Psalm 41 is the final psalm in Book One of the Psalter. It's a lament that begins with an extended statement of confidence in God's sovereign provision: Blessed is the one who considers the poor! In the day of trouble the Lord delivers him; the Lord protects him and keeps him alive; he is called blessed in the land; … Continue reading Everlasting God, Psalm 41
Impatience inversion, Psalm 40
Many laments begin with a cry to God, but end with resting in him and waiting on his will. Psalm 40 reverses that usual order. It begins with patient rest and ends with an impatient plea. TEASER: This psalm concludes with another striking aspect, which I'll write about at the end of this post. Time … Continue reading Impatience inversion, Psalm 40
Measuring Days, Psalm 39
A bit over two years ago, I blogged on Psalm 39 under the title, "Carpe Diem!" That Latin phrase means, "Seize the day," which still seems an apt title. But in revisiting the psalm today, I'm struck by the ESV heading, "What Is the Measure of My Days?" In this personal lament that conveys the … Continue reading Measuring Days, Psalm 39
God will answer, Psalm 38
Okay, I admit it. I've avoided writing a meditation on this psalm. Psalm 38 isn't very cheerful or particularly inspiring. In fact, it's downright depressing. This psalm is a lament, the largest category of psalms. This particular lament is penitential, expressing sorrow for sin, but also contains striking descriptions of physical pain, personal persecution, and … Continue reading God will answer, Psalm 38
Dwelling in the Land, Psalm 37
As I've blogged my way through the Psalms, I've noticed over and over how God's promises are for the here and now as well as for the future. While Psalm 37 repeatedly assures believers that they will inherit the land and dwell in it forever (which seems to refer to our eternal future), it also … Continue reading Dwelling in the Land, Psalm 37
River of Delights, Psalm 36
Since I have a lot going on in my life right now, I'm not taking time to craft a new meditation on Psalm 36 today. Instead I'm posting a link to a brief reflection on some of the most beautiful images of the psalm, which I originally posted almost three years ago: Drinking from God's … Continue reading River of Delights, Psalm 36
Speak to my soul, Psalm 35
We may not be on the run from the king and his men, as David often was under the reign of Saul, but we all experience times when we feel surrounded. Persecuted Christians or those living in war-torn lands may be physically surrounded by enemies seeking to destroy them, but at some time each believer … Continue reading Speak to my soul, Psalm 35
Taste and See, Psalm 34
"Taste and see," David urges us, "that the Lord is good." That's the heading for Psalm 34 in the English Standard Version, which makes sense when you read the sentence repeated in verse 8. But the subheading for Psalm 34 may make you wonder. It explains that David wrote this psalm when he changed his … Continue reading Taste and See, Psalm 34
Numbering Days, Psalm 90
A bit over two years ago, I blogged on Psalm 90 under the title "Our Dwelling Place" (you can read that post here). Because Psalm 90 seems particularly appropriate for the last day of the year, I decided to break from my regular schedule and blog on it again. But before I wrote today's entry, … Continue reading Numbering Days, Psalm 90
Christmas Rest
Tomorrow is Christmas! How does thinking about that make you feel? Excited as a child who just can’t wait? Calm as a queen who has everything under control? Or as panicky as an arachnophobic in a cellar full of spiders? Are you making your list and checking it twice? If you’re like me, you’re making … Continue reading Christmas Rest
Glenda Faye Mathes 