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.