Author: looking2jesus13

JUNE 26

Psalm 126

Psalm 126:6, “He who goes out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, bringing his sheaves with him.”

Whether we realize it or not, we are always sowing. Every choice, attitude, and action plants seeds—either according to the flesh or by the Spirit (Galatians 6:7-8). When we sow to the flesh, we may experience fleeting pleasures and temporary bliss, but the harvest is ultimately bitter, bringing sorrow and destruction as a consequence for sin. In contrast, sowing by the Spirit may not always feel rewarding in the moment. Often, it is done through pain, perseverance, and even tears. The path of the believer is not without hardship. The world, the flesh, and the devil labor relentlessly to distract and discourage us from bearing any lasting fruit. Yet those who belong to God persist—they go “out weeping, bearing seed for sowing” (Psalm 126:6).

This imagery in Psalm 126 draws from Israel’s own story. The psalm reflects the joy of the Israelites returning from Babylonian exile—after seventy long years of sorrow, loss, and captivity. Their return to Zion felt like a dream come true: “Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy” (Psalm 126:2). But while the restoration brought rejoicing, rebuilding their lives and land would still take great effort, often through tears. Their sowing—both literal and spiritual—came with pain and uncertainty. And yet, the psalm proclaims the promise: “Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy” (Psalm 126:5).

Their tears were not wasted—and neither are ours. God promises a rich and joyful harvest for those who sow faithfully in Him. The tears we shed in obedience, faith, and endurance are temporary—what Paul calls “light and momentary afflictions”—especially when compared to the eternal weight of glory being prepared for us (2 Corinthians 4:17–18). The promise of God is sure: those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy.

Are you in a season of sowing in tears—praying, serving, enduring, or obeying God when the results seem small and the burden feels heavy? Take heart. Just as Israel experienced restoration after exile, and just as God remained faithful to fulfill His promises, He sees your tears and honors your faithfulness. Your labor is not in vain. Keep sowing, even when it’s hard. Trust that God is working, and in His perfect time, you will reap with joy.

“Tears are often the seeds of joy.” — Charles Spurgeon

Application Questions: What area of your life feels like “sowing in tears” right now—and how can you trust God with the harvest, even if you can’t see it yet? How does remembering God’s past faithfulness (like Israel’s return from exile) encourage you to keep planting seeds of faith, obedience, or prayer in your current season?

JUNE 25

Psalm 125

Psalm 125:2, “As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds his people, from this time forth and forevermore.”

Psalm 125 uses the imagery of mountains surrounding Jerusalem to illustrate God’s protection over His people. Geographically, Jerusalem is situated on a plateau within the Judaean Mountains, approximately 2,500 feet above sea level. The city is naturally fortified by a series of steep hills and rugged terrain on nearly all sides.

To the east lies the Mount of Olives, a prominent ridge that overlooks the city and provides a strategic vantage point. To the west, the land rises again toward the Judean Hills. The northern and southern approaches to Jerusalem are also bordered by hills and valleys, forming natural barriers that are difficult for invaders to navigate. These elevations forced enemy armies to face narrow paths and steep climbs, hindering swift or large-scale attacks.

This mountainous “ring” around Jerusalem acted as a natural fortress, limiting access points and making surprise assaults challenging. It helped protect the city from many invasions throughout its history by slowing down enemies and exposing them to defenders positioned on higher ground. Spiritually, Psalm 125 compares this protective mountain barrier to how God surrounds and safeguards His people. Just as the mountains physically shield Jerusalem, God’s presence offers enduring security, stability, and refuge.

Just as the mountains surround Jerusalem to protect and secure the city, God surrounds us with His presence and care. He is not only with us but dwells within us through His Spirit (Matthew 28:20; John 14:17). When life feels overwhelming, when the enemy seems close, or when hope for deliverance fades, we can remember that God’s protection is like a strong fortress. His surrounding presence is an unassailable refuge where we can place our trust and find lasting peace.

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” — Psalm 46:1

Application Questions: In what ways have you experienced God’s protection like the mountains surrounding Jerusalem during difficult times? When you face challenges or feel overwhelmed, how can remembering God’s presence as a strong fortress change the way you respond?

