In Psalm 12 the psalmist reminds himself and us that God always protects and asks that God "preserve us from this generation." And how many generations have passed since then? Generations that have included people up to no good because they did not know Good. Or they knew but turned their backs. But it wasn't everyone. … Continue reading “…as holy as I should…”
“Jesus, I trust in You”
Psalm 11 is about trust in God. I work on this ALL the time! How about you? Maybe you're better at that trust thing than I am. I try mightily to give everything up to God: all my worries, upcoming challenges, the people I love, my desires, my fears. But then I find myself wrestling … Continue reading “Jesus, I trust in You”
Blessed Are You!
Psalms 9 and 10, according to my faith tradition, are always considered together since the continuation of an acrostic poem begins in 9 and continues through the 10th psalm. We're speaking of Hebrew letters here so don't go searching for A-Z in your Bible's translation of those works. Since that's the way they were written … Continue reading Blessed Are You!
“What a piece of work is man…”
In the Old Testament's 8th Psalm we read a meditation on the awesomeness of God and how insignificant we seem in comparison. And yet, we human beings are still the pinnacle of God's creation. In verse 6 we read, "Yet you have made him little less than a god, crowned him with glory and honor." Some … Continue reading “What a piece of work is man…”
On Justice
I will thank the LORD in accordance with his justice; I will sing the name of the LORD Most High. -Psalm 7: 18 What is justice? St. Augustine of Hippo defines it thus: "justice is love serving only the loved object, and therefore ruling rightly" which is helpful in considering the above excerpt from … Continue reading On Justice
How Long?
Psalm 6 asks God the question, "How long?" How long must I wait? Seems like I am often waiting. But the irony is, I don't have to wait for God. God has always been ever patiently waiting for me! I need to surrender to Him, that's all. Give it all to Him, my life, my … Continue reading How Long?
Fear of the Lord and other mysteries
But I, through the abundance of your mercy, will enter into your house. I will bow down toward your holy sanctuary out of fear of you. - Psalm 5:8 "Out of fear of you." I think too many people misunderstand the meaning of 'fear' in the Biblical and theological context. It's not the same as … Continue reading Fear of the Lord and other mysteries
Give my heart more joy
Psalm 4 talks about trusting God when things get rough. I love it. As one who believes in absolute truth that comes to us through Jesus Christ who is "the Way, the Truth, and the Life," it is comforting in a world where relativism is so prevalent. And what is this absolute truth? That God … Continue reading Give my heart more joy
Keeping “my head high”
"You, Lord, are a shield around me; My glory, You keep my head high." - Psalm 3:4 What an encouraging thought. When you're being attacked, maybe not physically, but with dishonest accusations or disparaging lies of any kind, God is with you. When you live with God's grace and know of His love and mercy. … Continue reading Keeping “my head high”
On Kings and Hope
In Psalm 2 we read about the anointed One of God. This is understood in the New Testament, particularly in the Book of Acts, to be referring to Jesus. In fact, in Acts 4:25-27 we see the Apostles directly quote from this Psalm as an explanation of the things they do in Jesus' name. At … Continue reading On Kings and Hope
