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I love the Psalms

~ Connecting daily with God through the Psalms

I love the Psalms

Tag Archives: Psalms

God’s True Firstborn

05 Wednesday Aug 2026

Posted by Tim K in Psalm 89, Psalms

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Abraham, David, Ethan the Ezrahite, firstborn, Jesus, Mary, Moses, Psalms, Savior, Son of God, the LORD

Today’s Devotion from Psalms 365 by David Kitz

Listen to today’s reading by Jonathan Dent:
https://davidkitz.blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/ps-8919-29-mix-3final.mp3

Reading: Psalm 89:19-29 (NIV)*

Once you spoke in a vision,
    to your faithful people you said:
“I have bestowed strength on a warrior;
    I have raised up a young man from among the people.
I have found David my servant; with my sacred oil I have anointed him.
My hand will sustain him; surely my arm will strengthen him.
The enemy will not get the better of him;
    the wicked will not oppress him.
I will crush his foes before him and strike down his adversaries.
My faithful love will be with him,
    and through my name his horn will be exalted.
I will set his hand over the sea, his right hand over the rivers.
He will call out to me, ‘You are my Father,
    my God, the Rock my Savior.’
And I will appoint him to be my firstborn,
    the most exalted of the kings of the earth.
I will maintain my love to him forever,
    and my covenant with him will never fail.
I will establish his line forever,
    his throne as long as the heavens endure.

Reflection

Who is the principal figure in the Old Testament canon? Some would argue for Moses, the liberator of a nation of slaves. Others would go farther back yet to Abraham, the ancestral father of the nation of Israel. Here in Psalm 89, Ethan the Ezrahite and author of this psalm casts his vote in favor of David.

David’s name appears more frequently in the Bible than any name including the name of Jesus. Here in Psalm 89, Ethan draws a direct prophetic link to Jesus, the Son of God. He writes this about David: He will call out to me, ‘You are my Father, my God, the Rock my Savior.’ And I will appoint him to be my firstborn, the most exalted of the kings of the earth (v. 26-27). 

No other man in the Holy Scriptures can claim to be appointed as God’s firstborn. This is an honor that is reserved for David alone. But David prefigures or foreshadows Jesus, the true Son of God. Jesus was not appointed to the role of God’s son. He was conceived and born into this world as the divine Son of the Most High. Through the miracle of incarnation, the son of Mary was also the Son of God and the Savior of the world. And this Mary was of royal lineage. She was a direct descendant of King David.

In Jesus Christ these words find their fulfillment: I will maintain my love to him [David] forever, and my covenant with him will never fail. I will establish his [David’s] line forever, his throne as long as the heavens endure (v. 28-29).

Response

LORD God, I am thankful for Jesus. I am thankful that in the dark long ago you devised a plan to send a Savior to this world. You sent a better son than David. You sent Jesus. Amen.

Your Turn

Are you thankful for God’s Son? Why? How will you express your appreciation today?


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

bgbg_v4.3_1501818
* NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, COPYRIGHT ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 BY BIBLICA

Pray for peace in Israel, Iran and the Middle East
and continue to pray for peace to return to Ukraine and Russia!

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.

The Birth of Jesus Foretold

04 Tuesday Aug 2026

Posted by Victor Uduh in Psalm 89, Psalms

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Bible Scripture, Biblical Prophecy, Birth Of Jesus Foretold, Christmas Story, Evangelism, Fulfillment Of Prophecy, gospel, gospel reading, hope in God, Jesus, Jesus Christ, Mary Mother Of Jesus, Psalms, Son of God, Spiritual Discernment, Spiritual Readiness, Spread The Gospel

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


Today’s
Reading:
Psalm 89: 14-18(NIV)*

Listen to today’s reading by Jonathan Dent:

https://davidkitz.blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/ps-8914-18-mix-5final.mp3

Heavenly Father,
you are good and kind to all.
I thank you for your love and faithfulness.
Today, I want to walk in the light of your presence,
LORD,
and rejoice in your name all day long
Amen.

   — — — —

Gospel Reading:
The Birth of Jesus Foretold

In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy,
God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee,
to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph,
a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary.

The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored!
The Lord is with you.”
 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be.
But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God.
You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus.
He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High.
The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David,
and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”
“How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”

The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you,
and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.
So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.
Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age,
and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month.
For no word from God will ever fail.”

“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered.
“May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.

(Luke 1:26-38).

* * *

This is how we know that we live in him and he in us:
He has given us of his Spirit.

