1 Like A Tree Planted By Rivers Of Water
2 The Lord Is My Shepherd
3 Green Pastures
4 He Restoreth My Soul
5 Walking Through The Valleys
6 In The Presence Of Mine Enemies
7 I Will Dwell In The House Of The Lord
8 Make A Joyful Noise Unto The Lord
9 Whom Shall I Fear?
10 Teach Us To Number Our Days
11 My Help Cometh From The Lord
12 Are You In Distress?
13 How Long O Lord?
14 Don't Lose Your Song
15 Make A Joyful Noise Unto The Lord
16 Wandering In The Wilderness
17 Labor Day -- Don't Labor In Vain
18 Are You Having Trouble Sleeping?
19 In The Day Of Trouble
20 Pray In The Morning
21 What Is Man?
22 Then Understood I Their End
23 Revive Us Again
24 Hear His Voice Today
25 Every Knee Shall Bow
26 Bless The Lord, O My Soul
27 What Can We Give The Lord?
28 This Is The Day Which The Lord Hath Made
29 A Lamp Unto My Feet, A Light Unto My Path
30 Open My Eyes
31 Hide His Word In Your Heart
32 Do You Get Enough Sleep?
33 Dwell Together In Unity
34 That Which Concerneth Me
35 He Is Acquainted With All Our Ways
36 God Made Us And Thinks Of Us
37 Search Me, O God
38 Let The Lord Lift You Up
39 Keep The Door Of My Lips
40 He Healeth The Broken In Heart
41 Young And Old
42 The Lord Takes Pleasure In His People
43 Praise The Lord
1 Like A Tree Planted By Rivers Of Water
Psalm 1:2 & 3
When I was very young I remember going to a park and playing on the swings while my Dad played softball. Years later, when my children were small it was fun to pack a picnic lunch and take a trip to the park. As they grew older, they played in the little league baseball games and we spent many Saturdays at Creekside Park. Through the years we also played tennis and walked on the nature trails. I enjoy being outdoors, surrounded by God's creation. It is good to get away from the constant noise that seems to surround us and meditate on God's Word. How long has it been since you found a quiet spot and talked with God? Do you want to be blessed, and bring forth fruit like a tree planted by rivers of water? Let's take a little while to look in the book of Psalms for verses to meditate on. Let's grow and prosper in the Lord.
2 The Lord Is My Shepherd
"The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want." Psalm 23:1
Just before I went into surgery a few years ago I was trying to think of scripture verses I knew, to calm my fears. My mind kept coming back to the 23rd Psalm. It was comforting to repeat the familiar words over and over in my mind. "The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want." Jesus said, "I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep" (John 10:11) We also read in Romans 8:32, "He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?" Do you know the Lord and Savior, the Good Shepherd? He loves you and wants to provide for you. What wonderful words to meditate on for comfort and peace.
3 Green Pastures
"He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters." Psalm 23:2
I have never been around many sheep, but my Dad had a few cows down through the years. When they had eaten all the grass from the upper pasture they would stand at the gate and "moo". Dad would call us to come down and we would all stand in the gap while he led the cows from the upper pasture, to the lower pasture. The ones that followed his leading quickly found themselves in the thick green grass that he had sown in the bottom land. But there were occasions when one of the cows would not follow his leading. It would stand in the upper, empty field and bellow for something to eat. There were also times when one would break through the gap and take off in the wrong direction. Then Dad and the boys would chase it back in the right direction. Where are you today? Are you following the leading of your Shepherd? There are some who have decided to stay just where they are. They aren't getting fed Spiritually because they are not following the Lord. They stand around and complain just like a stubborn bull. There are others who start off following the Lord, but they get in too big of a hurry and go off in the wrong direction. Then the Lord often has to chasten them. We need to follow the Lord, our Shepherd, to the green pastures and still waters. After the cows were in the new pasture a while, they would lie down under the shade of the trees and my Dad would say, "They're full now." The Lord wants to fill us. Follow Him. He may lead you to witness to someone today. He may want you to take a part in the teaching or singing at your church. Or, He may have given you the gift of lifting up others through prayer and sending cards. Follow the Shepherd.
4 He Restoreth My Soul
"He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake." Psalm 23:3
Sometimes we pass an old classic car on the road that looks brand new. The motor has been restored and it has a shiny new coat of paint. If it were not for the style and shape, we would never know how old it was or that it had run so many miles. Sometimes I feel like an old car... like I have run thousands of miles. I need to be restored. We can work-out and get in shape, or change our hair style and try to restore some of our lost youth, but that only changes our appearance. There are times we need to be restored on the inside. After King David had commited his great sin, he prayed "Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness... Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin... Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me... Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit." (Psalm 51:1, 2, 10, & 12) It is so wonderful that we can go to our Shepherd when we fall and need to be restored. He cleanses us on the inside and is the only one who can restore our joy.
