Hey...if you've been tracking with me through the first 31 chapters of Psalms here in January, thank you! I hope you've enjoyed the journey thus far, and I pray that God has enriched, encouraged and equipped you to keep lifting your heart to heaven throughout 2011.
I'm going to try to post some thoughts for you from the book of Acts in February. If you'll read along with me a chapter a day, we'll cover the whole book by the end of the month. I'm not promising that I can write something here every day, but as the Lord permits I'll share with you.
Blessings in Christ to you!
Monday, January 31, 2011
Lifting Your Heart to Heaven (Psalm 31)
Psalm 31
In many ways this psalm typifies the journey we’ve been on through the first 30 days into the psalms. Again, the circumstances in which David finds himself are dire. He must have felt like the streets of downtown Ridgway after Popcorn Day; trashed, abandoned, puked upon, used and abused. Sorry, but it’s not a pretty sight. Ever been there?
Where does David go when the situation seems helpless and overwhelming? He doesn’t cave in or cower in fear. He doesn’t wring his hands in despair or resign to doubt.
Instead, he lifts his heart to heaven because that’s where deliverance and salvation are found! That’s where he finds refuge in the fortress of God’s name. That’s where he fully expects the God of truth to redeem him. That’s where the greatness of God’s goodness is given to those who trust in Him. That’s where the unfailing love of the Lord is put on display for all to see. That’s where the faithful find that the Lord God is merciful and trustworthy and strong.
David had such confidence because the Lord had come through for him so many times before, and he was sure that in God’s hands he would be kept safer than All State.
Where do you go when the situation looks grim, hopeless and desperate? Lift your heart to heaven! Be strong and take heart, and wait upon the Lord.
In many ways this psalm typifies the journey we’ve been on through the first 30 days into the psalms. Again, the circumstances in which David finds himself are dire. He must have felt like the streets of downtown Ridgway after Popcorn Day; trashed, abandoned, puked upon, used and abused. Sorry, but it’s not a pretty sight. Ever been there?
Where does David go when the situation seems helpless and overwhelming? He doesn’t cave in or cower in fear. He doesn’t wring his hands in despair or resign to doubt.
Instead, he lifts his heart to heaven because that’s where deliverance and salvation are found! That’s where he finds refuge in the fortress of God’s name. That’s where he fully expects the God of truth to redeem him. That’s where the greatness of God’s goodness is given to those who trust in Him. That’s where the unfailing love of the Lord is put on display for all to see. That’s where the faithful find that the Lord God is merciful and trustworthy and strong.
David had such confidence because the Lord had come through for him so many times before, and he was sure that in God’s hands he would be kept safer than All State.
Where do you go when the situation looks grim, hopeless and desperate? Lift your heart to heaven! Be strong and take heart, and wait upon the Lord.
Sunday, January 30, 2011
There's Joy on the Way (Psalm 30)
Psalm 30
Who is a God like our God?! Who raises us up from the dead and restores life to our souls? Who gives us victory over our adversaries? Who heals us when we call to Him for help? The Lord our God is He, and there is none other!
Yes, weeping may endure for the night, but joy comes in the morning. As Christians we know we will face trials and hardships and persecutions. Jesus said as much in John 16:33, “In this world you will have trouble.” Sometimes trouble results from our own sin, and sometimes it comes simply because we live in a fallen world. We should not be deceived into thinking the Christian life will be easy and carefree.
David certainly had more than his share of trouble. Yet his constant hope was the joy still to come from the Lord. The suffering, though real and painful, would not last forever. The joy would. As Paul put it, “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all” (2 Corinthians 4:17).
Afflictions will surely come, but joy is on the way! Jesus even endured the cross “for the joy set before Him” (Hebrews 12:2). Our only hope for help and salvation is the Lord. He has overcome by His atoning death and victorious resurrection from the grave. Only in Him will our sorrow be turned to dancing and our mourning into gladness. Praise be to the Lord our God! May our hearts sing with eternal thanksgivings!
Who is a God like our God?! Who raises us up from the dead and restores life to our souls? Who gives us victory over our adversaries? Who heals us when we call to Him for help? The Lord our God is He, and there is none other!
