Tag Archives: God

City of Peace

26 Thursday May 2016

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Your home is on Mount Zion in the city of peace (Psalm 76:2, CEV).

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Koranke, Japan — a place of peace — photo by David Kitz

Reflection

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

Do you dwell in a city of peace? Cities can be places of violence and crime. But we all want peace and security. Today’s verse from the Psalms speaks about God’s city of peace.

Your home is on Mount Zion in the city of peace (Psalm 76:2, CEV).

Where God is there is peace. If you and I have been reconciled with God, we have the peace of Christ in our hearts. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7, NIV).

God’s city of peace is more than a geographic location where there is no conflict. We can experience the peace of God because Jesus has brought us peace with God by wiping away our sins. Jesus’ peace surpasses anything the world has to offer because it comes from beyond this world.

Will you take some time today to bask in that peace?

Response: LORD God, I thank you today for the peace that Jesus purchased for me on the cross. I can be at rest because my guilt is gone and my eternity is secure in your city of peace. Amen.

Your Turn: What do you do to maintain the peace of Christ in your life?

The City Where He Lives

23 Monday May 2016

Posted by in Monday Meditation, Psalms

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The LORD God is wonderful! He deserves all praise in the city where he lives.
His holy mountain, beautiful and majestic,
    brings joy to all on earth (Psalm 48:1-2, CEV).

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City park crabapple blossoms — photo by Karen Kitz

Reflection

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

Where does God live? That’s a simple question, but answers are many and varied. The most common answer is that God lives in heaven. But many say that Jesus lives in their heart. Today’s verse from Psalms declares that the LORD lives in the city, specifically on Mount Zion in the heart of Jerusalem.

The LORD God is wonderful! He deserves all praise in the city where he lives. His holy mountain, beautiful and majestic, brings joy to all on earth (Psalm 48:1-2, CEV).

So does God still live in Jerusalem or was this verse only true during the Old Testament period? Does the LORD live in your city?

Paul, the apostle, has this to say on the topic:  You surely know that your body is a temple where the Holy Spirit lives. The Spirit is in you and is a gift from God. You are no longer your own (1 Corinthians 6:19).

If you are inhabited by God through the presence of the Holy Spirit, then you bring that presence to the city where you live. What an awesome privilege and responsibility!

Response: LORD God, I want the fullness of your presence to dwell in me. Let me bring the joy of the Lord to a city that is weary and searching for meaning. Amen.

Your Turn: Are you conscious of God’s presence in your life?

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?

More Questions than Answers

13 Friday May 2016

Posted by in Friday's Focus, Psalm 77, Psalms

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Reading:                                           Psalm 77

For the director of music. For Jeduthun. Of Asaph. A psalm.

Verses 1-9

I cried out to God for help;
I cried out to God to hear me.
When I was in distress, I sought the Lord;
at night I stretched out untiring hands,
and I would not be comforted.

 I remembered you, God, and I groaned;
I meditated, and my spirit grew faint.
You kept my eyes from closing;
I was too troubled to speak.
I thought about the former days,
the years of long ago;
I remembered my songs in the night.
My heart meditated and my spirit asked:

 “Will the Lord reject forever?
Will he never show his favor again?
Has his unfailing love vanished forever?
Has his promise failed for all time?
Has God forgotten to be merciful?
Has he in anger withheld his compassion?” (NIV).

Reflection

Sometimes in our walk of faith, we go through dark days. Answers to our prayers do not come quickly. We are left wondering if God even hears or cares. The opening verses of Psalm 77 reflect the psalmist’s mood of desolation, which approaches despair. The psalmist has more questions than the Lord has answers. At least that’s how it appears. “Will the Lord reject forever? Will he never show his favor again? Has his unfailing love vanished forever? Has his promise failed for all time? Has God forgotten to be merciful? Has he in anger withheld his compassion?”  

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Wisteria in Victoria, BC – photo by David Kitz

Last Friday morning, I was on a pleasant spring walk through a quiet residential neighborhood with my sister. Suddenly without warning, I was struck by a car backing out of a driveway. In an instant, pleasure was replaced by searing pain. My right knee was skinned and bleeding. Ligaments in my left ankle were torn. Now I hobble about on crutches. Surgery may be needed.