5 Walking Through The Valleys
"Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me." Psalm 23:4
It is great to know that the Lord will be with us when we "walk through the valley of the shadow of death". But that is not the only valley we go through. Most of our mountaintop experiences will be followed by valleys. As I was reading this morning I came to Psalm 84 and read in verses 5-7, "Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee; in whose heart are the ways of them. Who passing through the valley of Baca make it a well; the rain also filleth the pools. They go from strength to strength, every one of them in Zion appeareth before God." The notes in my Bible tell me that Baca means "weeping". We often go through a valley of tears. We may feel so low that we have no strength. The Lord can bring us through the valley of tears with His strength as we "go from strength to strength", moment by moment, day by day. Let's look at verse 6 again, "Who passing through the valley of Baca make it a well; the rain also filleth the pools." We pass through the valleys. God will bring us through the valleys. What does the Psalmist mean, "make it a well"? I think he is saying that we should make it a little easier for the next person. If someone is hurting from the loss of a parent, I can understand and maybe help them in their pain, because I have been there. If you are going through a valley, look to the Lord for comfort and strength. Talk with those who have come through the same valley. And be there for others when they need you in their times of sorrow.
6 In The Presence Of Mine Enemies
"Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over." Psalm 23:5
As a young shepherd boy, David had enemies. When a lion or bear came and took a lamb from the flock, he could have said, "No one will ever know if one lamb is missing. I'm too young to stand up against a lion." But, he fought the lion or bear and took the lamb back. God gave him courage to fight against the lion and bear to protect what he had. Later, when he came face to face against the enemy of God and of Israel, he was prepared. We read in I Samuel 17:37, "David said moreover, The LORD that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said unto David, Go, and the LORD be with thee." We also have enemies. Peter tells us, "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith,..." (I Peter 5:8 & 9) Don't let Satan rob you of what you have. Don't let him take your integrity or rob you of your Christian witness. Pray for courage and strength to stand up for what's right. You may be in college, away from home, and think that no one will know if you don't stand up against your enemy. But others are watching and God is watching. God can prepare a table for you, anoint you with oil and the Holy Spirit. And God can give you blessings that run over. He can give you joy in your heart that flows over and touches the lives around you. You may be young, and feel alone, like David, but stand strong against the enemies of God.
7 I Will Dwell In The House Of The Lord
"Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever." Psalm 23:6
God is good. God is merciful. We are taught this as young children. So why are the children growing up and neglecting the house of God? There are many people my age who were brought up in church, and now they feel that they no longer need to go to church and worship the Lord. Many feel that they no longer need the Lord. God is so good. We should all be able to say with David, "I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD." (Psalm 122:1)
8 Make A Joyful Noise Unto The Lord
"Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.
Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.
Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations." Psalm 100
School has started and the high school football rivalries are going strong. Students, parents, and fans gather in the stadiums to cheer their teams. In this Psalm of praise we are told to "Make a joyful noise unto the LORD". It would be great if we could get excited about the Lord like these fans get excited about their ball games. Maybe then we could "Serve the Lord with gladness". Keep a song in your heart. The 3rd verse tells us that the Lord is God and He made us, so we belong to Him. Just as we have seen in the 23rd Psalm, we are reminded again that "we are His people and the sheep of His pasture". Give thanks to God and bless His name "For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations." This is a wonderful Psalm of praise to meditate on as we take time in our busy lives to think on His Word.
9 Whom Shall I Fear?
"The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?" Psalm 27:1
We learned a song in the Tent Meeting using words from this chapter in Psalms. The words have helped me, and I want to share them with you today. Many times I get weary. But David reminds us that the Lord is our light and our salvation. I can also say with David, "the Lord is the strength of my life". Verse 5 begins, "For in the time of trouble he shall hide me..." Whom shall I fear? I need to take comfort in the last verse, "Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD." (Psalm 27:14) When we have done all we know to do, we need to just wait on the Lord and let Him strengthen our life.
10 Teach Us To Number Our Days
"So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom" Psalm 90:12
I think this is a good verse for the beginning of the school year because many students, and maybe some teachers also, number the school days. This Psalm tells us that God is from everlasting to everlasting. (verse 2) We also read, "For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night." (Psalm 90:4) But the Psalm speaks of man, "...we spend our years as a tale that is told." (Verse 9) The school year may seem like a long time, but our time on earth is really short when compared to God's time and eternity. As we talk about verses to meditate on, think about this verse and make every day count. Apply your heart to wisdom, and live for God today.
