Tag Archives: faith

Free from my Prison

18 Tuesday Apr 2017

Posted by in Psalm 142, Psalms

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Reading:                                         Psalm 142

(Verses 5-7)
I cry to you, LORD;
I say, “You are my refuge,
my portion in the land of the living.”
Listen to my cry, for I am in desperate need;
rescue me from those who pursue me,
for they are too strong for me.
Set me free from my prison,
that I may praise your name.
Then the righteous will gather about me
because of your goodness to me (NIV).

Reflection

Though I have visited prisoners, I have never been imprisoned, at least not in the classic sense of imprisonment. But in the broader meaning of the word, we all have been confined to prisons—prisons of the mind. Some of us are prisoners of counterproductive habits, or prisoners within crippling relationships that hinder personal growth and fulfillment. Prisons come in many forms. Some of them are disguised as places of personal liberty, but all too often the thing we freely choose can become a cruel slave master.

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‘Sky root’ behind the National Gallery of Canada — photo by David Kitz

When David prayed the words of this psalm, he was not in a prison. He was confined to a cave or the immediate region around a cave, because he was a fugitive from King Saul who was trying to kill him. He voices this prayer: Listen to my cry, for I am in desperate need; rescue me from those who pursue me, for they are too strong for me. Set me free from my prison that I may praise your name.

Are you in a prison? Is fear of discovery locking you up? Are you trapped in habits, addictions or thought patterns that are too strong for you?

David was in a weak and vulnerable position. Saul, his personal enemy had an entire army on his side. For the second time in his life, David was in what we call the classic David and Goliath situation. He was outnumbered and in every way the advantage belonged to his opponent.

In such adverse circumstances we need God on our side. We need the resources of heaven to tip the scale in our favor. That is precisely what happened in David’s case. The LORD arranged situations that gave all the advantage to David. David ended up sparing Saul’s life on two occasions. For a full account read 1 Samuel 24 & 26.

David ends this psalm with an affirmation of his faith in God. Set me free from my prison that I may praise your name. Then the righteous will gather about me because of your goodness to me. That is exactly what happened. When the LORD set David free from his prison, righteous men took note, and they rallied around David as their leader because they saw that the LORD was with him.

Response: LORD God, set me free from the negative habits and thought patterns that imprison me. Help me identify them one by one, and then help me gain the victory over them in the power of Jesus. Amen.

Your Turn: Can you identify habits or thought patterns that harm your relationships with others?

He Brought Israel Out

10 Friday Mar 2017

Posted by in Psalm 136, Psalms

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Reading:                                         Psalm 136

(Verses 10-16)

to him who struck down the firstborn of Egypt
His love endures forever.

and brought Israel out from among them
His love endures forever.
with a mighty hand and outstretched arm;
His love endures forever.

to him who divided the Red Sea asunder
His love endures forever.
and brought Israel through the midst of it,
His love endures forever.
but swept Pharaoh and his army into the Red Sea;
His love endures forever.

 to him who led his people through the wilderness;
His love endures forever (NIV).

Reflection

Because of the responsive pattern employed by the psalmist, today’s reading from Psalm 136 begins as an incomplete sentence. When combined with yesterday’s reading, the full sentence reads: Give thanks to the Lord of lords, to him who struck down the firstborn of Egypt, and brought Israel out from among them with a mighty hand and outstretched arm. 

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He brought us out to bring us in — photo courtesy of Donald Adam

Whereas yesterday’s reading from Psalm 136 celebrates the wonders of God’s creation, today’s reading celebrates the wonders of God’s redemption of Israel. The LORD delivered the captive souls of Israel from hard labor and slavery in Egypt. Though the eldest child of the Egyptians perished, the Hebrew children were spared from the Angel of Death, because the blood of the Passover lamb was applied to the doorposts of their home. See Exodus 12.

At a grim Passover celebration 2,000 years ago, Jesus suffered and died on the cross as our Passover Lamb. When we place our faith in his sacrificial blood, we too are spared from death. Jesus tasted death on our behalf, so that we can live eternally with him.  As believers we can rejoice and draw comfort from these words. “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:55-57).

Through the blood of Christ the power of Satan is broken and we are brought into the dominion of the Son of God. For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins (Colossians 1:13-14).

Surely as redeemed children of God—children personally redeemed by the Son of God—we have this testimony: His love endures forever.

Response: Father God, I thank you for redeeming me with the sacred blood of Jesus. I have been adopted into your family. You are my heavenly Father. I can never thank you enough. Amen.