Yes, weeping may endure for the night, but joy comes in the morning. As Christians we know we will face trials and hardships and persecutions. Jesus said as much in John 16:33, “In this world you will have trouble.” Sometimes trouble results from our own sin, and sometimes it comes simply because we live in a fallen world. We should not be deceived into thinking the Christian life will be easy and carefree.
David certainly had more than his share of trouble. Yet his constant hope was the joy still to come from the Lord. The suffering, though real and painful, would not last forever. The joy would. As Paul put it, “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all” (2 Corinthians 4:17).
Afflictions will surely come, but joy is on the way! Jesus even endured the cross “for the joy set before Him” (Hebrews 12:2). Our only hope for help and salvation is the Lord. He has overcome by His atoning death and victorious resurrection from the grave. Only in Him will our sorrow be turned to dancing and our mourning into gladness. Praise be to the Lord our God! May our hearts sing with eternal thanksgivings!
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Glory in the Storm (Psalm 29)
Psalm 29
I love a good thunderstorm. Of course, I’d rather enjoy it from the comforts of dry shelter, but to hear the thunder rolling and to see the brilliant flashes of lightning illuminating the sky reminds me of the power and majesty and glory of God.
You may rightly imagine in reading this hymn of praise that the worshippers were gathered as a powerful storm arose in the distance. They hear the thunder and marvel at the God of creation’s power.
His voice breaks the great cedars of Lebanon – trees which commonly measured 120 feet high and 30 feet in circumference. His voice sends Sirion (Mt. Hermon) scurrying in the north. His voice shakes the Desert of Kadesh to the south. In an awesome display of His sovereignty, the One enthroned as King forever lights up the sky and makes the hills rumble with the echo of His voice.
The only appropriate response from the worshippers is to cry, “Glory!” Glory, indeed! And don’t you know it is this same glorious, all-powerful God who gives strength to His people and blesses them with peace? Even in the midst of a great thunderstorm, God is in control. Even the power of the grave is no match for the omnipotent One. “And if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit, who lives in you” (Romans 8:11). Glory!
I love a good thunderstorm. Of course, I’d rather enjoy it from the comforts of dry shelter, but to hear the thunder rolling and to see the brilliant flashes of lightning illuminating the sky reminds me of the power and majesty and glory of God.
You may rightly imagine in reading this hymn of praise that the worshippers were gathered as a powerful storm arose in the distance. They hear the thunder and marvel at the God of creation’s power.
His voice breaks the great cedars of Lebanon – trees which commonly measured 120 feet high and 30 feet in circumference. His voice sends Sirion (Mt. Hermon) scurrying in the north. His voice shakes the Desert of Kadesh to the south. In an awesome display of His sovereignty, the One enthroned as King forever lights up the sky and makes the hills rumble with the echo of His voice.
The only appropriate response from the worshippers is to cry, “Glory!” Glory, indeed! And don’t you know it is this same glorious, all-powerful God who gives strength to His people and blesses them with peace? Even in the midst of a great thunderstorm, God is in control. Even the power of the grave is no match for the omnipotent One. “And if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit, who lives in you” (Romans 8:11). Glory!
Friday, January 28, 2011
Leaping for Joy (Psalm 28)
Psalm 28
It’s been said that God may sometimes ordain suffering so that we might loosen our grip on the things of this world and cling more tightly to the Lord. Hardship often serves to remind us that the world and its pleasures are passing away, but true joy rises in a trusting relationship with Christ Jesus.
We see that truth played out in this psalm. Once again David pours out his heart to the Lord in the midst of a desperate crisis. The troubles he endured didn’t weaken his faith in God, but drove him to find his strength and salvation in Him. David knew his only hope for making it through such sufferings was to call urgently upon the name of the Lord his God.
In fact, he felt that if God didn’t answer his cry for mercy then he would have met the same fate as those who experienced God’s judgment. Yet, he believed that the Lord would indeed hear his call for help. And so David burst forth in a cry of praise to the Lord, his strength and shield, the fortress of salvation for His chosen ones. Even his heart “leaps for joy” and he couldn’t help but to give thanks to Him in song.
Friend, we can take the same joyful, grateful confidence in prayer because God does not turn a deaf ear to the desperate cries from His people. Why not turn your suffering into a chance to trust in the strength of the Lord, and see if your heart doesn’t leap for joy as He carries you through?