11 My Help Cometh From The Lord
"I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth." Psalm 121:1 & 2
Suppose a friend made a unique grandfather clock and gave it to you for a gift. Everyday you listened for the chimes which reminded you of your special friendship. Then one day the clock stopped. The first thing you would try to do is let the clock-maker try to find the problem. Who else would be better qualified to fix it?
God created the world and it was good. The sin of mankind brought destruction to God's creation. When we have trouble, the first thing we should do is go to the Creator. The Holy Spirit lives within us to help guide us. God has even given us an instruction book to answer many of our questions. We can read the Bible and pray for guidance as we look up to Him. Lift up your eyes to the Lord. Remember that He never sleeps (verse 4) and that He will keep us in His care forever (verse 8). Keep looking up...
12 Are You In Distress?
"In my distress I cried unto the LORD, and he heard me." Psalm 120:1
I am not hiding from enemies like David was, but I still get distressed. Sometimes the way gets rough in this old sinful world. We go through storms and trials and don't know where to turn. In those times we need to say with David, "In my distress I cried unto the LORD, and he heard me." You may not feel like anyone will listen to your problems, but God not only hears the words of our minds, but He also hears the words of our heart. A few chapters over David says, "If it had not been the LORD who was on our side, now may Israel say; If it had not been the LORD who was on our side, when men rose up against us: Then they had swallowed us up quick, when their wrath was kindled against us:...Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth." (Psalm 124:1-3 & 8) David knew where to turn in times of distress. He knew the Lord was on his side. Call on the Lord and lean on Him through all your problems.
13 How Long O Lord?
"How long wilt thou forget me, O LORD? for ever? how long wilt thou hide thy face from me? How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart daily? how long shall mine enemy be exalted over me?" Psalm 13:1 & 2
Our Pastor, Jeff Woods, used Psalm 13 in his message Wednesday night. The first two verses show the distress of David. Hurricane Katrina has brought distress to many in our country. Sickness can bring about distress in our lives. Financial hardships can also cause us to ask, "How long wilt thou forget me, O LORD?" just as David did. We may have sorrow in our heart day after day. Verses 3 & 4 show us the desperate cry of David. "Consider and hear me, O LORD my God: lighten mine eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death; Lest mine enemy say, I have prevailed against him; and those that trouble me rejoice when I am moved." Our distress brings us to the point of desperation. We plea with God to enlighten our eyes. We say in our heart, "This is killing me." As we move to verses 5 & 6 we see the deliverance. "But I have trusted in thy mercy; my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation. I will sing unto the LORD, because he hath dealt bountifully with me." David eyes were opened as he looked up to God. The situation around him was still the same, but he saw things differently. He saw the mercy of God. He was able to rejoice in the Lord's salvation. Then he was able to sing once again of the goodness of God. Maybe you are asking God "How long?" Take your eyes off your problems and look up to God. He can put the song back in your heart.
14 Don't Lose Your Song
"By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yea, we wept, when we remembered Zion. We hanged our harps upon the willows in the midst thereof. For there they that carried us away captive required of us a song; and they that wasted us required of us mirth, saying, Sing us one of the songs of Zion. How shall we sing the LORD'S song in a strange land?" Psalm 137:1-4
I can remember Preacher A. F. Blackburn preaching from this text when I was a young teenager. He had so much compassion and love in his words as he spoke of living in a strange land. I could hear the longing in his voice to go home. As the television news continues the coverage of Hurricane Katrina we see many who have lost their homes and everything they had. They weep as they move across a strange land in their efforts to find dry ground. You may be away from home in your first year of college and feel like you are also in a strange land. It is hard to keep a song in your heart during times of sorrow. Place your trust and hope in the Lord. Don't hang your harp on the willows. Even in troubled times God can give us comfort and peace. We read in Psalm 104:33 & 34, "I will sing unto the LORD as long as I live: I will sing praise to my God while I have my being. My meditation of him shall be sweet: I will be glad in the LORD." Keep trusting in Him and don't lose your song.
15 Make A Joyful Noise Unto The Lord
"I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD." Psalm 122:1
Our gas prices have greatly increased following the destruction of Hurricane Katrina. The television newsmen have asked people to drive only when necessary to conserve fuel. Someone even suggested that if everyone will stay home from church on Sunday, it will save a lot of gas. I will do my part to save gasoline, but I share David's joy in saying, "I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord." There is something special about going to God's house to worship. We can read and study our Bibles daily, and we should. We can pray continually throughout the day. But we can find a great source of strength in going to the house of the Lord. Notice also "they said unto me, Let us go..." There is an invitation. Have you invited anyone to go to church with you? We should be a witness for Christ and invite others to join us and worship with us.