JUNE 24

Psalm 124

Psalm 124:1-2, “If it had not been the Lord who was on our side—let Israel now say—if it had not been the Lord who was on our side.”

It’s been a long, difficult journey. Since Laura’s cancer diagnosis in January 2017, she has faced more than her share of hardship. She’s undergone radiation and endured six different cancer treatment plans. Her spine was weakened to the point where she now wears a back brace whenever she leaves the house. Chronic pain, endless doctor appointments, and an overwhelming amount of medical paperwork have become part of daily life. Slowly, her health and abilities have declined—but her spirit has not.

There are moments when we look back and realize: we should not have made it through. And yet, Laura has. She’s outlived expectations, held on to hope, and found ways to keep moving forward. Through pain and exhaustion, she has remained resilient—sometimes joyful, often courageous, always faithful. How? Because God was on our side.  He has sustained her when strength failed. He has brought peace in the middle of chaos. His mercy has met her in the darkest moments. Without Him, this story would read very differently. But with Him, it is one of perseverance, grace, and quiet victory.

Psalm 124 is a song of gratitude, recognizing that Israel’s survival was only possible because the Lord was on their side. The psalmist reflects on what could have happened—being swallowed alive by enemies, swept away by raging waters—if God had not intervened. But instead, Israel was delivered like a bird escaping a hunter’s snare. The psalm ends with a powerful declaration: “Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth (Psalm 124:8).”  Though Israel be outnumbered, and though there appeared to be no clear means of escape, their victory was assured for the maker of heaven and earth was on their side.  God worked to turn what should have been a defeat, into deliverance. 

Psalm 124 reminds us that when life seems overwhelming, its not by our strength that can see us through.  Whatever the battle, God’s presence changes everything.  Like Israel, we can say with confidence: “If the Lord had not been on our side…” But He is. And because of that, I have hope—even in the hardest places.

“So, what do you think? With God on our side like this, how can we lose?” – Romans 8:31, The Message Bible

APPLICATION QUESTIONS: Can you think of a time in your life when, looking back, you can say, “If the Lord had not been on my side”? What did God teach you through that experience? In what current situation do you need to be reminded that God is still on your side—fighting for you, sustaining you, and walking with you?

JUNE 23

Psalm 123

Psalm 123:2, “so our eyes look to the Lord our God, till he has mercy upon us.”

My dog Muki has a remarkable way of getting what she wants. Whether she’s hoping for a walk, waiting for her meal, or yearning for a treat, she fixes her Lab puppy eyes on me—full of devotion and expectation. And eventually, I give in. She doesn’t look at anyone else like that, because she knows I’m the one who can meet her needs. She doesn’t give up easily. Her gaze is unwavering—intense, focused, and persistent—for as long as it takes.

In a similar way, and as a servant would look to the hand of its master (Psalm 123:2), the exiled Jews fixed their eyes on God, looking to Him for mercy. They had endured enough contempt from their oppressors. Their souls were weary—“more than enough” of the scorn from those who lived at ease (Psalm 123:4). So, they lifted their eyes to the Lord. Twice the psalmist pleads, “Have mercy upon us” (Psalm 123:3).

This psalm became a song for pilgrims ascending to Jerusalem, echoing their deep longing for God’s intervention. As they journeyed back to the holy city for the feasts, they sang this prayer again—lifting their eyes to the only One who could truly help.

Just as Muki looks only to me, and just as the exiled Jews looked solely to God, we too are called to fix our eyes on the Lord alone for mercy. In a world full of distractions, self-reliance, and misplaced hopes, it’s easy to turn elsewhere for comfort or solutions. But true mercy—healing, forgiveness, restoration, and peace—comes from God alone. When we wait on Him with trust and expectation, His mercy can heal our hearts, lift our burdens, and breathe new life into our weary souls. It is His mercy that meets us in our weakness, carries us through trials, and assures us of God’s steadfast love.

God invites us to look to Him: “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need (Hebrews 4:16).  He sits on a throne of grace from which He freely bestows mercy and grace to help in time of need.  Let us readily go there in prayer.