Your Turn: Are you living in a new kingdom, under a new king—King Jesus?

Trust in the LORD

09 Friday Dec 2016

Posted by in Psalm 115, Psalms

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Reading:                                        Psalm 115

(Verses 9-18)

All you Israelites, trust in the LORD—
he is their help and shield.
House of Aaron, trust in the LORD—
he is their help and shield.
You who fear him, trust in the LORD—
he is their help and shield.

The LORD remembers us and will bless us:
He will bless his people Israel,
he will bless the house of Aaron,
he will bless those who fear the LORD—
small and great alike.

May the LORD cause you to flourish,
both you and your children.
May you be blessed by the LORD,
the Maker of heaven and earth.

The highest heavens belong to the LORD,
but the earth he has given to mankind.
It is not the dead who praise the LORD,
those who go down to the place of silence;
it is we who extol the LORD, both now and forevermore.

Praise the LORD (NIV).

Reflection

As a sharp contrast to placing our trust in the lifeless idols of this world, Psalm 115 calls us to place our trust God. Today’s reading begins with a threefold call to trust the LORD. All you Israelites, trust in the LORD—he is their help and shield. House of Aaron, trust in the LORD—he is their help and shield. You who fear him, trust in the LORD—he is their help and shield.

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The path of the blessed — photo by David Kitz

For those who are logically minded, there is a simple equation or formula at work here. Trust in the LORD results in help and protection—he [the LORD] is their help and shield. Our trust or faith in God brings a response from Him. The LORD’s response is both active and passive. He provides help; He intervenes by actively assisting us. From personal experience I know the LORD has been my help. In the nick of time He has provided words of knowledge and wisdom. He has opened the windows of heaven and poured out blessings when needed most. He has sent help in various forms and in ways too numerous to mention.

But the LORD is also our shield. He protects us from the slings and arrows of the evil one. He shields us from the enemy’s attacks, whether it is from physical harm, or spiritual attacks that undermine our faith through faulty reasoning or deceptive philosophies. The LORD is our sure defense. We can draw strength from this promise: He will bless those who fear the LORD—small and great alike.

Response: Father God, I trust you to be my help and my shield. Keep me safe from the evil one. Thank you for all your help through the years. You have been faithful to keep your word. Amen.

Your Turn: Can you think of instances when God has helped you?

I Trust You for That!

14 Friday Oct 2016

Posted by in Psalm 102, Psalms

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Reading:                                        Psalm 102                                                                  

A prayer of an afflicted person who has grown weak

and pours out a lament before the LORD.

 (Verses 1-11)

Hear my prayer, LORD;
let my cry for help come to you.
Do not hide your face from me when I am in distress.
Turn your ear to me; when I call, answer me quickly.

For my days vanish like smoke;
my bones burn like glowing embers.
My heart is blighted and withered like grass;
I forget to eat my food.

In my distress I groan aloud and am reduced to skin and bones.
I am like a desert owl, like an owl among the ruins.
I lie awake; I have become like a bird alone on a roof.
All day long my enemies taunt me;
those who rail against me use my name as a curse.
For I eat ashes as my food and mingle my drink with tears
because of your great wrath,
for you have taken me up and thrown me aside.
My days are like the evening shadow;
I wither away like grass (NIV).

Reflection

If you have watched a friend or family member wither away due to the devastating effects of cancer, then you should have no difficulty identifying with the thoughts expressed here in this psalm. An enemy (cancer) is gnawing away at their very being. A sense of hopelessness and despair can easily settle in.

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Petrie Island Park, Ottawa, ON — photo by David Kitz  

This is when we need God the most, but in our distress He can seem strangely distant. Our cries seem to fall on deaf ears.

But…

But God is still there. Our faith may be shaken, but our LORD remains. Death may come knocking, but our LORD remains. Friends and family may forsake us, but Jesus remains by our side. Bad news does not take God by surprise. Though He is not the author of the bad news, our Lord knows what’s coming around the next bend in the road. He is prepared though we may not be. The Lord’s provisions are in place. Trust Him for that.

When the bottom falls out of your life, God is there to catch you. Trust Him for that. Though I may wither away like grass, I have a Savior who will receive me. Trust Him for that.

Response: Father God, when bad news comes I look to you. I call to you! Be my help when all human help and hope are gone. Lord Jesus, you are my Savior. In this moment I trust you for that! Amen.

