Devotional messages on the book of Psalms sorted by verse
From Defeat to Victory: Overcoming Past Failures
Yesterday in church the preacher spoke on Psalm 3, composed by David as he fled from his rebellious son Absalom. He rightly emphasized that David was dealing with the consequences of his past sin, including adultery with Bathsheba and the... continued »
Morning Meditation
As a shepherd, David must have risen early every morning. Later, as king of Israel, he continued that practice. Each day brought so many tasks, and he faced so many enemies, that he started out by having an honest conversation... continued »
Crime Does Not Pay
We break laws because we think we won’t get caught. If we don’t see a policeman, we exceed the speed limit or even run a red light. We don’t pay our taxes. We falsify documents. We cheat on exams. We... continued »
When God Seems Distant
Sometimes God seems far away, hidden, even asleep. When we watch loved ones suffer the fearful onslaught of cancer; When we read of oppression, cruelty, torture; When heavy burdens weigh upon our weary shoulders; When bad habits and besetting sins... continued »
Pleasure Forever
Earthly pleasures quickly pass. We soon forget the taste of a good meal, the sound of lovely music, the sight of beautiful scenery. Vacations, success in our work, reunions with friends, entertainment, even the joys of marital sex – all... continued »
Uncovering Hidden Faults
Most of us don’t know ourselves very well. We aren’t fully aware of our good points. Even worse, we don’t realize the impression we are making on others. We also have faults hidden beneath the surface not only of the... continued »
What Is God Like? (2)
In church today, we read Psalm 25, one of my favorites. In it, we see a few facets of God’s many-splendored character. God is personal; he has a name, Yahweh in the Hebrew Old Testament, and Father, Son, and... continued »
Renewed Motivation
Motivation matters. Fear and faith, love and hate, greed and generosity, duty and desire – all these fuel our actions. What we call motivation, the Bible terms “heart”. If we lose heart, then we have lost the drive to perform.... continued »
Fully Forgiven
These words waft a gentle breeze to a heart hot with the fever of guilt. They offer cool water to the soul thirsty for God’s love but despairing of His mercy. David knew the horror of sin; he had offended... continued »
Self-Deception
The wicked man does not fear God. Why? Because he has deceived himself about his own sin. When he discovers his iniquity (wrongdoing), he flatters himself. That's how he also justifies his resentment towards others. Let's ponder this a moment.... continued »
The Source of Great Joy
“God my exceeding joy “ – literally, “the gladness of my joy.” “Gladness” can also mean “feast” or “banquet.” In other words, a party! “Joy” can mean “turning around” with glee. Do you get the picture! God can be “the... continued »
Revive Me
My soul clings to the dust, the dust of which I am made, the dust of the earth. My heart longs for things below, not things above. My mind meditates on matters of this earth, not the Christ on high.... continued »
He Heals the Brokenhearted
Last night I awoke at 3:30 and couldn’t go back to sleep. Rather than just lying there frustrated, I began to pray for a family that has just lost a loved one, asking God to comfort their grieving hearts.... continued »
Healing Broken Hearts
Everywhere we look, we see broken hearts. The little boy is told his father has just died suddenly, and finds out later it was suicide. The young girl never sees her daddy, who is too busy playing with his mistress.... continued »