Category: Psalm

Psalm 56:1 Be merciful to me, my God, for my enemies are in hot pursuit; all day long they press their attack.

We have a park where I live, Rocky Face, that today’s scripture brought to mind. There is a “Vertical Mile Challenge” trail that begins in the trees then goes up the side of a mountain (slight exaggeration). You go from not being able to see anything but trees to a gorgeous panoramic view that shows just what a small role those trees play in the greater landscape. That’s perspective, and it is a beautiful gift.

Psalm 56:2 My adversaries pursue me all day long; in their pride many are attacking me.

In verse 1, all David can see are the trees, the enemies. They are huge and everywhere.but as he continues to climb, to praise, he begins to get perspective. The trees, which felt like they were everywhere, were only a small part of the whole. God is the whole. When the fullness of the view, the fullness of God, opens up, it is so much easier to put the everyday of life into perspective.

Psalm 56:3 When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.

Precious Savior, Thank You for perspective that can only come from You. Thank You for the ability to realize that just because I’m surrounded by trees doesn’t mean that’s all that’s there. Help me to put my trust in You. Help me to climb until I get perspective. Help me to hold on to You. Always. Amen.

Psalm 56:4 In God, whose word I praise—in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?

Have a blessed day.

Psalm 46:10a He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;

I know plenty of people who have a hard time being still. I am not one of them. My favorite place to be is curled up in my recline with a good book. However, I have realized over the years that while my body knows how to be still, my mind struggles with stillness.

Psalm 46:10b …I will be exalted among the nations,

Sometimes it is the incessant whir of anxiety. Sometimes it is intrusive thoughts that won’t let me be. Usually the specter of worry is in the middle of it all, whispering, “What if? What if? What if?” Yet God is also in the midst of it all whispering “Be still. Be still. Be still.”

Psalm 46:10c …I will be exalted in the earth.”

Precious Savior, I want to rest in Your peace, but I have such a difficult time silencing the worry and anxiety that clouds my mind. Help me to lay it all at Your feet. Help me to surround myself with Your peace. Help me to be still and know that You are God. Help me, Jesus. Amen.

Psalm 46:11 The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.

Have a blessed day.

Psalm 46:7 The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.

How interesting to study Psalm 46 after Genesis 28. Jacob wasn’t a very outstanding figure way back then. His behavior was eyebrow-raising. His trust in God was conditional. And yet, in Psalm 46, we have “the God of Jacob.” To me, that shows the power, the sovereignty of God and what He can do if we allow Him to work in our lives.

Psalm 46:8 Come and see what the Lord has done, the desolations he has brought on the earth.

Commentary calls Psalm 46 a “great song of confidence.” It is a reminder that God is with us, that He is our refuge and strength, He is for us, that we should not fear–not because life won’t be chaotic, but because God’s holding us securely in the palm of His hands.

Psalm 46:9a He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth.

Precious Savior, Thank You for these reminders of Your sovereignty, Your mercy, Your fierce and unending love. Thank You that You can make a way in the mess of our lives where no way exists. Thank You that You are already on the other side of every problem, every issue. Thank You that we do not need to fear because You are with us, for us, in us. Amen.

Psalm 46:9b …He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the shields with fire.

Have a blessed day.

Psalm 46:4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells.

I know that verse 5 is talking about a city; however, I love thinking about verse 5 as talking about a human. The idea that God is within us, that God will help us, is comforting and true.

Psalm 46:5 God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day.

Many translations use the wording “God is in the midst of her; she will not be moved.” Again, these translations feel comforting and empowering to me. I don’t have to be strong enough on my own. God is within me. God is in the midst of my life.  I will not fall. I will not be moved.

Psalm 46:6a Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; 

Precious Savior, Thank You for the reassurance that You are with me, that You are in the midst of all that goes on in my life. Thank You that Your grace, Your love, Your sovereignty ensures that I will not be moved from Your presence. Amen.

Psalm 46:6b … he lifts his voice, the earth melts.

Have a blessed day.

Psalm 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.

Precious Savior, Forgive me that I often feel alone when difficult times assail me. Help me to remember that You are with me, You are my refuge and strength, You are an ever-present help in trouble.

Psalm 46:2a Therefore we will not fear…

Loving Savior, Help me to cling to who You are and who You are to me so that I can live without fear, no matter my circumstances. I know You love me. I know You are with me. I know You hold me securely in the palm of Your hand.

Psalm 46:2b …though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea…

Hope-giving Savior, You know that hope is vital to my life and my outlook. You have given me in Your word all the tools and reminders I need to remain hopeful in You, no matter what. You have shown up again and again in my life, when things are dark, when things are so incredibly good. You are with me. You are my refuge and strength. You are an ever-present help. Let me not be afraid. Amen.

Psalm 46:3 though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.

Have a blessed day.

Psalm 37:39a The salvation of the righteous comes from the Lord…

In my mind, when I read these verses, I see two groups fighting each other–verbally, physically, doesn’t matter. Each group thinks it’s right, it’s righteous. There is righteous anger, righteous indignation. God doesn’t seem to be present anywhere, but attitudes of righteousness abound. That is not what God has in mind.

Psalm 37:39b …he is their stronghold in time of trouble.

“[S]alvation…comes from the Lord….he is their stronghold…The Lord helps…and delivers them…because they take refuge in him.” If we are to cling to His words, then it (life, the fight, whatever) can’t be about us. If there is an attitude of “how dare you treat me like this,” the fight is not for God. Humility has to come into play. God is bigger, greater, more important than our pride.

Psalm 37:40a The Lord helps them and delivers them…

Lord, I know that I must humble myself before You, and yet, my pride, my desire for acknowledgement and recognition keep getting in the way. In order for You to be my stronghold, I must take refuge in You. In order to take refuge, I must give up my pride and humble myself. Help me, Jesus. Amen.

Psalm 37:40b …he delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they take refuge in him.

Have a blessed day.

Psalm 37:34a Hope in the Lord and keep his way…

As I begin to set my cap for a new school year, I feel the familiar anxiety of needing to perform, of hoping that others recognize and understand all that I do for my students, how much I truly care about them, and I know that yet again I have fallen short of what my Savior is calling me to do, which is rest in Him alone.

Psalm 37:34b …He will exalt you to inherit the land…

Colossians 3:23 reminds me that, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters….” This anxiety I already feel? That is not from God. And the perfectionist in me wants to berate myself for Still. Not. Getting. It. But the beloved child of God knows that I can’t do this life without my Savior, so there is no need to even pretend I can.

Psalm 37:34c …when the wicked are destroyed, you will see it….

Lord, Once again I find myself trying to measure up in the eyes of the world. I can never measure up in that way, and I truly don’t want to. Help me to focus on You. Help me to work at all things as though working only for You. Help me to find my value, my worth, my peace–not in this world, but only in You. Amen.

Psalm 27:14 Wait patiently for the LORD; be strong and courageous. Wait patiently for the LORD!

Have a blessed day.