16 Wandering In The Wilderness
“How oft did they provoke him in the wilderness, and grieve him in the desert! Yea, they turned back and tempted God, and limited the Holy One of Israel. They remembered not his hand, nor the day when he delivered them from the enemy.” Psalm 78:40-42
We serve an awesome God who has all power. This chapter tells of the mighty works of God for the children of Israel. There is no limit to the power of God, yet this verse tells us that “they turned back and tempted God, and limited the Holy One of Israel.” If we are not seeing the power of God in our lives, it is not God’s fault. It is because we have turned back and have not fully followed God’s leading in our lives. Sometimes we complain that God worked miracles in the past but we don’t see miracles in our lives. We need to remember the past to keep our minds on the things God can do, but we also need to go forward. Lately I have felt like I have been wandering in the wilderness. I worry that I have not made progress in my journey with God. But I can’t blame God. If the power of God is limited in our lives, it is because we have limited it through unbelief. The next verses tell of God’s power against the enemies of His people. “But made his own people to go forth like sheep, and guided them in the wilderness like a flock. And he led them on safely, so that they feared not: but the sea overwhelmed their enemies.” (vs 52 & 53) I want to go forward with God. I want to enter the Promised Land. I must trust in Him and follow His leading so that I don’t limit His power in my life.
17 Labor Day -- Don't Labor In Vain
"Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain." Psalm 127:1
Today is Labor Day, a day set aside to rest from your labor. We have been looking at verses in Psalms to meditate and think about. Today would be a good day to ask yourself the question, "Is my labor in vain?" This verse says, "Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain." We are reminded here to build our house in the Lord. Let Christ be the center of your life. Put God first in all the aspects of your life and build on the Solid Rock. We know what can happen to houses built on the sand. Building is about beginnings... starting anew... let God build your life. As you become established, let the Lord be your watchman. This verse says, "the watchman waketh but in vain." We can rest in the fact that our God never sleeps. He is never surprised. He knows just as much about our future as He does about our past. Build your house in the Lord and let Him be your watchman.
18 Are You Having Trouble Sleeping?
“Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness: thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress; have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer... But know that the LORD hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the LORD will hear when I call unto him. Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah.” Psalm 4:1, 3 & 4
There are many times when we get distressed that we “commune” with our heart upon our bed. Troubles and trials often keep us from getting a good night’s sleep. David cries out to God for mercy and in faith says, “the LORD will hear when I call unto him.” The Psalm continues, “Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the LORD. There be many that say, Who will shew us any good? LORD, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us.” (vs 5 & 6) We are often troubled about our next step. And sometimes we have to sacrifice to do the right thing. It may costs us financially, or keep us from getting a good grade or job promotion, but we must follow after righteousness and put our trust in the Lord. David admits that there are those who asks, “What good does it do to do right?” He pleads with the Lord to shine His light on us and show us the way. Then we can say with David, “Thou hast put gladness in my heart… I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.” (vs 7 & 8) We can have joy and peace in our mind and heart so that we can sleep when we put our trust fully in the Lord and know that only He can safely keep us.
19 In The Day Of Trouble
“In the day of trouble I will call upon thee: for thou wilt answer me.” Psalm 86:7
David knew that he could call on God in the day of trouble and God would answer him. There are many today who call on God in their day of trouble expecting God to answer. I think it is interesting to look at the preceding verses in this chapter. In verse 1 we see David humbling himself before God. “Bow down thine ear, O LORD, hear me: for I am poor and needy.” We must lose our pride and come to God in humility. Verse 2 tells us that David was living right, “Preserve my soul; for I am holy: O thou my God, save thy servant that trusteth in thee.” Some want to live any way they please and still expect God to hear them when they call on Him. Verse 3 gives us a sure answer as to how David knew God would hear him in the day of trouble. “Be merciful unto me, O LORD: for I cry unto thee daily.” David didn’t wait until trouble came, to pray to His Lord. David cried out for mercy daily. We need to pray daily to our Lord. Then, we too, can have assurance that God will hear us in our day of trouble. “For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.” (verse 5)
20 Pray In The Morning
“My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.” Psalm 5:3
When I read this verse my mind goes back to my childhood in Vacation Bible School. My Grandmother gave each child a plate with a drawing of a rooster on it. We took different types and colors of dried beans and glued them to the different outlined areas and feathers of the crowing rooster. Just as the rooster crows in the dawn of the new day, we should lift our voice up to our Lord each morning. Psalm 148:7-13 says, “Praise the LORD from the earth, ye dragons, and all deeps: Fire, and hail; snow, and vapours; stormy wind fulfilling his word: Mountains, and all hills; fruitful trees, and all cedars: Beasts, and all cattle; creeping things, and flying fowl: Kings of the earth, and all people; princes, and all judges of the earth: Both young men, and maidens; old men, and children: Let them praise the name of the LORD: for his name alone is excellent; his glory is above the earth and heaven.” If all of creation gives praise to the Lord, then we most certainly should lift our voice and eyes up to Him every morning and thank Him for His wonderful gift of salvation. There is no better way to start your day.
