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Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

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Focused on God

Readings: Psalms 96-101

‭Psalm 99:5 – “Magnify the LORD, our God! Bow low at his footstool! He is holy!”

Today’s six Psalms are songs of praise and are calls to celebrate God as Lord over all. Many common themes run through these Psalms: sing to the Lord, the Lord reigns, God is righteous and just, God’s love lasts forever. A feeling of joy arches over today’s readings.

Psalm 96 invites all people to “Bring gifts! Enter his courtyards.” Here we see an early indication of the widening of God’s kingdom. It is “all families of the nations” that are invited. All. There is also a recognition for the “all” in the Psalm: “He will judge all people fairly.” Just judgment will come to all people.

Psalm 97 reminds us that fire goes before God, “burning up his enemies.” Zion and Judah celebrate these acts of justice. In Psalm 98 the song exalts the victory won by “his own strong hand.” The shouts are triumphant. All of creation celebrates the victory of God’s justice. The themes of justice and righteousness continue in Psalm 99. The call is to “Magnify the LORD, our God! Bow low at his footstool! He is holy!” The footstool represents the ark of the covenant. Moses, Aaron, and Samuel were the givers and keepers of the Law. Therefore God heard and answered their cries, forgiving them when they strayed.

Psalm 100 celebrates that Israel is “the sheep of his own pasture.” Made and chosen by God, they live in God’s faithful love generation after generation. Psalm 101 closes with a call to integrity. To walk with integrity (and within God’s love) one must focus on the will and way of God while also not abiding any evil. May this be our walk as we seek to worship our God of love, justice, and righteousness with our lives.

Prayer: Lord God, what great reminders today of who and what you are: loving, just, holy, faithful, righteous, worthy of our praise. We too are the sheep of your pasture. As such, lead and guide us to daily bring these character traits to bear on the world. In all things – thoughts, words, and deeds – may we glorify you! Amen.


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Rejoice! Celebrate!

Readings: Psalms 90-95

‭Psalm 91:2 – “I say to the LORD, ‘You are my refuge, my stronghold! You are my God — the one I trust!'”

Photo credit: Shane Rounce

Today we begin Book 4! We begin with a Psalm attributed to Moses. The Psalm considers the fleeting nature of life. God sweeps humans away “like a dream.” We finish up our years “with a whimper.” So the author invites us to “number our days.” Doing so we learn to live with a “wise heart.” Doing so, life has meaning and purpose.

Psalm 91 petitions God for divine protection. It feels like a counter to Psalm 90. In verse 2 we read, “I say to the LORD, ‘You are my refuge, my stronghold! You are my God — the one I trust!'” The Psalm speaks of God’s protection and saving in times of sickness and trial. It proclaims that if even 1,000 fall dead, we will be ok. This is because God will “order his messengers to help you… to protect you.” While we can feel the psalmist’s trust, we must remember that this is a possibility and not necessarily a promise. The faithful are not immune from the happenings of life.

Psalms 92 and 93 compliment each other. Psalm 92 is a song of thanksgiving for victory. The wicked are like grass – they perish quickly. The righteous are like trees. They will bear fruit in old age. Psalm 93 recognizes God as the one who won’t be shaken, as the one mightier than the flood. Holiness “decorates” God’s house.

Psalm 94 is addressed to the “avenging God.” The arrogant brag and afflict widows, immigrants, and orphans. The God who hears and sees will repay the evil. This God helps the righteous, steadying slipping feet and comforting the anxious. This God is our fortress and our rock of refuge.

This leads us to Psalm 95, a call to worship God. It begins, “Let’s raise a joyful shout.” The “people of his pasture” are called to worship, to bow down, to kneel before the Lord.  A warning against hardening one’s heart closes the Psalm. It is good to offer our praise and thanksgiving to God. It counters our prideful nature and our tendency to turn inward.

Prayer: Lord God, at times we pray as the psalmists pray: steady us, comfort us, forgive us, protect us. At other times we too rejoice in your goodness and love. We celebrate your faithfulness and your justice. Today may our lives sing of your glory, power, and might. Amen.


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Ups, Downs, Highs, Lows

Readings: Psalms 85-89

‭Psalm 86:2 – “Guard my life because I am faithful. Save your servant who trusts in you — you! My God!”

Photo credit: Franzie Allen Miranda

Today’s Psalms rise and fall like the highs and lows of our lives. Like these Psalms, our faith can bounce from “Praise God!” to “Where are you, God?” more often than we’d like. Psalm 85, for example, begins with thanks for God’s forgiveness then quickly pivots to a God who seems angry, who yet needs to forgive their sins. The Psalm closes beautifully and with hope. “Truth springs up… righteousness looks down.” Walk with the Lord!

