Category Archives: Psalms

Leading the Humble

09 Monday May 2016

Posted by in Monday Meditation, Psalms

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You lead humble people to do what is right and to stay on your path (Psalm 25:9, CEV).

D Adam bridge Across Assiniboine

Bridge across the Assiniboine River — photo courtesy of Donald Adam

Reflection

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

It’s difficult, if not impossible to lead the proud. The proud refuse to be led because they know the way, and their way is always right in their own eyes. Unfortunately, Christians can be just as guilty of pride as the most unrepentant sinner. But James reminds us of an essential truth, “God opposes everyone who is proud, but he is kind to everyone who is humble” (James 4:6)

In the Psalms, David reminds us that God can only lead those who are humble.

You lead humble people to do what is right and to stay on your path (Psalm 25:9, CEV).

Are you willing to be led by the Lord? David became the leader/king of Israel, but he was not too proud to be led by the LORD. Doing right and staying on God’s path for our lives does not come naturally to the human soul. It requires humility and a listening ear.

Response: LORD God, grant me a humble heart. I can easily stray from your path. Help me to keep my eyes fixed on you. Help me to hear your voice daily. Amen.

Your Turn: Does humility come easily for you? How do you overcome pride?

In His Arms

06 Friday May 2016

Posted by in Friday's Focus, Psalms

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Come save us and bless us. Be our shepherd and always carry us in your arms (Psalm 28:9, CEV).

Turtles Kingfisher Bay Retreat Centre

Turtle perch at Kingfisher Bay Retreat Centre — photo courtesy of Ruth Waring

Reflection

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

I confess there are times when I want to be carried—need to be carried. Sometimes my pride keeps me from confessing that desire. It’s been many years since my parents carried me in their arms. But I am still a child of God.

There are times when the burdens of life get heavy. At such times the Good Shepherd whispers in my ear, “Let me carry you.”

This was David’s plea:

Come save us and bless us. Be our shepherd and always carry us in your arms  (Psalm 28:9, CEV).

If the burdens of life are getting too heavy for you, there is a Shepherd who will gladly lift you into His arms. Don’t let pride and an I-can-do-this-myself spirit keep you from accepting His help.

We need a Savior. We need a Shepherd.

Response: LORD God, I am yours. I am your child—the sheep of your pasture. Lift me up and carry me in my time of need. Thank you for your steadfast love and care. Amen.

Your Turn: Does pride keep you from accepting the Lord’s help? Are you proud to say you are poor in spirit?

Valleys as Dark as Death

05 Thursday May 2016

Posted by in Psalms, Thursday's Thought

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I may walk through valleys as dark as death, but I won’t be afraid. You are with me, and your shepherd’s rod makes me feel safe (Psalm 23:4, CEV).

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The Ottawa Valley viewed from the Champlain Lookout, Gatineau Park, QC — photo by David Kitz

Reflection

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

All of us have experienced dark days. And we will experience such days again in the future. Death is a reality that ultimately we all must face. But even in that dark moment, there is good news. We do not need to face death alone. Jesus, the Good Shepherd walks through that valley with us.

I may walk through valleys as dark as death, but I won’t be afraid. You are with me, and your shepherd’s rod makes me feel safe (Psalm 23:4, CEV).

As people of faith we can face death courage. Death is merely the portal to eternal life with Jesus. He is our redeemer, who with great courage stared death in the face and  then emerged  victorious on the other side.

I will fear no evil because Jesus, my companion, walks with me.

Response: LORD God, I can walk with confidence through dark days because you are with me. I feel safe because your shepherd’s rod protects me from all harm. Amen.

Your Turn: Do you see the shepherd’s rod as a rod of protection?

You, LORD, are my Shepherd

04 Wednesday May 2016

Posted by in Mid-Week Medtiation, Psalms

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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?

The One to be feared

03 Tuesday May 2016

Posted by in Psalm 76, Psalms

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Reading:                                        Psalm 76

For the director of music. With stringed instruments. A psalm of Asaph. A song.

