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I love the Psalms

~ Connecting daily with God through the Psalms

I love the Psalms

Tag Archives: Psalms

Loving the LORD & Hating Evil

02 Wednesday Sep 2026

Posted by Tim K in Psalm 97, Psalms

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

grace, hate, hate sin, hating evil, love, love others, loving God, Psalms, the LORD, the righteous

Today’s Devotion from Psalms 365 by David Kitz

Listen to today’s reading by Jonathan Dent:
https://davidkitz.blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/ps-978-12-mix-2final1.mp3

Reading: Psalm 97:8-12 (NIV)*

Zion hears and rejoices
    and the villages of Judah are glad
    because of your judgments, LORD.
For you, LORD, are the Most High over all the earth;
    you are exalted far above all gods.
Let those who love the LORD hate evil,
    for he guards the lives of his faithful ones
    and delivers them from the hand of the wicked.
Light shines on the righteous
    and joy on the upright in heart.
Rejoice in the LORD, you who are righteous,
    and praise his holy name
.

Reflection

Love and hate are two extremes—two opposites. Almost always we see love as a good thing, something to be encouraged or applauded, while hate is regarded as a universally negative emotion. But is this a correct view of love and hate?    

The addict may love his crack cocaine pipe, but is that a good or wholesome kind of love? Strange as it may seem, the battered wife may love her abusive husband and yet feel locked into that relationship despite its toxic or even deadly consequences. Is that a healthy kind of love? Of course not, but the addict and the abused partner both use the term love when they describe the object of their affection.

Similarly hate—that polar opposite emotion—is universally viewed as negative. Is it wrong to hate injustice, murder, or pedophilia? Of course not. Hate is the right emotional response when we see these things taking place. The devastating consequences of sin and criminal wrongdoing are repulsive. Seeing such harmful conduct should prompt us to hate those actions.

In today’s reading from Psalm 97, we see a different perspective on love and hate. Let those who love the LORD hate evil, for he guards the lives of his faithful ones and delivers them from the hand of the wicked (v. 10).

Are you loving God and hating evil? All too often we see there are those in this world who love evil and hate God. Why do they hate God? Could it be because the LORD expects—no requires—better from them, and they thinking they know better, have gone their own selfish way?

Note that we are commanded to hate evil. We are not commanded to hate evildoers. God in His great mercy may yet redeem the evildoer. It is by God’s grace that we ourselves are not caught up in evil, so wisdom urges us not to be haughty. We do well to focus on loving the LORD. We can draw encouragement from these words: Light shines on the righteous and joy on the upright in heart (v. 11).

Response

LORD God, teach me to identify and hate evil when I see it. I want your light to shine on me, so I can walk the path you have set out for me. Let my love for you and others grow day by day. Amen.

Your Turn

Are you loving the LORD and hating evil? How can you learn to hate the sin, but not the sinner?


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 Calms the Storm

01 Tuesday Sep 2026

Posted by Victor Uduh in Psalm 97, Psalms

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Authority Of Jesus, Bible Scripture, Bible Teaching, Biblical Prophecy, Biblical Wisdom, Christian faith, Faith Over Fear, Faith That Grows, gospel, Gospel Of Mark, gospel reading, Jesus, Jesus Christ, Kingdom of God, Peace In The Storm, Power Of Jesus, Psalms, Son of God, Spiritual Discernment, Spiritual Light, Spiritual Readiness, Spread The Gospel, Teachings Of Jesus

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


Today’s
Reading:
Psalm 97: 1-7(NIV)*

Listen to today’s reading by Jonathan Dent:

https://davidkitz.blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/ps-971-7-mix-2final1.mp3

LORD God,
it is my prayer
that all people will see your glory
and bow before you,
the magnificent King of Righteousness.
Extend your reign I pray.
Let the distant shores rejoice because you reign.
Amen.

   — — — —

 

Gospel Reading:
Jesus Calms the Storm

That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, 
“Let us go over to the other side.”

 Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along,
just as he was, in the boat. 
There were also other boats with him.
 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.

 He said to his disciples,
 “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”

They were terrified and asked each other,
“Who is this?
Even the wind and the waves obey him!”
(Mark 4:35-41).

* * *

God sent his Son to be the Savior of the world.
We saw his son and are now telling others about him.

(1 John 4:14 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 Earth Can Be Glad

01 Tuesday Sep 2026

Posted by Tim K in Psalm 97, Psalms

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

despots, God reigns, justice, king, plunder, Psalms, reigns, the LORD, the LORD reigns, throne

Today’s Devotion from Psalms 365 by David Kitz

Listen to today’s reading by Jonathan Dent:
https://davidkitz.blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/ps-971-7-mix-2final1.mp3

Reading: Psalm 97:1-7 (NIV)*

The LORD reigns, let the earth be glad;
    let the distant shores rejoice.
Clouds and thick darkness surround him;
    righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.
Fire goes before him
    and consumes his foes on every side.
His lightning lights up the world;
    the earth sees and trembles.
The mountains melt like wax before the L
ORD,
    before the Lord of all the earth.
The heavens proclaim his righteousness,
    and all peoples see his glory.
All who worship images are put to shame,
    those who boast in idols—
    worship him, all you gods!


Reflection

Who is in charge here? In any situation, that’s a legitimate question. There are always a variety of authorities in any given situation. A while back, I watched Prince William and his family get off a plane in Victoria, BC. On the tarmac the royal family was first greeted by the Governor General, then by the Prime Minister of Canada, then the Lieutenant Governor of the province and finally, the Premier of the province. They were all lined up according to proper protocol. Yes, there are a variety of authorities all deserving respect. But this question remains. Who is in charge here?  

The authorities of this world have jurisdiction over a certain geographic area or realm. Some authorities govern well and others rule as despots who plunder the wealth of the nation. But Psalm 97 reminds us there is one great authority who rules overall. The LORD reigns, let the earth be glad; let the distant shores rejoice (v. 1).

The earth can be glad, and the distant shores can rejoice because this King, this heaven-dwelling authority rules well. He does not plunder His faithful people and bring them to ruin. He reigns supreme from on high. Clouds and thick darkness surround him; righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne (v. 2).

We can rest assured the LORD will do what is right. He is allied with goodness, mercy, and truth. That’s why justice is the foundation of His throne. We should not fear His judgments because they are right and good. Yes, the authors of evil should be afraid, but if we have done right, we can count on the LORD as our defender. Now here is a proclamation we all should heed. The heavens proclaim his righteousness and all peoples see his glory (v. 6).

Response

LORD God, it is my prayer that all people will see your glory and bow before you, the magnificent King of Righteousness. Extend your reign I pray. Let the distant shores rejoice because you reign. Amen.

Your Turn

Is the Lord Jesus reigning over you and your home? Who has jurisdiction there?


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 Parable of the Mustard Seed

31 Monday Aug 2026

Posted by Victor Uduh in Psalm 96, Psalms

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Authority Of Jesus, Bible Scripture, Bible Teaching, Biblical Prophecy, Biblical Wisdom, Christian faith, Faith That Grows, gospel, Gospel Of Mark, gospel reading, Jesus, Jesus Christ, Kingdom of God, Parables Of Jesus, Psalms, Son of God, Spiritual Discernment, Spiritual Light, Spiritual Readiness, Spread The Gospel, Teachings Of Jesus, with such big branches that the birds can perch in its shade.” — Mark 4:32 (NIV)

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


Today’s
Reading:
Psalm 96: 7-13(NIV)*

Listen to today’s reading by Jonathan Dent:

https://davidkitz.blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/ps-967-13-mix-2final.mp3

LORD,
I want to see your glory and strength.
I acknowledge your attributes.
You are holy, merciful, and just.
Thank you for your righteous judgments.
Help me see the good in others.
Amen.

