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
Spurgeon’s turns
Charles H. Spurgeon has become known as the Prince of Preachers for good reason. The 19th century minister had an amazing ability to make biblical truth come alive. He knew how to turn a phrase. Many years ago we purchased his classic Morning and Evening devotional. While I recall reading it enough to wear page edges and tear the dust … Continue reading Spurgeon’s turns
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
God’s work in Illiana
Late Saturday night I returned from a five-day speaking trip in Illinois and Indiana. Since then I've been decompressing and processing. My mind churns with memories and images that are difficult to distill. One thing I know: God's Spirit amazed me over and over! He equipped introverted-homebody me, who hadn't been able to prepare as … Continue reading God’s work in Illiana
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
Psalm 58
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
Glenda Faye Mathes 