God is renowned in Judah; in Israel his name is great.
His tent is in Salem, his dwelling place in Zion.
There he broke the flashing arrows,
the shields and the swords, the weapons of war.

You are radiant with light,
more majestic than mountains rich with game.
The valiant lie plundered, they sleep their last sleep;
not one of the warriors can lift his hands.
At your rebuke, God of Jacob,
both horse and chariot lie still.

It is you alone who are to be feared.
Who can stand before you when you are angry?
From heaven you pronounced judgment,
and the land feared and was quiet—
when you, God, rose up to judge,
to save all the afflicted of the land.
Surely your wrath against mankind brings you praise,
and the survivors of your wrath are restrained.

 Make vows to the LORD your God and fulfill them;
let all the neighboring lands bring gifts to the One to be feared.
He breaks the spirit of rulers; he is feared by the kings of the earth (NIV).

Reflection

Has the church abandoned the fear of God? Has our messaging focused so exclusively on the God of love and forgiveness that the very idea of experiencing fear before God is a completely foreign to us? In more general terms is fear a bad thing—an emotion we should always avoid? Is there something wrong with our relationship with God if we fear Him?

Ruth Waring

Kingfisher Bay on Stoney Lake, ON — photo courtesy of Ruth Waring

First we need to acknowledge that fear can have both good and bad consequences. A healthy fear of a sharp blade will keep me from sticking my hands under the deck of a running lawnmower. There is wisdom and there is safety in that kind of fear. But the constant fear of a violent, abusive spouse can be devastating to a person’s health and happiness. In brief, fear is essential for self-preservation, but too much of it has terrible consequences.

A complete lack of fear can have terrible consequences too. I still have both my hands because of a healthy fear of whirling blades. We all need a healthy fear of God. The psalmist states, “It is you alone who are to be feared.”

Jesus essentially said the same thing. “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matthew 10:28).  

Response: LORD God, you are the One I need to fear. Give me a healthy dose of fear. I want to love and fear you, so that I will walk in obedience to your commands. Amen.

Your Turn: Is there a place for both love and fear in your relationship with God?

Like Sheep with our Shepherd

02 Monday May 2016

Posted by in Monday Meditation, Psalms

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We are like sheep with you as our shepherd, and all generations will hear us praise you (Psalm 79:13, CEV).

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Violets in green pastures — photo by David Kitz

Reflection

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

Often when people think of the Psalms, their thoughts immediately turn to images of David, the young harpist, on the green hills of Judea surrounded by his flock of sheep. It’s a beautiful idyllic image that is frequently combined with these words, “The LORD is my shepherd.”

That idyllic image stirs our hearts because of our deep longing for peace—the shalom of God pronounced over our lives.

We are like sheep with you as our shepherd, and all generations will hear us praise you (Psalm 79:13, CEV).

We want to know and fully experience the peace of God in our lives. Of course that peace and enduring love only come through companionship with the shepherd—Jesus, the Good Shepherd. But following Him means setting aside our own agenda and walking in the path that He has chosen for us.

He is our shepherd when we allow Him to lead.

Response: LORD God, I want your shalom—your blessed peace to fill my life. Give me ears that are quick to hear and follow the Shepherd’s voice. I want to be your constant  companion. Amen.

Your Turn: Are there times when you find it difficult to hear or follow the shepherd’s voice? 

Shout Triumphantly!

29 Friday Apr 2016

Posted by in Friday's Focus, Psalms

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Shout triumphantly to the LORD, all the earth! Be happy! Rejoice out loud! Sing your praises!(Psalm 98:4, CEV).

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Streaming sunshine sings its praises — photo by David Kitz

Reflection

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

Who brings victory over death, hell and the grave? His name is Jesus. Who leads people in triumph over temptation, sin and addiction? His name is Jesus. Who defeated the devil and the hordes of hell? His name is Jesus!

Shout triumphantly to the LORD, all the earth! Be happy! Rejoice out loud! Sing your praises!(Psalm 98:4, CEV).