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”—Lamentations 3:22-23

APPLICATION QUESTIONS: Where in your life are you tempted to seek relief or answers apart from God, rather than fixing your eyes on Him for mercy? How might your daily outlook or decisions change if you truly believed God’s mercies are “new every morning?”

JUNE 20

Psalm 122

Psalm 122:1, “I was glad when they said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the Lord!’”

Three times a year, faithful Jews made the pilgrimage to Jerusalem to celebrate the feasts of Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles, as commanded by God (Deuteronomy 16:16). For some, the journey spanned hundreds of miles and took many days, often through rugged terrain and dangerous paths—including the infamous road from Jericho, where bandits were known to strike.

Families traveled in caravans, enduring fatigue, heat, and uncertainty—all for one central purpose: to worship the Lord. Jerusalem, the “city of peace,” housed the Temple, the visible symbol of God’s presence among His people. Despite the hardships, the pilgrims were eager to go, echoing the psalmist’s joyful declaration: “I was glad when they said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the Lord!’” (Psalm 122:1).

Today, our journey to worship looks very different. We travel in comfort—climate-controlled cars on paved roads, facing few, if any, real threats. We gather in clean, well-equipped buildings, welcomed by friendly faces and a familiar routine. Our seats are cushioned, the service is timed, and afterward we return quickly to our everyday lives. And yet, for many, the desire to attend has faded. Statistics show that church attendance in America is at an all-time low. While there may be many explanations—busyness, convenience, even past hurts—the deeper question remains: What is our motivation?

The psalmist was glad simply to be invited to worship. Are we? Or have we grown indifferent to the very thing others risked so much to experience? The truth is, our motivation must be centered on Jesus. We go because we love Him. We gather because He is worthy. To love Jesus is to long to worship Him with others, to hear His Word faithfully taught, and to use our God-given gifts to build up the body of Christ. Church isn’t a religious habit—it’s a living expression of a relationship with Jesus and His body, the church. The more we are led by the Spirit to love Jesus, the more we will want to be with others who love Him too, expressing that love through shared worship, growth, and service.

“We ought not to worship God in a dull, lifeless manner. We must not be content with attendance—we must draw near in spirit and draw near with joy.” —Charles Spurgeon

Application questions: What is my heart attitude when it comes to gathering with God’s people—is it obligation, indifference, or joyful anticipation? How can I actively contribute to the worship and building up of the church, rather than simply attending?

JUNE 19

Psalm 121

Psalm 117:1-2, “I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.”

As with the previous psalm, this is one of the fifteen known as the “Songs of Ascents,” sung by worshipers traveling to Jerusalem for the three annual festivals. Whether by organized procession or personal pilgrimage, these journeys were long, often difficult, and filled with risk.

Unlike modern travel, these pilgrims went by foot, facing challenges such as finding food, water, and shelter—no fast food or rest stops along the way. Robbers were a constant threat, and there was no way to call for help in case of illness or injury.

So, when the Psalmist writes, “I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth,” he may have been looking at those hills with a mix of concern and hope. The hills could hide danger. Some hills were even sites of pagan worship, but the Psalmist makes it clear: “I see the hills—they might be filled with threats or false hopes. But my help doesn’t come from there. My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.”

And we all need help. Life brings physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. Some are minor; others are deep, hidden from others, but seen by God alone. Needs arise from trials, from life’s unpredictability, or from our own poor choices.

The Psalmist knew where to turn: to the Creator, powerful enough to make the universe and personal enough to care for every detail of our lives. The same God who feeds the birds and clothes the lilies of the field sees you and cares for you.

When trouble comes, where do you look? It’s easy to fixate on the problem or lean too heavily on people. Counsel and help from others can be good, but they should never replace our trust in God. He alone is our ultimate source of help and hope.

“My help comes not from the hills but from the One who made them!”

Application Questions: When faced with trouble or uncertainty, where do you instinctively turn first—and what would it look like to turn to God instead? How does remembering that God is the Creator of heaven and earth strengthen your confidence in His ability to help you with your current needs?

JUNE 18

Psalm 120

Psalm 120:6, “Too long have I had my dwelling among those who hate peace. I am for peace, but when I speak, they are for war!”

