Psalms

"Who Is Like The LORD Our God?" - By Carl Ballard

"Who Is Like The LORD Our God?" - By Carl Ballard

“Praise the Lord!” So begins (and ends!) Psalm 113, the first of what are known as the “Egyptian Hallel” (Psalms 113-118), which are centered on praise to Jehovah for His deliverance of His people from their bondage in Egypt. “Halleluia” – “Praise Jehovah” – is the repeated refrain, because He alone is worthy of such exaltation, and He alone deserves such praise at all times and in every place!

"Psalm 103 speaks of mercy, forgiveness, healing, and love" - By David Williamson

"Psalm 103 speaks of mercy, forgiveness, healing, and love" - By David Williamson

Psalm 103 can help someone struggling with addiction. It speaks of mercy, forgiveness, healing, and love. In the midst of the struggle, these words matter. They offer a reminder that God is not quick to anger. He is slow, and He is full of love (vs 8). For someone wrestling with addiction, this matters deeply. They know the weight of shame. They know how hard it is to let go of guilt. But in these words, there is grace.

"Psalm 100 Is A Psalm of Thanksgiving" - By Joe Simpson

"Psalm 100 Is A Psalm of Thanksgiving" - By Joe Simpson

“Shout joyfully to the LORD, all the earth. Serve the LORD with gladness, Come before Him with joyful singing. Know that the LORD Himself is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture. Enter His gates with thanksgiving, and His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him; bless His name. For the LORD is good; His lovingkindness is everlasting, And His faithfulness to all generations.”

                                                       Psalm 100 (NASB95)

"Distress And Praise" - By Ben Palmer

"Distress And Praise" - By Ben Palmer

The readings this week led me down two distinct lines of thought. First, the prayers in Lamentations and Psalm 94 have themes of distress and judgement. On the other hand, Psalms 95 and 96 focus on joy and praise of God. From this we can learn how to go to God in times of anguish, and we can learn how to express adoration to the Lord. How can joy in the Lord and sorrow in distress coexist in the Christian life? These passages may help us learn how to understand this tension and take these things to God.

"A Call For Man To Recognize God's Infinite Power" - By Jared Synan

"A Call For Man To Recognize God's Infinite Power" - By Jared Synan

Reading and study on the Psalms can easily seem to be a daunting task; with their variety of subject matter or focus, mix of historical contexts, and powerful emotional impact, they can be intimidating to those unfamiliar with them. However, we know that all scripture is breathed out by God for a specific purpose; some scripture is meant to instruct or guide us in how we should walk, others to illustrate a point or principle, others reassure us that regardless of the chaos around us in the world, that God is in control, and we as believers can fully rest in the assurance of His power. And Psalm 91 is a wonderful and beautiful call for man to recognize God’s infinite power, as well as a potent reminder that we are guarded and protected by His power.

"Can God Really Spread A Table In The Wilderness?" - By David Williamson

"Can God Really Spread A Table In The Wilderness?" - By David Williamson

Psalm 78 was written to share the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord. The lyrics sing of determination to not hide these things from the next generation. That generation would then tell it to the children yet to be born, and they in turn would tell their children. And here we are, hearing it in turn.

"I Shall Remember The Deeds Of The LORD" - By Cameron Piner

"I Shall Remember The Deeds Of The LORD" - By Cameron Piner

Have you ever felt weary? Has someone ever tried to comfort you, during a difficult time, but nothing was able to make you feel comforted, it was as if your soul refused to be comforted? Have you ever felt faint with deep sighing? Have you ever felt so troubled that you couldn’t even find the words or energy to be able to speak? Have you ever been unable to sleep at night, instead you are left to ponder your life or stress about your current situation? - Asaph did. And Asaph expressed these kinds of feelings in Psalm 77:1-6.

"Why Should I Fear In Times of Trouble?" - By Jared Synan

"Why Should I Fear In Times of Trouble?" - By Jared Synan

As believers, we know that this physical world is not our true home, that we are secure in God’s love and protection, and that no force on earth or of Hell can separate us from Him. We know this, of course, and yet… many times we question, doubt, become downcast or even despair; the world is full of things to distract us, sadden us, stress us out, all of which pull our focus away from God and His teachings and works. It’s easy, especially so with everything going on in the world today, to become anxious or afraid, and in the whirlwind of news and dramas and fears and noise, to lose sight of the simple fact that, regardless of circumstance, God is and will always be victorious, and that even when life takes turns we didn’t plan for or would ever want, He has this all in hand. And we can be so thankful, not only for His saving power but also for His grace and understanding of how short-sighted and weak we humans are, that wisdom for such times was placed in scripture: as Psalm 49’s title reminds us, “Why Should I Fear in Times of Trouble?”