(1 John 4:13 NIV)

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

bgbg_v4.3_1501818
* NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, COPYRIGHT ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 BY BIBLICA

Pray for peace in Israel, Iran and the Middle East
and continue to pray for peace to return
to Ukraine and Russia!

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.

To view further details or purchase click here.

The Foundation of God’s Authority

04 Tuesday Aug 2026

Posted by Tim K in Psalm 89, Psalms

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

authority, Ethan the Ezrahite, God's Authority, justice, legitimate authority, love, Psalms, Righteousness, the LORD, throne of God

Today’s Devotion from Psalms 365 by David Kitz

Listen to today’s reading by Jonathan Dent:
https://davidkitz.blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/ps-8914-18-mix-5final.mp3

Reading: Psalm 89:14-18 (NIV)*

Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne;
    love and faithfulness go before you.
 Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you,
    who walk in the light of your presence, LORD.
They rejoice in your name all day long;
    they celebrate your righteousness.
For you are their glory and strength,
    and by your favor you exalt our horn.
Indeed, our shield belongs to the LORD,
    our king to the Holy One of Israel.

Reflection

Late one afternoon my wife and I got a call from my son. He found himself in a difficult spot. He and his wife had just bought two swivel chairs. He had wrongly assumed that both would fit into the trunk of his car. Despite his best efforts the second chair would not fit. Could I come, pick up and deliver the second chair to their home?

My wife had a batch of homemade buns rising in the oven, so she was not available. The delivery task fell to me. So off I drove in a torrential downpour through heavy rush-hour traffic to pick up this chair. Did I resent this interruption in my schedule? Did I get all steamed up about the inconvenience? Was I upset that I was a few minutes late for dinner? No. In all seriousness, none of this bothered me because I love my son and his wife. I was glad to help. I even took a minute or two to sit in that comfy chair and appreciate their new purchase. 

Today’s reading from Psalm 89 is all about a chair—a special chair. It’s called the throne of God. Unlike the rollers on the bottom of the chair that my son purchased, this chair has a foundation. It’s immovable. The psalmist makes this statement. Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; love and faithfulness go before you (v.14). 

The throne of God speaks of His authority. God’s authority rests squarely on His righteousness and justice. This has always been so and will be so forever. Righteousness and justice are foundational to all authority. When authorities in this world go astray and engage in unjust and immoral behavior, we find this abhorrent. We question the legitimacy of such authorities. We say they have lost the moral authority to govern.

But God does more than just sit on His throne and govern. He moves out from that throne. Again, the psalmist states, “Love and faithfulness go before you.” God is active in this world. Daily the LORD demonstrates His love and faithfulness to His people and to those who do not call on His name. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous (Matthew 5:45). Furthermore, our heavenly Father is eager to do these things because He loves us.

Response

Heavenly Father, you are good and kind to all. I thank you for your love and faithfulness. Today, I want to walk in the light of your presence, LORD, and rejoice in your name all day long. Amen.

Your Turn

Can you testify that on various occasions God’s love and faithfulness have gone before you? Reflect on those occasions.


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

bgbg_v4.3_1501818
* NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, COPYRIGHT ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 BY BIBLICA

Pray for peace in Israel, Iran and the Middle East
and continue to pray for peace to return to Ukraine and Russia!

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.

The Great Commission

03 Monday Aug 2026

Posted by Victor Uduh in Psalm 89, Psalms

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Biblical Prophecy, Evangelism, Fulfillment Of Prophecy, Go And Make Disciples, gospel, gospel reading, Human Weakness, Jesus, Jesus Before Pilate, Psalms, Sacrificial Love, Spiritual Discernment, Spiritual Readiness, Spread The Gospel, The Empty Tomb, The Passion Of Christ, The Resurrection Of Jesus, The Risen Savior, the will of God, Trust In God's Plan, victory over death

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


Today’s
Reading:
Psalm 89: 5-13(NIV)*

Listen to today’s reading by Jonathan Dent:

https://davidkitz.blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/ps-895-13-mix-3final.mp3

LORD God,
I marvel at your wisdom and power.
But most of all I marvel at your love—
love that encompasses all—even me.
Help me to excel at pleasing you.
Thank you, LORD!
Amen.

   — — — —

 

Gospel Reading:
The Great Commission

Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee,
to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go.
When they saw him, they worshiped him;
but some doubted.
Then Jesus came to them and said,
“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations,
baptizing them in the name of the
Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit
 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.
And surely I am with you always,
to the very end of the age.”

