Praise Always for Answered Prayer

28 Wednesday Jan 2026

Tags

angel of the Lord, answered prayer, David, joy, praise, Psalms, radiant, the LORD

Today’s Devotion from Psalms 365 by David Kitz

Listen to today’s reading by Jonathan Dent:

I will extol the LORD at all times;
    his praise will always be on my lips.
I will glory in the LORD; let the afflicted hear and rejoice.
Glorify the LORD with me; let us exalt his name together.
I sought the LORD, and he answered me;
    he delivered me from all my fears.
Those who look to him are radiant;
    their faces are never covered with shame.
This poor man called, and the LORD heard him;
    he saved him out of all his troubles.
The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him,
    and he delivers them (NIV)*

Reflection
David was a man of many talents. He was a gifted musician and a poet—the author of many of the psalms. He was a battle-hardened warrior and a leader of men. After many years of struggle, he became the king of all Israel, and in that role, he governed an unruly people with wisdom, justice, and unparalleled success. David was also a prophet. Many of his psalms are infused with prophetic significance as they point to the coming Messiah—Jesus Christ.

In addition to this long list of David’s skills and accomplishments, we should also add actor. In an early episode in David’s flight from King Saul, he escaped to the Philistine city of Gath. But he was recognized by some of the people who said, “Isn’t this David, the king of the land? Isn’t he the one they sing about in their dances: “‘Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands’?” (1 Samuel 21:11).

To escape certain death, David pretended to be stark raving mad. He must have been a convincing actor because the king of Gath released him saying, “Look at the man! He is insane! Why bring him to me? Am I so short of madmen that you have to bring this fellow here to carry on like this in front of me? Must this man come into my house?” (1 Samuel 21:14-15).

In response to his release from King Achish, David composed Psalm 34—one of the most joyous of all the psalms. Nothing inspires praise like answered prayer when your life is on the line. David did not take the credit for his skill as an actor. Neither did he take credit for conceiving the idea for this clever deception. He gave all the glory to God, and he invites us to join in his celebration of praise. “Glorify the LORD with me; let us exalt his name together. I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears” (v. 3-4).

Along with David we have good reason to rejoice; we have a God who saves us. “This poor man called, and the LORD heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles” (v. 6).

Response
Those who look to him are radiant. LORD, we look to you. Today let me shine for you. Amen.

Your Turn
What talents can you thank God for? How has he answered your prayers?

Para la publicación de Salmos 365 de hoy en español haga clic aquí.

* NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, COPYRIGHT ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 BY BIBLICA

Please pray for peace to return to Israel, Gaza, Russia and Ukraine!

Volume I of Psalms 365: Develop a Life of Worship and Prayer won the Best Book of the Year Award from The Word Guild and Volume II has won the Best Devotional of the Year Award. For those who love God’s word, this three-book series is an ideal way to daily meet with the Lord. To purchase or for a closer look click here.

New from David Kitz

James—the brother of Jesus—who was this man? What evidence do we have that this “brother of our Lord” even existed?

David Kitz digs deep into archeology, family dynamics, church history, and the biblical texts. What emerges from his research is a portrait of a decisive, pivotal leader who embodied the will and character of Jesus Christ.

But how did James—James the unbeliever—transform to become a leader who changed the course of world history? In these pages you will uncover the answer and rediscover for yourself the life-changing power of the gospel.

To view further details or purchase directly from the author click here.

Praying and Singing Hymns to God

22 Thursday Jan 2026

Posted by davidkitz in Psalm 33, Psalms

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

earthquake, jailed, jailer, Paul and Silas, praise, praise the LORD, praising God, singing to God, the LORD

Today’s quote and prayer from
“Psalms 365: Develop a Life of Worship and Prayer

Today’s Reading: Psalm 33:1-5

Listen to today’s reading by Jonathan Dent:

Thank you, LORD God,
for each day you set before me.
Give me a heart of praise for you.
You sustain me.
Today give me a new song
to praise you, O LORD.
It’s always good, right, and fitting
to sing my praise to you.
Amen.