21 What Is Man?
“O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! Who hast set thy glory above the heavens… When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour.” Psalm 8:1, 3-5
Every time I am out at night and see the moon and stars, I think of these verses. This is one of my favorite Psalms and I know I have used it before, but just think about how big and great God is, and how small and helpless we are. Again in Psalm 144:3 & 4 we read, “LORD, what is man, that thou takest knowledge of him! or the son of man, that thou makest account of him! Man is like to vanity: his days are as a shadow that passeth away.” When King Solomon finished building the temple in Jerusalem he said, “But will God indeed dwell on the earth? behold, the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain thee; how much less this house that I have builded?” (I Kings 8:27) “The heaven and heaven of heavens” cannot contain God. But God gave His only Son to die for our sins that we might be saved, and live with Him throughout eternity. Jesus said, “In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” (John 14:2 & 3) “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God…” (I John 3:1)
22 Then Understood I Their End
“For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked… They are not in trouble as other men;… they have more than heart could with… They set their mouth against the heavens,… And they say, How doth God know? And is there knowledge in the most High? Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase in riches.” (Portions of Psalm 73:3-12)
Sometimes we look around us and see the prosperity of the wicked and we may be tempted to wonder like the Psalmist, “Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocency. For all the day long have I been plagued, and chastened every morning;” (verses 13 & 14) It hurts us to get our eyes off the Lord and on other people. It hurts to know that many in our world have received their riches through their wickedness. Let’s continue where we left off with verse 16, “When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me; Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end. Surely thou didst set them in slippery places: thou castedst them down into destruction. How are they brought into desolation, as in a moment! they are utterly consumed with terrors… For, lo, they that are far from thee shall perish…” (vs 16-19 &27) Don’t be envious at the foolish and wicked people in this world. They will lose everything in the end. Keep on trusting in the Lord and He shall supply your every need.
23 Revive Us Again
“Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee?” Psalm 85:6
We have heard about the great revivals that took place down through the years. There were times when churches could not hold all the people that wanted to attend. We have heard about lost sinners being saved through the marvelous grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I can say with the Psalmist, “Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee?” I want to see revival. I want the Lord to fill me with the Holy Spirit and I want the power of God on my life. If I can get my soul, and heart, and mind revived, it will overflow to my family, my church, and those around me. Revive us again, O Lord.
24 Hear His Voice Today
“O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms. For the LORD is a great God,… In his hand are the deep places of the earth: the strength of the hills is his also. The sea is his, and he made it: and his hands formed the dry land. O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker. For he is our God; and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. To day if ye will hear his voice, Harden not your heart, as in the provocation, and as in the day of temptation in the wilderness:… Unto whom I sware in my wrath that they should not enter into my rest.” Psalm 95:1-8 & 11
Many of the Psalms tell us to “sing unto the Lord” and “make a joyful noise”. Many show the importance of giving God all praise and thanks. We also see that we should bow to God, the Creator of heaven and earth. We are reminded that we are His sheep. Then we come to a portion of scripture that has often been used to urge lost sinners to accept God’s gift of salvation today. “To day if ye will hear his voice, Harden not your heart, as in the provocation, and as in the day of temptation in the wilderness.” We should warn lost sinners that “…now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” (II Corinthians 6:2) But in this Psalm and also in Hebrews 3 where the writer quotes from this Psalm, the message is to the sheep. “Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end; While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation.” (Hebrews 3:12-15) Believe God today, just as you believed Him the day you were saved. Don’t let “the deceitfulness of sin” hinder you from living the Christian life. Live for God today and remain steadfast until the end.