Psalm 86 begins with a series of petitions, each followed by a “because.” In verse 2, for example, we read, “Guard my life because I am faithful. Save your servant who trusts in you — you! My God!” Do these things, God, because I have faith! After celebrating times when God was faithful, the psalmist invites God to act once again: “Come back to me! Have mercy on me!” A faithful one asks, “Where are you, God?”

A short Psalm 87 celebrates that those from Zion are blessed.

Next we turn to Psalm 88. Frankly, it is hard to read. It is a lament that goes down and down, ending in hopelessness. The psalmist cries out to God but feels beyond help. Friends have abandoned the writer. It feels like God has too. The Psalm concludes: “My only friend is darkness.” So why read Psalms like this? There is a really good reason. They remind us that life is not easy. Many people end up here. If you’re not one, then read this Psalm and allow yourself to feel the pain and darkness. The connection will bring a measure of empathy to how you minister to those who walk in the darkness.

We close with Psalm 89 as book 3 ends. A lengthy remembrance of God’s power and of God’s promises to David and his dynasty is followed by 15 verses that ask where God is. It seems that God has broken the covenant. It begs God to let the anger pass. There is an implied plea for restoration. Because you promised this God and because I am faithful… We can certainly relate.

Prayer: Lord God, we encounter so many ups and downs, so many highs and lows today in our readings. Thank you, Lord, for the reminder. We all struggle. We all need support, encouragement, understanding – from you and from one another. We can all offer these things to others. Guide us, O God, each day. As we receive, may we give. Amen.


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A Yearning for God

Readings: Psalms 79-84

Psalm 84:10 – “Better is a single day in your courtyards than a thousand days anywhere else!”

Disaster has come upon Israel. Psalm 79 details how the temple was defiled, the walls were ruined, and the people were killed. The psalmist asks, “How long will you rage?” That is a question we all ask during extended seasons in the dark valleys. The psalmist begs for deliverance – and for vengeance. God pay them back. And remember us, the sheep of your own pasture.

Psalm 80 continues this plea. The psalmist reminds God that Israel is the vibe that God brought out of Egypt and planted in Zion. The vibe is now chopped down and burned. O God, attend to your vine. Be with us God and we will not turn away. Psalm 81 functions as a response from God. It begins with a call to praise God but quickly God begins to speak (through the psalmist’s words.) These words begin with a remembrance of the exile from Egypt. God warned them about idols but the people didn’t listen. God laments, only if they could “walk in my ways.” God would then subdue their enemies and feed Israel the finest wheat and honey. If only we would turn from our idols… then God would give us hope, peace, joy, grace…

Psalm 82 gives us a peak into ancient thought. In the divine council God questions how justice is (or isn’t) being administered. It seems that the “lesser beings” are not properly caring for the poor… God removes their immortality and steps in as the judge.

A call for God’s actions fills Psalm 83. The enemies have gathered and threatened Israel. The psalmist calls for God to act, to make the enemy “like tumbleweeds.” Then all will know that God alone rules over the whole earth. At times in our lives we can pray these prayers. We just want God to remove that which is causing us pain.

Our readings close with Psalm 84. These are beautiful words about being in God’s home. It begins with a yearning to be with God. The psalmist declares, “Better is a single day in your courtyards than a thousand days anywhere else!” Oh to be in God’s presence. Oh to experience God’s favor and glory. Oh to trust in the Lord our God. Oh we yearn to have God’s presence all around us. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, you are the Lord of all creation. You are our good shepherd who watches over us, leads us, provides for us. When we stray, pull us back into the fold, back into the presence that is better than life itself. Thank you, God. Amen.


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Compassionate, Forgiving

Readings: Psalms 76-78

‭Psalm 78:38 – “But God, being compassionate, kept forgiving their sins.”

Photo credit: Shane Rounce

Today’s three Psalms begin with praise, turn to lament, and close with a remembrance of God’s redeeming actions throughout Israel’s history. Psalm 76 recognizes God’s presence in Israel and God’s power over “the shield, the sword.” The psalmist praises God’s justice and care for the poor – another side of God’s compassion. In response, the invitation is given to keep their promises and to bring gifts to God.

The mood shifts in Psalm 77. The psalmist cries out to God day and night. They wonder if God has “rejected me forever.” In verse 11 the mood reverses. The author recalls God’s deeds and power. These are revealed both in the redemption of God’s people with “a mighty arm” and in the power of the thunderstorm. The Psalm closes by remembering Moses and Aaron’s leadership in the wilderness.

This line transitions us into Psalm 78, a teaching on God’s activity with Israel. Asaph begins by declaring the charge to tell future generations these stories. He then summarizes Israel’s history. He is honest, sharing again and again how “they didn’t keep the covenant.” He also recounts how God split the sea, provided manna and quail, gave them the Promised Land. “How often they rebelled” is followed by a review of the ten plagues that led to their freedom from Egypt. And again we read, “They tested and defied…” Shrines and idols replaced God. The Israelites were then delivered into the enemy’s hands. But they weren’t rejected forever. God chose David to lead them back and used Solomon to build the temple – God’s presence amongst the people of God.