— — — —

Paul and Silas Jailed in Philippi

The crowd joined in the attack against Paul and Silas,
and the magistrates ordered them
to be stripped and beaten with rods.
After they had been severely flogged,
they were thrown into prison,
and the jailer was commanded
to guard them carefully.
When he received these orders,
he put them in the inner cell
and fastened their feet in the stocks.

About midnight Paul and Silas were praying
and singing hymns to God,
and the other prisoners were listening to them.
Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake
that the foundations of the prison were shaken.
At once all the prison doors flew open,
and everyone’s chains came loose.
The jailer woke up,
and when he saw the prison doors open,
he drew his sword and was about to kill himself
because he thought the prisoners had escaped.
But Paul shouted,
“Don’t harm yourself! We are all here!”
(Acts 16:22-28 NIV)*

May God guide you in 2026!

Para la publicación de Salmos 365 de hoy en español haga clic aquí.

* NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, COPYRIGHT ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 BY BIBLICA

Pray for enduring peace in Israel and Gaza,
and continue to pray for peace to return to Ukraine and Russia!

Also available from David KitzIs a return-to-Jesus revival possible in our time?
This book points the way forward.
For details click here.

Sing Joyfully to the LORD

21 Wednesday Jan 2026

Posted by Tim K in Psalm 32, Psalm 33, Psalms

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

birds, joyful, justice, new song, praise, praise the LORD, Psalms, Righteousness

Today’s Devotion from Psalms 365 by David Kitz

Reading: Psalm 33:1-5

Listen to today’s reading by Jonathan Dent:

Sing joyfully to the LORD, you righteous;
    it is fitting for the upright to praise him.
Praise the LORD with the harp;
    make music to him on the ten-stringed lyre.
Sing to him a new song;
    play skillfully, and shout for joy.
For the word of the LORD is right and true;
    he is faithful in all he does.
The LORD loves righteousness and justice;
    the earth is full of his unfailing love
(NIV)*

Tree sparrows (Passer montanus) feeding in snow. (Courtesy of Vitalii Khustochka and Fliickr)

Reflection
It’s a good to wake up with a song of praise to the LORD on your lips. How do I know that’s true? I listen to birds. Their joyous songs are new every morning. If they have cause to sing praise to the LORD, surely, I do as well.

Jesus said, “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows” (Matthew 10:29-31)

If a sparrow has grounds for praising the LORD each and every day, surely, we have more. His constant care sustains us moment by moment. If the Father keeps count of my hair, He must be concerned about even the tiny details of my life. His loving mercy is new every morning; therefore, it is fitting for the upright to praise him (v. 1).

Here in Psalm 33, we are instructed to: Praise the LORD with the harp; make music to him on the ten-stringed lyre (v. 2).

Forgive me, LORD. I’m an instrumental disaster. Playing skillfully is nigh unto impossible. But with my voice I will praise you. I can’t compete with robins and cardinals, but I will sing my praise. For the word of the LORD is right and true; he is faithful in all he does (v. 4).

The steadfast love of the LORD is unchanging. My praise for Him should be just as steadfast—unaffected by my current circumstances. I have heard the birds break into song at sunrise even on a gray rainy morning. At the very least my praise for God should be as constant. Paul and Silas sang praises to God after being severely flogged and imprisoned in Philippi. See Acts 16:16-40. Their worship was unaffected by their circumstances. They were obedient to the LORD’s command: Sing joyfully to the LORD, you righteous; it is fitting for the upright to praise him (v. 1).

Response
Thank you, LORD God, for each day you set before me. Give me a heart of praise for you. You sustain me. Today give me a new song to praise you, O LORD. It’s always good, right and fitting to sing my praise to you. Amen.

Your Turn
Do you love to praise God? Does it lift your spirit when you do? Are there times when the Lord has given you a new song to sing?