   — — — —

Gospel Reading:
The Parable of the Mustard Seed

Again he said,
“What shall we say the kingdom of God is like,
or what parable shall we use to describe it?
It is like a mustard seed,
which is the smallest of all seeds on earth.
 Yet when planted,
it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants,
with such big branches that the birds can perch in its shade.”

With many similar parables Jesus spoke the word to them,
as much as they could understand.
He did not say anything to them without using a parable.
But when he was alone with his own disciples,
he explained everything.
(Mark 4:30-34).

* * *

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.

Busy Ascribing

31 Monday Aug 2026

Posted by Tim K in Psalm 96, Psalms

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

affirm, ascribe, holy, just, merciful, praise, Psalms, the LORD, the LORD reigns, worship, worthy of praise

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-967-13-mix-2final.mp3

Reading: Psalm 96:7-13 (NIV)*

Ascribe to the LORD, all you families of nations,
    ascribe to the L
ORD glory and strength.
Ascribe to the L
ORD the glory due his name;
    bring an offering and come into his courts.


Worship the L
ORD in the splendor of his holiness;
    tremble before him, all the earth.
Say among the nations, “The L
ORD reigns.”
    The world is firmly established, it cannot be moved;
    he will judge the peoples with equity.
Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad;
    let the sea resound, and all that is in it.
Let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them;
    let all the trees of the forest sing for joy.
 Let all creation rejoice before the LORD, for he comes,
    he comes to judge the earth.
He will judge the world in righteousness
    and the peoples in his faithfulness.

Reflection

When I think of the word, ascribe, I immediately picture a long, grey-bearded man with a quill pen in his hand scratching words onto a scroll. That’s a scribe. I suppose this scribe could be busy ascribing. I wonder just what he could be ascribing? Well, according to the author of Psalm 96 my imaginary scribe could be ascribing glory and strength to the LORD.

In all seriousness ascribing means crediting or attributing certain character qualities to a person. The LORD certainly is strong and glorious. Along with those attributes, we could also add the words loving, faithful, merciful, just, and holy. The LORD is all those things and more. For all these character qualities the LORD is worthy of praise.

Sometimes I don’t see something until it smacks me in the face. I can be blind to that missing shirt hanging in the closet or across the back of a chair. It takes someone else, usually my wife, to point out what should be plainly obvious. In the same way I can be blind to the kind gestures of a friend or colleague. It takes someone else to point them out—to ascribe them—by drawing my attention to them.

Are you missing something? Have you become blind to the beautiful character qualities of your spouse, your children, or your workmates? Maybe you need to do some ascribing? Before it’s too late, let them know the good qualities you see in their lives. You won’t regret speaking words of affirmation to the ones you love. As for the LORD, He will be honored if we carry through with the words of the psalmist: Worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness; tremble before him, all the earth. Say among the nations, “The LORD reigns” (v. 9-10a).

Response

LORD, I want to see your glory and strength. I acknowledge your attributes. You are holy, merciful, and just. Thank you for your righteous judgments. Help me see the good in others. Amen.

Your Turn

Is there someone whose actions or good character you need to ascribe or affirm? Take time to affirm them 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 Mountain Peaks Belong to Him

29 Saturday Aug 2026

Posted by davidkitz in Psalm 95, Psalms

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

Lord God, majesty of God, mountain peaks, music, praise the LORD, Prayer, Psalms, salvation, song, the LORD, the sea, trust in God, worship

Today’s Devotion from Psalms 365 by David Kitz

Listen to Psalm 95:1-7 read by Jonathan Dent.

https://davidkitz.blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/ps-951-7-mix-1final.mp3

Reading: Psalm 95:1-7 (NIV)*

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.
Come, let us bow down in worship,
let us kneel before the LORD our Maker;
for he is our God
and we are the people of his pasture,
the flock under his care
.

