Author: looking2jesus13

MARCH 31

Psalm 64

Psalm 64:2, “Hide me from the secret plots of the wicked, from the throng of evildoers.”

Anne Frank and her Jewish family lived in Nazi-occupied Amsterdam during World War II during a time of intense persecution. When Anne’s sister was sent to a labor camp, the family decided to go into hiding in the “Secret Annex” of her father’s business building. Non-Jewish friends provided food and supplies and kept their location secret.  The family survived through ongoing danger and threats, until they were betrayed, then discovered and arrested.  Deported to concentration camps, Anne and her sister did in Bergen-Belsen in 1945, just weeks before the camp’s liberation. 

As with Anne and family, David was surrounded by wicked folks who sought his death. So, David prayed for God’s protection, and that God would “hide (him) from the secret plots of the wicked” (Psalm 64:2).

The good news for the believer is that he has already been brought to the perfect hiding place in Christ: “For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:3).  Positionally speaking, that means you’ve been brought, through Christ’s shed blood, into a secure and protected relationship with God.  Experientially speaking, trials have a way of reminding us of our need to run and remain in that place of safety, in Him.  

Having the Risen Christ as one’s hiding place, there is no need for fear: “Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.”  With respect to sin, and all the ways we are threatened by it, there’s no better hiding place to be found than Jesus.

You are my hiding place
You always fill my heart
With the songs of deliverance
Whenever I’m afraid
I will trust in you
–Michael Ledner

Application Questions: Have you ever felt the need to be hidden away from some threat?  What makes for a good hiding place?  How do you find that in Jesus in an experiential way?  Thank Him for how He is even now working to hide and protect you.

MARCH 28

Psalm 63

Psalm 63:1, “O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.”

In 1849, during the California Gold Rush, a group of travelers attempted a shortcut through Death Valley but became lost. As their water supply dwindled, several members perished from thirst and exhaustion. Among them, one wandered away and succumbed to the desert’s brutal conditions. Survivors, barely escaped after enduring extreme dehydration. Their ordeal became a legendary testament to the dangers of desert travel and the desperation of those seeking survival.

This psalm is often associated with David’s time in the Judean wilderness, where he may have experienced similar hunger and thirst. Wandering through the arid landscape, he would have felt the deep fatigue and longing known only to those struggling through the desert. Yet, for David, physical thirst served as a powerful reminder of his greater spiritual thirst—his longing for God Himself.

No matter our circumstances, true satisfaction is found in God alone. Unlike the broken cisterns that hold no water, God is the fountain of living waters for those who seek Him (Jeremiah 2:13). As Charles Spurgeon beautifully expressed, “The absence of outward comforts can be borne with serenity when we walk with God; and the most lavish multiplication of them avails not when He withdraws. Only after God, therefore, let us pant.”

David understood this truth well—just as water is essential for survival in the wilderness, so is God’s presence the only source of true life and fulfillment.

“Jesus said to them, ‘I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.’”—John 6:35

Application questions: Have you ever been so thirsty that all you could think about was your next drink of water?  Translate that spiritually to your walk with Christ.  David earnestly sought after God.  Pray for a heart to do the same.

MARCH 27

Psalm 62

Psalm 62:2, “For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation.”

Amid opposition and threats, David looked to God alone for deliverance. Three times in this psalm, he declared his unwavering trust in “God alone.” With faith in both God’s power and love, he did not seek help elsewhere but relied entirely on Him.

Perhaps you’ve read the classic devotional Streams in the Desert, written by Lettie Cowman. She and her husband, Charles Cowman, founded the Japan Evangelistic Band as part of their missionary outreach.

At one point, they faced an urgent financial crisis. With no resources and no clear way to meet their growing needs, the situation seemed impossible. Yet Charles refused to rely on fundraising techniques or human intervention—he trusted God alone to provide. Confident that God would supply their needs, he prayed fervently. Soon after, an unexpected gift arrived, matching exactly what was required.

