Does the term "poet warrior" seem like an oxymoron? We tend to think of poets as anemic ascetics with quivering quills in isolated ivory towers. And we imagine warriors as bulky brutes with swinging swords in swarming bloody battles. But David was a poet and a warrior. David the poet warrior wrote Psalm 18 as … Continue reading Love of a poet warrior, Psalm 18:1
The Shadow of Your Wings, Psalm 17
"Keep me as the apple of your eye: hide me in the shadow of your wings," writes David in his Psalm 17 prayer (verse 8, ESV). How amazing to think of God valuing me as the apple of his eye! To imagine myself sheltering in the shadow of his wings! David begins his prayer from the perspective … Continue reading The Shadow of Your Wings, Psalm 17
Pleasant places, Psalm 16
For many years, I written out my prayers during times of personal devotion. I've found that this practice helps me not only see specific answers to prayer, but also to pray more intelligently while focusing on God and his glory. Instead of writing out a meditation this morning, I'm posting a personal prayer to give you … Continue reading Pleasant places, Psalm 16
Dwelling on a holy hill, Psalm 15
About 30 miles north of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the spires of a basilica known as "Holy Hill" pierce the sky. The spires direct thoughts upward in praise of the Creator who made not only the beautiful countryside and high peak on which the basilica catches the morning light, but also the architects who designed and the builders … Continue reading Dwelling on a holy hill, Psalm 15
Fool’s gold, Psalm 14
What do you treasure in your heart? Do you seek genuine gold? Or is your life a vain pursuit of fool's gold? Psalm 14 defines a fool as someone who does not believe in God: The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, they do abominable deeds, there is none … Continue reading Fool’s gold, Psalm 14
Bountiful dealings, Psalm 13
Do you ever feel as if God has forgotten you? Does it feel as if he's hidden his face from you forever? You're not alone! Many believers have often felt isolated and alienated, including that psalm master, David. No psalmist conveys the range of human emotions better than David. In his short Psalm 13, he cries from … Continue reading Bountiful dealings, Psalm 13
The godless society of Psalm 12
If you live in a godless society, this psalm's for you. Wait, I guess that's everyone. David begins with a lament that very likely echoes Noah's feelings before the flood: Save, O Lord, for the godly one is gone; for the faithful have vanished from among the children of man. Everyone utters lies to his … Continue reading The godless society of Psalm 12
The Lord in His Temple, Psalm 11
Yesterday Christians attended church to worship God in his temple, but his temple extends far beyond the four walls of any earthly facility. Psalm 11 reminds us that no matter what happens in life God is in his temple. When we are under attack, we can take refuge in the Lord. Verses 1-3 (ESV) affirm … Continue reading The Lord in His Temple, Psalm 11
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
Glenda Faye Mathes 