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I love the Psalms

~ Connecting daily with God through the Psalms

I love the Psalms

Tag Archives: salvation

A Devotional Journey through the Epistle of James

25 Sunday Oct 2026

Posted by davidkitz in James

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Christ, Christian faith, epistle of James, God's commands, gospel message, grace and truth, James, Jesus, salvation, Savior, Scripture, the message, the word

Day 13: Freedom under the Law

But you must never stop looking at the perfect law that sets you free.
God will bless you in everything you do,
if you listen and obey, and don’t just hear and forget.

(James 1:25, CEV)

Reflection

In my discussion of James 1:18, I stated that, “Jesus didn’t just proclaim the message of salvation. He is the message of salvation.” (See Day 10.)

In his Gospel, John verifies this perspective when he writes:

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John 1:14, NIV)

The message—the gospel message—is personified in Jesus. It logically follows that when James commands us to “Obey God’s message!” he is also commanding us to “Obey Jesus!” Paul also reminds us of this truth when he writes, “in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form.” (Colossians 2:9, NIV). So, it logically follows that obedience to the message is obedience to Christ.

 

As followers of Christ, how does Jesus view our relationship with him? In his own words Jesus answers this question in one of the last conversations he had with his disciples. (See John 14:15-21.)

Jesus begins this intimate discussion with these words, “If you love me, keep my commands.” (John 14:15, NIV).

There are two central truths about the Christian faith that are evident from this brief verse. First, Jesus expects—no requires that we love him. Love is both an emotion and a motivator. Love is not simply a feeling. Love is an emotion that puts us into motion. True love is not passive. It’s active.

This brings us to the second point. Love is demonstrative. Jesus demonstrated his love for us by suffering and dying for us on the cross. In turn, how do we demonstrate our love for Jesus? We show our love by keeping his commands. This means we need to know his commands.

And where do we find his commands? We find his commands in the message—the Scriptures—the living Word of God. When we love the Word, we are loving Jesus, and when we obey the Word we are obeying Jesus.

Let’s become genuine lovers of Jesus. (See Peter’s restoration, John 21:15-19, CEV.)

Response

Lord God, I want to obey your message. Lord Jesus, I love you. Thank you for first loving me. Help me to practically demonstrate my love for you through the way I live, through my words and deeds. I want to apply your Word to my life and so become a doer of the Word. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen. 

New from David Kitz.

To view further details or purchase click here.

A Devotional Journey through the Epistle of James

18 Sunday Oct 2026

Posted by davidkitz in James

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

epistle of James, evil, humble, humility, immoral, James, Jesus, pride, Pride and Humility, redemption, salvation, Savior, the message

Day 12: Humility and the Message Planted in You

You must stop doing anything immoral or evil.
Instead be humble
and accept the message planted in you to save you.

(James 1:21, CEV)

Reflection

Humility. Who needs it?

Humility is a much-overlooked character quality. But then, that’s rather unsurprising. Afterall, humility doesn’t announce its presence with loud shouts, a red carpet, or a trumpet fanfare. But here in today’s reading from the Epistle of James, we have humility playing the central role—a pivotal role.

Humility changes everything.

Change in the human condition cannot happen—will not happen without humility. Humility is the precondition for personal change. Furthermore, today’s verse is all about change:  

You must stop doing anything immoral or evil. Instead be humble and accept the message planted in you to save you (James 1:21, CEV).

We have no trouble in agreeing with the first part of this verse. You must stop doing anything immoral or evil. We can all see that evil and immorality are rampant in the world. It’s all around us, in our newsfeeds, in the breakdown of societal norms, in harmful addictions, in crime and corruption. We have no problem identifying the problem. We are steeped in it.

We see the immorality and evil in others. But do we see it in ourselves? Far too often the words of Jesus apply to us. “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?” (Matthew 7:3, NIV)

That’s where self-reflection and humility enter the picture. We only see our faults, imperfections, and misdeeds when we humble ourselves. Pride blinds us to our sins and shortcomings.

What can save us from our blind and wretched condition?

