Psalm 132 - 134

The pilgrims traveling to Jerusalem are reminded about the promise made to David by God that a descendant of his would inhabit the throne forever. While many understood this to mean that the nation of Israel would always prosper, God's intention is far greater. He will place a leader on the throne one day whose own personal reign would never end. This is a prediction of the Messiah. With this in mind, the travelers rejoice at the unity that comes from a common bond found in relationship with God. It is a blessing that drips with goodness and mercy! The watchmen along the walls of the temple rejoice and invite others to remember and celebrate God's goodness.

Please be in prayer ...

Some very dear and precious friends of mine are walking through the difficult valley of the shadow of death. Please uphold the L---- family in your thoughts and prayers. Pray that God would be the lifter of heads and spirits. Please also pray that God would be seen as good, gracious and sufficient during the days, weeks, months and years ahead.

Psalm 129 - 131

The pilgrims continue making their way to Jerusalem, and they consider those who have tried to discourage them from worshipping God. The travelers pray that God would bring divine punishment on these nay-sayers; and ask God to encourage those who do follow Him. These worshippers are reminded to rejoice in God's provision and redemption. God will reward those those faith and trust is in Him. In all this, the pilgrims are careful to not have too high an opinion of themselves. This is accomplished by keeping their faith and unswerving trust in God alone.

Psalm 126 - 128

As the pilgrims make their way to the temple, they rejoice over God's provision of their return from captivity. They anticipate a greater return in the future, as God blesses His efforts on their work done on His behalf. The pilgrims also realize the futility of life without God as the central focus. Their labors are fruitless (at home, work or civicly) unless God is actively involved in the process. Those who fear Him (hold and treat Him in reverential awe) are blessed. This blessing involves the home, the family, the city of residence, the totality of life!

Psalm 123 - 125

As the pilgrims make their way up to Jerusalem to worship, they sing songs reminding themselves of their responsibility to God. Psalm 123 outlines the dependence of Israel upon their God. They look to Him for everything needed and expected, just as a servant would look to their master for provision and protection.

Because God is their providing protector, Israel is able to declare their vulnerability. Indeed, without the Lord's help, they would have ceased to be a nation many times. The nation is invited to bless God for His awesome acts of deliverance. Because of His activities on their behalf, they are not the weaklings the naturally appear to be; rather, they are as immovable as a mountain. Even though they will face constant attack, God will continue to bless, protect and guide the nation.

Psalm 120 - 122

The psalms listed as Psalm 120 - 134 are called the Songs of Ascent. These were part of the national worship as pilgrims made their way to the city of Jerusalem for national worship at Passover and other high holy days.

Psalm 120 outlines the cries made to God in times of bitter disappointment. The pilgrim longs for peace, but dwells in the midst of those who only desire war and conflict. God is petitioned to provide deliverance.

Psalm 121 is a statement of trust in God, the One Who delivers from trouble. God's unchanging steadfastness allows Him to provide safety and security from any enemy.

Psalm 122 speaks of the joy anticipated in the worship of God. Going to the place of worship instilled joy in the hearts of those making the pilgrimage. The prolonged peace of Jerusalem is prayed for, so that worship may continue to their gracious and loving God.

Psalm 119:89 - 176

David continues his psalm of praise to God's Word by remembering its permanence. God's Word is forever settled; what it says has happened, has happened and what it says will happen, will happen. It is because of this certainty that David is able to view God's Word as life-giving and protective in times of trouble. Through a study of God's Word, David is able to possess more practical application of knowledge (wisdom) than his foes. God's Word gives him insight into the true nature and scope of every event. God's Word directs David's steps and path through life because it is a singular beacon. It only leads in one direction to one goal, it is not confusing. Although it may be difficult to perceive at times, it always gives consistent instruction. Those who despise and disobey God's word are not favored by David or others who love God's instruction.

