Author: Dana Hagstrom

Read Psalm 108

I love the words of praise and worship in verses 1 through 5. I noticed this psalm has three “voices” in it: David’s praise, the Lord’s glory, and David’s query. Let’s focus on the praise and thanksgiving section today.

You may recall these same verses appear in Psalm 57. Could it be that this was a “song” that was popular with the people (or at least David), so he wanted to “replay” it again here? We all have favorite hymns and praise songs that come to mind when we want to sing our adoration. Some of these songs may even have a positive connection to a memory of a past experience.

I love the words of “this” favorite hymn. “My heart is confident in you, O God.” Definitely. There is nothing more sure, more confident, more everlasting than our God. We can rely on things of this world but will always be dissatisfied. God is where we should place our trust.

“I will waken the dawn with my song.” When do we praise? From the moment we open our eyes each day our lips should sing praise. Before we let the tasks of the day flood our minds and distract, we need to be in touch with God. Our day can only begin right in his presence, acknowledging him and thanking him for his goodness. The tone for our day is set when we put God first and ask him to be the Lord and Master of our time.

“May your glory shine over all the earth.” Indeed. What a beautiful sight that would be. What a great expectation or request of God, asking that his glory shine! Imagine God’s radiance covering the earth. All desperation, sadness, fear, and evil would be wiped away. It’s the image of Jesus returning. Never ending joy. Peace for all.

What verses spoke to you today? Jot them down in the comments below.

Finally, “With God’s help we will do mighty things, for he will trample down our foes.”  This promise is speaking volumes to me today. I have a hurdle to jump here and my mind is really playing tricks on me. Has that ever happened to you? That’s the evil one. I am relying on this verse today as it is with God’s help that success is possible.

Let’s pray. Lord thank you for all you have given us. I do look forward to the day when your glory will shine all around. I acknowledge you as the one, true God, giver of life and of all that is. Help me today to radiate your glory. I especially need your help to achieve the mighty goals I have set for myself today. Keep the song of praise on my lips all day long. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Read Psalm 107

“Give thanks to the Lord for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.” That verse opens this psalm and the previous one. We should live our lives in a constant state of gratefulness for what God has done for us. Take a moment to reflect on five things (just five) that you are grateful for today. Make this a routine in your devotion time to call out five things you are thankful for. Reflecting on God’s provision and our grateful response to it should help you feel more confident, more connected, more joyful.

The psalmist calls us out here in verse 2. “Has the Lord redeemed you?” That was a surprise for me when I read that. The call to action is clear – if we are redeemed we are to speak out! I suppose this is part of the reason I yearned to do this blog for you, not keep silent but to share — because I have been redeemed! I have been set free, and I give glory to God alone for my rescue.

I remember fondly my time working the steps in Celebrate Recovery. That was such a cleansing experience for me that culminated in me sharing my story. The old me would have been too withdrawn and broken, but the redeemed me was ready to speak out! There was nothing sweeter than when my pain and God’s victory was used to help someone else who was struggling to trust God.

So many people are hurting in this world. How is God calling you to stand up and speak out to help others? Our psalmist gives us several great examples of people who are not connected to God and yet His power pulled them back into a right relationship. Such a better place to be. And the response of those rescued repeated several times in this psalm, “Let them praise the Lord for his great love and for the wonderful things he has done for them.”

God’s power can be channeled through you to make a difference for someone. Look around today at who might be needing a blessing from God.

Let’s pray. Lord I thank you for rescuing me and setting my life on a new course. Thank you for the opportunity to serve you. Help me to wait patiently for my next assignment and not over-extend myself with all that would like to do. Help me discern what you want for me. Open my eyes to the possibilities, to the opportunities, to your leading. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

 

Read Psalm 106

As in the preceding psalm, there is a lot of remembering going on. Today, we have concrete examples of how God, though burning with anger and disappointment, continues to rescue and love his children. As a parent, I can relate to being angry with the kids for their behavior, yet loving them completely at the same time. How many times magnified that would be for God with us.

The stories of the Israelite’s disobedience always astound me. Why should it, really? Isn’t the theme and pattern still alive and well today? Don’t we, collectively as a society, ignore all the blessings we receive from God and grumble? Maybe we grumble about our jobs. Maybe we grumble about the weather. We are always wishing for it to be “better.” We should have a heart of gratitude. Right?

God was angry with them. He wanted to destroy them! Moses had to step in as their advocate. Don’t you think he, too, was probably at the end of his rope? After all, Moses had witnessed God do so much for these people, and yet they were so forgetful and ungrateful. And then, God relented.