James 1:21 clearly tells us that the message is planted in you to save you. Jesus is the message of salvation. He is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6). Jesus lived a sinless life and suffered in our stead to purchase our redemption.

Today will you receive the message—the gospel message? Will you let it grow within you? That will take humility. It means admitting your failures and your needy condition.

Who needs humility? I do.

Response

Lord God, forgive my pride. I humble myself before you. Thank you for sending Jesus. I need his help. Lord Jesus, I receive you as my Savior. Plant your word—your message within me. Help me to grow daily in my knowledge and love for you. I thank you for your amazing grace and love for me. Amen.

New from David Kitz.

To view further details or purchase click here.

Lest We Forget

09 Friday Oct 2026

Posted by Tim K in Psalm 106, Psalms

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Aaron, Day 251, idol, Moses, Psalms, redeemed, remembrance, salvation, the LORD

Today’s Devotion from Psalms 365 by David Kitz

Listen to today’s reading:
https://davidkitz.blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/ps-10616-27-mix-1final1.mp3

Reading: Psalm 106:16-27 (NIV)*

In the camp they grew envious of Moses
    and of Aaron, who was consecrated to the L
ORD.
The earth opened up and swallowed Dathan;
    it buried the company of Abiram.
Fire blazed among their followers; a flame consumed the wicked.
At Horeb they made a calf and worshiped an idol cast from metal.
They exchanged their glorious God
    for an image of a bull, which eats grass.
They forgot the God who saved them,
    who had done great things in Egypt,
miracles in the land of Ham and awesome deeds by the Red Sea.
So he said he would destroy them—
    had not Moses, his chosen one,
stood in the breach before him
    to keep his wrath from destroying them.
Then they despised the pleasant land;
    they did not believe his promise.
They grumbled in their tents and did not obey the LORD.
So he swore to them with uplifted hand
    that he would make them fall in the wilderness,
make their descendants fall among the nations
    and scatter them throughout the lands
.

Reflection

Annually we pause to commemorate Veterans Day in United States, or Remembrance Day as it is known in Canada. That day was chosen to honor and remember our fallen soldiers because November 11, 1918, marked the end of the First World War. It is fitting that we remember those who sacrificed their lives in the defense of their country and its way of life. To forget them would be a disgrace to them and to the nation. We owe our liberty to these brave men and women. Lest we forget is the oft repeated motto of this day of solemn remembrance.

Today’s reading from Psalm 106 highlights the importance of a nation’s collective memory. Israel was redeemed and set free from slavery in Egypt by the miracle working power of God, yet in a few short years they forgot, or chose to ignore the LORD who rescued them. They forgot the God who saved them, who had done great things in Egypt, miracles in the land of Ham and awesome deeds by the Red Sea (v. 21-22).

There are serious consequences for the nation that forgets or turns its back on the God who called its people out of darkness. The same is true on a personal level. We need to routinely remind ourselves that Jesus paid the ultimate price to redeem us and make us his very own.

Response

Father God, I thank you for my personal redemption. Lead me in the right path for my life. Guide our nation. May there be a collective turning to you in repentance and faith. Amen.

Your Turn

Is there such a thing as national redemption or salvation, or is it always personal? How do you mark or remember your salvation?


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!

People have been praying and praising God using the Psalms for millenia. For those who love God’s word, this three-book series is an ideal way to daily meet with the Lord.

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.


Bad News to Good

02 Friday Oct 2026

Posted by Tim K in Psalm 105, Psalms

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

bad news, blessings, Day 246,, give thanks, good news, Joseph, nation, praise, Psalms, redemptive God, salvation, slave, the LORD

Today’s Devotion from Psalms 365 by David Kitz

Listen to today’s reading:
https://davidkitz.blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/ps-10516-22-mix-2final.mp3

Reading: Psalm 105:16-22 (NIV)*

He called down famine on the land
    and destroyed all their supplies of food;
and he sent a man before them—
    Joseph, sold as a slave.
They bruised his feet with shackles,
    his neck was put in irons,
till what he foretold came to pass,
    till the word of the LORD proved him true.
The king sent and released him,
    the ruler of peoples set him free.
He made him master of his household,
    ruler over all he possessed,
to instruct his princes as he pleased
    and teach his elders wisdom.

