Category Archives: Mid-Week Medtiation

David

15 Wednesday Jun 2016

Posted by in Mid-Week Medtiation, Psalms

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

, , , , , ,

David treated the people fairly
    and guided them with wisdom (Psalm 78:72, CEV).

Tomb of David Entrance - Lois Morrow

At the entrance to the Museum of the Tomb of David — photo courtesy of Lois Morrow.

Reflection

This week’s I Love the Psalms theme is wisdom.

Today’s verse from the Psalms tells us that David exemplified wisdom.

David treated the people fairly and guided them with wisdom (Psalm 78:72, CEV).

In yesterday’s post we learned that respect and obedience to the LORD is the first step to wisdom and good sense (Psalm 111:10). Obviously to receive such a commendation, David must have lived his life in a healthy fear and respect for the LORD. On more than one occasion David fell into sin, but when he messed up, he repented. He humbled himself and turned back to God. 

David earned this commendation because of how he treated others; he treated people fairly. David showed mercy because he had received mercy. Do we do the same?

Jesus taught us to pray, “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.”  Just like David we act wisely, when we do what we pray, when we show mercy because we have received mercy.

Response: LORD God, I want to act wisely in my interactions with others. Help me to treat people fairly, even as I would want to be treated. Jesus, show me your way. Amen.

Your Turn: What does fair treatment mean for you? Does it mean getting even?

Words and Thoughts

08 Wednesday Jun 2016

Posted by in Mid-Week Medtiation, Psalms

≈ 5 Comments

Tags

, , , ,

Let my words and my thoughts be pleasing to you, LORD, because you are my mighty rock and my protector (Psalm 19:14, CEV).

Eric E.Wright 15

Crashing waves, Lake Ontario – photo courtesy of Eric E. Wright

Reflection

This week’s I Love the Psalms theme is the power of the tongue.

In yesterday’s post we were reminded that thoughts and words work together. Kind thoughts will lead to kind words. The same principle applies to angry thoughts. When our thoughts are steeped in jealousy or bitterness, we should not be surprised if the words we speak cut and wound. That’s why David’s prayer in Psalm 19 is so relevant for us today.

Let my words and my thoughts be pleasing to you, LORD, because you are my mighty rock and my protector (Psalm 19:14, CEV).

In Proverbs we read: A kind answer soothes angry feelings, but harsh words stir them up (Proverbs 15:1). All too often we are the authors of our own troubles. We lash out in anger rather than control our tongue and the result is we unleash a storm that rains down on our own heads.

Most often, words and thoughts that are pleasing to the LORD will also be pleasing to others because they reflect concern and compassion, rather than just our own self-interest.

Response: LORD God, I want my words and thoughts to be pleasing to you. Help me to consider others before myself just as Jesus taught us to do. Amen.

Your Turn: Are you like me? Do you think too much about yourself and too little about others?

He Won’t Go to Sleep

01 Wednesday Jun 2016

Posted by in Mid-Week Medtiation, Psalms

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

, , , , ,

The LORD is your protector, and he won’t go to sleep or let you stumble (Psalm 121:3, CEV).

Bowl 2015-05-19

Moss covered bowl, Kamakura, Japan — photo by David Kitz

Reflection

This week’s I Love the Psalms theme is sleep.

Though we need sleep, God does not. As today’s verse from the Psalms makes clear, He is the God who never sleeps.

The LORD is your protector, and he won’t go to sleep or let you stumble (Psalm 121:3, CEV).

Nothing illustrates this truth quite like the story of when the prophet Elijah challenged the prophets of Baal. Under the sway of Queen Jezebel Israel was divided about which god they should serve, Baal or the LORD. Elijah proposed that the god who answers with fire is the true God who is worthy of worship.

The prophets of Baal were given the first opportunity to have their god ignite their sacrifice. When Baal did not answer the entreaties of his priests, Elijah mocked them. “Pray louder!” he said. “Baal must be a god. Maybe he’s day-dreaming or using the toilet or traveling somewhere. Or maybe he’s asleep, and you have to wake him up” (1 Kings 18:27, CEV).

Elijah doused his sacrifice with water and when he prayed the LORD answered with fire from heaven that consumed even the stones of the altar. Hallelujah!

Our God is alive! He is awake! He never sleeps!

Response: LORD God, I thank you that you are my protector. You surround me with your ever-present care. Because you never sleep, I can always call on you. Amen.

Your Turn: What do the LORD’s constant care and protection mean for you?

Rebuilding the City

25 Wednesday May 2016

Posted by in Mid-Week Medtiation, Psalms

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

, , , , , ,

You will rebuild the city of Zion.
Your glory will be seen, and the prayers of the homeless will be answered (Psalm 102:16-17, CEV).

