Category Archives: Psalms

Come, let us sing to the Lord! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation.

Let us come to him with thanksgiving. Let us sing psalms of praise to him.

For the Lord is a great God, a great King above all gods.

He holds in his hands the depths of the earth and the mightiest mountains.

The sea belongs to him, for he made it. His hands formed the dry land, too.

Come, let us worship and bow down. Let us kneel before the Lord our maker,

for he is our God. We are the people he watches over, the flock under his care. If only you would listen to his voice today!

The Lord says, “Don’t harden your hearts as Israel did at Meribah, as they did at Massah in the wilderness.

For there your ancestors tested and tried my patience, even though they saw everything I did.

For forty years I was angry with them, and I said, ‘They are a people whose hearts turn away from me. They refuse to do what I tell them.’

So in my anger I took an oath: ‘They will never enter my place of rest.’”
Psalm 95

Dear God, we don’t write worship songs like this anymore. This one starts out nice enough, encouraging us to worship, but it ends with a pretty stark warning: “Don’t do what they did when I brought them out of Egypt. Worship me and do what I tell you to do.”

I wonder what it would be like if they wrote songs for Sunday like this. I’m really trying to think of any traditional hymns or modern worship songs that mention this kind of warning. Nothing comes to mind. But it’s a good reminder.

Father, there are times when I am very afraid of missing what you’re calling me to do. There are times when I put other things before you and don’t worship you. There are times when I’m selfish and lethargic. I’m sorry for all of those sins. But I am grateful. I do love you. I want to do what you’re calling me to do and love those you call me to love. Open my eyes so I can see.

In Jesus’s name I pray,

Amen

God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.

So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea. Let the oceans roar and foam.

Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge! Interlude

A river brings joy to the city of our God, the sacred home of the Most High.

God dwells in that city; it cannot be destroyed. From the very break of day, God will protect it.

The nations are in chaos, and their kingdoms crumble! God’s voice thunders, and the earth melts!

The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress. Interlude

Come, see the glorious works of the Lord: See how he brings destruction upon the world.

He causes wars to end throughout the earth. He breaks the bow and snaps the spear; he burns the shields with fire.

“Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.”

The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress. Interlude
Psalm 46

Dear God, the increase in the Delta Variant of COVID-19 is stressing me at work. When I read this psalm this morning it help like a good comfort to me. Even in the stress of this week, I can see how some things have worked out providentially. But still, I came home yesterday feeling discouraged and overwhelmed. In fact, I’m up an hour early this morning just so I can get a head start on my day. There is a lot to do, and my time to do it is getting squeezed.

But again, when I read this psalm it helps me look at this situation and actually see how you have provided for us. I can see how you are making things easier in the midst of chaos.

There was a woman at our clinic yesterday and I could tell she was very alarmed by the increase in COVID. She asked me a lot of questions about local statistics and I was able to offer her some comfort. I at least took her from ref alert to yellow alert. I feel like that is what you are doing to me through this psalm. You are comforting me. You are opening my eyes so I can see.

Father, thank you for being my refuge and strength. Thank you for being there in my times of trouble. Thank you for caring about me in the first place. Thank you for loving me. As Jesus said in the passage I journaled through yesterday, the world can harm me, even all of the way to death, but you are still my comfort because the ultimate victory is yours, and I will dwell in your house with you forever. Thank you for everything.

In Jesus’s name I pray,

Amen

O God, if only you would destroy the wicked! Get out of my life, you murderers! They blaspheme you; your enemies misuse your name. O Lord, shouldn’t I hate those who hate you? Shouldn’t I despise those who oppose you? Yes, I hate them with total hatred, for your enemies are my enemies.
Psalm 139:19-22

Dear God, most of this psalm is about being known by you. It’s really quite beautiful—and unnerving. To be known that well is scary. For my sinfulness to be known. My secret thoughts. My jealousies and pettiness. I could go on and on, but I want to get to the part of the psalm I’ve copied here. Suffice it to say, I’m really sorry, I will do better, and I submit to you. Thank you fir loving me anyway.

