Psalms – Page 2 – Be Still…

Psalm 23 – God is My Shepherd

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”

Psalm 8 – God the Creator

Read Psalm 8

As we embark on our “Discovering the Bible Challenge,” we’ll focus first on Our Majestic and Gracious God. Each reading has been carefully selected for our Bible adventure together. Our opening theme helps introduce us to who God is. What does our psalm speak to your heart about God’s character? Have you ever thought about God like this?

For me, I am comforted in knowing I was not created and then left to fend for myself. We all know this world to be a dark, cruel place underneath all the beauty and glorious display of God’s hand. There is peace knowing God created me to be in a relationship with him. His instructions are available for all of us. Continue reading “Psalm 8 – God the Creator”

Psalm 119:11 – Hide It!

“I have hidden your word in my heart,
that I might not sin against you.” (Psalm 119:11)

This verse sums up precisely why I often reflect on one verse at a time. It is easier to memorize or “hide” God’s word in our hearts when it’s in smaller chunks. When we can associate a given situation with a verse, it helps us to recall when those situations arise.

Context (Psalm 119:9-16): This is only a small excerpt from the longest chapter in the Bible. This psalm’s central theme is the importance of God’s word. The psalmist knows our lives depend on our obedience to the truths of Scripture. Other descriptors for God’s word include decrees, regulations, commandments, and laws. The whole psalm follows this pattern of singing the praises of God’s instruction book for us. Continue reading “Psalm 119:11 – Hide It!”