Psalms

The proud may not stand in your presence, for you hate all who do evil (Psalm 5:5, NLT). Have you ever been mad at someone? Not common everyday anger, but constantly thinking evil thoughts about the person? Has someone done something to you that put you into a wasteland of bitterness? You consider, “If that […]

This Psalm was written during a time of great difficulty. David gives the secret of enduring trials. He alone is my rock and my salvation (v. 2, ESV). And… For God, alone, O my soul, wait in silence (v. 5, ESV). And… He only is my rock and my salvation (v. 6, ESV). This is

God has given us the ability to decide our attitude. Some choose frustration and others hope. Scripture teaches that we all encounter trials and blessings. Our attitude is selected. We choose either anger or faith when considering our past circumstances.   Some choose joy while others get mad. Psalm 77 teaches the right attitude: But then

Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain (v. 1, ESV). I had the unique experience of building the same house twice. My wife and I built a house that burned down 12 years later. We rebuilt the same house. After building this house the first time, being a perfectionist,

Preserve me, O God, for I take refuge in you (Psalm 16:1). This morning I ate a Power Bar©.   The advertising on the package said, “Irresistible flavors, nourishing energy, and uncompromising ingredients. An invitation to make your breakthroughs happen.” What a claim. I loved the bar and its mishmash of both lemon and blueberry. But

There are amazing Psalms and then there is Psalm 84. There are Psalms that bring comfort and then there is Psalm 84. There are Psalms of prosperity, power, and peace – but Psalm 84 does it all. Like no other Psalm. I love verse 11: No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly

Rise up, O God, and scatter your enemies.  Let those who hate God run for their lives (Psalm 68:1). Psalm 68 is complicated and filled with images from Israel’s history, God helping the oppressed, and through it all, a thread foreshadowing the ultimate return of Jesus. I have a gift of taking the profound and

Oh, that my people would listen to me, that Israel would walk in my ways (v. 13). One commentator describes this Psalm as – it might have been. I have listened to many discuss their lives and the saddest phrase is, “What would have happened if I hadn’t done this?” Psalm 81 describes Israel after

When someone offends you and when you are hurt by the actions of others – read Psalm 62. If you are innocent and living your life at work, at church, at a family gathering, or on social media, sometimes you will be betrayed. What will you do? Again, read Psalm 62. This Psalm has great