Reflection

Here is a question for you. Is bad news always bad news, or is it good news in disguise?

Sometimes what initially appears to be a very bad change of circumstances can over time turn out for the better. The story of the patriarch, Joseph, illustrates this truth perfectly. No one would be foolish enough to call Joseph’s betrayal by his brothers a good news event. Being sold as a foreign slave in Egypt was in many respects a death sentence. How could something good or meaningful come from the life of an obscure young slave? 

But that obscure young slave rose above his circumstances and changed the course of nations. His faith and actions more than three millennia ago still have ramifications for us today. How would Egypt have survived seven years of famine without the foresight and wisdom of Joseph? Would there be a Jewish nation today without the guiding hand of Joseph, who was strategically positioned at such a critical time in history?

What began as a bad news story, turned into the salvation of a nation. Joseph told his brothers, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives” (Genesis 50:20).

Sometimes I wonder what thoughts, hopes and dreams sustained Joseph during his darkest hours. God most certainly was with him. He did not go down to Egypt alone. When we receive bad news, is it always genuinely bad? If God is with us in the hard times, great good may yet come from our most negative experiences. He is a redemptive God who turns darkness to light, mourning to gladness, and curses into blessings. Surely, this is why Paul admonishes us with these words: give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

Response

Father God, when bad news comes give me a thankful heart and a right perspective. Your ways are higher than mine. You know the end before the beginning starts. I choose to trust you. Amen.

Your Turn

Over time has the Lord turned bad news to good news for you? How did that make you feel?


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!

People have been praying and praising God using the Psalms for millenia. For those who love God’s word, this three-book series is an ideal way to daily meet with the Lord.

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.


Break Forth with a New Song

03 Thursday Sep 2026

Posted by Tim K in Psalm 98, Psalms

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Babylon, Christ, death, Egypt, music, Psalms, salvation, shout for joy, sing a new song, spiritual enemies, surrender, 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/2026/09/ps-981-6-mix-2final-1.mp3

Reading: Psalm 98:1-6 (NIV)*

Sing to the LORD a new song,
    for he has done marvelous things;
his right hand and his holy arm
    have worked salvation for him.
The L
ORD has made his salvation known
    and revealed his righteousness to the nations.
He has remembered his love
    and his faithfulness to Israel;
all the ends of the earth have seen
    the salvation of our God.
Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth,
    burst into jubilant song with music;
 make music to the LORD with the harp,
    with the harp and the sound of singing,
with trumpets and the blast of the ram’s horn—
    shout for joy before the LORD, the King
.

Reflection

Once again in Psalm 98 the psalmist calls us to break forth with a new song of praise to our God. This call to worship is a frequent theme in many psalms. In this case the cause for worship is well worth noting. We are to worship in music and song because of the salvation of our God. The LORD has made his salvation known and revealed his righteousness to the nations. He has remembered his love and his faithfulness to Israel; all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God (v. 2-3).

To some extent these words trouble me. What salvation is the psalmist talking about? Is he referring to the miraculous redemption and rescue of Israel from slavery in Egypt? That’s the most significant act of national salvation in the Old Testament. On the other hand, the psalmist could be referring to the restoration of the Jewish nation after the destruction of the temple and the Babylonian captivity. Again, this is a very significant event that was witnessed by the surrounding nations. Since we do not have a timeline or date for when this psalm was written, we are left guessing the answer.

For the New Testament believer, we see the fulfillment of this psalm in the salvation that was won for us by Christ at the cross. There the ancient powers of sin, hell, and the grave were defeated. Death itself was vanquished through the resurrection of Jesus. In reality, the true enemies of the people of God are not foreigners or foreign nations. Our enemies are spiritual; they lurk within us. Salvation from those enemies was purchased at the cross with the precious blood of Jesus.

