1. Verse 1 continues an interesting theme for David in the psalms. He speaks of “extolling” God because He has “lifted me up, and [has] not let my enemies rejoice over me.” I find it interesting that David uses these reasons to praise the Lord. We need to strive to be more thankful when we know God’s hand is in a victory of some sort. That should be a reason to praise God! 2. Again in verse 4 we are reminded to sing praises and “give thanks.” These go hand-in-hand in many psalms. 3. Verse 5 contains a famous thought, teaching us that God’s anger is just for a while,…

1. This psalm, most commentators agree, was written specifically to be a hymn. Many psalms were adapted as hymns, but this seems to have been written for that specific purpose. 2. Verse 2 reminds us that anything we can “ascribe” (NASB) to God is “due Him.” We know we cannot do justice to God in our worship, but we can strive for our best. 3. Verses 3-9 give many poetic statements about God’s greatness by speaking of the amazing power of His voice. We should be reminded by this of the power of God’s Word. I need to remember that it was His voice that spoke the universe into existence.…

1. Many times in the psalms David refers to God as “a rock.” In verse 1, though, David refers to God as “MY rock.” We need to have that same confidence in the Father. 2. Verse 3 is interesting to me. David is suggesting that God–a loving God–will punish some, and he does not want to be in that number. Sadly, many today teach that a loving God could not possibly punish. 3. The end of verse 3 speaks of those who are evil, having “evil in their hearts.” We are taught many places in the Bible that sin (evil) begins with our thoughts and attitudes. 4. Verse 4 again…

Another article (Psalm 1-25: Links) was submitted and accepted to The Christian Carnival (this was #178). To see the entire list of articles in the carnival, click here. I enjoy participating in these carnivals. They open doors for others to see our work, and they link us to other writers with interesting ideas and opinions.

1. Verse 1 has given strength and encouragement to countless people over the years (including me!). “Whom shall I fear?” the psalmist asks, after praising the One Whom we all should fear. But, note that the psalmist makes God a personal God (“MY light and MY salvation”). That’s why we don’t have to fear. 2. After reading many psalms that seem to be coming from a place of doubt (or, at least, wavering) verses 2 and 3 may seem strange. These verses, and the ones to follow, come from a place of total trust in God. David no longer sees man as his enemy–man can be defeated! 3. Verses 4…

1. As in other psalms, verse 1 is not a statement of arrogance; rather, it is as if David is pleading his case, trying to “play up” his good points before God. 2. The “legal” wording continues in verse 2 (“examine,” “try”), as David almost seems to be throwing himself on the mercy of God’s court! 3. Verses 3-5 echo the thoughts of the very first verse of psalms. David is saying that he is doing his very best to not even go near sinners. 4. The end of verse 7 contains a phrase that shows David’s dedication: “Tell of all Your wondrous works” (emphasis added). Obviously, David could not…

When I first thought of this project, it was mostly to help me in my Bible study (and it still is). I hope you are reading each of the thoughts on the psalms. However, there are a bunch of psalms! This series is going to take a long time and run through many pages of this blog. So, after ever 25 psalms, there will be a post like this one, with links to each one. Maybe you have a favorite psalm, or there is one in this series you missed. Use the links below to read the devotional thoughts for Psalms 1-25. Psalm 1 Psalm 2 Psalm 3 Psalm 4…

1. The psalm is 22 verses in length, equaling the number of characters in the Hebrew alphabet. Not surprisingly, then, the psalm follows an acrostic outline. 2. Parts of this psalm (including verses 2 and 3) are sung by our young people in the song “Unto Thee, O Lord,” the first verse coming from, well, the first verse! 3. I have always been struck by the phrase, “Do not let me be ashamed” in verse 2. When we are with God, we have nothing to be ashamed of. 4. In contrast to the “no shame” of the follower of God, those who do not follow Him do (or will) feel…

Originally titled “A Treatise on the Eldership,” this short book is, in my opinion, a “must-read.” J.W. McGarvey (pictured) wrote this book originally in 1870, but the central thoughts are as new as if they were written yesterday. The version of the book that I have is just 79 pages and I actually read the entire book in one afternoon (while the kids took a nap). It reads almost as if it were a term paper, but with many very scholarly thoughts. McGarvey’s major thrust is that elders should work, and this emphasis comes through in nearly every section. He spends some time on the qualifications, but much more time…

1. Verse 1 is such an humbling verse. I often think I am totally in control (the captain of my own fate, as it were), but “The earth is the Lord’s, and all it contains.” Nothing really is mine! 2. Verse 3 is very similar to Psalm 15’s opening, and the answer in verse 4 is just another way of stating the answer given in Psalm 15. “Hands” (verse 4) is a way of saying the life. This verse is not saying that one is perfect, but that he or she is striving every day to live the best life possible in God’s sight. 3. The beginning of verse 5…