Psalm 119:1 - 88

This psalm extols the virtues and blessings of God's Word. Those who follow it will be blessed and their lives will constantly come under the scrutiny and cleansing of God's Word. God blesses His children by allowing them to understand and be impacted by His word. Since He is a God who keeps His word, His followers receive a great example of faithfulness and integrity. God's Word possesses life-giving qualities; it sustains the weakened and allows the weary to endure. Those trusting God's Word will be able to answer their critics. No matter the circumstance or audience, God's Word is always appropriate, timely and poignant. God's Word, His commands and teachings, protect the heart of the one following it. His law is valuable and instructive; those who find their delight in God's Word will not be ashamed of their choice to do so.

Psalm 116 - 118

The psalmist praises God for being his sustenance and strength throughout life. Even at the end of life, there is much for which one can praise the Lord. His love and faithfulness are everlasting and perpetual. His ever present mercy is worthy of praise in every situation. No matter what may surround your life - prosperity or poverty; delight or dismay - God is able to be praised for His goodness is overarching and above all imagination.

Psalm 113 - 115

The psalmist praises God for His position high above creation. His name and fame are far beyond our ability to create or greater than anything to which one can attain. He promotes and demotes whom He will; and He is good for doing so.

God controls nature by His very presence. When He appears, all of creation responds in appropriate worship. All creation is designed to worship at the feet of Him who created it; and it is the proper and appropriate response.

The psalmist asks that God's name and reputation increase. All other gods are lauded and held up for reverence, but God alone is worthy of worship and praise. He alone inhabits heaven, and He shares His glory with none other. It is the duty of all living creatures to cause God's name to be praised.

Psalm 110 - 112

David describes the reign of the coming Messiah, One promised to be of his descendents. This Messiah would be an eternal king, a forever priest and a judge of the nations.

God is praised for His great works and glorious righteousness. God provides exactly what is needed: compassion, food, and a future. What God does, lasts! He is praised for honoring those who honor His commandments. The way in which God honors those who fear Him causes those around such a one to take notice that it is God at work.

Psalm 107 - 109

God is to be praised for His goodness and mercy that last forever. Nowhere is this better displayed than in the history of His people, the nation of Israel. God led them through the desert, giving them water and food when they were in need. He directed their steps from place to place. He even gave them reasons to rejoice while they were still in places of desolation. When they rebelled against Him, He lovingly brought them to the point of repentence so that they would ask for restoration and He provided it. Even to the day of the psalmist, God was displaying His ability to meet needs through His goodness. The sea merchants could trust in His ability over the waves, the wind and the storms. God is able to take impossible situations and circumstances and turn them around in miraculous ways so that He receives the credit and glory for doing so.

David exalts God's name and asks that God would continue to bring credit to His name. God has claimed the nation of Israel as His own; and David is eager to see God provide for this needy nation.

As the king, David was not free from those who would bring false charges against him. He asks God to fight for him; and pleads for truth to prevail. This seems quite harsh, until we take note that David is only counting as his enemies those whom God would count as His enemies. David is therefore asking God to do what He has already committed to doing - judge the wicked for their wickedness. This action by God would bring His enemies low and would cause the king He placed over the nation to rejoice.

Psalm 105 - 106

Psalm 105 is a song of praise to the Lord for His longstanding kindness and mercy. God displays His power and majesty through His covenants with His people, by providing them with a land in which to live, by sending those who would communicate His words, by delivering them from those who would harm them and by supplying their needs when it looked and seemed physically impossible.

Psalm 106 continues this theme of praise for God's unending mercy. Even in times of trouble and sin, God remained faithful to His unfaithful people. The psalmist recounts many occasions when God's people failed to act as though they were God's people; yet God proved Himself great even in those times. This is not because God was unaware of their sin; but through loving correction, He uses these times to instruct His people about His character. Many times God's wrath was stirred against His people for their deeds, but time and again a godly man would intervene and repair the breach between God and His people - leading the people to a place of repentance. What a reason to praise God - for His long-suffering mercy!

Psalm 103 - 104

David invites his hearers and readers to consider all the benefits God bestows on a daily basis. God forgives, heals, redeems, shows lovingkindness, mercy, brings satisfaction and strength. It is God who is just and righteous, merciful and gracious; patient, yet exacting judgment. God remembers our constitution - that we are but dust - and actively demonstrates mercy, favor and blessing. For what more could one ask? Indeed, we must bless the Lord!