Para la publicación de Salmos 365 de hoy en español haga clic aquí.

* NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, COPYRIGHT ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 BY BIBLICA

Please pray for peace to return to Israel, Gaza, Russia and Ukraine!

New from David Kitz

James—the brother of Jesus—who was this man? What evidence do we have that this “brother of our Lord” even existed?

To view further details or purchase directly from the author click here.

Don’t Step into the Hate Trap

12 Monday Jan 2026

Posted by Tim K in Psalm 31, Psalms

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

bondage of sin, David, enemies, forgiveness, hate, idolatry, Jesus, praise, Psalms, Satan, vengeance

Today’s Devotion from Psalms 365 by David Kitz

Reading: Psalm 31:6-8

Listen to today’s reading by Jonathan Dent:

I hate those who cling to worthless idols;
    as for me, I trust in the LORD.
I will be glad and rejoice in your love,
    for you saw my affliction
    and knew the anguish of my soul.
You have not given me into the hands of the enemy
    but have set my feet in a spacious place (NIV)*

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

Reflection
David clearly lacked a sense of political correctness. The opening line of this psalm portion makes me want to cringe. I hate those who cling to worthless idols. What an inflammatory remark! Hate has no place in our expression of Christian faith. Didn’t David know we are to hate the sin, but love the sinner? Perhaps we should send David off to a course in sensitivity training.

Somehow biblical David got away with making such a statement, and here we have it recorded in the pages of Holy Scripture for all to read. Hate is a less than desirable emotion. But is it warranted in certain instances? My Christian love for murdering rapists grows mighty thin at times, and I speak from a distance. If my life was directly impacted by an idolatrous, murdering rapist, I am not sure how I would respond. Christ-centred forgiveness is the right response, but gut-wrenching hate might well spring to life. My capacity for forgiveness in severe circumstances remains untested. I dare not boast in my theoretical ability to forgive.

The second part of David’s opening remark is of crucial importance. I hate those who cling to worthless idols; as for me, I trust in the LORD.

Only trust in the LORD can break the crippling bondage of sin and hate. Vengeance belongs to the LORD, not to the seething heart tortured and taunted by anger. Secular author Malcolm Gladwell explores the extraordinary power of forgiveness in his book, David and Goliath. Gladwell’s thoughts and research on the topic make for an insightful read. He concludes forgiveness has the power to turn the world upside down. That’s the power we find in the gospel. Rather than be caught in the trap of ruinous hate, through the power of Christ we have the ability to step into the liberty of forgiveness.

By the gracious Holy Spirit, we have the ability to choose love over hate. David’s confession can then become our own, “I will be glad and rejoice in your love, for you saw my affliction and knew the anguish of my soul.”

When we choose love over hate, forgiveness over vengeance, trust in God over reliance on our own ability, we defeat Satan, the true enemy of our soul. Then the LORD sets us at liberty in a spacious place. With David we can declare, “You have not given me into the hands of the enemy but have set my feet in a spacious place.”

Response:
LORD God, thank you for your forgiveness. Help me to practice it daily. Give me a forgiving spirit like your Son, Jesus, who forgave those who crucified him (Luke 23:34). Amen.

Your Turn:
Is there someone you need to forgive? Do it today.

May you and your family draw near to God
as we begin 2026.

Para la publicación de Salmos 365 de hoy en español haga clic aquí.

* NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, COPYRIGHT ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 BY BIBLICA

Please pray for peace to return to Israel, Gaza, Russia and Ukraine!

New from David Kitz

James—the brother of Jesus—who was this man? What evidence do we have that this “brother of our Lord” even existed?

To view further details or purchase directly from the author click here.