25 Every Knee Shall Bow
“Yea, all kings shall fall down before him: all nations shall serve him.” Psalm 72:11
I have tried to witness to a friend who is lost and she told me, “I will never pray to Jesus.” She may say that now, but one day she will fall on her face and bow to Jesus. We believe God’s Word, “That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:10 & 11) It breaks my heart that she is so bold in her unbelief. She does not see her lost condition. I pray that she will see her need for a Savior and fall before Jesus before it is too late. Because she, like all nations, will fall down and worship Him. “And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains; And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?” (Revelation 6:15-17)
26 Bless The Lord, O My Soul
“Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:” Psalm 103:1 & 2
We should lift our voice in song, "Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless His holy name." We have been looking at different Psalms to think about and meditate on. If we take time to stop and think about all the the Lord has done for us, we will surely say, "Bless the Lord, O my soul." When we take a moment and consider the way God has blessed us, we want to bless Him from the depths of our heart and soul. The Psalmist goes on to give reasons why we should give the Lord our praise. "Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's. The LORD executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed... The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy... He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him. As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us." (Psalm 103:3-12) Have you praised the Lord for His blessings on you?
27 What Can We Give The Lord?
“What shall I render unto the LORD for all his benefits toward me?” Psalm 116:12
We saw some of the benefits that God has blessed us with in Psalm 103. Not only did the Lord give His life to save us from a life of sin and give us eternal life in heaven, but He has also blessed us in so many ways. What can we give to the Lord for all He has done for us? We could never repay Him for all He has done for us. But we can give Him our praise, our worship, and our thanks, as we see in I Thessalonians 5:16-18. We can praise Him through song. "Rejoice evermore." We can worship Him through prayer. "Pray without ceasing." We can live for Him and give Him thanks always. "In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." He died for us. We should live for Him.
28 This Is The Day Which The Lord Hath Made
“This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24
Everyone in my office seems to have a brighter outlook on Fridays. We rejoice as we look toward the weekend. Many make plans to work in their yard, take short trips, or just take it easy around the house. Children enjoy having a couple days off from school, just as many adults enjoy days they have off work. Church and worship have always been such a big part of my life, so I enjoy going to the house of God on the weekends. We can often get up on Fridays saying, "This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it." But we should thank the Lord for every single day. Can you still get up on Monday morning and thank God for the day? When we think about each day being a gift from God, we see that we are blessed.
29 A Lamp Unto My Feet, A Light Unto My Path
“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Psalm 119:105
You may not know which direction to take in life. Maybe you are at a point in school, in a relationship, or on the job that you don't know what to do. You may have been asked to serve in a position in your church for the new church year. Pray and read God's Word for guidance. God will give you a lamp for your feet. This gives you light for today, right now, so that you don't stumble or fall. We need to walk in God's light daily. As we do, He will give us more light for our path. This is direction for the future, what's out before us. So as you begin each day, talk to God, listen to what He says to you, and ask Him to let you walk in His light. And don't forget, when you walk in the light He gives you, He gives you more light. Have a good day. Walk in His light and let your light shine.
30 Open My Eyes
“Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.” Psalm 119:18
When I read the Bible I try to pray that God will show me what He wants me to see for the day. Many times my eyes are opened to a special thought. Ask God to show you wonderful things in His Word. He can open your eyes to see things that you never saw before. We have examples of people whose eyes were opened. In Genesis 3:5-7 Adam and Eve's eyes were opened after they disobeyed God. Our eyes must be opened to see our sinful condition. It is only then that we can be saved. After we are saved, we can begin seeing things in His Word. Another time in the scriptures when eyes were opened is in II Kings 6. The Syrians surrounded the city of Dothan to take Elisha and his servant said, "Alas, my master! how shall we do?" and verses 16 & 17 say, "And he answered, Fear not; for they that be with us are more than they that be with them. And Elisha prayed, and said, LORD, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha." Then the Lord smote the people with blindness and Elisha led them to Samaria, where the Lord restored their sight and they were fed and told to return home. God opened the servant's eyes to relieve his fears. Open your eyes to the power of God and trust in Him. Read His Word... and keep your eyes open.
31 Hide His Word In Your Heart
“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin aganist thee.” Psalm 119:11
Psalm 119 is about the Word of God. Verse 16 says, "I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word." One way to make sure we don't forget the Word is to hide His Word in our heart. Read and study your Bible and memorize scriptures that can bring you help and comfort. You may already know John 3:16, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." You may also know the 23rd Psalm which begins, "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want." A verse that can calm your fears is Psalm 56:3, "What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee." As you read your Bible, write down verses that you want to learn. You can tape a verse on your mirror and read it often until you know it. That way, you can carry His Word with you throughout the day.