We have Jesus to stand up for us. Jesus has paid the price. We are free in Christ. Let that truth just sink in a little. We are free!

Now, reread the psalm. After imagining our own rebellion, and Jesus stepping up to take our place of punishment, how do you feel? Does the psalm take on a new, fresher meaning? Is your perspective readjusted, or is it just me?

God isn’t just in the Bible. He is for us, here and now, and forever.

Let’s pray. Father God, forgive me when I fall short and displease you with my actions or inactions. Forgive me when I forge ahead without giving heed to your leading. Help me to be still and to wait on you. Unlike the Israelites, I trust you and want to follow you. Help me not to grumble but to enjoy every moment of each day you have given me. Make me a better mom, wife, friend, and most of all, disciple. Guide my life, my business, my family and may I be a shining light for you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Read Psalm 105

What a beautiful retelling of Old Testament history! There are so many gems in the Old Testament. These stories have been passed down for generations to generations. So long as we have the Bible, we can also remember from where we came. We share this ancestry of culture and religion, and it is good to return to our roots.

There are many people today who don’t know these stories. There are those for whom reading this psalm today may be their first time to hear of Moses or Joseph, great men used by God. (Or at least men — the great part is really WHAT God did with them.) It’s good for us to remember that these heroes of the faith often had humble beginnings and were far from the perfect specimen. God can use imperfections to reveal his own perfection.

Do you have a favorite “character” from this retelling? Is there a certain faithful one that really motivates or inspires you? I’d welcome your comments at the end.

I really resonate with Joseph. His story is miraculous on so many different levels. I hope that I am always as faithful and steadfast when put to a test. I know I have a great advocate to help and a spirit of truth living in me to help me see and avoid evil. But the devil is crafty and we need to stay strong. Joseph was tempted beyond the breaking point of most men, and yet he did the right thing.  God knew his heart. God was preparing him for greatness, and Joseph didn’t even know it!

When the time comes I’ll be ready. I will stand up and declare my intentions and state without question that Jesus is my king. I am saved, and my sins are forgiven because Jesus died and paid the price..for me! I can live with that assurance, and that truth alone invigorates and motivates me to be a witness to Jesus’ saving power.  Maybe I’m God’s “mini” hero, doing small deeds everyday to advance the kingdom. Yes, I sure hope so!

What is your claim to fame? How are you battling for the kingdom? Do you want God to use you in a mightier way?

Let’s pray. Father God, your ways are good and your power is indescribable. You have a plan for me, and I thank you that you walk beside me. May I always stay on the path you have for me. Gently push me in the right direction when I need to change course. I thank you for using me as you do. I pray for increased boldness to proclaim your Lordship. Empower me today. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Read Psalm 104

This is a magnificent psalm reminding, yet again, or who is Lord of all. Just as in Psalm 103, the psalm immediately preceding this one it begins and ends with “Let all that I am praise the Lord.”

Here, we walk through creation. Such a beautiful story depicted. As you read this psalm, or read it again, stop after each verse and picture yourself there, in that moment. Imagine a front row seat to witness creation as it unfolds?

Our creator God was and is master of the universe. At His hand all exists. The mastermind of this world and all that’s in it is our God! From a blade of grass to a mighty mountain, from a worker bee to human beings. How magnificent! How can we not worship our creator for all he has done? For our lives, our possessions, and the provisions around us.

Yet we often don’t rejoice.  Do we? When is the last time you let out a whoop or a holler of “Hallelujah” to God for his love? Same here.

We need to be a people who give honor and praise to our God, the lover of our souls. We need to stop the madness and stop using without abandon the great resources God has gifted us with. We need to be accountable to the world and how it was created. We have species going extinct, land and water patterns are in constant fluctuation, and greed, yes greed, abounds. Society wants, or should I say, “expects” and wants more, seeking happiness and fulfillment in all the wrong places. Why do we do this? What is our motivation?

Praise the Lord!  The Lord should be motivation. Motivation instead to live clean and devoted lives, striving for more healthy and connected relationships to God and each other.

We must praise the Lord for he is good! His mercies endure forever. I want to be more mindful of God’s creation! How can we make it the place it was made to be? How can we love it as God intended?

Let’s pray. Lord, I thank you and praise you for the beauty of your world. I am seeing it with new eyes today and, like you, am saddened by the disarray. I am also encouraged by your efforts to keep it pure. Lord, please show me ways to do that, to bless you through the care of your planet. Thank you for how you provide, may I be worthy. I want to praise you until my last breath. Bless my steps today and shine in me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.