Your Turn: Have you received bad news recently? Have you taken it all to the Lord?

They did not believe in God

17 Friday Jun 2016

Posted by in Psalm 78, Psalms

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Reading:                                            Psalm 78

Verses 17-22

But they continued to sin against him,
rebelling in the wilderness against the Most High.
They willfully put God to the test
by demanding the food they craved.
They spoke against God;
they said, “Can God really
spread a table in the wilderness?
True, he struck the rock,
and water gushed out,
streams flowed abundantly,
but can he also give us bread?
Can he supply meat for his people?”

 When the Lord heard them, he was furious;
his fire broke out against Jacob,
and his wrath rose against Israel,
for they did not believe in God
or trust in his deliverance (NIV).

Reflection

Psalm 78 is largely an indictment against the people of Israel for their lack of faith and their rebellious ways. As the psalmist says, “They willfully put God to the test.” 

As a child I recall reading the entire book of Exodus and thinking to myself, “Wow, these people sure are dumb. How could they see God’s amazing miracles and then a few days later grumble, complain and doubt that the LORD would help them? These people are real losers!”

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The Lake, Central Park, New York, NY — photo by David Kitz

Then I grew up and had a family of my own. At times I saw amazing miracles and God’s supernatural provision. But guess what? When the next big difficulty arose, I found myself doubting that God would come through. I complained about the difficulty I was in and acted just like the people of Israel in the wilderness.

Oops! I thought I was different. I thought I was smarter than those spiritual dullards in the Old Testament. In reality my grownup faith was much weaker than my childhood faith. When real testing and temptation came, I was and still am, as susceptible to unbelief as any of the wandering Israelites in the wilderness. Faith is a gift from God—a wonder-filled gift that carries us through the hard times.

The indictment against Israel is that they did not believe in God or trust in his deliverance. Do I truly believe in God and trust in his deliverance? Is my faith more than a creedal statement? Does it have legs and wings to carry me through the toughest situation? Often I am more like the rebellious children of Israel than I would like to admit. How about you? 

Response: LORD God, I humbly ask you for the gift of faith—faith to sustain me through the tough times ahead. You are my help, my salvation and my deliverer. I praise you for your faithfulness. Amen.

Your Turn: Do you have grownup faith or childlike faith? Which is better?

I Will Remember Your Miracles

20 Friday May 2016

Posted by in Psalm 77, Psalms

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Reading:                                      Psalm 77

Verses 9-15

Then I thought, “To this I will appeal:
the years when the Most High stretched out his right hand.
I will remember the deeds of the LORD;
yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.
I will consider all your works
and meditate on all your mighty deeds.”

Your ways, God, are holy.
What god is as great as our God?
You are the God who performs miracles;
you display your power among the peoples.
With your mighty arm you redeemed your people,
the descendants of Jacob and Joseph (NIV).

Reflection

Psalm 77 began with the psalmist in a state of anguish approaching despair. He was filled with questions for the LORD—questions but no answers. This brings us to our reading for today. After pouring out his complaint, the psalmist recalls the mighty works of the LORD.

“To this I will appeal: the years when the Most High stretched out his right hand. I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will consider all your works and meditate on all your mighty deeds.”

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Garden peony — photo by David Kitz

When in doubt, remember. In a time of suffering, remember. When troubles assail from every side, remember. What should we remember? Remember the God who performs miracles. Remember that He is your personal redeemer. The blood Jesus shed was for you. The resurrection he accomplished was for you. The forgiveness he offers is for you.

During trying times, I will consider all your works and meditate on all your mighty deeds.

Our faith isn’t tested and purified in the good times while the choir sings sweetly in the background. Faith is tested and purified in the furnace of affliction. There’s no lineup of volunteers signing up for affliction. The gospel that is often presented today is branded as affliction-free. But Jesus gave no such promise. He promised persecution to those who leave all to follow him (Mark 10:29-31).

Paul, the apostle, makes this assertion: We also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us (Romans 5:3-5).

As you face difficult times, reflect on the ever-present miracle working power of God.

Response: LORD God, you are at work on my behalf even when I can’t see it. I believe in you, the miracle-working God. May my meditation center on you and your word, because your word brings light. Amen.

Your Turn: Does God have your attention when you are in trouble or pain?

Remembering Miracles

18 Monday Apr 2016

Posted by in Monday Meditation, Psalms

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Our LORD, I will remember the things you have done, your miracles of long ago (Psalm 77:11, CEV).