Like the psalmist, my week since the accident has been filled with questions. Questions by police officers. Questions by family members and friends. Questions by insurance claim specialists. Questions by doctors. And in my quiet moments, I have had a few questions for the Lord, “Why did you allow this to happen? What should my response be? How long will this pain last? When will I be able to walk normally again? Did I do something wrong to bring on this pain?”

Response: LORD God, I don’t have the answers. You do. Your word tells me to “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1Thessalonians 5:18). Help me to do just that in these circumstances. You are always worthy of praise even when I don’t understand. Amen.

Your Turn: Do you have questions for God when life seems to go off the rails?

Victory for the Humble

12 Thursday May 2016

Posted by in Psalms, Thursday's Thought

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The LORD is pleased with his people, and he gives victory to those who are humble (Psalm 149:4, CEV).

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Sunset shores — photo courtesy of Donald Adam

Reflection

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

Do you hang on to promises? A promise of help from a friend can give you hope in the midst of dark days.

Today’s verse from the Psalms is a promise from the LORD.

The LORD is pleased with his people, and he gives victory to those who are humble (Psalm 149:4, CEV).

Like many promises, this promise from the LORD is not open-ended. It has certain limitations. It is limited to the people of God—His children born of the Spirit. The second limiting factor is humility. The humble can claim this promise as their own. The proud need not apply.

Are you a humble child of God? Then hold on, victory will come. You have solid grounds for hope. The LORD will be true to His promises.

Response: LORD God, thank you for your promise of help and victory for the humble. Help me to maintain a posture of humility before you. I am your child by faith. Amen.

Your Turn: Do you hang on to God’s promises? Has He come through for you?

You Put Down the Proud

10 Tuesday May 2016

Posted by in Psalms

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You rescue the humble, but you put down all who are proud (Psalm 18:27, CEV).

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Assiniboine River bridge at sunset — photo courtesy of Donald Adam

Reflection

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

It would seem that God is not fond of human pride. If you respect the LORD, you will hate evil. I hate pride and conceit and deceitful lies (Proverbs 8:13). In fact, pride may be humanities greatest sin. The proud heart has no need for God—no room for God—no desire for God. But the LORD cares for the humble and He hears their prayers.

David declares:

You rescue the humble, but you put down all who are proud (Psalm 18:27, CEV).

When I become too proud, God has a way of reminding me that I am not all together wonderful. The world does not revolve around me. It revolves around the Creator of all things. He is at the center—not me, and He is worthy of all praise. He is the Lord of all things.

It is the LORD who puts down one and exalts another. I need to keep in mind that He favors the humble. How about you?

Response: LORD God, in my relationship with you, I need humility like a fish needs water. Remind me that there is no place for human pride in the household of God. Amen.

Your Turn: Why do you think God shows His favor to the humble? 

Like Sheep with our Shepherd

02 Monday May 2016

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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? 

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?

A Bad Bet for Victory

25 Monday Apr 2016

Posted by in Monday Meditation, Psalms

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A warhorse is a bad bet for victory;
    it can’t save despite its great strength.
But look here: the LORD’s eyes watch all who honor him,
    all who wait for his faithful love (Psalm 33:17-18, CEV).

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River Marsh in Early Spring — photo by David Kitz

Reflection

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

There is something very puzzling, very uncertain, about victory. Victory doesn’t always go to the strongest man, the largest army, or the fastest runner. Sometimes victory goes to the least expected; it goes to the underdog.

Today’s verse from the Psalms draws attention to the uncertainty of victory.

A warhorse is a bad bet for victory; it can’t save despite its great strength.
But look here: the LORD’s eyes watch all who honor him, all who wait for his faithful love (Psalm 33:17-18, CEV).

Victory does not come solely from man’s ingenuity, talent or strength. Ultimately, victory comes from the LORD. The outcome of every race, every battle, every sporting event is determined by the LORD. He foreknew the outcome before there was time. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me.

My only response to such an awesome God is to honor Him, to yield my will and my very life to Him.

Response: LORD God, I wait for your faithful love. My personal struggles and victories are known to you. Your eyes are always on me. Help me to live responsibly in that knowledge. Amen.

Your Turn: Is it a comfort or a constraint to know that God is watching you?