Now here is a bizarre twist. Salvation arrives with our surrender. It arrives when we surrender our lives to our Savior and kneel before our King on a cross. That’s a salvation worth singing about!

Response

LORD God, I am so grateful for the salvation you purchased for me through the blood of Jesus. I want all the ends of the earth to know about that great salvation. Thank you, Jesus. Amen.

Your Turn

Have you knelt before the King on a cross? Take some time to do that now. How can a fresh acknowledgement of your allegiance to the King affect your day-to-day conduct?


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 LORD Will Give What Is Good

25 Saturday Jul 2026

Posted by davidkitz in Psalm 85, Psalms

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

faithfulness, harvest, Lord God, praise the LORD, Prayer, Psalms, Righteousness, salvation, spiritual restoration, trust in God, vine

Listen to Psalm 85:8-13 read by Jonathan Dent

https://davidkitz.blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/ps-858-13-mix-3final1.mp3

Reading: Psalm 85:8-13 (NIV)*

I will listen to what God the LORD says;
he promises peace to his people, his faithful servants—
but let them not turn to folly.
Surely his salvation is near those who fear him,
that his glory may dwell in our land.
Love and faithfulness meet together;
righteousness and peace kiss each other.
Faithfulness springs forth from the earth,
and righteousness looks down from heaven.
 The LORD will indeed give what is good,
and our land will yield its harvest.
Righteousness goes before him
and prepares the way for his steps.

 

Response

LORD God, I turn to you in the middle of my difficulties. Open my ears to hear your voice speaking to me. I trust you to lead me. Come and step into my life. 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

Paying the Imperial Tax to Caesar

02 Thursday Jul 2026

Posted by Victor Uduh in Psalm 78, Psalms

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Authority Of Jesus, Biblical Wisdom, Faith And Citizenship, Give To God, God's Authority, gospel, gospel reading, Jesus, Jesus Teaches, kingdom of heaven, Kingdom Principles, Psalms, salvation, Spiritual Discernment, Spiritual Responsibility

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


Today’s
Reading:
Psalm 78:56-64 (NIV)*

Listen to today’s reading by Jonathan Dent:

https://davidkitz.blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/ps-7856-64-mix-2final.mp3

LORD God,
collectively as a nation,
we have wandered away from you.
LORD in your mercy,
lead us back to the center of your holy will.
Give us repentant hearts that seek your face.
Amen.

   — — — —

Gospel Reading:
Paying the Imperial Tax to Caesar

Then the Pharisees went out and laid plans
to trap him in his words.
They sent their disciples to him along with the Herodians.
“Teacher,” they said,
“we know that you are a man of integrity
and that you teach the way of God
in accordance with the truth.
You aren’t swayed by others,
because you pay no attention to who they are.
Tell us then, what is your opinion?
Is it right to pay the imperial tax to Caesar or not?”

But Jesus, knowing their evil intent, said,
“You hypocrites, why are you trying to trap me?
Show me the coin used for paying the tax.”
They brought him a denarius,
 and he asked them,
“Whose image is this? And whose inscription?”

“Caesar’s,” they replied.

Then he said to them,
“So give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.”

When they heard this, they were amazed.
So they left him and went away.

(Matthew 22:15-22).

* * *

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 Parable of the Wedding Banquet

01 Wednesday Jul 2026

Posted by Victor Uduh in Psalm 78, Psalms

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Authority Of Jesus, Eternal Hope, Following Christ, God's Authority, gospel, gospel reading, Jesus, Jesus Teaches, kingdom of heaven, Psalms, Responding To God's Call, Righteousness, salvation, Spiritual Discernment, The Wedding Banquet

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


Today’s
Reading:
Psalm 78:50-55 (NIV)*

Listen to today’s reading by Jonathan Dent:

https://davidkitz.blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/ps-7850-55-mix-2final.mp3

LORD God,
I am thankful your Spirit sought me out
and drew me to the cross of Jesus.
I bow before you in praise and gratitude.
I pray you will show the same mercy to many others.
Give me a heart of compassion
for those who have not experienced your saving grace.
Amen.