Psalms 120–134 are known as the Songs of Ascents. These fifteen psalms were sung by Jewish pilgrims as they traveled to Jerusalem for the major festivals—Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles. As they journeyed toward the holy city, they lifted their voices in praise, prayer, and remembrance. But these weren’t just songs for travelers. They were heart cries from exiles returning home. After years of captivity, Jerusalem represented more than a place—it was a symbol of restored hope and divine peace. The name Jerusalem means “city of peace.” For those coming out of places marked by deception and conflict, the name itself was a promise. In contrast to chaos, Jerusalem pointed to peace rooted in God’s presence and truth.

Psalm 120, the first in this collection, sets the tone. The psalmist cries from a world of lies and tension: “I am for peace; but when I speak, they are for war” (Psalm 120:7). He longs for peace but is surrounded by those who twist truth and stir strife. His cry echoes the believer’s struggle to live with integrity in a divided world.

Jesus affirmed this longing: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God” (Matthew 5:9). Yet peacemaking is not easy. It often involves hard work and difficult decisions—loving truth in a culture of deception and seeking unity in the face of division.

We’ve all witnessed the damage: broken relationships, divided communities, and churches torn apart by pride and selfish ambition. The enemy is always working to cause destruction. 

But there is hope. Just as the exiles looked to Jerusalem, we lift our eyes to the Prince of Peace and our heavenly home.  We are on a journey to a place where sin and conflict will be forever vanquished.  Along the way, we carry a sacred calling: to be ambassadors of Christ, people of peace in a world of conflict.

As we go about our daily lives—raising families, serving in church, working jobs—we are on a spiritual journey. With each step, we’re privileged to live as peacemakers. That means using our words to heal, not harm; to build up, not tear down; to seek reconciliation, not division.  To let the cry of the psalmist be our own: “I am for peace.”

“The way to heaven is ascending; we must be content to travel uphill, though it be hard and tiresome, and contrary to the natural bias of our flesh.” —Jonathan Edwards

Application Questions: Am I living as a person of peace in a divided world? When I feel overwhelmed by conflict, do I bring my distress honestly to God like the psalmist?

JUNE 17

Psalm 119:89-178

Psalm 119:105, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”

Our verse reminds us how God’s Word brings clarity and direction amid life’s darkness. There are two kinds of darkness: the physical kind, where sunlight is absent, and the spiritual kind, where we are blind to truth without God’s illumination. It’s entirely possible to walk confidently in daylight yet be spiritually lost—unaware of the truths that lead to salvation and a meaningful life.

Life, much like a path, is filled with twists, turns, and hidden obstacles. One wrong step can cause us to stumble and fall. Just as we rely on a flashlight to navigate physical darkness, we need God’s Word to guide us through the spiritual darkness we face every day. Scripture doesn’t just inform, it transforms (1 Thessalonians 2:13). It reveals who God is, who we are, and how we are to live. Without it, we stumble; with it, we can walk with guidance and purpose.

Helen Keller’s story powerfully illustrates this truth. Blinded and deaf from illness as a toddler, she lived in a world of isolation until her teacher, Anne Sullivan, broke through the silence. At a water pump, Anne spelled “w-a-t-e-r” into Helen’s hand as water flowed over the other. In a moment of realization, Helen understood. She later wrote that everything she touched that day “quivered with life.” Her dark world was suddenly filled with light and meaning.

In the same way that Helen needed Anne to reveal the truth about her world, we need the Holy Spirit to open our eyes to the truth that leads us safely through life (1 Corinthians 2:14; 1 John 2:27). As the Spirit teaches us, God’s Word brings light to our souls, meaning to our lives, and direction for each step we take.

So, are you walking in the light of God’s Word—or merely in the light of the sun? Physical sight does not guarantee spiritual clarity. Make Scripture your daily guide. Let it teach, correct, comfort, and lead you (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Like Helen discovering the word “water,” you will find that God’s Word awakens a new path of beholding truth—one that lights your path, step by step.