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Shine in me – photo courtesy of Donald Adam

Reflection

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

I am by nature a skeptic. Faith does not come to me easily; I struggle with it. I am the sort of person who demands proof. Thomas, the doubter, and I are good friends. But when miracles happen, they grab my attention. When they happen to me personally, I am all ears, so today’s verse from the Psalms has special meaning for me.

Our LORD, I will remember the things you have done, your miracles of long ago (Psalm 77:11, CEV).

For seven years as a young man I suffered from chronic pain in my left knee. I had arthroscopic surgery, cortisone shots, and extensive physiotherapy. I frequently asked for prayer. Nothing brought lasting relief. Then at an all-night prayer meeting something happened. I went home with a sore knee but when I awoke the next morning I was completely pain free. It was miraculous–physically and spiritually transformational.

God’s miracles are worth remembering. They instill hope for today and faith for the future.

Response: LORD God, thank you for your past interventions in my life. They have brought me close to you. As I recall those times fill me with faith in you for today. Amen.

Your Turn: Have you experienced a miracle in your life?

My Soul is a Desert

15 Friday Apr 2016

Posted by in Friday's Focus, Psalms

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Then I lift my hands in prayer, because my soul is a desert, thirsty for water from you (Psalm 143:6, CEV).

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Rideau River, Ottawa, ON — photo by David Kitz

Reflection

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

As I searched about my repertoire of pictures, I realized I don’t have any desert photos to go with today’s verse from the Psalms.  

Then I lift my hands in prayer, because my soul is a desert, thirsty for water from you (Psalm 143:6, CEV).

While I don’t have desert pictures, my soul has walked through desert places—lifeless places where faith and hope are dry and shriveled or absent entirely. If we have walked with the Lord for any length of time, we undoubtedly have experience periods of dryness. They are times when we need to call out to God in prayer.

Though we hate to admit it, we may need times of dryness. We need the desert experience so our roots grow deep—so we seek God with a sense of urgency—a true thirst for Him.

The good news is there are streams of water that flow from the Lord. Jesus announced, “If you are thirsty, come to me and drink! Have faith in me, and you will have life-giving water flowing from deep inside you, just as the Scriptures say” (John 7:37-38, CEV).

Response: Lord Jesus, give me that life-giving water. I want to become a fountain of blessing for those around me. I put my faith in you. You are my source—the wellspring of life. Amen.

Your Turn: Have you gone through desert places? Did you meet Jesus there?

Generation to Generation

31 Thursday Mar 2016

Posted by in Psalms, Thursday's Thought

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Each generation will announce to the next your wonderful and powerful deeds (Psalm 145:4, CEV).

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One generation to the next — photo by David Kitz

Reflection

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

When we think of proclaiming God’s goodness, our minds quickly go to the ends of the earth. But the most important place to live out the gospel is at home. And the most important person you will announce the good news to is your own son or daughter.

Moses had these instructions for the people of Israel: These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up (Deuteronomy 6:6-7).

Among family members talking about God and our faith should be as natural as breathing. After all, God is involved in our daily lives. Then these words from the psalms will come true for us.

Each generation will announce to the next your wonderful and powerful deeds (Psalm 145:4, CEV).

The day will come when Jesus welcomes us into our eternal home. I don’t want to be living there alone.

Response: LORD God, help me to truly appreciate my family. Help me to radiate your love to those near and dear to me. Help me to live before them as a person of integrity. Amen.

Your Turn: Do you find it easy to talk about God with your family?

The Window of Faith

18 Thursday Feb 2016

Posted by in Psalms, Thursday's Thought

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Be patient and trust the LORD. Don’t let it bother you when all goes well for those who do sinful things (Psalm 37:7, CEV).

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Window of Faith – photo courtesy of Donald Adam

Reflection

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

I am often amazed at how two people can look at the same picture and see two completely different things. One person may see nothing but problems, while the other sees huge potential just waiting to be tapped.

One person is looking through the window of faith, while the other is staring through a window of doubt and discouragement.

Today’s verse from the Psalms reminds us to, “Be patient and trust in the LORD.” 

Things are not always as they first appear. Over time God’s will often becomes clear if we wait patiently for Him and that requires faith.

Response: LORD God, help me look at life through the window of faith. I want to trust you in all I do. Help me to measure success by your standard and not the world’s standard.  Amen.

Your Turn: How do you see the world, with eyes of faith or doubt?