April 15, 2018
GOD’S CHILDREN LOVE WORSHIPING IN HIS HOUSE
The psalmist meditated on his love of worshiping and serving in the Temple courts. He would rather have one day in the Temple courts than a thousand elsewhere. He would rather take the lowest position in God’s house than the highest seat in the house of sinners. He loved being in God’s presence worshiping with God’s people.
There are many things that compete for our worship and many voices invite our fellowship, but worshiping and serving together with God’s people in God’s house is better.
March 16, 2018
STARTING YOUR DAY WITH WORSHIP
David wrote this psalm regarding the time that Saul was pursuing him to kill him. Yet, notice how he determined to begin each day. He started his days with singing and thanksgiving for God’s power and love and for being his refuge during hard times. David knew how to “encourage himself in the Lord” (1 Sam. 30:6 KJV). He knew how to get his morning praise on to get his day started right with God.
Have you learned to begin each morning with singing and praise? It will change your day!
March 14, 2018
RESCUED FROM MAN-EATING LIONS
David wrote this psalm asking for the Lord’s protection and rescue from his enemies who were like “fierce,” man-eating lions. This reminds me of how the Lord rescued David and centuries later, Daniel, who was thrown into the lion’s den by King Darius the Mede (Dan. 6).
Lions are often used both literally (Daniel) and symbolically (David) in the Bible to describe the enemies of God and of His people. The apostle Peter described Satan as being like a lion, “Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour” (1 Pet. 5:8). So, “stay alert” and don’t be afraid for though the lion may be the king of the jungle, Christ is the King of Kings! He has overcome sin, Satan, death and the grave!
March 5, 2018
MEDITATING ON GOD’S LOVE
Meditation is not an emptying of the mind as the Eastern religions teach. Rather, it is a focusing of the mind on God and His word. Here, the Psalmist focused the thoughts of his mind on God’s character, namely, His “unfailing love.”
We are called to meditate on God’s character and God’s word. Yet, we are so busy and our world is so loud and chaotic. And meditation requires quiet and focused reflection. Meditating is like chewing every bite of a meal well, so that its flavor is savored and its nutrients fully digested. Meditation is feasting on God’s word. As Jesus said, “Man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God” (Matt. 4:4).
How long can we chew on God’s “unfailing love?” I imagine it will sustain us for time eternal.
February 18, 2018
To take delight is to take great pleasure and joy. David wrote this psalm as one who had learned to find his joy and satisfaction in the Lord. As he took delight in the Lord the desires of his heart were brought into alignment with the Lord’s heart, so that he wanted what the Lord wanted. What the Lord wants is not smaller than what you want. But what He wants is harder to obtain. For only the Lord can give you what will truly satisfy your heart.
February 17, 2018
The quality of the love of God is unfailing and its quantity is as vast as the heavens. David knew and wrote of the love of God. Yet, its highest expression is found in Christ. For He is the apex of God’s love expressed. He is the demonstration of God’s love for all to see. As the apostle Paul wrote, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom. 5:8).
February 13, 2018
A CALL TO WORSHIP
David invited others to come with him to worship the Lord. He wanted to hear testimonies of the Lord’s greatness and he wanted to sing songs praising the Lord’s name. It is good to praise the Lord alone. Yet, it is even better to praise the Lord together with other believers.
February 12, 2018
HOPE’S ANCHOR
Our hope must have a secure anchor, otherwise it is merely a wish. Biblical hope is like a rope and its anchor is the Lord Jesus Christ. Everything we hope for is “Yes” in Jesus. All our hopes all our dreams are only fully realized in Christ.
February 4, 2018
Have you heard of the “Jesus Prayer?” It goes like this, “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.” When you don’t know how to pray, pray the Jesus Prayer. Call on Jesus to have mercy on you and He will answer your cry. This prayer hinges on the quality of Christ’s mercy, not our worthiness. For though our sins may be as scarlet, His mercy can wash them “white as snow” (Isa. 1:18).
January 30, 2018
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
David wore his heart on his sleeve in this psalm. He prayed to the Lord with passion and very personal connection. David’s prayer life was one of intimacy with God. His psalms are helpful to those of us who desire a similar prayer life. Today, I pray along with David, “Lord, my Savior, lead and teach me today. I will put my hope in You all day (not just part of the day) long.!”