Yokohoma Station

Yokohoma, Japan — photo by David Kitz

Reflection

This week’s I Love the Psalms theme is cities.

Last year on this date we returned home to Canada after a three-week stay in Japan. One of the cities we visited was Yokohama. At the end of World War II, Yokohama like many Japanese cities lay in ruins due to the American bombing campaign. As you can see from the photo above, there is no evidence of that destruction visible today.

Today’s verse from the Psalms speaks about God rebuilding a city.

You will rebuild the city of Zion. Your glory will be seen, and the prayers of the homeless will be answered (Psalm 102:16-17, CEV).

This verse reminds us that God gets behind rebuilding projects. He rebuilt the city of Zion after Babylonian invaders destroyed it. But God’s love is not confined to the people of ancient Israel. Through the mercy and redeeming sacrifice of Jesus Christ, God’s love is now available to all—to people of every nation under the sun.

God is in the business of rebuilding cities and broken lives.

Response: LORD God, the enemy has laid waste to areas of my life, my city and my country. But you are building a home of righteousness. I want to be part of your great building project. Amen.

Your Turn: Is there something that needs rebuilding in your life or community?

You Love Me!

18 Wednesday May 2016

Posted by in Mid-Week Medtiation, Psalms

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

, , , ,

I will sing your praises! You are my mighty fortress, and you love me (Psalm 59:7, CEV).

D Adam Sunset Grass 2

The delicate dance of grass at sunset — photo courtesy of Donald Adam

Reflection

This week’s I Love the Psalms theme is the word fortress.

The most reassuring aspect of knowing that the LORD is our fortress is living in the knowledge that we are loved by God. The LORD is our fortress because He loves us. We can run to Him because He wants the best for us.

Today’s verse from the Psalms says just that:

I will sing your praises! You are my mighty fortress, and you love me (Psalm 59:7, CEV).

Rather than running from God, our heavenly Father calls us to run to Him and find our shelter and a place of rest in Him. David, the warrior king and author of many of the psalms, discovered that the LORD was his fortress. The fortress that David retreated to was built on the bedrock of God’s love for him.

The LORD who loves you, even as He loved David, welcomes you into His Fortress built on love.

Response: LORD God, I can’t thank you enough for loving me. You demonstrated that love by sending Jesus to die on a cross in my place. You are my fortress in the storms of life. Amen.

Your Turn: Do you sometimes doubt God’s love for you? How are you reassured of God’s continual love even when times are difficult?

Care for the Humble

11 Wednesday May 2016

Posted by in Mid-Week Medtiation, Psalms

≈ 3 Comments

Tags

, , , , ,

Though you are above us all, you care for humble people, and you keep a close watch on everyone who is proud (Psalm 138:6, CEV).

Donald Adam Moon

Cradled Moon — photo courtesy of Donald Adam

Reflection

This week’s I Love the Psalms theme is humility.

The LORD God of the universe, the high and lofty One, the Creator of all, cares for the humble. That may be the most amazing truth of all.

Jesus reminds us that our heavenly Father cares even for the humble sparrow. “Aren’t two sparrows sold for only a penny? But your Father knows when any one of them falls to the ground. Even the hairs on your head are counted. So don’t be afraid! You are worth much more than many sparrows” (Matthew 10:29-31).

That means our merciful God cares for even for the likes of you and me.

Though you are above us all, you care for humble people, and you keep a close watch on everyone who is proud (Psalm 138:6, CEV).

All too often the rich, powerful and proud look down on those who are humble. Frequently, they exploit the poor. But our heavenly Father does the exact opposite. He lavishes grace and love on those who are humble.

Response: LORD God, I want to be more like you. Give me a heart of compassion for the humble. Help me to fully appreciate your majesty as it mingles with love and mercy. Amen.

Your Turn: Who do you admire most, the rich and powerful, or the person of humble circumstances?

You, LORD, are my Shepherd

04 Wednesday May 2016

Posted by in Mid-Week Medtiation, Psalms

≈ 4 Comments

Tags

, , , , , , ,

You, LORD, are my shepherd. I will never be in need (Psalm 23:1, CEV).

Kingfisher Bay Retreat Centre 2

Quiet waters at Kingfisher Bay Retreat Centre — photo courtesy of Ruth Waring

Reflection

This week’s I Love the Psalms theme is shepherding.

The most endearing thought in all the scriptures may well be the thought of the LORD’s precious care for the sheep of His pasture. The Good Shepherd supplies all our needs. When we are in His care there is no need for worry.