Above All Gods

09 Friday Jan 2026

Posted by davidkitz in Psalm 31, Psalms

≈ 5 Comments

Tags

fortress, Jesus, king, music, praise, Prayer, Psalms, rock of salvation, song, thanksgiving

Today’s quote and prayer from
“Psalms 365: Develop a Life of Worship and Prayer

Today’s Reading: Psalm 31:1-5

Listen to today’s reading by Jonathan Dent:

Heavenly Father,
I thank you for Jesus.
Jesus, you alone are my rock
and my eternal fortress.
Guide my spirit into the right path today.
Keep me safe from the traps of the enemy.
I trust in you.
Amen.

— — — —

Are you rock solid in your praise for the LORD? — photo by David Kitz

The Rock of Our Salvation

Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD;
    let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.
Let us come before him with thanksgiving
    and extol him with music and song.
”For the LORD is the great God,
    the great King above all gods.
In his hand are the depths of the earth,
    and the mountain peaks belong to him.
The sea is his, for he made it,
    and his hands formed the dry land.
(Psalm 95:1-5 NIV)*

May God bless you in 2026!

Para la publicación de Salmos 365 de hoy en español haga clic aquí.

* NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, COPYRIGHT ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 BY BIBLICA

Pray for enduring peace in Israel and Gaza,
and continue to pray for peace to return to Ukraine and Russia!

Also available from David KitzIs a return-to-Jesus revival possible in our time?
This book points the way forward.
For details click here.

The Need for a Place of Refuge

09 Friday Jan 2026

Posted by Tim K in Psalm 31, Psalms

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

David, enemies, faith in Christ, forgiveness, Jesus, living rock, praise, Psalms, refuge, rock of refuge, salvation, trust in Christ

Today’s Devotion from Psalms 365 by David Kitz

Reading: Psalm 31:1-5

Listen to today’s reading by Jonathan Dent:

In you, LORD, I have taken refuge;
    let me never be put to shame;
    deliver me in your righteousness.
Turn your ear to me,
    come quickly to my rescue;
be my rock of refuge,
    a strong fortress to save me.
Since you are my rock and my fortress,
    for the sake of your name lead and guide me.
Keep me free from the trap that is set for me,
    for you are my refuge.
Into your hands I commit my spirit;
    deliver me, LORD, my faithful God (NIV)*

Christ is our living Rock — photo by David Kitz

Reflection
We all need a place of refuge. Here as David begins Psalm 31, he pleads with God to hear him, and become a rock of refuge for him. Turn your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me” (v. 2).

David spent many of his early years fleeing from King Saul. At other times, the Philistines were a threat. There were many occasions in which David needed a fortress—a rock of refuge from his enemies. Often, he found himself calling out for the LORD to rescue him.

Are we any different? We may not have physical enemies who are seeking to kill us, but in the spiritual realm the demonic forces of hell are constantly seeking opportunities to trip us up, so they can launch their vicious assault. Trouble and affliction come to every human life. We are not immune simply because we have put our faith in Christ. We too need a safe place—a rock of refuge.

But the rock to which we flee is not an inanimate object, fixed and unmoving. No, we come to the living rock which is Christ. He travels with us on this earthly pilgrimage. The apostle, Paul reminds us that even the people of Israel wandering in the wilderness were not alone. They all ate the same spiritual food and drank the same spiritual drink; for they drank from the spiritual rock that accompanied them, and that rock was Christ (1 Corinthians 10:3-4).

The veins of that rock were opened wide for us. Jesus bled and died so we could experience new life and complete forgiveness. As he hung dying, Jesus called out to his Father with the words of this psalm, “Into your hands I commit my spirit” (v. 5a). Now daily that living rock accompanies you. He is the fount of forgiveness and a sure refuge in a time of need. Have you put your trust in him for your salvation now and in eternity?

Response
LORD God, I thank you for Jesus. You alone are my rock and my eternal fortress. Guide my spirit into the right path today. Keep me safe from the traps of the enemy. I trust in you. Amen.

Your Turn
Is Jesus your living rock? Why is the analogy of Jesus as a rock a comfort to you?

May you and your family draw near to God
as we begin 2026.