The “Three Sisters” mountain peaks in the Canadian Rockies — photo by David Kitz

Response

LORD God, you know all things. We were created for your purpose. Help us to live our lives in service to you. We are the flock under your care. Please extend your hand of mercy and blessing to those we know who are suffering or grieving. 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 Parable of the Growing Seed

28 Friday Aug 2026

Posted by Victor Uduh in Psalm 96, Psalms

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Authority Of Jesus, Bible Scripture, Bible Teaching, Biblical Prophecy, Biblical Wisdom, Christian faith, gospel, Gospel Of Mark, gospel reading, Jesus, Jesus Christ, Kingdom of God, Parables Of Jesus, Psalms, Son of God, Spiritual Discernment, Spiritual Light, Spiritual Readiness, Spread The Gospel, Teachings Of Jesus

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


Today’s
Reading:
Psalm 96: 1-6(NIV)*

Listen to today’s reading by Jonathan Dent:

https://davidkitz.blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/ps-961-6-mix-2final1.mp3

LORD God,
I want to praise you.
Give me news songs and new melodies to sing your praise.
Your goodness and love abound.
Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise
.
Amen.

   — — — —

Gospel Reading:
The Parable of the Growing Seed

He also said,
“This is what the kingdom of God is like. 
A man scatters seed on the ground.

Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up,
the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how.

All by itself the soil produces grain—
first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head.

As soon as the grain is ripe,
he puts the sickle to it,
because the harvest has come.”
(Mark 4:26-29).

* * *

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.

 Renewal to Our Worship

28 Friday Aug 2026

Posted by Tim K in Psalms, Psalm 96

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

music, Psalms, renewal, sing, sing a new song, the LORD, worship

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-961-6-mix-2final1.mp3

Reading: Psalm 96:1-6 (NIV)*

Sing to the LORD a new song;
    sing to the L
ORD, all the earth.
Sing to the L
ORD, praise his name;
    proclaim his salvation day after day.
Declare his glory among the nations,
    his marvelous deeds among all peoples.
For great is the LORD and most worthy of praise;
    he is to be feared above all gods.
For all the gods of the nations are idols,
    but the LORD made the heavens.
Splendor and majesty are before him;
    strength and glory are in his sanctuary.

Reflection

Who are you singing to? Let’s face it; most of us sing. We may not sing in a choir or in front of a crowd of thousands, but we sing. Maybe you sing in the shower. Maybe you just hum, whistle or sing a tune in your mind. Even though you may not fully vocalize your song, the music is still there bubbling beneath the surface.

Psalm 96 urges us to sing that song to the LORD. Sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth. Sing to the LORD, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day (v. 1-2).

Johnathan Higdon (freepngimg.com)

I believe it’s in our nature to sing. Music is after all a universal activity enjoyed by people of every race and culture. This universality begs a question: Who put that love for music and song within us?

For believers the answer is obvious. God put music in our hearts and God puts songs on our lips. We sing because we are and because God is. Music is so foundational—so fundamental to our being—it’s hard to imagine our world without it. When we break forth in song, we are doing what God designed us to do. You were designed to sing, just as you were designed to bring glory to God through the work of your hands or the fruit of your body. So let your voice bring honor, praise, and glory to God. Sing out your worship with joy.

Psalm 96 is also a call for newness in worship. Why does God want a new song? Could it be because His mercy and love for us are continually renewed? Amid national tragedy, Jeremiah reminded us of this truth. Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness (Lamentations 3:22-23).

Just as the changing seasons bring renewal to the earth and its vegetation, so too new songs of praise bring renewal to our worship. So, whether you hum, whistle, or belt out songs in the choir, let your song ascend to the LORD. You are singing for Him and to Him.

Response

LORD God, I want to praise you. Give me news songs and new melodies to sing your praise. Your goodness and love abound. Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise. Amen.

Your Turn

Do you enjoy singing? Do you like both old and new worship songs?