(Matthew 28:16-20).

* * *

This is how we know that we live in him and he in us:
He has given us of his Spirit.

(1 John 4:13 NIV)

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

bgbg_v4.3_1501818
* NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, COPYRIGHT ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 BY BIBLICA

Pray for peace in Israel, Iran and the Middle East
and continue to pray for peace to return
to Ukraine and Russia!

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.

To view further details or purchase click here.

He is Incomparable!

03 Monday Aug 2026

Posted by Tim K in Psalm 89, Psalms

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

awesome, comparison, Ethan the Ezrahite, excel, heavenly host, incomparable, Olympics, Psalms, the LORD

Today’s Devotion from Psalms 365 by David Kitz

Listen to today’s reading by Jonathan Dent:
https://davidkitz.blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/ps-895-13-mix-3final.mp3

Reading: Psalm 89:5-13 (NIV)*

The heavens praise your wonders, LORD,
    your faithfulness too, in the assembly of the holy ones.
For who in the skies above can compare with the L
ORD?
    Who is like the L
ORD among the heavenly beings?
In the council of the holy ones God is greatly feared;
    he is more awesome than all who surround him.
Who is like you, L
ORD God Almighty?
    You, L
ORD, are mighty, and your faithfulness surrounds you.
You rule over the surging sea;
    when its waves mount up, you still them.
You crushed Rahab like one of the slain;
    with your strong arm you scattered your enemies.
The heavens are yours, and yours also the earth;
    you founded the world and all that is in it.
You created the north and the south;
    Tabor and Hermon sing for joy at your name.
Your arm is endowed with power;
    your hand is strong, your right hand exalted.

Reflection

I think we all have memories of past Olympics. We can talk ourselves into believing that golden podium moments will last forever, but they don’t. They are highlights in athletic achievement and well worth celebrating. In some events world records have been set, but in due time those records will be broken. It seems they always are.

How do we determine gold medal performances? By comparison of course. That’s what Olympic competition is all about. The results of a team or athlete are compared with others in their field. Though many compete on the local, national and world stage, only the very best bring home Olympic gold.

That’s how winners are determined on the human level—the world level. But what about the heavenly level—the spiritual level? How are the best and most powerful determined there? In our reading from Psalm 89, the psalmist attempts to come up with an answer.

For who in the skies above can compare with the LORD? Who is like the LORD among the heavenly beings? In the council of the holy ones God is greatly feared; he is more awesome than all who surround him. Who is like you, LORD God Almighty? (v. 6-8a)

The truth is obvious. There is no point in comparison. The LORD God Almighty is incomparable.  He wins every race since He is enthroned beyond time. As the Creator, He is the source—the starting point—of all power in heaven and on earth. His wisdom is beyond the best human mind. In all things He is incomparable!

Response

LORD God, I marvel at your wisdom and power. But most of all I marvel at your love—love that encompasses all—even me. Help me to excel at pleasing you. Thank you, LORD! Amen.

Your Turn

How can we excel in our love and service for God? What motivates you to please your heavenly Father?


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

bgbg_v4.3_1501818
* NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, COPYRIGHT ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 BY BIBLICA

Pray for peace in Israel, Iran and the Middle East
and continue to pray for peace to return to Ukraine and Russia!

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.

A God Abounding in Love and Faithfulness

01 Saturday Aug 2026

Posted by davidkitz in Psalm 86, Psalms

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

compassionate, enemies, faithfulness, Lord God, praise the LORD, Prayer, Psalms, Righteousness, slow to anger, spiritual restoration, trust in God, vine

Listen to Psalm 86:14-17 read by Jonathan Dent

https://davidkitz.blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/ps-8614-17-mix-5final.mp3

Reading: Psalm 86:14-17 (NIV)*

Arrogant foes are attacking me, O God;
ruthless people are trying to kill me—
they have no regard for you.
But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God,
slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.
Turn to me and have mercy on me;
show your strength in behalf of your servant;
save me, because I serve you
just as my mother did.
Give me a sign of your goodness,
that my enemies may see it and be put to shame,
for you, LORD, have helped me and comforted me.

Response

LORD God, I want to see you as you are, full of compassion and grace. Help me to show compassion and mercy to others. I want to meditate on your word so that I can know you as you truly are. Amen.

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

bgbg_v4.3_1501818
* NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, COPYRIGHT ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 BY BIBLICA

Pray for peace in Israel, Iran and the Middle East
and continue to pray for peace to return to Ukraine and Russia!