Para la publicación de Salmos 365 de hoy en español haga clic aquí.

* NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, COPYRIGHT ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 BY BIBLICA

Please pray for peace to return to Israel, Gaza, Russia and Ukraine!

New from David Kitz

James—the brother of Jesus—who was this man? What evidence do we have that this “brother of our Lord” even existed?

To view further details or purchase directly from the author click here.

The God of Turn-Arounds

08 Thursday Jan 2026

Posted by Tim K in Psalm 30, Psalms

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

David, death and resurrection, discouragement, Jesus, mercy, mourning into dancing, praise, Psalms, redemption, the LORD, triumph, turn-a-rounds

Today’s Devotion from Psalms 365 by David Kitz

Reading: Psalm 30:6-12

Listen to today’s reading by Jonathan Dent:

When I felt secure, I said,
“I will never be shaken.”
LORD, when you favored me,
you made my royal mountain stand firm;
but when you hid your face, I was dismayed.

To you, LORD, I called;
    to the LORD I cried for mercy:
“What is gained if I am silenced,
    if I go down to the pit?
Will the dust praise you?
    Will it proclaim your faithfulness?
Hear, LORD, and be merciful to me;
    LORD, be my help.”

You turned my wailing into dancing;
you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,
that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent.
LORD my God, I will praise you forever (NIV)*

Reflection
Every psalm in the Book of Psalms reveals to us an aspect or characteristic of God. Here in Psalm 30, we see the LORD God of mercy, redemption, and sudden turn-arounds.

Half-filled rock glass (Pickpik)

We all go through times of triumph as well as times of deep discouragement. My emotional life often swings between these two extremes. Some days my glass is half full; on other days it is half empty. My faith level soars and plummets, often quite abruptly depending on circumstances. David also experienced these swings between optimism and pessimism. They are a trademark of his psalms. Perhaps that’s why I love them. They reflect my own life experience.

In the opening lines of today’s reading, David swings between a position of utter confidence and security to a position of shaken dismay. When trouble or disaster strikes, we may well ask, “Where is God in all this?” Like David we may call out, “What is gained if I am silenced, if I go down to the pit? Will the dust praise you? Will it proclaim your faithfulness? Hear, LORD, and be merciful to me; LORD, be my help” (v. 9-10).

God is always on His throne. He is not caught by surprise when you lose your job, a relationship breaks down or you suffer a great loss. He remains secure, but more than that He is a God of great mercy and sudden turn-arounds. He is the LORD God of resurrection. He turned the disciples mourning into dancing when He raised Jesus from the dead. Always, always, always remember He can do the same for you. In the course of this psalm, He turned David around. Jesus is the resurrection artist. And furthermore, remember this: Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever (Hebrews 13:8).

Response:
You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent. LORD my God, I will praise you forever (v. 11-12). Amen.

Your Turn:
Has God turned around a seemingly impossible situation for you? Take a moment to remind yourself of those God sent turn-arounds.

May you and your family draw near to God
as we begin 2026.

Para la publicación de Salmos 365 de hoy en español haga clic aquí.

* NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, COPYRIGHT ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 BY BIBLICA

Please pray for peace to return to Israel, Gaza, Russia and Ukraine!

New from David Kitz

James—the brother of Jesus—who was this man? What evidence do we have that this “brother of our Lord” even existed?

To view further details or purchase directly from the author click here.

Why Praise God?