Psalm 104, in contrast, praises God for His actions in creation and sustaining the earth. He is praised for His greatness, majesty, vastness, immensity, strength, creative genius, control over creation, life-giving power and ability to make His creation prosper. Such creative genius takes immense wisdom, which God possesses in vast supply. The psalmist concludes that it will be God's praise that will occupy his mind and lips for the entirety of his life.

Psalm 100 - 102

These three psalms record the joy that surround the one following God. He is filled with thanksgiving and praise for God's goodness. He is surrounded with awe and wonder at the holiness of God; and lives his life in a way that reflects God's standards of uprightness. He turns to God in times of trouble and distress, knowing that God alone is able to provide not only deliverance but strength in tumultuous times.

Psalm 97 - 99

Psalm 97 describes the Lord walking among His creation. The majesty He possesses melts the mountains, silences His critics and fills His followers with awe. Because of the Lord's position above His creation, His followers are to hate evil and rejoice in His goodness.

Psalm 98 invites its singers to praise the Lord for His goodness and giving of a new song to them. This song is joined by the whole of creation - even the mountains seas and rivers join in.

Psalm 99 invites God's people to follow Him and listen to Him as their leaders did. Moses, Aaron and Samuel all learned to listen to God and enjoyed the blessings commensurate with obedience. They learned to rightly appreciate His holiness.

Psalm 94 - 96

The writer of the 94th psalm praises God for protection and assistance, even in times of despair and trouble. When other abandon and danger increases, God displays His power and sustaining graces.

Psalm 95 worships God for His glorious splendor. Not only is He a great God above all the earth; He allows us to be called His people, and He cares for us like a shepherd cares for his flocks. What a great reason to praise!

Psalm 96 exalts God as the ruler of the universe. We are invited to worship Him and bow before His throne, acknowledging His presence, position and power. The beauty of God's holiness is meant to inspire admiration and worship among His creation.

Let My Lifesong Sing!

This song came up on my iPod this morning. As with every time before, my eyes filled with tears at the thought of what God has done for me through the life, death and resurrection of His Son, Jesus Christ. My prayer, expressed in this short song by Casting Crowns, is that MY life's song would sing only His melody.

I once was lost, but now I'm found
So far away, but I'm home now
And now my lifesong sings

I once was blind, but now I see
I don't know how, but when He touched me
I once was blind, but now I see
And now my lifesong sings

I once was dead, but now I live
Now my life to You I give
And now my lifesong sings

Alleluia!
Let my lifesong sing to You!

Psalm 91 - 93

Think of the safest place you can. What describes it? Fortress? Refuge? Shelter? These are all terms used to describe the presence of God. Psalm 91 outlines the safety and security found in God's abiding presence. Fear is removed as one's heart is calmed in the midst of storms all about. Sometimes, even the storms calm! The peace and comfort comes from knowing God hears when one cries out to Him in times of trouble.

When you receive a promotion, are affirmed in your tasks, when told "You matter" - how do you react? The psalmist turns even times of rest and promotion into songs of praise for God's goodness. No matter how high one climbs the ladder of success (of if one climbs it at all) God is the One providing the strength, endurance and ability needed. The psalmist records praise to God for His strengthening and sustaining power.

Listen to the crashing of the ocean waves. The psalmist points out that even that cacophony of sound is praise to the God who created it. His rule is majestic, His reign is eternal, His word is sure and unbroken. He lives forever!

Psalm 89 - 90

The psalmist of Psalm 89 begins with praise to God for His lovingkindness and mercy. He recounts the promises made and kept in the life of King David; and longs for those glorious days to return. The blessings have withdrawn due to sin. God's people had not followed God's commands, and were not in a position to recieve God's blessing. The psalmist begs God to return His favor to His people. Whatever the outcome, the psalmist states that he will bless the Lord always.

Psalm 90 was written long before David. It was written by Moses, the leader of the Israelis out of Egyptian captivity. Moses praises God for His longstanding favor and protection, and reminds himself that compared to God man is frail at best. Moses continues to ask for God's extended mercy and favor as His people seek to follow Him and obey His commands.