   — — — —

Gospel Reading:
The Parable of the Wedding Banquet

Jesus spoke to them again in parables, saying:
“The kingdom of heaven is like a king who prepared a wedding banquet for his son.
He sent his servants to those who had been invited to the banquet
to tell them to come, but they refused to come.

“Then he sent some more servants and said,
‘Tell those who have been invited that I have prepared my dinner:
My oxen and fattened cattle have been butchered,
and everything is ready.
Come to the wedding banquet.’

“But they paid no attention and went off—one to his field,
another to his business.
The rest seized his servants,
mistreated them and killed them.
The king was enraged.
He sent his army and destroyed those murderers and burned their city.

“Then he said to his servants,
‘The wedding banquet is ready,
but those I invited did not deserve to come.

So go to the street corners and invite to the banquet anyone you find.’
So the servants went out into the streets and gathered all the people they could find,
the bad as well as the good, and the wedding hall was filled with guests.

“But when the king came in to see the guests,
he noticed a man there who was not wearing wedding clothes.

He asked, ‘How did you get in here without wedding clothes, friend?’
The man was speechless.

“Then the king told the attendants,
‘Tie him hand and foot, and throw him outside, into the darkness,
where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’

“For many are invited, but few are chosen.”
(Matthew 22:1-14).

* * *

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)

Happy Canada Day to all my Canadian followers!

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.

No Signs from Our God

12 Friday Jun 2026

Posted by Tim K in Psalm 64, Psalm 74, Psalms

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Asaph, enemy, God's sanctuary, king, nation, prophets, salvation, signs, signs from God, temple, the Psalms

Today’s Devotion from Psalms 365 by David Kitz

Listen to today’s reading by Jonathan Dent:

https://davidkitz.blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/ps-749-17-mixfinal.mp3

Reading: Psalm 74:9-17 (NIV)*

We are given no signs from God;
    no prophets are left,
    and none of us knows how long this will be.
How long will the enemy mock you, God?
    Will the foe revile your name forever?
Why do you hold back your hand, your right hand?
    Take it from the folds of your garment and destroy them!
But God is my King from long ago;
    he brings salvation on the earth.
It was you who split open the sea by your power;
    you broke the heads of the monster in the waters.
It was you who crushed the heads of Leviathan
    and gave it as food to the creatures of the desert.
It was you who opened up springs and streams;
    you dried up the ever-flowing rivers.
The day is yours, and yours also the night;
    you established the sun and moon.
It was you who set all the boundaries of the earth;
    you made both summer and winter
.

Reflection

Do you watch for road signs? I’m inclined to say yes, of course I do. But if I am traveling through a familiar neighborhood or to a familiar location, I pay very little attention to road signs. After all, I know where I am going and how to get there. But put me in unfamiliar territory without a GPS, and the situation changes dramatically. I am hunting for road signs like a sharp-eyed hawk hunts for field mice. Every sign is spotted well in advance; the details are read and repeated to cement them into my memory. Landmarks and the appearance of the terrain are memorized for future reference. I do all this because I don’t like being lost.

In our reading from Psalm 74, the psalmist finds himself in unfamiliar territory. The nation has been invaded and the enemy has desecrated the temple. This is an enormous loss. But beyond the loss, there appears to be no way forward. The psalmist laments, “We are given no signs from God; no prophets are left, and none of us knows how long this will be. How long will the enemy mock you, God?” (v. 9-10).

When I am lost, I watch for signs. But in this situation God gave no signs. After the psalmist pours out his complaint before God, he does not stay there. He goes on to recall the miraculous works of God. He reminds God of His interventions into the affairs of humankind. He makes this bold personal declaration, “But God is my King from long ago; he brings salvation on the earth” (v. 12).

As we pray for our nation, we would do well to pattern our prayers on Psalm 74.

Response

LORD God, you see the sins of our nation. Bring us back to you. You are the Almighty God. You do not change. Bring your salvation on the earth even as you did long ago. You are my King. Amen.

Your Turn

Is it helpful to recall God’s mighty deeds in your life? Will our nation return to God?


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