It’s been said that God may sometimes ordain suffering so that we might loosen our grip on the things of this world and cling more tightly to the Lord. Hardship often serves to remind us that the world and its pleasures are passing away, but true joy rises in a trusting relationship with Christ Jesus.
We see that truth played out in this psalm. Once again David pours out his heart to the Lord in the midst of a desperate crisis. The troubles he endured didn’t weaken his faith in God, but drove him to find his strength and salvation in Him. David knew his only hope for making it through such sufferings was to call urgently upon the name of the Lord his God.
In fact, he felt that if God didn’t answer his cry for mercy then he would have met the same fate as those who experienced God’s judgment. Yet, he believed that the Lord would indeed hear his call for help. And so David burst forth in a cry of praise to the Lord, his strength and shield, the fortress of salvation for His chosen ones. Even his heart “leaps for joy” and he couldn’t help but to give thanks to Him in song.
Friend, we can take the same joyful, grateful confidence in prayer because God does not turn a deaf ear to the desperate cries from His people. Why not turn your suffering into a chance to trust in the strength of the Lord, and see if your heart doesn’t leap for joy as He carries you through?
Thursday, January 27, 2011
One-Thing Desire (Psalm 27)
Psalm 27
We have a growing 11-year-old boy who works up a mean appetite at school. By the time he gets home there’s just one request on his lips: “Give me something to eat!” He’s not satisfied with a little cracker, a single baby carrot or a corner of a cookie. His one-thing desire is food, and lots of it.
David writes this psalm having worked up a mean appetite for God. His one-thing desire is to dwell in the house of the Lord, meaning to live continually in the light of His presence. He’s not satisfied with a surface-level acquaintance with God or keeping religious traditions; he wants to know God deeply.
The reason David’s craving is so intense is because it’s fueled by knowing that the Lord is his light and his salvation. The Lord is his safety against the advances of the enemy. The Lord is his stronghold and shelter.
As God reveals Himself as our light and salvation, He feeds our hunger to know Him even more, to abide in Him fully and enjoy the rich blessings of His presence. He makes our hearts unafraid even when the enemy closes in. He instills confidence in Him even though the spiritual war rages all around us. When the day of trouble comes fear does not overtake us, for our trust is in His goodness, His provision and His protection. We wait upon Him with confidence and supernatural courage. May the Lord give us a one-thing desire to dwell continually in the light of His presence.
We have a growing 11-year-old boy who works up a mean appetite at school. By the time he gets home there’s just one request on his lips: “Give me something to eat!” He’s not satisfied with a little cracker, a single baby carrot or a corner of a cookie. His one-thing desire is food, and lots of it.
David writes this psalm having worked up a mean appetite for God. His one-thing desire is to dwell in the house of the Lord, meaning to live continually in the light of His presence. He’s not satisfied with a surface-level acquaintance with God or keeping religious traditions; he wants to know God deeply.
The reason David’s craving is so intense is because it’s fueled by knowing that the Lord is his light and his salvation. The Lord is his safety against the advances of the enemy. The Lord is his stronghold and shelter.
As God reveals Himself as our light and salvation, He feeds our hunger to know Him even more, to abide in Him fully and enjoy the rich blessings of His presence. He makes our hearts unafraid even when the enemy closes in. He instills confidence in Him even though the spiritual war rages all around us. When the day of trouble comes fear does not overtake us, for our trust is in His goodness, His provision and His protection. We wait upon Him with confidence and supernatural courage. May the Lord give us a one-thing desire to dwell continually in the light of His presence.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Find Love! (Psalm 26)
Psalm 26
I have quite a few handwritten notes in the margins of my study Bible. Usually they’re certain insights the Lord has given me as I’ve read through Scripture, references to other passages, or applications the Spirit has impressed to me. One such note in the margin beside this chapter reads “Find love!”
In verse 2 the writer opens himself to the searching and convicting light of the Lord. In view of the false accusations against him from his enemies, David earnestly begs the Lord to test him and make sure that his own actions are pure. He’s not claiming to be sinless, but he knows that through his trust and abiding fellowship with the Lord, God will vindicate him.