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.

The photo of Jerusalem on the cover of Psalm 365, Volume II


Take a journey to the cross.


To view further details or purchase click here.


* New International Version, Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica

The Guards’ Report

31 Friday Jul 2026

Posted by Victor Uduh in Psalm 89, Psalms

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Biblical Prophecy, Faith Under Trial, Fulfillment Of Prophecy, gospel, gospel reading, Human Weakness, Jesus, Jesus Before Pilate, Psalms, Sacrificial Love, Spiritual Discernment, Spiritual Readiness, The Empty Tomb, The Passion Of Christ, The Resurrection Of Jesus, The Risen Savior, The Road To Resurrection, the will of God, Trust In God's Plan, victory over death

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


Today’s
Reading:
Psalm 89: 1-4(NIV)*

Listen to today’s reading by Jonathan Dent:

https://davidkitz.blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/ps-891-4-mix-1final.mp3

LORD God,
I am so glad that I’m your child forever.
You have loved me and welcomed me into your family.
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you!
Amen.

   — — — —

Gospel Reading:
The Guards’ Report

While the women were on their way,
some of the guards went into the city
and reported to the chief priests everything that had happened.
When the chief priests had met with the elders and devised a plan,
they gave the soldiers a large sum of money,
 telling them, “You are to say,
‘His disciples came during the night and stole him away while we were asleep.’
If this report gets to the governor,
we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.”
So the soldiers took the money and did as they were instructed.
And this story has been widely circulated among the Jews to this very day.
(Matthew 28:11-15).

* * *

The one who keeps God’s commands lives in him, and he in them.
And this is how we know that he lives in us:
We know it by the Spirit he gave us.

(1 John 3:24 NIV)

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

bgbg_v4.3_1501818
* NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, COPYRIGHT ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 BY BIBLICA

Pray for peace in Israel, Iran and the Middle East
and continue to pray for peace to return
to Ukraine and Russia!

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.

To view further details or purchase click here.

Great Love Forever

31 Friday Jul 2026

Posted by Tim K in Psalm 89, Psalms

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

baby, child, Ethan the Ezrahite, love forever, parental love, Psalms, Robert Munsch, stillborn, the LORD

Today’s Devotion from Psalms 365 by David Kitz

Listen to today’s reading by Jonathan Dent:
https://davidkitz.blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/ps-891-4-mix-1final.mp3

Reading: Psalm 89:1-4 (NIV)*

I will sing of the LORD’s great love forever;
    with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known
    through all generations.
I will declare that your love stands firm forever,
    that you have established your faithfulness in heaven itself.
You said, “I have made a covenant with my chosen one,
    I have sworn to David my servant,
‘I will establish your line forever
    and make your throne firm through all generations.’”

Reflection

The opening stanzas of Psalm 89 remind me of a little rhyme found in a children’s book. It goes like this:

“I’ll love you forever,
I’ll like you for always,
as long as I’m living
my baby you’ll be.”
 

The lines of that little song were first sung by Robert Munsch as he held his stillborn baby in his arms. Imagine the grief he felt when for a second time his wife gave birth to another stillborn child. Again, he took that little baby in his arms, and he rocked it back and forth and sang,

“I’ll love you forever,
I’ll like you for always,
as long as I’m living
my baby you’ll be.”

The bestselling children’s book Love You Forever was birthed from that heart-wrenching experience. If you are a parent or a grandparent, this little picture book should come with a warning label: Impossible to read without tearing up.

There’s an element of forever in the bond between a parent and a child. I am a father forever to my two sons, Timothy, and Joshua. My love for those two boys hasn’t diminished as they have grown into young men. Though they have moved out of our home, they will be forever loved, and we will be forever linked by love and faithfulness. God’s love for us is that kind of love. It’s a forever love just as the psalmist declares. I will sing of the LORD’s great love forever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations (v. 1). 

Love and faithfulness are what marriage is all about. It’s one of those forever things along with parenthood. When God is at the center, these relationships last forever because they don’t end at the grave. I’m so glad we have the promise that they will continue on.

Response

LORD God, I am so glad that I’m your child forever. You have loved me and welcomed me into your family. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you! Amen.

Your Turn

Will you sing of the LORD’s great love forever? Now is a great time to get started.


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

bgbg_v4.3_1501818
* NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, COPYRIGHT ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 BY BIBLICA

Pray for peace in Israel, Iran and the Middle East
and continue to pray for peace to return to Ukraine and Russia!

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.