David, the shepherd king, makes this bold declaration:

You, LORD, are my shepherd. I will never be in need (Psalm 23:1, CEV).

Our needs for food, clothing, shelter and loving companionship are constant. They are ever present with us. At some point I’ll be hungry today, and though I will eat well, tomorrow, I’ll be hungry again.

The only thing more constant than our neediness is our Shepherd’s ample provision. What wonderful assurance we can draw from Jesus’ care! He will supply all we need.

Response: LORD God, help me to live in the calm assurance that you are my provider. You have provided abundantly in the past and will continue your care into the future. Thank you. Amen.

Your Turn: Are you under the Good Shepherd’s care? Are you resting in His provision?

A New Song, a New Victory

27 Wednesday Apr 2016

Posted by in Mid-Week Medtiation, Psalms

≈ 7 Comments

Tags

, , , , ,

Sing to the LORD a new song because he has done wonderful things! His own strong hand and his own holy arm have won the victory! (Psalm 98:1, CEV).

IMG_20160417_163229

First Crocus — a sign of spring’s victory over winter — photo by David Kitz

Reflection

This week’s I Love the Psalms theme is victory.

If the resurrection of new life in spring is viewed as a victory over the cruelty of winter, then in this season we can see reasons to rejoice and sing all around us. The blooming crocus can be seen as a symbol of victory over death and decay.

The psalmist and nature itself call us to praise:

Sing to the LORD a new song because he has done wonderful things! His own strong hand and his own holy arm have won the victory! (Psalm 98:1, CEV).

New victories call forth new songs of praise. But let’s never forget the source of those victories. If it appears that our talents and intelligence have brought us success, we need to remember the One who gave us those talents and quickened our mind.

My life—your life—is found in God. As the apostle Paul states, “In God we live, move, and exist” (Acts 17:28, CEV). Our victory—our resurrection comes from Him. His own strong hand and his own holy arm have won the victory!

Response: LORD God, I sing my praise to you. Every personal joy and triumph comes from you. Put a new song in my heart today, because you have done wonderful things. Amen.

Your Turn: Has God given you new songs of praise to sing?

Remembered Wonders

20 Wednesday Apr 2016

Posted by in Mid-Week Medtiation, Psalms

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

, , , , , ,

Remember his miracles and all his wonders and his fair decisions (Psalm 105:5, CEV).

Dragon Fly

Dragonfly – photo by David Kitz

Reflection

This week’s I Love the Psalms theme is remembering.

Not all of us have experienced personal miracles—clearly identifiable, direct interventions of God in our lives. But I believe we have all experienced wonders. When I look at the photo of the dragonfly above, I am looking at a wonder. The gossamer transparent wings are a marvel. The vibrant colors are spectacular. It’s agility in flight is amazing to behold. If God created only one insect like this it would be wonderful, but our world is filled with a variety of diverse life forms that are simply astonishing.

Is it any wonder then that the psalmist gives us this advice?

Remember his miracles and all his wonders and his fair decisions (Psalm 105:5, CEV).

We are surrounded by God’s wonders. We simply need to open our eyes to them. How sad it is when we lose an appreciation for the beauty and awe in God’s creation.

Response: LORD God, awaken me to the beauty in your creation around me. Give me young eyes and an eager mind to grasp how wonderful you are. Amen.

Your Turn: Do you see and appreciate God’s wonders in nature? Reflect on a time when God’s miracles and wonders made a strong impression on you.

Thirsty Land

13 Wednesday Apr 2016

Posted by in Mid-Week Medtiation, Psalms

≈ 4 Comments

Tags

, , , , ,

When your land was thirsty, you sent showers to refresh it (Psalm 68:9, CEV).

IMG_20141007_155132

Refreshing Showers — photo by David Kitz

Reflection

This week’s I Love the Psalms theme is thirst.

Yesterday, I read about a scientific report that indicated a severe drought over a large region can cause the earth to wobble on its axis. It seems the earth gets tipsy when the land hasn’t had enough to drink.

As urban dwellers many of us have lost our connection with the land, but farmers know the value of adequate rain in the right season. Our food supply depends on it. To put it simply, water is life.

In a very real sense God not only quenches our thirst; He also quenches the thirsty land. We see this truth reflected in the Psalms.

When your land was thirsty, you sent showers to refresh it (Psalm 68:9, CEV).

We can be thankful for the showers God sends our way. Without them this wobbly world would quickly become a place of desperate hunger.

Response: LORD God, I am wonderful at complaining about the weather, rather than being thankful for it. You sustain life on this planet. I want to be thankful for how you provide. Amen.

Your Turn: Do you gripe about the weather? (Who doesn’t?) Do you want a more positive attitude?