32 Do You Get Enough Sleep?
“It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep.” Psalm 127:2
We have a problem in our house of staying up too late. We may get busy with things that need to be done or we may start watching a movie on television too late and before we know it, it has gotten very late. Before the days of electricity this was known as "burning the candle at both ends." People got up by the light of the candle and stayed up late by candle-light. Our verse above says, "It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep." If worry and fear are robbing you of your sleep, read Psalm 4:8, "I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety." God can give you a deep settled peace that allows you to sleep. If you are greatly distressed, it may be caused by a lack of sleep. After the great victory of the Lord on Mount Carmel we read of Elijah, "But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers. And as he lay and slept under a juniper tree, behold, then an angel touched him, and said unto him, Arise and eat. And he looked, and, behold, there was a cake baken on the coals, and a cruse of water at his head. And he did eat and drink, and laid him down again." (I Kings 19:4-6) Elijah had just experienced a great victory and out-run a chariot. Now he was tired and hungry. The angel didn't fuss at Elijah for his low state of mind, instead the angel let him sleep and fed him, and let him sleep and eat again. Make sure you are getting enough sleep.
33 Dwell Together In Unity
“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” Psalm 133:1
Having a house full of small children brought about many, many squabbles. Arguments and fights begin as soon as a young child learns the word, "Mine". Children are selfish. They don't want to lose anything that is "mine". If we don't grow and mature as Christians we can carry this trait with us into adulthood. "I want my time, my possessions, my wants, my goals, my image," and the list goes on and on. Society urges this idea along with commercials that say, "You're worth it." What we do is based on "my feelings". When there are several children in a house, they soon learn that, like it or not, they have to learn to share. They have to share their toys, their food, and even their mommy. This is an important principal as we learn to put others first. The house is so pleasant when we learn to put the wants and needs of others first. We all get along better and enjoy fellowship with each other when we show love and concern for each other. It is truly pleasant when we can all live in unity. It is a joy to worship when the church is in unity. Read the 12th chapter of Romans for more good advice on Godly living. "If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men." (Romans 12:18)
34 That Which Concerneth Me
“The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands.” Psalm 138:8
It is amazing that our great, powerful, Almighty God cares about the things that concern us. In His love and mercy, He not only protects and guides us, but He perfects those things that we care for daily. He cares about our relationships, our goals, our trials, and our needs. Are you concerned about a big test? The Lord cares. Are you concerned about a bill that is due? The Lord cares. Are you concerned for a sick friend? The Lord is merciful. We can put our lives into His hands and know that He will perfect all these things in our daily walk with Him. We are His creation and know that He will never, ever forsake us. Put your cares into His hands today. Trust your Creator to take care of your concerns, whatever they may be.
35 He Is Acquainted With All Our Ways
“O LORD, thou hast searched me, and known me. Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off. Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways.” Psalm 139:1-3
Isn't it wonderful to be acquainted with the Lord. We can know of famous people, without being acquainted, and they don't know us. This verse says that the Lord is acquainted with all our ways. He knows everything we do, when we are at home or away from home. He knows our very thoughts. Verse 4 says He knows the words on our tongue. Verse 5 tells us that He looks out for us before us and behind us and His hand is on us. I especially like verse 6, "Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it." We really can't comprehend all that the Lord knows about us. Why should we fear when we have the Lord with us? We live in such troubled times, but it is good to know that we are acquainted with the one and only God who is in control. He will take care of His children. Are you acquainted with God? Are you one of His dear children?
36 God Made Us And Thinks Of Us
“I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.” Psalm 139:14
Anyone who has questions about when life begins should read this chapter. David says, "Thou hast covered me in my mother's womb." (verse 13) God knew us from the very beginning of our existence. "Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them." (verse 16) God's care for us begins before we are born, and continues throughout our lives. "How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee." (verses 17 & 18) We have been looking at different Psalms to think on, and here we come to verses telling us that God thinks about us. Our wonderful, Almighty God has thoughts of us.
37 Search Me, O God
“Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” Psalm 139:23 & 24
What a great prayer to start the day. We watch the faults of others and judge ourselves to be more righteous than they are. But when we ask God to search our hearts and thoughts, we can confess and get right with Him. He may show us things we don't know about ourselves. We can live a more holy life if we continually keep things right with God. Let God lead you in the way everlasting. Take time to examine your heart today and ask God to search your thoughts. Then you can be a shining light and Christian example to others.
