Psalms – Be Still…

Psalm 119:9-16 – God’s Word Equips Us

Fun Fact: Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible! In its entirety, it’s a great meditation on the importance and beauty of God’s word in nurturing our faith. I love how this section speaks to us as believers, whether we’ve been believers for ten minutes, ten years, or our whole lives.

The psalmist says, “I have hidden your word in my heart.” Is it safe in our hearts, far enough away from the clutches of sin? You might wonder how this happens exactly. Over the years, I have helped countless children in my Sunday School classes commit Bible verses to memory. Once in our heads, we can let them rest in our hearts. That way, God’s wisdom is always safe inside us, ready to nurture or empower us. Continue reading “Psalm 119:9-16 – God’s Word Equips Us”

Psalm 19:7-14 – More Than Just Words

Read Psalm 19:7-14

Why should we listen to God’s Word? The psalmist gives us eleven verses full of reasons and benefits. We can’t really deny any of these descriptions. Yet it’s almost as if they are shared in defense of God’s Word, as if God’s Word were under attack. I see evidence of such an attack all these years later, don’t you?

Some people view the Bible as a book of rules or just a collection of words. It’s much more than that. The psalmist uses words like “instructions,” “decrees,” “commandments,” “commands,” “laws,” and “a warning.” Those are some direct and descriptive words. What a good reason to pay attention! For those of us who have always wanted an “Instruction Guide for Life,” we need look no further. Continue reading “Psalm 19:7-14 – More Than Just Words”

Psalm 23 – God is My Shepherd

Read Psalm 23

What a reading to close this week’s focus on our majestic and gracious God! Psalm 23 is one of those cherished psalms that many turn to in times of struggle, loss, and confusion. Understanding the significance of God being referred to as our shepherd is key.

Shepherds are one of those professions that used to be very common, and the psalmist’s audience would be very familiar. David, the psalmist, was a shepherd boy before he became king. David would know firsthand that the shepherd is the hero of every sheep. The relationship between sheep and shepherd is extremely close. Sheep recognize the voice of their shepherd, and shepherds are very careful to never misplace one of their sheep. For David to describe God in this way is powerful. Continue reading “Psalm 23 – God is My Shepherd”

Psalm 91 – God Our Protector

Read Psalm 91

Don’t you love the boldness of the psalmist, sharing such a deep and reverent faith in God, the Creator? The descriptions of God in this psalm are images of a strong protector. When the world feels like it is crashing in around you, read this psalm!

As we examine God’s character from the perspective of His majesty and grace, these verses remind us of His great love and care for us. We may be disappointed by friends and family, but God is steadfast and true. He stands guard as a strong protector for us. Continue reading “Psalm 91 – God Our Protector”

Psalm 19:1-6 – Nature Speaks About God

Read Psalm 19:1-6

The book of Psalms contains a poetic style of writing. We can learn a lot about God from the poet’s lyrical way of describing God’s power and might. The Psalms are a good source of learning more about the character of God. As believers, we continually seek more of God.

Our life has more meaning when we understand who our Creator is. It’s golden when we understand our “roots” and realize the same God who fashioned the heavens also created us. I love how the apostle Paul puts it in Ephesians 6:10: “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” Continue reading “Psalm 19:1-6 – Nature Speaks About God”