On Mondays for the last several years, I've been trying to post a meditation on a psalm and today's the day for Psalm 58. Interestingly, Bible Gateway's "Book of Common Prayer" reading plan for today (March 17, 2014) includes Psalm 58. Almost four years ago, I looked at Psalm 58 in a post titled "Broken Teeth & … Continue reading Psalm 58
Revisiting Psalm 57
Because I'm pressed for time this month as I try to prepare several speaking presentations, I'm posting a link to a previous meditation on Psalm 57 rather than writing an entirely new one. I wrote this post about "Lying Amid Lions" almost four years ago, but its scriptural truths are timeless.
In God We Trust, Psalm 56
Ever wonder where the phrase engraved on American coins comes from? Contrary to the prevailing national culture, money made in the United States still says: In God We Trust. Regardless of how many Americans actually put their trust in God, he cares for those who do. And despite the failure of many to acknowledge him, … Continue reading In God We Trust, Psalm 56
Betrayal, Psalm 55
We trust friends and family members to protect us and promote our best interest. But sometimes the people we trust betray us. The psalms pulse with prayers for deliverance from persecution. Usually this comes from "enemies" or "wicked" men. But Psalm 55 describes the trauma of betrayal. Like many other psalms, it begins with a … Continue reading Betrayal, Psalm 55
Upheld life, Psalm 54
What problems plague you on this Monday morning? If you live in the Midwest, it's another bitterly cold and fiercely windy day. You can pretty much ignore it if you work inside. But nearly everyone has to drive to work in it and some people, like rural letter carriers and truck drivers, have to drive … Continue reading Upheld life, Psalm 54
None Who Does Good, Psalm 53
Most of us tend to think we're pretty good people. After all, we're not criminals or murderers. We're far superior to evil leaders like Hitler or Hussein. Truth is, we're all sinners. The Bible teaches that every person who ever lived and who ever will live, with the exception of Jesus Christ, is a sinner. … Continue reading None Who Does Good, Psalm 53
Olive tree, Psalm 52
Looking back on this past year, do you find it depressing to think about the tough times? Try focusing on how God got you through them. David knew persecution. He was God's anointed, the appointed successor to Saul. But he was continually on the run for his life. One of the most tragic episodes during … Continue reading Olive tree, Psalm 52
Clean heart, Psalm 51
King David wrote the well-known penitential Psalm 51 after the prophet Nathan confronted him with his sins involving Bathsheba and her husband, Uriah (whose death in battle he'd arranged). You can read the sad sequence of self-centered actions in 2 Samuel 11. Nathan's confrontation and the beginning of consequences are recorded in 2 Samuel 12. God's … Continue reading Clean heart, Psalm 51
Thanksgiving sacrifice, Psalm 50
Americans celebrated Thanksgiving last Thursday. Between sitting at a table bowed from the weight of turkey, cranberries, and pumpkin pie and sitting in front of a TV with a bloated belly, many Americans paused to consider the things for which they're thankful. Psalm 50 demonstrates that thanksgiving must be more than a few moments or … Continue reading Thanksgiving sacrifice, Psalm 50
Ransomed soul, Psalm 49
Americans are among the most wealthy people on earth. They're also the most indebted. If you're feeling overwhelmed by financial concerns, this psalm's for you. It begins with a call for all earth's inhabitants to listen to its wisdom: Hear this, all peoples! Give ear, all inhabitants of the world, both low and high, rich … Continue reading Ransomed soul, Psalm 49
Glenda Faye Mathes 