We too can be a stubborn and sinful people. We can stray from God, turning to the idols of our time. Yet God’s unconditional love remains: “But God, being compassionate, kept forgiving their sins.” Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, I am so grateful for your love and mercy. Like the Israelites we try to walk obediently. Yet we fail at times. We separate ourselves from you and eventually cry out, seeking you once again. In your covenant faithfulness you draw us back into relationship. Again and again. Thank you, God. Amen.


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God Is Still God

Readings: Psalms 73-75

‭Psalm 74:1 – “Why does your anger smolder at the sheep of your own pasture?”

Psalm 73 faces a reality that we all deal with from time to time. The psalmist envies the wealth and blessings of the wicked. The psalmist states, “I’ve kept my heart pure for no good reason.” He feels as if he stayed innocent for nothing – except to be weighed down by hard work. We can feel this way. We can question if holding onto our faith is really worth it. We can be jealous of what others have: wealth, power, health, popularity. The psalmist then enters the sanctuary. He prayed. He understood that the wicked will perish and that God is always with him. He declares that God is “my heart rock and my share forever.” Hallelujah!

Communal tragedy has struck in Psalm 74. The enemy has won, the temple is burned down, no prophet is left. The psalmist asks the “how long?” question: “Why does your anger smolder at the sheep of your own pasture?” A shift comes in verse 12. Remembered are the mighty works of God’s hand. The psalmist calls on God to remember the covenant. He cries out, “God, rise up! Make your case!” Prove to us and to the world that God is still God.

Psalm 75 closes today’s readings. It “balances” Psalms 73 and 74. It is a promise that God’s justice will come. It is a reminder that God will bring this person down (the wicked) and that God will raise up that person (the righteous.) It is a Psalm that trusts deeply in who and what God is and will be. May we too live righteous lives, trusting in our God of justice and righteousness.

Prayer: Lord God, when our flesh longs for the things of this world, remind us of your everlasting love. When envy or jealousy rises up in our hearts, remind us that you are a jealous God. And when tragedy strikes, remind us of your peace that passes all understanding. Lead us to rest and trust in you. Amen.


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God Is Still God

Readings: Psalms 73-75

‭Psalm 74:1 – “Why does your anger smolder at the sheep of your own pasture?”

Psalm 73 faces a reality that we all deal with from time to time. The psalmist envies the wealth and blessings of the wicked. The psalmist states, “I’ve kept my heart pure for no good reason.” He feels as if he stayed innocent for nothing – except to be weighed down by hard work. We can feel this way. We can question if holding onto our faith is really worth it. We can be jealous of what others have: wealth, power, health, popularity. The psalmist then enters the sanctuary. He prayed. He understood that the wicked will perish and that God is always with him. He declares that God is “my heart rock and my share forever.” Hallelujah!

Communal tragedy has struck in Psalm 74. The enemy has won, the temple is burned down, no prophet is left. The psalmist asks the “how long?” question: “Why does your anger smolder at the sheep of your own pasture?” A shift comes in verse 12. Remembered are the mighty works of God’s hand. The psalmist calls on God to remember the covenant. He cries out, “God, rise up! Make your case!” Prove to us and to the world that God is still God.

Psalm 75 closes today’s readings. It “balances” Psalms 73 and 74. It is a promise that God’s justice will come. It is a reminder that God will bring this person down (the wicked) and that God will raise up that person (the righteous.) It is a Psalm that trusts deeply in who and what God is and will be. May we too live righteous lives, trusting in our God of justice and righteousness.

Prayer: Lord God, when our flesh longs for the things of this world, remind us of your everlasting love. When envy or jealousy rises up in our hearts, remind us that you are a jealous God. And when tragedy strikes, remind us of your peace that passes all understanding. Lead us to rest and trust in you. Amen.


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God Is Still God

Readings: Psalms 73-75

‭Psalm 74:1 – “Why does your anger smolder at the sheep of your own pasture?”

Psalm 73 faces a reality that we all deal with from time to time. The psalmist envies the wealth and blessings of the wicked. The psalmist states, “I’ve kept my heart pure for no good reason.” He feels as if he stayed innocent for nothing – except to be weighed down by hard work. We can feel this way. We can question if holding onto our faith is really worth it. We can be jealous of what others have: wealth, power, health, popularity. The psalmist then enters the sanctuary. He prayed. He understood that the wicked will perish and that God is always with him. He declares that God is “my heart rock and my share forever.” Hallelujah!

