 2013

A Messianic psalm fulfilled in Jesus, Son of David. King David was promised that one of his sons would always sit on the throne. Yet, his royal line was removed from power by Babylon’s King Nebuchadnezzer and has not led since. However, Jesus has come in the line of David as both Son of Man and Son of God. He has inaugurated the Kingdom of Heaven and all who believe in Him have become His offspring. This Kingdom is an everlasting one. This King and His people will endure forever.

“Let me hear what God the LORD will speak” (Psalm 85:8)

October 15, 2013

Whether we come with questions seeking answers or desiring to start the day to the sound of the Savior’s voice, God still speaks to those who seek Him. We sometimes complain of God’s silence, when it’s our hearing that’s at fault. Today, I begin by listening and saying to myself, “Let me hear…”

“Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, you who lead Joseph like a flock!” (Psalm 80:1)

October 10, 2013

Many of the Psalms and prophets refer to God as the Shepherd and themselves as His flock. This imagery was familiar to a people who raised sheep for generations. Their beloved King David was a shepherd as a boy, so this title became attached to the coming of the Davidic Messiah as well. So, when Jesus comes announcing himself as the Good Shepherd who lays down his life for the sheep, the flock of Israel should not have been surprised. After all, they had been praying for centuries that the Shepherd would “give ear” and listen to their cry.

“For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation. He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken” (Psalm 62:1-2)

September 18, 2013

David was a king and a warrior, he waited on no one, but God alone. What are you waiting on today? Find a quiet place where you can get alone with God and wait on Him to speak to you through His Word.

“What shall I render to the LORD for all his benefits to me? (Psalm 116:12 ESV)

May 19, 2013

After numbering the ways the Lord had blessed him, the psalmist considered how he might respond. What would be appropriate? How do you repay the One who gives us all? The apostle Paul’s response seems best: Offer your bodies as a living sacrifice (Rom.12.1). In other words, we render all that we have, all that we are, all that we think, all that we say, all that we sing, all that we own, all that we love… to God!

“Great are the works of the LORD, studied by all who delight in them” (Psalm 111:2 ESV)

May 15, 2013

I am a life long student of God’s Word. Both my mother and my grandmother read the Word to me from birth, so that its stories have always been familiar to me. Yet, now as a man in my 5th decade, I still find something new in God’s Word every day. It’s more than an intellectual pursuit. My mother didn’t just read the Word to me, she delighted in the Word. And her obsession became mine. Do you know the joy of studying God’s Word?

“I will sing to the LORD as long as I live; I will sing praise to my God while I have being. May my meditation be pleasing to him, for I rejoice in the LORD” (Psalm 104:33-34 ESV)

May 4, 2013

While this psalm has no inscription, it certainly sounds like that great song writer and musician, David. The psalm opens and closes with him talking to himself, encouraging his own soul to “Bless the Lord, O my soul!” After singing of how all creation blesses the Lord and proclaims His glory, David expresses his desire to join the chorus for his entire life. Also prominent, is David’s hope that God will be pleased with his song, as he performed for an audience of One. Whose applause do you seek?

“So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom” (Psalm 90:12 ESV)

April 23, 2013

Understanding that our days are numbered can motivate us to live life with a sense of urgent importance. ‘Urgent’ – because putting off till tomorrow means eventually running out of tomorrows. If the Lord has put it on your heart, then do it now! And ‘important’ – because we often fill our days with unimportant things. Prayerfully consider what is most important, then focus on those things every day. This is not a morbid state of mind, being aware of your limited days. This is wisdom, not wasting the time God has given you on planet earth. Don’t waste your life!