Resolution. We hear a lot about it at the beginning of a year. People make New Year's resolutions to lose some weight or spend more time in personal devotions. But often the year comes and goes and we end up making the same vague resolutions at the beginning of the next year. Perhaps the trouble … Continue reading New Year resolved
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
Do not lose heart
Have you ever noticed God impressing upon your mind the same text of Scripture during the same time frame? Maybe you'll read a passage during your personal devotions, and then you'll hear a radio minister preach on it or you'll hear the words of it in a song. For the last two Sundays, God has … Continue reading Do not lose heart
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
God’s power and blessing, Psalm 21
The content of Psalm 21 naturally follows the content of Psalm 20 and seems to flow from it. Psalm 20 is a beautiful expression of God's rescue of those who trust in him Psalm 21 rejoices in the blessings bestowed after that powerful rescue. While David rejoices because God has finally established him as a … Continue reading God’s power and blessing, Psalm 21
Hidden God, Psalm 10
The writer of Psalm 10 wonders why God seems hidden during times of trouble. While the righteous psalmist laments a hidden God, the wicked man revels in God's hidden face. The psalmist opens by questioning God: Why, O Lord, do you stand far away? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble? He asks … Continue reading Hidden God, Psalm 10
Wicked are judged, Psalm 9
If world events discourage you or other people attack you or personal problems oppress you, read Psalm 9. David writes this psalm as if God has already judged the wicked and put an end to evil. He begins by wholeheartedly thanking God and declaring his goodness: I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I … Continue reading Wicked are judged, Psalm 9
Majestic Name, Psalm 8
When our children were small, Psalm 8 was one of the first psalms I taught them. We rocked imaginary babies in our arms, we flexed arm muscles, we looked up, we wiggled our fingers, we drew moon circles in the air, and wiggled our fingers again for the sparkling stars. Now I'm teaching it to my almost … Continue reading Majestic Name, Psalm 8
Torn Soul, Psalm 7
When someone circulates lies and unjust accusations against you, read Psalm 7. The superscription tells us that David sang this psalm to the Lord concerning the words of Cush, a Benjaminite. Since Saul was from the tribe of Benjamin, Cush may have been one of Saul's relatives. From the context of the psalm, Cush apparently … Continue reading Torn Soul, Psalm 7
Loving discipline, Psalm 6
In difficult and distressing times, Christians long to be freed from this body of death and translated to glory. In Psalm 6 David cries to God during a time of intense physical and emotional distress. David acknowledges suffering as discipline when he implores the Lord (Psalm 6:1, ESV): O LORD, rebuke me not in your anger, … Continue reading Loving discipline, Psalm 6
Glenda Faye Mathes 