We have ten thousand reasons to thank and praise the LORD. Let’s not be shy about letting Him know that we love Him. We appreciate His marvelous creation. We rejoice in our redemption through Jesus shed blood. We are amazed that He would personally choose us and welcome us into His family.

What a wonderful God! He loves even me!

Response: LORD God, I am overwhelmed with gratitude. You send your undeserved love and grace streaming into my life. I praise you with uplifted hands. Amen.

Your Turn: Has the LORD brought joy and victory into your life? Do you praise Him even in difficult times?

We Will Triumph

28 Thursday Apr 2016

Posted by in Psalms, Thursday's Thought

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With God we will triumph; he’s the one who will trample our adversaries (Psalm 60:10, CEV).

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Early spring cycling triumph — photo by David Kitz

Reflection

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

Who are my adversaries? I think that’s a very important question to ask before I head off to battle. If I don’t know who or what I am fighting, how can I properly prepare? How can I advance against my enemies, when I know nothing about them? I might meet up with my foes and join their side by mistake.

I think many Christian believers find themselves in this situation. In many cases our enemies are not physical humans, but temptations, ideas and philosophies that draw us away from God. The first enemy that must be defeated often resides within. Wrong thinking and crippling habits keep us from achieving God’s will.

Our first concern needs to be our relationship with the Lord.

With God we will triumph; he’s the one who will trample our adversaries (Psalm 60:10, CEV).

The first fight we must win is against the enemy within. When we give the Lord Jesus full control, victory is sure to follow. He’s the one who will trample our adversaries. 

Response: LORD God, help me to identify the adversaries that war against my soul. I want to live in the victory you already won for me through the cross and the resurrection. Amen.

Your Turn: Are there thoughts and habits you need to overcome? Have you taken them to the Lord?

A New Song, a New Victory

27 Wednesday Apr 2016

Posted by in Mid-Week Medtiation, Psalms

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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).

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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?

Your Name is near

26 Tuesday Apr 2016

Posted by in Psalm 75, Psalms

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Reading:                                       Psalm 75

For the director of music. To the tune of “Do Not Destroy.” A psalm of Asaph. A song.

We praise you, God, we praise you, for your Name is near;
people tell of your wonderful deeds.

You say, “I choose the appointed time;
it is I who judge with equity.
When the earth and all its people quake,
it is I who hold its pillars firm.
To the arrogant I say, ‘Boast no more,’
and to the wicked, ‘Do not lift up your horns.
Do not lift your horns against heaven;
do not speak so defiantly.’”

No one from the east or the west
or from the desert can exalt themselves.
It is God who judges: He brings one down, he exalts another.
In the hand of the Lord is a cup
full of foaming wine mixed with spices;
he pours it out, and all the wicked of the earth
drink it down to its very dregs.

As for me, I will declare this forever;
I will sing praise to the God of Jacob,
who says, “I will cut off the horns of all the wicked,
but the horns of the righteous will be lifted up” (NIV).

Reflection

I find the opening verse of this psalm to be very thought-provoking. Let’s take a moment to consider it: We praise you, God, we praise you, for your Name is near; people tell of your wonderful deeds.

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In Praise of His Name — photo by David Kitz

Ask yourself how many, “Oh my G*ds!” do you hear in a day? How many “OMGs” do you see posted on Facebook? I dare say quite a few. Are these exclamations expressed in praise to God? Of course not. They are meaningless expressions of surprise—or are they?

They are meaningless expressions to those that believe this command from the LORD is a meaningless expression. “You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God, for the LORD will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name” (Exodus 20:7, NIV).

The Common English Bible translates this command with these words, “Do not use the LORD your God’s name as if it were of no significance; the LORD won’t forgive anyone who uses his name that way” (Exodus 20:7, CEB).

God’s commands are not meaningless expressions. There is power in the name of the LORD. Perhaps we need this reminder. It is God who judges: He brings one down, he exalts another.

Response: LORD God, I want to treat your Name with the respect and honor it deserves. Please forgive me if I have misused your name in any way. I pray in the powerful name of Jesus. Amen.

Your Turn: Why do you think the LORD makes a big deal about His name? Why is it important?