The Bible tells us that in Christ we are reconciled to God. That means we’re without blame in His sight, holy and free from accusation (see Colossians 1:21-23). That’s our hope in the gospel, our confidence in Christ, who has redeemed us, made us righteous and steadies our feet on level ground.
As I pray for the Lord to examine my heart and my mind, I pray that He finds love. Since His love is ever before me, my earnest desire is to walk always in His truth. I want to love the Lord passionately, with all my heart and mind and soul and strength. I want to love His church zealously. And I want to love the lost with the compassion of Jesus. Love disarms every enemy. Love keeps us walking in the pathway of His truth. Love delights the Father. O Lord, test me, and find love!
I have quite a few handwritten notes in the margins of my study Bible. Usually they’re certain insights the Lord has given me as I’ve read through Scripture, references to other passages, or applications the Spirit has impressed to me. One such note in the margin beside this chapter reads “Find love!”
In verse 2 the writer opens himself to the searching and convicting light of the Lord. In view of the false accusations against him from his enemies, David earnestly begs the Lord to test him and make sure that his own actions are pure. He’s not claiming to be sinless, but he knows that through his trust and abiding fellowship with the Lord, God will vindicate him.
The Bible tells us that in Christ we are reconciled to God. That means we’re without blame in His sight, holy and free from accusation (see Colossians 1:21-23). That’s our hope in the gospel, our confidence in Christ, who has redeemed us, made us righteous and steadies our feet on level ground.
As I pray for the Lord to examine my heart and my mind, I pray that He finds love. Since His love is ever before me, my earnest desire is to walk always in His truth. I want to love the Lord passionately, with all my heart and mind and soul and strength. I want to love His church zealously. And I want to love the lost with the compassion of Jesus. Love disarms every enemy. Love keeps us walking in the pathway of His truth. Love delights the Father. O Lord, test me, and find love!
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Pleading for God's Guidance (Psalm 25)
Psalm 25
Last year for Christmas my parents bought me a GPS. I think maybe Amy talked them into it. She’s ridden with me enough to know that if I veer off the main roads in search of a better way, there’s a pretty good chance it won’t turn out well.
The same thing happens in our spiritual walk. If we think we can find a better way than God’s way, there’s a really good chance it won’t turn out well for us. And make no mistake about it, there are plenty of voices in this world distracting us from the narrow way, clamoring for our attention and affections, tempting us to compromise and seeking to see us stumble into sin.
Psalm 25 is like the navigational system directing us back to the pathway of Christ. If you’ve veered off the straight and narrow and seem to have lost your way, make the words of this psalm your earnest plea to the Lord for His guidance. Pledge your heart and soul to Him anew this day. Trust in Him without wavering. Plead with Him to show you His ways and teach you His paths and guide you in His truth.
The best part is that because the Lord is good, because His mercy is new every morning, His grace greater than our sins, and because He is loving and faithful toward the humble, He will take away all your sins. He will guard your life and rescue you from your affliction and distress. He will instruct you in the way you should go without fail and without disappointing.
Last year for Christmas my parents bought me a GPS. I think maybe Amy talked them into it. She’s ridden with me enough to know that if I veer off the main roads in search of a better way, there’s a pretty good chance it won’t turn out well.
The same thing happens in our spiritual walk. If we think we can find a better way than God’s way, there’s a really good chance it won’t turn out well for us. And make no mistake about it, there are plenty of voices in this world distracting us from the narrow way, clamoring for our attention and affections, tempting us to compromise and seeking to see us stumble into sin.
Psalm 25 is like the navigational system directing us back to the pathway of Christ. If you’ve veered off the straight and narrow and seem to have lost your way, make the words of this psalm your earnest plea to the Lord for His guidance. Pledge your heart and soul to Him anew this day. Trust in Him without wavering. Plead with Him to show you His ways and teach you His paths and guide you in His truth.
The best part is that because the Lord is good, because His mercy is new every morning, His grace greater than our sins, and because He is loving and faithful toward the humble, He will take away all your sins. He will guard your life and rescue you from your affliction and distress. He will instruct you in the way you should go without fail and without disappointing.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Bowing before the King of Glory (Psalm 24)
Psalm 24
I think one reason, maybe the main reason, that people refuse to acknowledge God as the creator of the universe is because they don’t want to be held accountable to Him, or anything else for that matter. The Big Bang Theory and other alternative creation theories provide convenient but dangerously deceptive ways of explaining how our world came to be without holding us accountable to its Creator.