38 Let The Lord Lift You Up
“The LORD upholdeth all that fall, and raiseth up all those that be bowed down.” Psalm 145:14
When I think of someone falling, I think of a tiny child learning to walk. He stands... he steps... he falls... loving parents lift him up and steady him, then he stands... he steps... and he falls. The process continues until one day, he learns to walk. As he grows, he tries many new things, and falls many times. As he learns to ride a bicycle the parent runs beside, hand on the seat, with the child yelling, "Don't let me fall." The child will fall and may get hurt, but eventually he learns to ride. We are never too old to fall. We may feel like we fall short on making good grades, or getting the job done, but God is there to hold us up. "The LORD upholdeth all that fall, and raiseth up all those that be bowed down." When I think of those that are bowed down, I think of the grandmas and grandpas that have been through many hardships during their lifetimes... some bowed in physical pain for many years. Some parents are bowed with sorrow over their children. People of all ages can be broken hearted and bowed in sadness. But God can raise them up. The Lord can uphold those that are fallen, and lift up those that are bowed down. Let God lift up your soul.
39 Keep The Door Of My Lips
“Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.” Psalm 141:3
Are we as careful about what we say as the Psalmist is? He asks the Lord to guard his mouth and help him keep his lips shut. Proverbs 21:23 tells us, "Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles." We also see that the Lord hates "a lying tongue,... A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren." (Proverbs 6:17 & 19) As Christians, we should try to always be truthful. But we should also try to keep our lips from cruel and unkind words. We would not think of doing physical harm to our friends, but we often hurt them with gossip or words spoken in jest. Ask the Lord to set a watch on your mouth. Pray that He will keep you from hurting those you love.
40 He Healeth The Broken In Heart
“He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.” Psalm 147:3
What a wonderful Savior we have. He cares for our broken hearts. If I broke my ankle I would go to the doctor and probably get a cast on it until it healed. If I have a broken heart, there is no cast or bandage to fix it. But Jesus can heal our broken hearts. He can give us a comforting peace when no one else can. He can take our broken bodies and touch us with His healing love. Are you hurting? Take it to the Lord in prayer. Let Him heal your broken heart and bind up your wounds.
41 Young And Old
“My mouth shall shew forth thy righteousness and thy salvation all the day; for I know not the numbers thereof. I will go in the strength of the Lord GOD: I will make mention of thy righteousness, even of thine only. O God, thou hast taught me from my youth: and hitherto have I declared thy wondrous works. Now also when I am old and greyheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I have shewed thy strength unto this generation, and thy power to every one that is to come.” Psalm 71:15-18
Our days are numbered. Psalm 90:12 says, "So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom." We need to do what we can for God today, because we have no promise of tomorrow. Our verses above remind us that we can be a witness for God when we are young and when we are older. "O God, thou hast taught me from my youth: and hitherto have I declared thy wondrous works. Now also when I am old and greyheaded..." Don't think that you are too young to be a witness for Christ and declare what He has done for you. And if you are getting older and even greyheaded, you can still be a witness for the generations to come. Live for Christ and declare His goodness to others.
42 The Lord Takes Pleasure In His People
“For the LORD taketh pleasure in his people: he will beautify the meek with salvation.” Psalm 149:4
What gives the Lord pleasure? This verse tells us that "the LORD taketh pleasure in his people". He loves us so much that He offers salvation free to all who will believe. People take pleasure in many things, things that they own, such as their homes or cars. We also take pleasure in the beauty or abilities of other people. We watch television, listen to music, and put a lot of time in sports. But we read in Psalm 147:10 & 11, "He delighteth not in the strength of the horse: he taketh not pleasure in the legs of a man. The LORD taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy." God doesn't take pleasure in our beauty, our possessions, or our strength... He gave us all we have. But He does take pleasure in us, when we give our all to him.
43 Praise The Lord
“Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD.” Psalm 150:6
We began with the first Psalm, looking at different verses to meditate on and think about. Now we are ending with the last verse of the last Psalm, as we complete this segment of our daily devotions. The last 5 Psalms begin with this phrase and it is repeated over and over throughout the book of Psalms, "Praise ye the LORD." "Praise ye the LORD. Praise the LORD, O my soul. While I live will I praise the LORD: I will sing praises unto my God while I have any being." (Psalm 146:1 & 2) "Praise ye the LORD: for it is good to sing praises unto our God; for it is pleasant; and praise is comely." (Psalm 147:1) "Praise ye the LORD. Praise ye the LORD from the heavens: praise him in the heights." (Psalm 148:1) "Praise ye the LORD. Sing unto the LORD a new song, and his praise in the congregation of saints." (Psalm 149:1) We even have this repeated in the shortest Psalm, "O praise the LORD, all ye nations: praise him, all ye people. For his merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the LORD endureth for ever. Praise ye the LORD." (Psalm 117) The message is clear. We are to lift our voice in praise to our wonderful Lord. I can remember being in worship services many years ago when men and women would cry out, "Praise the Lord." I think God would be pleased if we would also cry out to Him, "Praise the Lord."
Planted By Rivers Of Water..."