Jesus Has Risen

30 Thursday Jul 2026

Posted by Victor Uduh in Psalm 88, Psalms

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Biblical Prophecy, Faith Under Trial, Fulfillment Of Prophecy, gospel, gospel reading, Human Weakness, Jesus, Jesus Before Pilate, Psalms, Sacrificial Love, Spiritual Discernment, Spiritual Readiness, The Empty Tomb, The Passion Of Christ, The Resurrection Of Jesus, The Risen Savior, The Road To Resurrection, the will of God, Trust In God's Plan, victory over death

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


Today’s
Reading:
Psalm 88: 9-18(NIV)*

Listen to today’s reading by Jonathan Dent:

https://davidkitz.blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/ps-889-18-mix-3final.mp3

LORD God,
when I am down,
I cry to you for help.
You are my hope when all hope is gone.
Come to me in the dark times of my life.
At such times I need you the most.
Amen.

   — — — —

 

Gospel Reading:
Jesus Has Risen

After the Sabbath,
at dawn on the first day of the week,
Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.

There was a violent earthquake,
for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and,
going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it.
His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow.
The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.

The angel said to the women,
“Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified.
He is not here; he has risen, just as he said.
Come and see the place where he lay.
Then go quickly and tell his disciples:
‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee.
There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.”

So the women hurried away from the tomb,
afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples.
 
Suddenly Jesus met them. “Greetings,” he said.
They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him.
 
Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid.
Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”
(Matthew 28:1-10).

* * *

The one who keeps God’s commands lives in him, and he in them.
And this is how we know that he lives in us:
We know it by the Spirit he gave us.

(1 John 3:24 NIV)

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

bgbg_v4.3_1501818
* NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, COPYRIGHT ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 BY BIBLICA

Pray for peace in Israel, Iran and the Middle East
and continue to pray for peace to return
to Ukraine and Russia!

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.

To view further details or purchase click here.

The Darkest of All Psalms

30 Thursday Jul 2026

Posted by Tim K in Psalm 88, Psalms

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

cry for help, dark times, darkness, Prayer, Psalms, sons of Korah, the LORD, tragedy

Today’s Devotion from Psalms 365 by David Kitz

Listen to today’s reading by Jonathan Dent:
https://davidkitz.blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/ps-889-18-mix-1final.mp3

Reading: Psalm 88:9-18 (NIV)*

I call to you, LORD, every day;
    I spread out my hands to you.
Do you show your wonders to the dead?
    Do their spirits rise up and praise you?
Is your love declared in the grave,
    your faithfulness in Destruction?
Are your wonders known in the place of darkness,
    or your righteous deeds in the land of oblivion?
But I cry to you for help, LORD;
    in the morning my prayer comes before you.
Why, L
ORD, do you reject me and hide your face from me?
From my youth I have suffered and been close to death;
    I have borne your terrors and am in despair.
Your wrath has swept over me;
    your terrors have destroyed me.
All day long they surround me like a flood;
    they have completely engulfed me.
You have taken from me friend and neighbor—
    darkness is my closest friend
.

Reflection

Psalm 88 is the darkest of all the psalms. Many of the psalms are bright and cheery, filled with joy and praise. If I were to assign a color to them, I would paint them bright yellow, dappled with hues of orange and red. On the other hand, Psalm 88 draws from a much darker palette of black, grey, and brown. This psalm is colored by loss, rejection, and sorrow.

Many psalms spring from a place of grief, trouble, and distress. This is only fitting since every life has such moments. Usually, the psalmist pours out his troubles and his complaint before God, but he ends on a positive note—a note of hope. But Psalm 88 does not follow this pattern. It ends on a downer. You have taken from me friend and neighbor—darkness is my closest friend (v. 18).

What are we to make of this ending? The sad reality is that not every book has a happy ending. Not every personal story has the Hollywood ending that we would like. Tragedy is real. Tragedy can strike anyone. We can live in a pretend world that says it isn’t so, but we are fooling only ourselves. This psalm adds a dark note of real-life integrity to the Book of Psalms.

But in the middle of it all—in the middle of his dark night of the soul—the psalmist takes his stand. But I cry to you for help, LORD; in the morning my prayer comes before you (v. 13).

Sometimes we don’t have answers. Sometimes all we have is prayer.

Response

LORD God, when I am down, I cry to you for help. You are my hope when all hope is gone. Come to me in the dark times of my life. At such times I need you the most. Amen.

Your Turn

Are you going through a dark time? How can you find help in prayer?


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