Author: looking2jesus13

APRIL 3

Psalm 67

Psalm 67:1, “May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face to shine upon us.”

Yesterday marked the warmest day of the year so far, and the sunshine was a welcome relief after many cold, rainy days. People ventured outdoors to soak in the sun’s warmth, while flowers bloomed, and smiles spread across faces.

The psalmist prayed for a different kind of “sunshine”—the benevolent countenance of God toward His people. This prayer echoes the Aaronic blessing from Numbers 6:24-26, where God instructed Moses to pass on a blessing through Aaron and his descendants, calling for God’s favor and blessings upon Israel.  In the royal courts of the ancient world, kings expressed favor by making their faces shine, often acknowledging their subjects with a smile or an encouraging gesture. Conversely, a king’s displeasure would be shown through a frown or turning away.

In one sense, believers already experienced the smile of God through their relationship with Christ.  Having been “accepted in the beloved” they are recipients of His lavished grace in the manifold spiritual blessings He has bestowed (Ephesians 1:3, 7-8). In practice, we seek God’s favor in our daily lives, recognizing that we are completely dependent on Him for everything. As God’s face shines upon us, we are also called to shine as lights in the world. Just as the psalmist longed for the world to know God and His saving power (Psalm 67:2), we too are privileged to share His light.

In Jesus’ saving work, God smiles towards us, and we yearn for others to experience that too.

Application Questions: Think about how much you love to witness the smile of someone you love.  Thank God that in Jesus you even now enjoy His friendly countenance.  The psalmist yearned for others to know God (Psalm 67:2,7).  How might God use you to spread His truth?

APRIL 2

Psalm 66

Psalm 66:5, “Come and see.” Psalm 66:16, “Come and hear.”

“Show and Tell” is a classroom tradition that helps children build speaking confidence and strengthen connections among classmates. However, it can also present unexpected challenges when a student brings something outside the norm. For example, one child brought a live chicken to class to show what life on a farm is like, but the chicken was unfamiliar with classroom etiquette. Another time, a student brought a jar of her great-grandmother’s ashes, leaving the teacher in an awkward position.  Now, imagine you were given an opportunity to “show and tell” to your corner of the world. What would you “show”? What would you “tell”?

The psalmist had something he wanted others to see: the awe-inspiring deeds of God. Specifically, how God miraculously parted the sea to allow His people to escape the Egyptians. This mighty act left other nations in awe and served as an ongoing reminder to God’s people of His power to save. Today, we have our own awe-inspiring deed in the cross and resurrection of Jesus—an event that calls us to remember God’s incredible power to save.

But the work of God in the lives of those who fear Him is deeply personal. The psalmist, like the Apostle Paul, also longed for others to hear of what God had done for his soul. Paul’s personal declaration in Galatians 2:20—“He loved me and gave Himself up for me”—reflects the heart of the greatest “show and tell.” There is no better story to share than the mighty work of Jesus at the cross, and how it has transformed our lives and delivered us from sin.

Jesus’ saving work on our behalf is the greatest “show and tell.”

Application Questions: The psalmist wanted others to see what God had done and hear of God’s work in his own life.  You’ve amazing things to “show and tell” in how God has worked through the death and resurrection of Jesus to save you from your sins.  Prayerfully consider ways you might “show and tell” what God has done.

APRIL 1

Psalm 65

Psalm 65:8, “You make the going out of the morning and the evening to shout for joy.”

In this psalm of thanksgiving, David exalts God for His mighty deeds and abundant provision. It is possible that this psalm was sung by the community during the Feast of Tabernacles, a celebration marking the end of harvest. David emphasizes how everything he observes in creation points back to God’s gracious hand. It is God who nurtures and enriches the land, fills the streams to ensure an abundant harvest, and overflows the carts with grain. He clothes the fields with beauty and covers the meadows with flocks. As a result, the entire earth rejoices: the meadows and valleys “shout and sing together for joy” (Psalm 65:13).

In this context, David proclaims that God’s presence makes “the going out of the morning and evening shout for joy” (Psalm 65:8), highlighting the joy and praise that all of creation offers to its Creator.

The hymn “Morning Has Broken” is a modern reflection of this same theme of creation and thanksgiving. Written in 1931 by Eleanor Farjeon, an English author known for her work in both children’s literature and hymns, this song celebrates the beauty and new beginnings found in each day. The hymn was initially cherished in the UK, but it gained worldwide recognition when Cat Stevens recorded it in 1971. Through its beautiful lyrics and melody, “Morning Has Broken” echoes the spirit of Psalm 65, reminding us of the beauty of God’s creation and the joy that fills the earth.

Creation shouts for joy to its creator.  Every morning and evening it rejoices in God’s bountiful provision.  Those who have ears to hear, join in.  The blackbird’s song marks the start of a new God-given day.  Fruit born in our lives by His gracious hand gives reason to sing a song of praise.  Morning and evening shout for joy.  We do well to join them!

“Praise with elation,
praise every morning,
God’s recreation
of the new day!”
— “Morning Has Broken,” Eleanor Farjeon (1931)

Application Questions: Both morning and evening represent unique opportunities to praise and thank God.  Does joy mark these bookends to your day?  Lend thought to God’s gracious provision in your own life.  And rejoice with creation.

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?