When troubles arise, we often trust in ourselves or other resources. Yet, the wisest choice is to place everything in God’s hands. He knows our needs, cares deeply, and is fully able to provide—no matter the circumstances.

“It is a tragedy when a man has no invisible means of support.”—T. J. Bach

Application Questions: Where are you prone to look for help when troubles come your way?  What does it mean to trust in God alone?  What situation can you even now fully trust Him to resolve?

MARCH 26

Psalm 61

Psalm 61:2, “Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.”

Aware of his own frailty and limitations, David asked God to lead him to a rock higher than himself. This imagery reflects God’s identity as a firm, secure refuge, offering strength and stability beyond human ability.

David understood the military significance of high ground. Throughout history, securing an elevated position was crucial for defense and visibility in battle. Fortresses and cities were often built on hills or mountains to make them harder to attack—Jerusalem itself stood on higher ground. A superior vantage point also gave soldiers a clearer view of the enemy, allowing them to prepare for battle. Armies that controlled the high ground had the advantage, launching attacks downward with greater force and effectiveness. For this reason, despite being vastly outnumbered, the Jewish rebels at Masada resisted the Romans for months, using their elevated position as a strategic defense.

Just as David sought a rock higher than himself, we too need a refuge beyond our own strength. That rock is Jesus. He is higher than all, the only one truly able to deliver us. So, we should fly to Him, as William Cushing described in his hymn: “O safe to the Rock that is higher than I, my soul in its conflicts and sorrows would fly; So sinful, so weary—Thine, Thine would I be: Thou blest ‘Rock of Ages,’ I’m hiding in Thee.” In Jesus, we have a rock that towers over all our enemies and fears, offering true safety and salvation.

“How infinitely higher than we are is the salvation of God.”—Charles Spurgeon

Application Questions: David prayed to be led to the higher rock.  Why?  With this imagery in mind, pray that God would lead you to trust in Him to protect you amid your challenges.

MARCH 25

Psalm 60

Psalm 60:12, “With God we shall do valiantly.”

To do valiantly means to act with great courage, strength, and determination, especially in the face of challenges or opposition. It often implies bravery in battle, perseverance in hardship, or unwavering faith in difficult circumstances. 

In a biblical context, Psalm 60:12 and Psalm 108:13 say, “Through God we shall do valiantly.” This means that true strength and victory come from reliance on God rather than human effort. To “do valiantly” in this sense means to act boldly and faithfully, trusting in God’s power to overcome obstacles.

When the Philistine giant Goliath challenged Israel’s army, no one dared to fight him—except for young David. Though just a shepherd boy, David had great faith that God would give him victory. He told King Saul, “The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine” (1 Samuel 17:37).

Armed with only a sling and five smooth stones, David faced Goliath, declaring, “You come to me with a sword and with a spear and with a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts” (1 Samuel 17:45). While Goliath relied on his own strength, David trusted in God alone. With one well-aimed stone, David struck Goliath in the forehead, and the giant fell. This victory was not due to David’s skill alone, but because he trusted God to fight for him. His boldness and faith remind us that true strength comes not from ourselves but from God who makes strong.

“But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us.”—Romans 8:37

Application Questions: Scripture makes clear that we are engaged in a spiritual battle (Ephesians 6:10-18).  How can we be strong against the foe?  What does doing valiantly look like in your life?

MARCH 24

Psalm 59

Psalm 59:17, “O my Strength, I will sing praises to you, for you, O God, are my fortress, the God who shows me steadfast love.”

David faced many challenges. Though he had done nothing wrong, his enemies lay in wait, seeking an opportunity to kill him. He compared them to hungry dogs, howling and prowling through the city. Surrounded by hostility and threats, David looked to God for protection, declaring three times in this Psalm that God was his fortress. In ancient warfare, a fortress was a stronghold of safety, shielding its occupants from attacking forces. David saw God as his ultimate refuge.