Communal tragedy has struck in Psalm 74. The enemy has won, the temple is burned down, no prophet is left. The psalmist asks the “how long?” question: “Why does your anger smolder at the sheep of your own pasture?” A shift comes in verse 12. Remembered are the mighty works of God’s hand. The psalmist calls on God to remember the covenant. He cries out, “God, rise up! Make your case!” Prove to us and to the world that God is still God.

Psalm 75 closes today’s readings. It “balances” Psalms 73 and 74. It is a promise that God’s justice will come. It is a reminder that God will bring this person down (the wicked) and that God will raise up that person (the righteous.) It is a Psalm that trusts deeply in who and what God is and will be. May we too live righteous lives, trusting in our God of justice and righteousness.

Prayer: Lord God, when our flesh longs for the things of this world, remind us of your everlasting love. When envy or jealousy rises up in our hearts, remind us that you are a jealous God. And when tragedy strikes, remind us of your peace that passes all understanding. Lead us to rest and trust in you. Amen.


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The Fruit of a Long Walk

‭Psalm 69:13 – “God, in your great and faithful love, answer me with your certain salvation!”

We begin today with Psalm 69, a prayer for the persecuted. The psalmist has been hard-pressed for a long time. His or her enemies are “countless.” The psalmist’s passion for God has created this conflict with these enemies. This same faith leads to this prayer: “God, in your great and faithful love, answer me with your certain salvation!” In our times of need of rescue, this is a great prayer to pray. The psalmist also prays for the enemies downfall. This was not uncommon then, and if we’re honest, isn’t uncommon now. In the Old Testament, though, God was often violent against Israel’s enemies. To pray for that was very much in line with their understanding and experience with God.

Psalm 70 is also a prayer for deliverance – for immediate deliverance! Hurry, hurry, hurry God! Shame and humiliate my oppressors. Hurry God – I’m poor and needy. Help, deliver me. Psalm 71 continues the cry for deliverance. The perspective has shifted. The psalmist is now old. Time has brought a more steady trust in God. Depending on God “from birth” leads to hope and to the psalmist proclaiming God’s righteous acts. Life has brought the psalmist “many troubles and calamities,” yes, but because of their long relationship with God, the author can confidently state that God “will revive me once more.” This too is the fruit of our long walk with God.

Psalm 72 is a fitting close to the Psalms of David. It even ends with “The prayers of David, Jesse’s son, are ended.” This Psalm seeks God’s blessings on the king and on the poor and needy. This Psalm is a beautiful expression of the fact that God’s love, God’s care, God’s protection, God’s provision, God’s everything, reaches from the highest to the very lowest. May our love, care, protection, provision… do the same.

Prayer: Lord God, great is your love and faithfulness! Your love knows no limits and your faithfulness endures forever. You care for all of creation and you call us to do the same. As we receive your love, care, protection, provision… may we generously and abundantly offer these to one another – all one anothers. Doing so, we will build your kingdom here on earth. Amen.


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Sing, O Israel

Readings: Psalms 64-68

‭Psalm 68:9 – “You showered down abundant rain, God; when your inheritance grew weary, you restored it yourself.”

Psalm 64 begins with a prayer for protection and finishes with a celebration of God’s acts. Psalms 65-67 join in the celebration of God’s mighty acts. We close with Psalm 68, mostly more praise but with some petitions for God to act. As we draw close to the end of Book 2, we see the shift towards more praise and less lament.

Psalm 64 begins with prayer of protection against the evil doers’ words or “arrows.” What an appropriate descriptor. The psalmist trusts that God will respond with an arrow too. Then the righteous will rejoice in the Lord. The rejoicing continues in Psalm 65, where David is grateful for God’s listening ear and forgiving heart. David also celebrates how God can “calm the roaring sea.” How we too are grateful for this gift! The Psalm closes with thanksgiving for God’s provision of abundant flocks and grains. Yes, God is good.

Psalm 66 focuses on God’s deeds and power. This power has tested and refined them – a good process. A good one for us too. Not always enjoyable but always fruitful. The psalmist’s response? Offerings given and promises kept, a joyful response! The thanksgiving extends in Psalm 67 to include the gift of salvation. It is to be made known to the nations. Then the nations of the world will better understand the fair judgments that God renders and will better receive the guidance that God desires to give to all of the nations of the world.

Closing today with Psalm 68, the Psalm begins with a grand sweep of God’s acts: scatters the enemy, cares for orphans and widows, sets prisoners free. The psalmist celebrates God’s provision and love: “You showered down abundant rain, God; when your inheritance grew weary, you restored it yourself.” The Psalm closes by remembering God’s past victories, grand worship, and shows of strength. The psalmist longs for these to return. Remind yourselves through song. Sing, O Israel, sing to the God who gives you strength!

Prayer: Lord God, we too thank you for the many ways that you move in our lives and in our world. We offer you our praise and worship! And we too count on your continued presence. Without you, O Lord, we’d be in trouble. Shower us with your abundant love and provision. Go with us day by day. Amen.