Psalm 87 - 88

Psalm 87 outlines the beauty and glory of the city of Zion, a reference to the dwelling place of God and the city of Jerusalem. The psalmist looks expectantly to the day when birth in the city of Zion will carry great significance - because it will indicate a person born under the watchful glorious protection of the Almighty!

Psalm 88 is a prayer for relief from great despair. The psalmist relates that his cries have gone unending before the Lord, and the Lord has not seemed to hear. This does not completely frustrate the psalmist, as he is confident in the Lord's hearing and sending assistance. The psalmist's cry is for God's deliverance to come quickly and completely.

Psalm 84 - 86

Psalm 84 describes the joy and blessedness of God's presence. This presence is displayed in the temple - a place where the author would rather spend one day than 1,000 anywhere else. That is an incredible thought. Would I be willing to spend just one day alone with God, or would I trade it for an almost 3 year vacation? I know what the answer should be; I need God to work on my heart so that my perception sees the right answer as the only option.

Psalms 85 and 86 ask for God's mercy and forgiveness to be displayed in restoration. God is called upon because He has proven Himself able to hear and answer. His blessings endure, His favor is preferable, His works are great and His compassion is enveloping. The psalmists ask for God's favor and blessing, not so that they will be proven right; but that God would be seen as glorious.

Psalm 81 - 83

Aspah encourages the nation to worship only God, as He is the One Who delivered them from Egypt and gave them a standing among the nations. God takes instruction from no one; no entity, no creation of His commands Him. No one else is qualified to take direction of the universe. Those who take up arms against the Almighty are soon disappointed and find themselves defeated and humiliated.

Psalm 79 - 80

Psalm 79 asks for God to reward the wicked for their wickedness, and the righteous for the righteousness. God is praised for being a God who rewards equitably and fairly. His justice is cause for praise.

Psalm 80 asks for God to shine His face upon His people. Only through God's presence is salvation possible, for salvation is 100% a work of His. The psalmist, Aspah, asks for God's saving presence to be clearly evident among His people; and for that presence to attract many to Himself.

Psalm 77 - 78

These psalms speak to God's protection in times of prosperity and trouble. Repeatedly, Asaph declares "Who is as great as our God?" and then demonstrates just how great God is. He provides, He delivers, He keeps promises, He redeems, He remembers, He forgives, He does the miraculous. What other response is proper but praise?

Psalm 75 - 76

Psalm 75 is Asaph's praise to God for His sovereignty. God does as He chooses; and needs to consult no one prior to acting. He decides whom to exalt and whom to humiliate. His actions prove His involvement in the affairs of mankind, and are a source of praise for those fearing Him.

Even in times of judgment, God displays His splendor. Psalm 76's theme is God's majestic judgment; and Asaph highlights the fact that all is done to point to God. Even the activities of man against God speak to the fact that God is there (how can one be angry at a non-entity?). God's wise choices and operations and again praised for their goodness and rightness.

Psalm 72 - 74

Solomon's psalm, Psalm 72, speaks of the extent of the reign of God's Son, the promised Messiah. Solomon extols the virtues of this coming great King. This King will be righteous, equitable, just, compassionate - yet fierce to His enemies. The scope of His kingdom will stretch from sea to sea and to all the ends of the earth. All will worship and honor Him - the God of Israel Who forever reigns.

Asaph, the author or Psalm 73, writes of God's goodness to Israel. At first, this seems incongruous with the way other people live their lives. Many who are wicked find themselves in the lap of luxury, enjoying more than their heart's content and denying the God who provides it for them. Even the end of their life seems smooth to him. But then he remembers that those who live for this life have only this life to enjoy. At life's end there is destruction and judgment. Asaph then praises God for not only providing for this life; but for the after-life. Truly God is good to His people!

Psalm 74 is an account of God's provision of relief in times of oppression. The writer asks God to remember this place and people that He has deemed special - for God's special place and people were under attack and destruction. God's mercy and deliverance in times past is remembered; and the memory provides the needed encouragement to continue trusting in the current situation.