Nearly 500 years ago, Martin Luther echoed this same trust in God. Like David, Luther found himself under attack. His teaching—that a person is justified by faith—faced fierce opposition. He was falsely accused, forced to defend himself, and even driven into hiding.  Many of his friends suffered persecution and even death. Amid this turmoil, he wrote the hymn “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God.” The hymn’s opening line reminds us that God is our refuge. It also identifies the source of our struggles: “our ancient foe,” whose craft and power are great. Yet, ultimate victory lies in Christ Jesus—“He must win the battle.”

Today, Martin Luther’s tomb in Wittenberg’s Castle Church bears the inscription “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God.” His life and legacy point to an important question: Are we trusting in Jesus as our fortress? He alone can guard our hearts and give us peace, no matter our circumstances (Philippians 4:6-7).

Jesus is a mighty fortress to all who put their trust in Him.

Application Questions:  Give thought to what it means to have God for a fortress.  To what safe place do you flee when you face troubles? Read Ephesians 6:10-18.

MARCH 21

Psalm 58

Psalm 58:11, “Mankind will say, ‘Surely there is a reward for the righteous; surely there is a God who judges on earth.”

Psalm 58 is one of several imprecatory psalms, a category of psalms that invoke divine judgment or punishment upon the psalmist’s enemies. In this psalm, David expresses deep distress over the wickedness he witnesses around him. He observes rulers who, instead of dispensing justice, are evil to their core. These wicked individuals, described as being “wicked from birth,” devise evil with malicious intent. David likens them to venomous snakes, resistant to the efforts of the charmer, refusing to heed correction.

David’s lament is one of yearning for justice—a justice that would see the wicked swept away. Above all, David is troubled by the oppression of the righteous and longs for a day when God’s vengeance will be enacted against evil.

This longing for justice resonates deeply with those who have understanding. We yearn for a world where justice prevails. Yet, there is reason for hope. Justice has already been served through the cross of Jesus Christ. As 1 Peter 3:18 reminds us, “Christ also suffered for sins once for all time, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God.” Despite the fact that we are all born sinners (Romans 3:23), deserving of judgment (Romans 6:23), Jesus provided a way for forgiveness to all who believe in Him.

Moreover, when the Lord Jesus returns, He will fully and finally enact justice. As stated in 2 Thessalonians 1:8-10, Jesus will come “inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.” Those who have rejected God’s offer of salvation will face judgment, while those who have believed will receive their reward, marveling at the glory of His presence.

David’s cry for justice, though rooted in the pain of injustice, is ultimately a reminder that God will set all things right in His perfect timing. While the world may seem filled with wickedness now, there is hope in the promise of Christ’s return, where justice will be fully realized and evil finally vanquished.

“Two things will come out clearly after all—there is a God and a reward for the righteous.” – Charles Spurgeon

Application questions: How much does sin trouble you—whether it be your own or that which you see in the world?  How thankful are you, that though you were unjust, Jesus suffered that you might be declared just and be reconciled to God?  When will justice on earth be fully realized?

MARCH 20

Psalm 57

Psalm 57:2, “I cry out to God Most High, to God who fulfills his purpose for me.”

David felt surrounded by enemies who were like ravenous lions, hotly pursuing him. Their teeth were like spears and arrows, and their tongues like sharp swords (Psalm 57:4). They set traps for his feet and dug pits in his path (Psalm 57:6). Despite these dangers, David remained assured of God’s steadfast love and called upon God’s mercy, confident that He would fulfill His purpose for him.

God had a clear purpose for David—he was chosen to be the King of Israel. Similarly, God has a unique plan for each of us. A common question many ask is, “What is God’s purpose for my life?” It’s undeniable that God has a purpose for each of His children, as He has numbered our days and already prepared the good works, He intends for us to do (Psalm 139:16; Ephesians 2:10).

As with David, pursuing God’s purpose and will isn’t always easy. We all face obstacles and opposition along the way. Looking back, I can relate to David’s experience. Major changes in my life were accompanied by heartfelt prayers, where I cried out to God, and then God led me down some unforeseen path.  Through those prayers, God moved my heart to pursue His plan. Though I faced obstacles and even opposition, I knew that if God had called me to do something, I could count on Him to lead, provide, and protect that he might fulfill his purpose (Romans 8:28).  It’s good to know God has a purpose, and great to know that He will fulfill it.