The Bible, however, clearly and repeatedly declares the Lord God to be the Architect and Builder of the heavens and the earth. The whole earth belongs to the One who made it, who sustains it, who reveals His glory through it and who holds all men responsible for their actions.
The Israelites in singing this psalm not only recognize the Lord their God as the Creator, but they welcome His reign over them. They rejoice in the Lord Almighty as their King of glory, and are glad to make way for His rightful entry into their gates. They also realize they must come with clean hands and pure hearts, undivided in their devotion to Him.
Are you welcoming the reign of the King of glory over your life? Will you be among those who ascend the hill of the Lord and stand in His holy place? Let the sacrifice of Jesus be your cleansed and purified life as you bow in joyful worship in His presence. He’s your only hope for salvation.
I think one reason, maybe the main reason, that people refuse to acknowledge God as the creator of the universe is because they don’t want to be held accountable to Him, or anything else for that matter. The Big Bang Theory and other alternative creation theories provide convenient but dangerously deceptive ways of explaining how our world came to be without holding us accountable to its Creator.
The Bible, however, clearly and repeatedly declares the Lord God to be the Architect and Builder of the heavens and the earth. The whole earth belongs to the One who made it, who sustains it, who reveals His glory through it and who holds all men responsible for their actions.
The Israelites in singing this psalm not only recognize the Lord their God as the Creator, but they welcome His reign over them. They rejoice in the Lord Almighty as their King of glory, and are glad to make way for His rightful entry into their gates. They also realize they must come with clean hands and pure hearts, undivided in their devotion to Him.
Are you welcoming the reign of the King of glory over your life? Will you be among those who ascend the hill of the Lord and stand in His holy place? Let the sacrifice of Jesus be your cleansed and purified life as you bow in joyful worship in His presence. He’s your only hope for salvation.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Led by the Good Shepherd (Psalm 23)
Psalm 23
You’ve been waiting to get to this psalm. So have I. Since we’re here, let’s soak in it for a while. I know you’ve read or heard this psalm hundreds of times, but today read it through thoughtfully, line by line, as you meditate on the Shepherd. Think about who He is and what He does for His sheep.
And make sure you consider how Jesus took up this shepherd imagery in John 10. He knows His sheep by name, and they know His voice and follow Him. He is the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for them, only to take it up again!
How should we respond? Well, when the Lord is your Shepherd He’s all you need. You want for nothing more, nothing less, and nothing else. When the Lord is your Shepherd you don’t fear anything. You know He is with you even through the valley of the shadow of death. When the Lord is your Shepherd you’re not anxious for anything. You trust in His provision, His power, His promises and His presence. When the Lord is your Shepherd you’re blessed in abundance. He fills your cup to overflowing with the full measure of His goodness and mercy, watching over you all the days of your life and assuring you of that glorious hope we share of dwelling in the house of the Lord forever.
Do you really know Him as your Shepherd? Are you resting in His loving care for you? Are you listening to His voice and following where He leads?
You’ve been waiting to get to this psalm. So have I. Since we’re here, let’s soak in it for a while. I know you’ve read or heard this psalm hundreds of times, but today read it through thoughtfully, line by line, as you meditate on the Shepherd. Think about who He is and what He does for His sheep.
And make sure you consider how Jesus took up this shepherd imagery in John 10. He knows His sheep by name, and they know His voice and follow Him. He is the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for them, only to take it up again!
How should we respond? Well, when the Lord is your Shepherd He’s all you need. You want for nothing more, nothing less, and nothing else. When the Lord is your Shepherd you don’t fear anything. You know He is with you even through the valley of the shadow of death. When the Lord is your Shepherd you’re not anxious for anything. You trust in His provision, His power, His promises and His presence. When the Lord is your Shepherd you’re blessed in abundance. He fills your cup to overflowing with the full measure of His goodness and mercy, watching over you all the days of your life and assuring you of that glorious hope we share of dwelling in the house of the Lord forever.
Do you really know Him as your Shepherd? Are you resting in His loving care for you? Are you listening to His voice and following where He leads?
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