“The Bible is not only a book which was once spoken, but a book which is now speaking.” — A.W. Tozer

APPLICATION QUESTIONS: In what areas of your life are you relying on your own understanding instead of seeking guidance from God’s Word? How can you make time each day to let Scripture shape your thoughts, decisions, and direction?

JUNE 16

Psalm 119:1-88

Psalm 119:16, “I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word.”

Pastor Max Snook has served faithfully as the pastor of St. Helens Community Bible Church since its beginning over 40 years ago. My wife Laura and I were there in those early days, when the church met in the local senior center. We would help set up chairs before service began—simple, humble beginnings.

I remember how Pastor Max was preaching through Psalm 119, taking one stanza each Sunday. Each week we explored another layer of the psalmist’s love for God’s Word, and in the process, we were witnessing Max’s love for it too. Like the psalmist, he delighted in the Word and held tightly to it. And he invited us to do the same, purposing to establish the church on that firm foundation.

Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible—22 stanzas corresponding to the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet. What’s more, each verse within a stanza begins with the same Hebrew letter. While that structure is hidden in our English translations, it shows the care and intention behind every line. This is no ordinary poem; it’s a declaration of devotion: “I will not forget your word.” (Psalm 119:16)

Over the decades, Pastor Max has lived that verse. He has not forgotten God’s Word. Through trials, growth, and change, he has remained rooted in Scripture and has faithfully led others to do the same.

Psalm 119 challenges us to ask: How central is God’s Word in my life? Do I love it, delight in it, meditate on it, and live by it? Pastor Max’s lifetime love for the Word reminds us that this devotion isn’t cultivated in a moment—it’s built over a lifetime of choosing the Word again and again.

Wherever you are today—whether just beginning your walk with Christ or decades along the path—let the psalmist’s cry become your own: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path (Psalm 119:105).” May we, like Pastor Max and the psalmist before him, treasure the Word deeply and pass that love on to others.

“A Bible that’s falling apart usually belongs to someone who isn’t.” — Charles H. Spurgeon

APPLICATION QUESTIONS: What disciplines can you build today to deepen your love for and commitment to God’s Word over your lifetime? Who in your life can you encourage or mentor by sharing of your love for the Word and what you have learned (1 Timothy 2:2)?

JUNE 13

Psalm 118

Psalm 118:22-23, “The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. This is the Lord’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes.”

Psalm 118 is a triumphant song of thanksgiving and victory. It celebrates God’s steadfast love and His power to deliver His people from distress. The psalm opens and closes with a joyful refrain: “Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!” (Psalm 118:1, 29)

At its heart lies a profound message of reversal and redemption, powerfully captured in our verses.  A passage that is amongst the most quoted Old Testament passage found in the New Testament.  But what’s the meaning?

In ancient construction, especially in temple and palace building, stones were carefully inspected by builders. If a stone was misshapen, cracked, or didn’t appear useful, it was cast aside. But on rare occasions, a stone that was once rejected was later recognized as the perfect fit—particularly as the cornerstone, the most essential and load-bearing stone in the entire structure.

To say that a rejected stone becomes the cornerstone is to say that what seemed useless or unworthy was, in the end, most essential.  Originally, these words likely applied to Israel or to King David—once rejected but later chosen by God. But the New Testament reveals a deeper fulfillment: Jesus quoted this verse (Matthew 21:42) to describe Himself. He was the stone rejected by the religious “builders” of Israel—dismissed, betrayed, and crucified. Yet in His resurrection, He became the cornerstone of the church in God’s redemptive plan. The apostles echoed this truth in Acts 4:11 and 1 Peter 2:7.

What others rejected, God exalted. Jesus—despised, condemned, and crucified—has become the cornerstone of salvation. There is no other name by which we must be saved (Acts 4:12). In a world that still largely rejects Him, we are reminded that our faith must rest in Him alone. 

“Christ is the cornerstone rejected by the builders, but chosen and precious to God. In Him alone is our salvation and our firm foundation.” — Charles Spurgeon

Application questions: What makes what God did so marvelous?  Have you seen God take something that seemed worthless or broken in your life and turn it into something beautiful? How does knowing that God is able to do such thing work to encourage your faith?