07 Wednesday Jan 2026

Posted by Tim K in Psalm 30, Psalms

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

death and resurrection, depths, healer, Jesus, mourning into dancing, peace, praise, Psalms, thank you God, the LORD, victory, voice of the Lord

Today’s Devotion from Psalms 365 by David Kitz

Reading: Psalm 30:1-5

Listen to today’s reading by Jonathan Dent:

I will exalt you, LORD,
    for you lifted me out of the depths
    and did not let my enemies gloat over me.
LORD my God, I called to you for help,
    and you healed me.
You, LORD, brought me up from the realm of the dead;
    you spared me from going down to the pit.
Sing the praises of the LORD, you his faithful people;
    praise his holy name.
For his anger lasts only a moment,
    but his favor lasts a lifetime;
weeping may stay for the night,
    but rejoicing comes in the morning (NIV)*

Winter morning, photo by David Kitz

Reflection

If you ever want an excuse to break out in praise, just read the opening lines of Psalm 30. There are plenty of excellent reasons to praise God, and David gives us several of them right here. “I will exalt you, LORD, for you lifted me out of the depths and did not let my enemies gloat over me” (v. 1).

The LORD has lifted me out of the depths of sin and the Slough of Despond on more than one occasion. Furthermore, the LORD provides more than just forgiveness. He also gives victory over the sin and the discouragement that entraps us. Through the death and resurrection of Jesus, He has defeated the minions of hell. Praise the LORD!

“LORD my God, I called to you for help, and you healed me” (v. 2). If you enjoy good health, praise the LORD. He is your healer. Whether through miraculous means or natural process God is our healer, and we can thank Him for the strength, energy and rejuvenation He brings into our lives. Praise the LORD!

“You, LORD, brought me up from the realm of the dead; you spared me from going down to the pit (v.3). In Ephesians, chapter two, Paul tells us we were dead in trespasses and sins. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 2:4-7). Praise the LORD!

We serve a God of mercy, redemption, and turn-a-rounds. He turns our mourning into dancing. See Psalm 30:11. “For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning” (v.5). Praise the LORD!

Response:
LORD God, I thank you for your mercy and grace. I praise you for being my healer. You are good to me in more ways than I can count. Thank you. You are worthy of continual praise. Amen.

Your Turn:
What can you praise God for today? How numerous are your blessings?

May you and your family draw near to God
as we begin 2026.

Para la publicación de Salmos 365 de hoy en español haga clic aquí.

Please pray for peace to return to Israel, Gaza, Russia and Ukraine!

New from David Kitz

James—the brother of Jesus—who was this man? What evidence do we have that this “brother of our Lord” even existed?

To view further details or purchase directly from the author click here.

Peace within the Storm

06 Tuesday Jan 2026

Posted by Tim K in Psalm 29, Psalms

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

faith, fear, Jesus, Lord of peace, Lord of the storm, peace, praise, Psalms, storm, the LORD, voice of the Lord

Today’s Devotion from Psalms 365 by David Kitz

Reading: Psalm 29

Listen to today’s reading by Jonathan Dent:

Ascribe to the LORD, you heavenly beings,
ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.

Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name;
worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness.

The voice of the LORD is over the waters; the God of glory thunders,
the LORD thunders over the mighty waters.

The voice of the LORD is powerful; the voice of the LORD is majestic.
The voice of the LORD breaks the cedars;
the LORD breaks in pieces the cedars of Lebanon.
He makes Lebanon leap like a calf, Sirion like a young wild ox.

The voice of the LORD strikes with flashes of lightning.
The voice of the LORD shakes the desert;
the LORD shakes the Desert of Kadesh.
The voice of the LORD twists the oaks and strips the forests bare.
And in his temple all cry, “Glory!”

The LORD sits enthroned over the flood; the LORD is enthroned as King forever.
The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace. (NIV)*

Photo by Johannes Plenio on Pexels.com

Reflection
In Psalm 29 we see and hear the LORD, the God of the storm. There is an evocative poetic style to this psalm that helps the reader to picture the fury of the approaching tempest. But we not only see the flashes of lightning and the power of the wind, we also hear the booming thunder as it shakes the desert. The voice of the LORD twists the oaks and strips the forests bare. And in his temple all cry, “Glory!”

Nine times the psalmist repeats the phrase the voice of the LORD. In this psalm, the voice of the LORD is a very active force. The voice of the LORD thunders, breaks, strikes, shakes, twists and strips. The voice of the LORD is powerful; the voice of the LORD is majestic.