“He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion.”—Philippians 1:6

Application Questions: How has God worked through your prayers to change your heart and direct you in His will?  Is there something even now hindering you in your pursuit of fulfilling God’s will?  Pray for God to intervene and lead.

MARCH 19

Psalm 56

Psalm 56:8, “You have…put my tears in your bottle.”

I pulled over to the side of the highway, unable to hold back my tears. I had just taken my beloved dog, Rory, to the vet, and with her body ravaged by cancer, I had no choice but to say goodbye. The weight of it all was overwhelming. Laura’s cancer had already turned our world upside down. I had retired from my role as a pastor, and we had left our home and friends behind, moving far away. Rory had been a constant companion through all of this, but now she was gone. There were tears enough for every goodbye.

Does Jesus care? Not long after my experience, I preached a sermon centered on that question, focusing on the three occasions in Scripture when we are told that Jesus wept. He wept at the funeral of Lazarus, He wept over the impending destruction of Jerusalem, and He wept in the garden, anticipating the anguish of the cross.

Does God care about what you’re going through? In Psalm 56:8, we are told that God “puts our tears in a bottle.” David’s tears, countless as they were, didn’t just fall to the ground and fade away. No, God, being rich in mercy, collected each one. At the root of our tears lies the painful truth that we live in a broken and harsh world, one that produces suffering as naturally as weeds grow. Yet, the One who wept in the garden, who experienced the deepest anguish of all, cares for us profoundly. So deeply, in fact, that He faced the torment of death to rescue us from sin and eternal separation. One day, there will be no more tears—when He wipes every tear from our eyes in heaven (Revelation 21:4). But for now, we have a Savior who, through His own tears, showed us just how much He cares about ours.

“O yes, He cares, I know He cares! His heart is touched with my grief.” – Frank E. Graeff

Application Questions: Recall the last time you wept.  What was it that led to your tears?  Have you sometimes wondered if God cares about what you are going through?  Be comforted by the truth of his verse.

MARCH 18

Psalm 55

Psalm 55:22, “Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you.”

In Psalm 55, David, surrounded by animosity from both his foes and even his friends, pours out his heart before the Lord. Overcome with anguish and terror, he longs for an escape from his troubles (Psalm 55:4-8). David prays for justice (Psalm 55:9-15) and, despite his distress, reassures himself of God’s deliverance (Psalm 55:16-21). Confident in God’s ability to sustain him, he calls on us to “cast (our) burden on the Lord” (Psalm 55:22).

J. R. R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings speaks to a similar theme of carrying burdens. Frodo Baggins bears an overwhelming burden, both physically and mentally, as he carries the Ring. The weight of this task, coupled with the pressure and corruption it brings, becomes too much for him at times. In these moments, Frodo’s loyal companion, Samwise Gamgee, steps in to bear the load when Frodo is near breaking. One of the most memorable moments occurs in The Return of the King, when Sam says to Frodo: “I can’t carry it for you, but I can carry you!” In this act of selfless support, Sam helps Frodo carry his burden when the journey seems impossible.  God can do that for us.

We all have our burdens—troubles and fears that feel too heavy to bear. In those moments, we face a choice: either collapse under the weight or cast our burdens upon the Lord. There is no trouble too great for the One who died for our sins and rose from the dead. He understands what we are going through, He cares deeply, and He can intervene in ways we can’t even imagine. 1 Peter 5:7 encourages us to “cast all your cares upon Him, because He cares for you.”

“I cast all my cares upon you. I lay all of my burdens down at your feet.  And any time I don’t know what to do, I will cast all my cares upon you! — Songwriters: Shane Barnard, Kelly Faye Willard

Application Questions: How prone are you to carry your own burden when it comes to the troubles you face?  What situation can you even now unburden yourself to God through prayer?