Now, for this passage, it’s an example of why I have trouble with some of the theology in the psalms. I wish we knew when David wrote this and what was going on. For me, his live is divided into two parts: pre-Bathsheba and post-Bathsheba. Just before Bathsheba was his apex. After Bathsheba seemed to cost him all of the moral high ground with those around him. He lost control and it chased him the rest of his life.

So we have this passage where he is calling for revenge. He is asking you to take the mercy for which he begged you for himself (see Psalm 51) and throw it away when it comes to his enemies. At the end of his life, he even asks Solomon to destroy a man who once harassed David while he ran from Absalom. I’m sorry, but I just don’t think this is right.

Father, I spent some time reading about the unrest in Haiti this morning and I couldn’t even wrap my head around the idea of how awful it must be right now for every single person in that society, regardless of their wealth or political standing. Thank you fir the mercy that I have never had to face that. But right now, I do pray for your peace over their land. I pray that there will be repentance. I pray that everyone, from the corrupt political officials, to the militant gangs, to the wealthy who take advantage of the poor, to the wealthy who try to do good, to the poor and working class people, will repent, turn away from voodoo and mysticism, or from their own selfish desires, and turn to you. I pray that you will not destroy, but enable everyone to embrace Jesus and mercy. I know this sounds too simplistic, but I have zero idea of how to pray for them intelligently. All I know to do is ask that you intervene and help them, and right now, David’s approach sounds like the world’s answer, but not yours under the new covenant we have through Jesus. I especially pray for those there who call on your name. Help the fathers and husbands provide protection and resources for their families, help the women know also how to provide and protect their families, help the children to be at peace and find another path forward than the lathe their society has followed for generations, and help all of them to bring your love and presence into their country.

In Jesus’s name I pray,

Amen

The Lord will work out his plans for my life— for your faithful love, O Lord, endures forever. Don’t abandon me, for you made me.
Psalm 138:8

Dear God, this is from a psalm David wrote. As I read psalms by David and others, and as I journal through hymns and songs that others wrote, I try to identify with their human experience as they relate to either you or their surroundings, trying to learn something about myself or being reminded to worship you. But if I were to write my own psalm, song, or poem, what would my heart be saying to you right now? If I look inside, is there anything I need to get down in writing?

I’m not much of a poet. About the only poetry I write is haiku because it’s intentionally short and you have to strategize each syllable. That’s more my style. So what would I say if I were to write a haiku to you from my heart?

I’ve been given much
I need help to steward it
Lead me down your path

Yeah, I think that’s it. Hmm. What an interesting exercise. That really touched something I didn’t expect or see coming. At work, you’ve given us a lot of resources, but I’m not sure how to use them the most wisely. In my personal life, you’ve given me resources beyond money (good wife/marriage, influence in our community, etc.). You’ve given me this special relationship with you and some unique insights into scripture. You’ve given me a gift for public speaking. Am o wasting all of it? Am I missing opportunities for the work you need my vapor of a life to do? I also have areas of my life that are problematic. Am I doing what you want me to do to resolve them?

Father, I will work on trying to assess some of this today. I will seek you, your will, and then try to be willing to sacrifice my own selfishness to answer your call. Please give me eyes to see and ears to hear. Give me a heart to follow, and a mind submitted to you.

In Jesus’s name I pray,

Amen

A song for pilgrims ascending to Jerusalem

I look up to the mountains— does my help come from there? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth! He will not let you stumble; the one who watches over you will not slumber. Indeed, he who watches over Israel never slumbers or sleeps. The Lord himself watches over you! The Lord stands beside you as your protective shade. The sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon at night. The Lord keeps you from all harm and watches over your life. The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever.
Psalm 121

Dear God, see, this is one of those psalms that’s a nice sentiment, but I don’t think it’s theologically solid. At least not in the way we like to think of you keeping us from harm, for example. The last two verses were the verses of the day for Bible Gateway. My problem is, if I were to read them and just take them literally them I would have a distorted vision of what you owe me in our relationship.