The voice of the LORD spoke the world into existence, set the planets in their orbits, and scattered the starry hosts across the heavens. A thunderstorm sweeping down from Lebanon is as nothing to Him.

But the LORD of the storm is also the LORD of peace. One day on the Sea of Galilee Jesus our Lord brought peace to the storm. A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?”

He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm (Mark 4:37-39).

Response:
You are the LORD of the storm and the LORD of peace. When storms arise in my life help me to trust you completely. Lord Jesus, grant me peace in the midst of the storm. Amen.

Your Turn:
Jesus says to us, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” (Mark 4:40). Do you hear him?

May you and your family draw near to God
as we begin 2026.

Para la publicación de Salmos 365 de hoy en español haga clic aquí.

Please pray for peace to return to Israel, Gaza, Russia and Ukraine!

New from David Kitz

James—the brother of Jesus—who was this man? What evidence do we have that this “brother of our Lord” even existed?

To view further details or purchase directly from the author click here.

The Ultimate Come from Behind Victory

05 Monday Jan 2026

Posted by Tim K in Psalm 28, Psalms

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

celebration, dancing, David, God's help, Jesus, joy, praise, Psalms, redeemed, salvation, Savior, trust, victory

Today’s Devotion from Psalms 365 by David Kitz

Reading: Psalm 28:6-9

Listen to today’s reading by Jonathan Dent:

Praise be to the LORD,
    for he has heard my cry for mercy.
The LORD is my strength and my shield;
    my heart trusts in him, and he helps me.
My heart leaps for joy,
    and with my song I praise him.

The LORD is the strength of his people,
a fortress of salvation for his anointed one.
Save your people and bless your inheritance;
be their shepherd and carry them forever (NIV)*

Photo by s.yume (flickr)

Reflection
David ends Psalm 28 with a doxology of praise. Yes, it is good and fitting to praise the LORD. He hears our cry for mercy. To those who seek to know Him, He is not a God of harsh judgment, or we would all perish. He is my shield and strength, despite my frequent failings. David declares, “My heart trusts in him, and he helps me” (v. 7b). I can join in David’s declaration and personally testify to the truth of these words, “My heart trusts in him, and he helps me.”

Our God does not stand afar off. He is near to those who call on Him.

David was not one to be shy or reserved in his expression of praise. He exults, “My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him” (v. 7c). When David brought the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, he gave full expression to his joy. Wearing a linen ephod, David was dancing before the LORD with all his might, while he and all Israel were bringing up the ark of the LORD with shouts and the sound of trumpets (2 Samuel 6:14-15).

Some time ago, I watched as Canada’s women’s Olympic hockey team scored a late-rally, come-from-behind, overtime victory over a shocked American team. There was no shortage of leaping, dancing, and rejoicing in the Canadian ranks. The outburst of praise and jubilation was completely fitting for them.

But as born-again children of God, redeemed by the blood of the Lamb, we have a far greater reason—an eternal reason—for bursting forth in praise. Our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ has scored a late-rally, come-from-behind, overtime victory over death, hell, and the grave. And he scored that victory for you and me. Together we are on an international team—Team Believer—believers in Jesus. What a victory he has won! What a celebration!

We join with David in declaring, “The LORD is the strength of his people, a fortress of salvation for his anointed one” (v. 8).

Response:
LORD God, help me to grasp the full extent of the victory I have in you. Now I ask you to hear my prayer, “Save your people and bless your inheritance; be their shepherd and carry them forever” (v. 9). Amen.

Your Turn:
Why do we put limits on our expressions of praise to God, when our praise is exuberant and boundless at sporting events?

May you and your family draw near to God
as we begin 2026.

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James—the brother of Jesus—who was this man? What evidence do we have that this “brother of our Lord” even existed?