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 Lamp on a Stand

27 Thursday Aug 2026

Posted by Victor Uduh in Psalm 95, Psalms

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

Authority Of Jesus, Bible Scripture, Bible Teaching, Biblical Prophecy, Biblical Wisdom, Christian faith, gospel, Gospel Of Mark, gospel reading, Jesus, Jesus Christ, Kingdom of God, Parables Of Jesus, Psalms, Son of God, Spiritual Discernment, Spiritual Light, Spiritual Readiness, Spread The Gospel, Teachings Of Jesus

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


Today’s
Reading:
Psalm 95: 7-11(NIV)*

Listen to today’s reading by Jonathan Dent:

https://davidkitz.blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/ps-957-11-mix-5final.mp3

LORD, give me ears that hear your voice
gently speaking to me.
Give me a heart that is quick to obey.
I want a tender heart
that reflects your love for me and for others.
I pray in Jesus’ name
.
Amen.

   — — — —

Gospel Reading:
A Lamp on a Stand

He said to them,
 “Do you bring in a lamp to put it under a bowl or a bed?
Instead, don’t you put it on its stand?
 For whatever is hidden is meant to be disclosed,
and whatever is concealed is meant to be brought out into the open.

 If anyone has ears to hear, let them hear.”

 “Consider carefully what you hear,” he continued. 
“With the measure you use,
it will be measured to you—and even more.
 Whoever has will be given more;
whoever does not have,
even what they have will be taken from them.”
(Mark 4:21-25).

* * *

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.

Hard Hearts

27 Thursday Aug 2026

Posted by Tim K in Psalm 95, Psalms

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Egypt, hard heart, hardening of the heart, Israelites, Pharoah, Psalms, tender heart, the LORD, voice 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-957-11-mix-5final.mp3

Reading: Psalm 95:7-11 (NIV)*

Today, if only you would hear his voice,
“Do not harden your hearts as you did at Meribah,
    as you did that day at Massah in the wilderness,
 where your ancestors tested me;
    they tried me, though they had seen what I did.
For forty years I was angry with that generation;
    I said, ‘They are a people whose hearts go astray,
    and they have not known my ways.’
 So I declared on oath in my anger,
  ‘They shall never enter my rest’”
.

Reflection

Long before we knew about the medical condition known as hardening of the arteries, there existed another condition called hardening of the heart. Hardening of the heart is not a deadly medical condition; it’s a deadly spiritual condition. Those who suffer from hardening of the heart have a hard time hearing God, and when they do hear God, they tend to stop their ears, or they do their best to pretend that God hasn’t spoken. 

Although we can safely say that this condition has existed since the human species stepped out of Eden, the first reported case of hardening of the heart occurred about 3,500 years ago. In the book of Exodus we read that Pharaoh developed a severe case of hardening of the heart. But when Pharaoh saw that there was relief, he hardened his heart and would not listen to Moses and Aaron, just as the LORD had said (Exodus 8:15).

Time and again as the ten plagues ravaged Egypt, we read that Pharaoh hardened his heart and he would not let the people of Israel go. In several instances we read that the LORD hardened Pharaoh’s heart. But let’s be clear about this condition. Heart hardening only happens with the willing participation of the individual. Don’t go about blaming God for your hard heart. Hearts harden due to our willful disregard of God’s Spirit and His laws.

Neither should we presume that heart hardening only happens with a certain type of person. We are all prone to develop this spiritual malady. Our ancestry or genetic makeup offers no protection. The Egyptian Pharaoh developed a heart, but ultimately the Israelites—the people that the LORD pried free from Pharaoh also developed the same condition. That’s why the psalmist issues this warning: Today, if only you would hear his voice, “Do not harden your hearts as you did at Meribah, as you did that day at Massah in the wilderness,  where your ancestors tested me; they tried me, though they had seen what I did” (v. 7b-9).

Response

LORD, give me ears that hear your voice gently speaking to me. Give me a heart that is quick to obey. I want a tender heart that reflects your love for me and for others. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Your Turn

Does a hard heart toward others result in a hard heart toward God? What are your thoughts?


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