And I’ve been there before. I’ve been disappointed in you when I’ve come across times of struggle from which I thought you should have better protected me. But I was wrong. You might be working it all out for my good, but I might never see what that means on this side of life.

Father, I appreciate the sentiment of giving these pilgrims ascending to Jerusalem a song to sing together. I appreciate that they were worshipping you. And I appreciate them singing of your love for us and how much you care about us. I would just add that sometimes suffering or even harm are going to happen, and you won’t keep it from us. That’s okay. It’s just part of your world and plan I do not understand. But I trust you. I love you. I worship you.

In Jesus’s name I pray,

Amen

The Lord is my shepherd, I will not be in need. He lets me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness For the sake of His name.

Psalm 23:1-3

Dear God, I’ve just kind of felt like I’m slogging through mud lately. Low-grade depression? Maybe. I’ve been fortunate to not have experienced true depression often. I guess it just feels like there are so many little fires with which I have to deal in my life right now that maybe the cumulative effect is that they are getting to me a bit. And it’s not the kind of thing a vacation can help. I don’t think it’s burnout. I’ve been burned out before too. This is different. This is just fatigue. As I sit here and prepare to go to work, I have trouble summoning the enthusiasm the job requires.

But isn’t it interesting. Just saying that explicitly through typing these words to you helps to lift that feeling. There is so much power for Satan over our lives through our secrets. The secret struggle that we don’t want to admit out loud–not even to you. In my case, it’s just the fatigue. And at a macro level you have been so good to me. But on a micro one, I just see all of these little problems to solve. But this is where you stretch me and help me grow. This is where you train me to live beyond myself and live for you. And, according to David in this psalm (who obviously wrote it when he was feeling similarly to how I am feeling now), you will provide for what you need me to have when you need me to have it.

Father, help me to take my eyes off of everything and find the joy in serving you with each individual task ahead of me. Come alongside me and work with me. Love through me. Support the efforts you need me to take for your kingdom’s sake. Love through me. Grow me into the man you need me to be. Help men to take your presence and share it with those around me.

In Jesus’s name I pray,

Amen

¹ Let the godly sing for joy to the Lord;
it is fitting for the pure to praise him.
² Praise the Lord with melodies on the lyre;
make music for him on the ten-stringed harp.
³ Sing a new song of praise to him;
play skillfully on the harp, and sing with joy.
⁴ For the word of the Lord holds true,
and we can trust everything he does.
⁵ He loves whatever is just and good;
the unfailing love of the Lord fills the earth.

Psalm 33:1-5

Dear God, it’s interesting that this says your unfailing love fills the earth since it was written in a time before Jesus. Playing on the verses in Hebrews I prayed about yesterday, it was a time of Mount Sinai and not Mount Zion. Your favor was limited at that point to the Jewish people. At least that’s the way we understand it, although we are probably wrong about that. Heck, we don’t understand your ways. At the end of the day, I’m convinced that I’m going to be shocked at how much of my theology is wrong when I arrive in heaven. I’ll probably be embarrassed to know how I overlooked things that were very important to you and paid too much attention to things that weren’t important to you.

So the one thing I am sure of, or one of the few things I’m sure of, is that I need to worship you. I need to be thankful to you. I need to embrace the life you have given to me and live through it worshipping you. I need to be humble. I need to love others. I need to live beyond myself and my own selfish desires and realize that you are the God of the universe and I am just one of the billions and billions of people who have come and gone as part of your creation. My life is like a vapor, but you are the same yesterday, today, and forever.

Father, I will give you all my worship. I will give you all of my praise. You alone, I long to worship. You alone are worthy of my praise.

In Jesus’s name I pray,

Amen

A prayer of Moses, the man of God

Lord, through all the generations you have been our home!

Before the mountains were born, before you gave birth to the earth and the world, from beginning to end, you are God.

You turn people back to dust, saying, “Return to dust, you mortals!”

