In light of the state of our country and our current political climate, this text from my morning devotions seems particularly appropriate: First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and … Continue reading Truth for today
God’s Awesome Deeds, Psalm 66
Awesome. How often we hear or use that adjective! Too often it refers to something a little less than awesome: a piece of pizza, a great basketball shot, a friend's kind action, or catching a flight connection. These things can be delicious, amazing, touching, or stress-relieving. But are they truly awesome? Something awesome inspires awe, … Continue reading God’s Awesome Deeds, Psalm 66
Already delivered, Psalm 54
In today’s culture of death, when evil men persecute Christians and sin remains deeply woven into society’s fabric, consider David’s pleas and praise in Psalm 54. As he so often does, David begins the psalm by begging God to hear his prayer: O God, save me by your name, and vindicate me by your might. O … Continue reading Already delivered, Psalm 54
God over all the earth, Psalm 65
How was your Sunday? Did you enjoy it as a "festive day of rest"? Festive rest may seem like an oxymoron, but that's the wonderful way the Heidelberg Catechism describes Sunday in its comprehensive answer explaining God's will for us in the fourth commandment (Lord's Day 38, Q&A 103). My devotional A Month of Sundays: 31 Meditations on … Continue reading God over all the earth, Psalm 65
Complaint, Psalm 64
In the Literary Study Bible's introduction to Psalm 64, editors Leland Ryken and Philip Graham Ryken call it the "prototypical" lament psalm, the "specimen in which the conventional elements stand out highlighted" with "vivid poetic texture and memorable imagery" (p. 815). An awareness of this psalm's lament construction and literary techniques helps us derive more meaning from David's "complaint" … Continue reading Complaint, Psalm 64
Thirsty soul, Psalm 63
Iowa may not have mountain vistas or white beaches, but in summer its lush green fields and rolling tree-covered hills are beautiful. The land between the mighty Mississippi and the churning Missouri, creased by river valleys and meandering streams, displays more summer beauty than I-80 drivers realize. And it's a far cry from the arid wilderness … Continue reading Thirsty soul, Psalm 63
Silent soul, Psalm 62
What does it mean for the soul to wait for God in silence? The Psalms surge with emotional expressions, communicating deep feelings of joy or despair. They provide a pattern for expressing universal human emotions to a God who hears and answers prayer. But Psalm 62 speaks of waiting for God in silence. Why does … Continue reading Silent soul, Psalm 62
High Rock, Psalm 61
Word pictures create images in our minds that make our reading come alive. Enlivened writing is more easily internalized and becomes more personal. And Psalm 61 pulses with images that increase our awareness of God as our protector. The ESV title for the psalm is "Lead Me to the Rock" with a notation "To the choirmaster: … Continue reading High Rock, Psalm 61
Defeated foes, Psalm 60
David wrote Psalm 60 after his army commander, Joab, had won a great military victory over the Edomites, but that triumph had not overshadowed recent struggles in Israel. When David became king, the nation suffered from internal divisions and external enemies. But David recognizes all Israel's problems have ultimately come from God. O God, you have … Continue reading Defeated foes, Psalm 60
Howling dogs, Psalm 59
When one dog starts to howl, all the neighborhood dogs join in. If this happens late in the evening, roving coyotes may even begin howling. Psalm 59 brings that eerie chorus to mind by repeating an identical refrain. Verses 6 & 7 in the ESV say: Each evening they come back, howling like dogs and prowling about the city.There they … Continue reading Howling dogs, Psalm 59
Glenda Faye Mathes 