Psalms

707 results found

“God looks down from heaven on the entire human race; he looks to see if anyone is truly wise, if anyone seeks God” (Psalm 53:2)

September 9, 2012

A fool says there is no God, but the wise seek Him. Ironic that the modern atheist claims superior intellect, yet God calls him a fool. The wise search for God, but cannot find Him without revelation. Jesus is the supreme revelation of God. Looking to Christ as Lord and Savior, God finds us. God is looking for seekers.

“I do not need the bulls from your barns or the goats from your pens. For all the animals of the forest are mine, and I own the cattle on a thousand hills” (Psalm 50:9-10)

September 6, 2012

We really can’t give God anything that He doesn’t already own. Like children giving their father a necktie on Father’s Day, we have to ask daddy for our allowance in order to make the purchase. Giving God our tithes and offerings isn’t because He needs them. It’s because we need to give. Giving is our recognition that God is owner and we are His stewards.

“Go, inspect the city of Jerusalem. Walk around and count the many towers. Take note of the fortified walls, and tour all the citadels, that you may describe them to future generations” (Psalm 48:12-13)

September 4, 2012

The Psalmist saw God Himself as being present in his city, both as inhabitant and defender. I wonder, should we tour our own city and look for Him? Where is God at work here in this city? Where is He present? And how can we join Him in His work, here in our city?

“The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles” (Psalm 34:17)

August 16, 2012

How much trouble must you be in before calling on the Lord? Some call only when all else has failed. Others have learned to call at the first sign of difficulty. Like a child, they have learned to depend on the Lord for everything. Have you considered that troubles may come to teach us dependence on God? Sin and spiritual independence are related. Trusting and depending on Jesus is the antidote.

“Let the whole world fear the Lord, and let everyone stand in awe of him. For when he spoke, the world began! It appeared at his command. (Psalm 33:8-9)

August 13, 2012

A generation that believes the universe is self-existent has no need to be in awe of a Creator. They worship human intellect and pour out their passion on natural lusts. Believing they are mere mammals, they prove it to themselves by acting on baser instincts. But what if there is a Creator who spoke us into existence? And what if He speaks again?

“Yes, what joy for those whose record the Lord has cleared of guilt, whose lives are lived in complete honesty!” (Psalm 32:2)

August 12, 2012

Jesus has cleared our record of guilt. This does not mean that we are sinless, but that we are forgiven. This gives us the freedom to live in complete honesty with ourselves and others. We no longer hide our sin. We confess it, agreeing with God, and asking Him to cleanse us. What joy to be able to walk in the light of day, not fearing condemnation. No more excuses. No defending. Just depending on the cross of Christ. What joy to be free to live wholly for Jesus!

“You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy” (Psalm 30:11)

August 8, 2012

David knew what it meant to grieve the loss a loved one. Yet in the midst of grieving he learned that he could exchange his mourning for joy in the Lord. Are you grieving a loss today? Bring it to Jesus. Leave it with Him. Let Jesus turn your mourning into dancing.

“The Lord is my light and my salvation— so why should I be afraid The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble?” (Psalm 27:1)

August 4, 2012

When I am in a fog, fearing the unknown, Jesus is my light, showing the way. When I am drowning in sin and failure, Jesus is my salvation, giving me a fresh start. When others attack and criticize, Jesus is my fortress, reminding me that I live to please an audience of One. No fear.

“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it. The world and all its people belong to him.” (Psalm 24:1)

July 31, 2012

David’s psalm teaches us an important lesson: God is owner and we are His stewards. This is why we should offer the first part of every week, every day and every dollar to God in worship. By offering God our first fruits, we acknowledge His ownership of all.

“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far away when I groan for help?” (Psalm 22:1)

July 28, 2012

David wrote this Messianic psalm that predicted not only what Christ would say on the cross but the manner of His death as well. The Son of David took our place, offering us His. He took our sin, our separation, and our death. He offers us His righteousness, His relationship with the Father and eternal life. God forsook Him to embrace us.