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Today’s Devotion from Psalms 365 by David Kitz

* NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, COPYRIGHT ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 BY BIBLICA

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Today’s quote and prayer from “Psalms 365: Develop a Life of Worship and Prayer

Today’s Reading: Psalm 33:1-5

Thank you, LORD God, for each day you set before me. Give me a heart of praise for you. You sustain me. Today give me a new song to praise you, O LORD. It’s always good, right, and fitting to sing my praise to you. Amen.

— — — —

Paul and Silas Jailed in Philippi

May God guide you in 2026!

* NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, COPYRIGHT ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 BY BIBLICA

Pray for enduring peace in Israel and Gaza, and continue to pray for peace to return to Ukraine and Russia!

Today’s Devotion from Psalms 365 by David Kitz

* NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, COPYRIGHT ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 BY BIBLICA

Please pray for peace to return to Israel, Gaza, Russia and Ukraine!

Today’s Devotion from Psalms 365 by David Kitz

May you and your family draw near to God as we begin 2026.

* NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, COPYRIGHT ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 BY BIBLICA

Please pray for peace to return to Israel, Gaza, Russia and Ukraine!

Today’s quote and prayer from “Psalms 365: Develop a Life of Worship and Prayer

Today’s Reading: Psalm 31:1-5

Heavenly Father, I thank you for Jesus. Jesus, you alone are my rock and my eternal fortress. Guide my spirit into the right path today. Keep me safe from the traps of the enemy. I trust in you. Amen.

— — — —

The Rock of Our Salvation

May God bless you in 2026!

* NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, COPYRIGHT ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 BY BIBLICA

Pray for enduring peace in Israel and Gaza, and continue to pray for peace to return to Ukraine and Russia!

Today’s Devotion from Psalms 365 by David Kitz

May you and your family draw near to God as we begin 2026.

* NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, COPYRIGHT ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 BY BIBLICA

Please pray for peace to return to Israel, Gaza, Russia and Ukraine!

Today’s Devotion from Psalms 365 by David Kitz

May you and your family draw near to God as we begin 2026.

* NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, COPYRIGHT ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 BY BIBLICA

Please pray for peace to return to Israel, Gaza, Russia and Ukraine!

Today’s Devotion from Psalms 365 by David Kitz

May you and your family draw near to God as we begin 2026.

* NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, COPYRIGHT ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 BY BIBLICA

Please pray for peace to return to Israel, Gaza, Russia and Ukraine!

Today’s Devotion from Psalms 365 by David Kitz

May you and your family draw near to God as we begin 2026.

* NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, COPYRIGHT ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 BY BIBLICA

Please pray for peace to return to Israel, Gaza, Russia and Ukraine!

Today’s Devotion from Psalms 365 by David Kitz

May you and your family draw near to God as we begin 2026.

* NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, COPYRIGHT ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 BY BIBLICA

Please pray for peace to return to Israel, Gaza, Russia and Ukraine!

Today’s quote and prayer from
“Psalms 365: Develop a Life of Worship and Prayer

Thank you, LORD God,
for each day you set before me.
Give me a heart of praise for you.
You sustain me.
Today give me a new song
to praise you, O LORD.
It’s always good, right, and fitting
to sing my praise to you.
Amen.

Pray for enduring peace in Israel and Gaza,
and continue to pray for peace to return to Ukraine and Russia!

May you and your family draw near to God
as we begin 2026.

Today’s quote and prayer from
“Psalms 365: Develop a Life of Worship and Prayer

Heavenly Father,
I thank you for Jesus.
Jesus, you alone are my rock
and my eternal fortress.
Guide my spirit into the right path today.
Keep me safe from the traps of the enemy.
I trust in you.
Amen.

Pray for enduring peace in Israel and Gaza,
and continue to pray for peace to return to Ukraine and Russia!

May you and your family draw near to God
as we begin 2026.

May you and your family draw near to God
as we begin 2026.

May you and your family draw near to God
as we begin 2026.

May you and your family draw near to God
as we begin 2026.

May you and your family draw near to God
as we begin 2026.