Tag: devotion

Psalm 122 – Be Glad

Read Psalm 122

I like how David starts this psalm, “I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the Lord!” He was glad. When is the last time you felt “glad” about something?

David’s heart was so in tune with God. The very thought of going to God’s house, in this case the temple in Jerusalem, made him glad. He was happy to go. Do we have that same excitement about going to worship in our own church? If not, what is holding us back from unleashing pure joy at being in God’s presence?

Did you notice his word choice here, “let us go”, not just “go”. That would seem to infer the privilege of being able to worship our God. That is a freedom we often take for granted. Many people around the world do not have that freedom to be open about their allegiance to Jesus. You may even know someone that is currently hiding their faith. How they must wish they were able to go and worship publicly. That would certainly make them glad.

We often lose sight of what is important. It is not so much the “where” we worship, but it is certainly about the “who”. Who are we worshiping? What does our worship look like? Have we lost that joy that comes with the privilege of being in God’s presence together with other believers? Search your heart today for a true answer to these questions.

Let’s pray. Lord, you are a mighty God. It is such a privilege to know you and sing praise to you. I do get giddy when it’s time to lead worship. To feel your spirit coursing through my veins is a feeling of contentment and joy I can’t put into words. It is the perfect time of communion with you, our hearts are as one. I thank you for letting me have those times and look forward to the next opportunity. I pray for those who do not know you. May my life be such a reflection of you that those lost souls see you and can be rescued by you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Psalm 121 – I Need You

Read Psalm 121

As I write this, I am actually looking at the mountains that surround our home. Beautiful. Majestic. Listen to this song based on this psalm from Brian Doerksen, HERE.

We do need you Lord, more than we even know ourselves. And there should be no question where our help comes from – it comes from the Lord. We may try and fool ourselves that we can overcome on our own, or we have the answers, but we need our Lord. He is our problem solver.

It’s like calling customer service. How many times have you gotten stuck with an appliance, with a product you’ve just purchased, or even a new service on the internet. I know I’m always happy to have a 24 hour customer service number to call. Too many times I’ll get a recording only to realize that I’ve missed the hours of operation by only a few minutes. God isn’t like that. He is available to us 24/7.

What an assurance to know that our God, creator of the universe, has our backs and is ready to help us when we call. I love this psalm and the picture of God watching out for us. That doesn’t mean nothing bad will ever happen because there is evil running rampant in this world. But God is watching and there to protect.

Let’s pray. Father, thank you for your watchful eye that never rests. Thank you for the protection you offer and the reassurance your presence affords. Help me today to rest in that blessing. I pray for those around me who may not know that reassurance. Open up doors and conversations to allow your name to be glorified. Give me your wisdom today. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Psalm 6

Read Psalm 6

What a day of lament! Psalm 6 is the first of seven “penitential” psalms. If you’re not familiar with that term, it would suggest the writer has realized his failings (sins), expressed his sorrow, and then made new commitment to stay close to God, as in “repent”, turn away from your sin.

I loved how the psalmist got real with God and opened up his heart.  When is the last time you truly revealed yourself to God?  This is a good example of what we often hear referred to as “fear of the Lord”–an awe in the Almighty.  While it is easy to see the underlying concern for self and being condemned or “disciplined in rage”, you also  see the trust in God’s strength and power in his pleas for “compassion” and to “be rescued”.  In the end, the psalmist has assurance that God has heard his plea and will answer.

It’s not always easy to be sure the rescue is on the way when you’re in the midst of a trial.  It takes true faith. Sometimes that can be hard to muster, but remember the unfailing love of our God. He does not abandon us. Ever.

“I am worn out from sobbing”, in verse 6, brought back some memories for me.  Can you recall a time when you felt such despair and all you could do was weep?   It is in those times that we need to dig deep to find our faith.  We need to remember that God is in control, we are not, and have the assurance, like the psalmist, that God has heard our plea and will answer our prayer.

Let’s pray.  Father God you are so good, and your blessings are without measure.  Help us to set aside our feelings of despair and trust in you completely to protect and guide us, save our loved ones from trial, deliver us from evil and stir up in us the hunger for YOU alone.  Fill us with your peace.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

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