For you, a thousand years are as a passing day, as brief as a few night hours.

You sweep people away like dreams that disappear. They are like grass that springs up in the morning.

In the morning it blooms and flourishes, but by evening it is dry and withered.

We wither beneath your anger; we are overwhelmed by your fury.

You spread out our sins before you— our secret sins—and you see them all.

We live our lives beneath your wrath, ending our years with a groan. Seventy years are given to us!

Some even live to eighty. But even the best years are filled with pain and trouble; soon they disappear, and we fly away.

Who can comprehend the power of your anger? Your wrath is as awesome as the fear you deserve.

Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom.

O Lord, come back to us! How long will you delay? Take pity on your servants!

Satisfy us each morning with your unfailing love, so we may sing for joy to the end of our lives.

Give us gladness in proportion to our former misery! Replace the evil years with good.

Let us, your servants, see you work again; let our children see your glory.

And may the Lord our God show us his approval and make our efforts successful. Yes, make our efforts successful!

Psalm 90

Father, we hold onto something that is so brief. As I age, I find myself not concerned about dying or even taking my last breath in this moment. My only dread in dying young is leaving my wife to go on alone. But even that is hugely foolish and arrogant. After all, am I the one that helps provide for her, or is it you? Who am I without you? Even if I am gone, you will be there for her. Before she was my wife, she was your daughter. 

I suppose some of this goes back to what I was saying a couple of days ago about the movie Soul from Pixar. The souls yet to be born had to be ready and motivated to live before they could head to earth. While that is a really weird premise, I think we are all born with a certain level of enthusiasm. It’s just that some of us are pretty scarred by different events and it steals our joy and vision. Some lose their motivation.

I wonder what Moses was experiencing to have written this psalm. He is obviously having insights into just how small all of us are (even someone as great in your historical timeline as him) and how big you are. Even as I prepare to go back to work on Monday after over a week off, just thinking about how small my life is helps to put everything into perspective. 

Father, you are so great, and I am so small. The verse of the day from Bible Gateway was verse 12 above: “Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom.” Yes, teach me this, but be gentle in your less. Help me to be wise and see the world with your eyes so that you might be glorified through my submission to you. Let your kingdom come and your will be done on earth as it is in heaven through my life.

In Jesus’s name I pray,

Amen

Shout with joy to the Lord, all the earth! Worship the Lord with gladness. Come before him, singing with joy. Acknowledge that the Lord is God! He made us, and we are his. We are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation.

Psalm 100

Dear God, I was thinking about Thanksgiving this morning, and I’ve always had this thought about Lincoln, but I hadn’t necessarily had it about the first Pilgrims and their Thanksgiving. Of course, Lincoln’s proclamation of the first national day of thanksgiving was done in the middle of the Civil War, when hundreds of thousands of Americans were dying. But the first thanksgiving by Pilgrims was in the midst of pretty difficult times as well. Many of them ha died. Everyone had lost someone. Life was hard and uncomfortable, and yet they took time to celebrate you and your love. They decided to look beyond what their selfish hearts desired and embrace the path you had for them to walk.

As I type these words now, we are in the midst of a pandemic, political and social unrest, and economic challenges. Do we have the courage to still raise our voices to you and say thank you? We have unrest in our families–I have unrest in my family. Do I have the depth of faith to look at you and express my gratitude for all that you have done and are doing regardless of how it impacts my life personally? Can I see beyond the struggles and count the significant blessings you’ve given to me? How much do I take my wife, children, and parents for granted? How much do I take you for granted?

Father, I come this morning to enter your gates with thanksgiving in my heart and your courts with praise. As I pray about the place where I work and for your provision and protection, my overarching prayer is that you will give us exactly what we need–as individuals and as an organization. Help us to feel your love and then share that love. Help us to help those who need us. Help us to somehow communicate who you are through our work. Please show us the way, but before we get going I want to tell you that I really am grateful for everything you’ve done this year. You are an awesome, awesome God, and I trust you completely.

In Jesus’s name I pray,

Amen