Psalm 70 - 71

David uses Psalm 70 to remind himself and his audience of the relief that God brings from those that would cause trouble to him. He calls to mind the help that God provides from those who seek to do him harm; and asks God to speedily assist him.

Psalm 71 continues this theme of God's righteous protection and deliverance. The psalmist states that this has been his experience even from birth and, because of the Lord's unchanging nature, it will continue into old age. Although God is unchanging, man is not - so the psalmist asks God to keep him faithful to the expectations set for him. Praise will be given as God provides, so that others will be encouraged to place their trust in the Almighty. One of my favorite verses in found in this psalm: Let my mouth be filled with Your praise and with Your glory all the day.

... and now, for something completely different ...

Today marks an important day in the life of this author. August 5, 1982 was the day God's plan of salvation became clear to my mind and heart. Today marks the 26th anniversary of my surrender to God's plan for my life, and is the day my total dependence on His mercy, love and forgiveness began. God used several mighty influences to bring me to that decision - godly parents, concerned teachers, faithful pastors, a loving camp counselor (John Stover) to name a few - but the mightiest influence of all was His Word being ministered to my heart by His Holy Spirit. I was thoroughly convinced that nothing was good enough for God's standards unless God performed it Himself, and that's exactly what He did through His Son, Jesus Christ. I just wanted to remind my Father that I haven't forgotten the significance of this day.

Psalm 68 - 69

Psalm 68 invites the nation of Israel to praise God for His goodness to them. He lead them out of Egypt, protected them in the travels, delivered them into the land He had promised them, and allowed them to thrive. This goodness should inspire other nations to rejoice in the faithfulness of this mighty and powerful God.

Psalm 69 expresses David's desire for help in times of trouble. The trouble is of his own causing - he has failed to live in the way God prescribed and is facing the consequences of those choices. Nevertheless, he prays to God, knowing that God will hear and be willing to forgive and restore. This song of despair turns to praise as David remembers the goodness of God's forgiveness.

Psalm 66 - 67

Psalm 66 is a song of praise to God for His listening abilities. He hears and answers prayer! Not only is He interested in the affairs of His creation, He is willing and able to intervene on their behalf and demonstrate His goodness in tangible ways. The psalmist over and over repeats the joy that comes from such a personal God.

Psalm 67 is an invitation to the nations to praise God for His presence and kindness. This kindness prompts worship (called 'fear' in the psalm) that directs the heart to God in praise.

Psalm 63 - 65

David describes his thirst for God's blessing and presence as more intense than a person in a desert. His desire for God is consuming; and when he is in God's presence, his joy is overwhelming. Those who find their delight in God's presence and favor will never fear His retribution or punishment. God is praised for His love and care for the earth He created.

Psalm 60 - 62

David cries out in Psalm 60 for God to restore His people to His favor. The dismay felt at the abandonment of God's favor was more than David could tolerate; and he begs for forgiveness and restoration of God's pleasure.

In Psalm 61, the psalmist praises God for the strength and protection He provides. God is asked to lead His people to the place of safety; and shelter them with His security. The song is one of praise as God is lifted high for all to see His glorious provision.

Psalm 62 continues the theme of God's sheltering provision by stating that ONLY God can provide the security and comfortable protection necessary for a truly productive life.

Psalm 57 - 59

David prays for safety from his enemies in Psalm 57. He cries out for mercy and protection. He is also comforted when remembering God's faithfulness and mercy; it steadies his soul and gives him strength to continue.

David's theme in Psalm 58 is judgment. He reminds himself of God's impending judgment of all mankind, and that this judgment will find favorably for the righteous and disapprovingly for the wicked. The judgment of the wicked is briefly described as violent, complete and unrelenting. The comfort in all this is that God will greatly reward the righteous.

The title of Psalm 59 tells the reader this was penned while David's house was under surveillance by those attempting to kill David. David asks for deliverance from those who seek to take his life for unjust reasons; and further asks God to show no mercy to those who are wicked in their belief that their actions will go unpunished by God. David does not pray for his own advancement, but rather "let them know that God rules in Jacob to the ends of the earth." He rejoices in God's power, mercy and strength as his only defense.