The English Standard Version (ESV) uses a term that I cherish: steadfast love. The King James (KJV) and New King James (NKJV) translate the same phrase as "goodness," while the American Standard Version (ASV) translates it as "lovingkindness" and the New International Version (NIV84) uses "unfailing love." Based on what I've heard from those who know … Continue reading Steadfast love, Psalm 33
Forgiveness blessings, Psalm 32
In Psalm 32, David meditates on the great blessings of God's forgiveness. Its first two verses are familiar confessions: Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man against whom the Lord counts no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit (ESV). The believer who trusts in the finished … Continue reading Forgiveness blessings, Psalm 32
Prayer paralysis
A week ago at this time on Monday morning, I was finally getting some sleep--on a bed in my hospital room. That explains why I didn't post a meditation last Monday and why I didn't do much writing last week. (Providentially, I'd scheduled a few news articles to post on my blog.) Now, a week … Continue reading Prayer paralysis
Take courage, Psalm 31
Psalm 31 proclaims multiple truths that go beyond one simple label. But all that it says can be summarized by God's encouragement to take courage. Like many psalms, it begins with pleas for deliverance (Psalm 31:1-2, ESV): In you, O Lord, do I take refuge; let me never be put to shame; in your righteousness deliver me! Incline … Continue reading Take courage, Psalm 31
Morning joy, Psalm 30
How often pain or grief overwhelms us during the long dark of the night! Yet the rising sun reminds us of God's loving care, restores our confidence in him, and renews our joy. Identified as a "song at the dedication of the temple," this psalm of David melds personal piety with corporate praise. David begins … Continue reading Morning joy, Psalm 30
Ascribe glory! (Psalm 29)
Do you hear God's voice thunder in the surf? Do you hear it in the tsunami? In the tornado? The earthquake? The volcano eruption? The forest fire? The sand storm? Those who have ears to hear will recognize his voice in all these roars as well as in the labored breathing of a deer giving … Continue reading Ascribe glory! (Psalm 29)
God hears, Psalm 28
Do you feel sometimes as if God is silent? Does it seem that your prayers fall on deaf ears? David was a man after God's own heart, yet he too felt at times as if God wasn't listening. He begins Psalm 28 with a cry for God to hear his call. To you, O Lord, I … Continue reading God hears, Psalm 28
Waiting for the Light, Psalm 27
One of life's most difficult lessons is learning to wait on the Lord. During the last couple of years, I've been waiting to see the Lord work in an excruciating situation. Yesterday I heard God's truth proclaimed in a first step toward healing the pain. In God's providence, Psalm 27 seems more than appropriate this … Continue reading Waiting for the Light, Psalm 27
Walking in integrity, Psalm 26
Do you feel as if you're being judged for a sin you didn't commit? Are people slandering you? Do some call your faith and repentance into question? Welcome to David's world. Psalm 26 is David's cry to the God who knows all, who sees all, and who is not mocked. David confesses his continued trust … Continue reading Walking in integrity, Psalm 26
Alphabet soup, Psalm 25
David wrote Psalm 25 as an acrostic poem; each of its 22 verses begin with the consecutive letters of the Hebrew alphabet. Since the psalm contains petition as well as declaration and repentance, it doesn't fit into one specific category. It's more like vegetable beef stew than steak and potatoes. It begins as a prayer … Continue reading Alphabet soup, Psalm 25
Glenda Faye Mathes 