Author: looking2jesus13

JUNE 12

Psalm 117

Psalm 117:1-2, “Praise the Lord, all nations! Extol him, all peoples! For great is his steadfast love toward us, and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever. Praise the Lord!”

Not only is Psalm 117 the shortest of all 150 psalms, but it is also the briefest chapter in the entire Bible—just two verses long. Yet within its few words lies a call that echoes across the nations and across the centuries.  It offers no small praise.  It’s a call for all peoples—not just Israel—to worship the Lord because of two unshakable truths: His steadfast love and His enduring faithfulness.

We are all relational beings, wired for connection to others. Yet every human relationship—no matter how sincere—struggles at times. We hurt each other. We drift apart. Even our most treasured commitments, like marriage, are tested by our humanness. We rightly honor couples who celebrate many years of marriage, recognizing how rare enduring faithfulness can be. But even at our best, our love is fragile and our ability to remain faithful ends when our lives do.

God is not like us. His love is perfect, eternal, and unchanging. His faithfulness does not depend on our consistency or worthiness. Even when we are unfaithful, He remains faithful (2 Timothy 2:13).

This truth was tested and proven through history. When Jerusalem fell due to the nation’s long disobedience, the prophet Jeremiah witnessed the devastation with a broken heart. He saw the temple destroyed, families torn apart, and a once-proud city reduced to ruin. His grief was raw and overwhelming. Yet, in the middle of his mourning, Jeremiah remembered something greater than the pain: “But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: 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 3:21–23).”

Even in the ashes of judgment, God’s faithful love remained. And that same love remains today—for all who call on His name. In a world where love can feel conditional and faithfulness short-lived, Psalm 117 reminds us where our faith must rest. This short psalm invites us not only to praise, but to trust—a trust anchored not in circumstances, but in the eternal character of God.

““God’s faithfulness means that God will always do what He said and fulfill what He has promised.” — Wayne Grudem

Application Questions: What does it mean to you that God’s love and faithfulness are not limited by your failures or circumstances? How might this truth change the way you approach Him today? Where in your life do you need to be reminded that God’s mercy is new every morning?

JUNE 11

Psalm 116

Psalm 116:15, “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.”

Death. We do everything we can to avoid it. In my work as a hospice chaplain, I’ve witnessed again and again how death disrupts lives and brings deep sorrow to those left behind. It is often preceded by the slow loss of health and vitality, accompanied by painful goodbyes, the letting go of freedom, the abandonment of dreams, and finally, separation from loved ones. In light of all this, how can something so painful ever be called precious?

Yet Scripture tells us, “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints” (Psalm 116:15). What we see as a tragic ending, God sees as a sacred homecoming. For those who belong to Him, death is not a defeat—it is the triumphant passage into His eternal presence. It is precious, not because of the pain it brings, but because of the homecoming it represents.  In death, the victory won at the cross meets with its triumphant intent. The God who numbers our days does not view the final one with indifference. He calls it precious.

The Apostle Paul wrestled with this reality too. Facing the possibility of death, he wrote, “I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body” (Philippians 1:23–24). To Paul, leaving this life meant being with Jesus—a far better and glorious reality. Yet he also recognized the importance of living on to serve others.

For the believer, this changes everything. Grief is still real, but it is no longer hopeless. We mourn, but not as those who have no hope (1 Thessalonians 4:13). When that final breath comes, it is not the end—it constitutes moving an eternal home where sorrow and pain and death and sin exist no more; a glorious transformation where our lowly bodies are transformed into conformity with Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:1, Philippians 3:21).

In moments of fear or sadness about death—whether for yourself or a loved one—remember that death for the believer is not the final chapter, but a transition into God’s eternal presence. This truth can bring peace amid grief and hope beyond loss. Consider how this hope shapes the way you live today, encouraging you to not fear death, but to trust God in his promises as you set your “mind on things above, not on things that are on the earth” (Colossians 3:2).

“For the Christian, death is the doorway to joy. It is precious because it means going home to the presence of God, where suffering and pain are no more.” — John Piper

Application Questions: How does knowing that the death of God’s saints is precious in His sight change your perspective on loss and grief? How can Paul’s perspective—that being with Jesus is very much better—help to mold your perspective as you confront the reality of death?

JUNE 10

Psalm 115

Psalm 115:9, “O Israel trust in the Lord!”
Psalm 115:10, “O house of Aaron, trust in the Lord!”
Psalm 115:11, “You who fear the Lord, trust in the Lord!”

Psalm 115 exhorts everyone to place their trust not in themselves or in lifeless idols, but in the living and powerful God. It begins with the humble confession, “Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory, for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness!” (Psalm 115:1)

The psalmist dramatically exposes the futility of trust in idols, saying: “They have mouths, but do not speak; eyes, but do not see. They have ears, but do not hear; noses, but do not smell. They have hands, but do not feel; feet, but do not walk… and those who make them become like them.” (Psalm 115:5–8)

These verses highlight how absurd it is to trust in anything made by human hands—things that can never act, speak, or save. And Scripture gives us a vivid and even humorous picture of this truth in 1 Kings 18, when Elijah confronts the prophets of Baal.

In a dramatic showdown on Mount Carmel, Elijah invites the prophets of Baal to call on their god to send fire from heaven. They cry out from morning until noon, dancing and shouting. But there is no response. Then Elijah mocks them: “Cry aloud, for he is a god. Either he is musing, or he is relieving himself, or he is on a journey, or perhaps he is asleep and must be awakened.” (1 Kings 18:27)

It’s both insightful and humorous—Elijah reveals their god to be as powerless and absent as the idols described in Psalm 115. In stark contrast, Elijah prays a simple prayer to the Lord, and God answers with fire from heaven, proving beyond question that He is the true and living God.

Psalm 115 reminds us that our hope must not rest in what we create—whether idols of wood and stone, or any of the more sophisticated modern-day idols that work to take the place of God in our hearts. Our trust belongs to the God who sees, hears, speaks, and saves. He alone is worthy of glory, and He alone is powerful to save (Psalm 115:9–11).

“A god who cannot speak, act, or save is no god at all.” — R.C. Sproul

Application Questions: Are there “modern idols” in your life—things you rely on for security, identity, or hope—that cannot truly speak, help, or save? What would it look like to turn from those and trust God more fully?

JUNE 9

Psalm 114

Psalm 114:5, “What ails you, O sea, that you flee? O Jordan, that you turn back?”

Psalm 114 is a poetic celebration of God’s awesome power in the redemption and deliverance of His people. The psalmist reflects on Israel’s exodus from Egypt and their entrance into the Promised Land, describing how creation itself responded to the Lord—the sea fled, the Jordan River stopped flowing, and the mountains skipped like lambs.

These miraculous signs were not just dramatic displays—they were fitting expressions of God’s greatness and glory in saving His people. God was not only delivering Israel; He was revealing Himself “to all the peoples of the earth” as the sovereign Lord of all creation, who commands nature and history alike to fulfill His purposes.

When the Israelites crossed the Jordan River, they set up twelve memorial stones as a lasting reminder of God’s power and faithfulness. Joshua explained the purpose of this memorial: “When your children ask their fathers in times to come, ‘What do these stones mean?’ then you shall let your children know, ‘Israel passed over this Jordan on dry ground.’ For the Lord your God dried up the waters of the Jordan for you until you passed over, as the Lord your God did to the Red Sea… so that all the peoples of the earth may know that the hand of the Lord is mighty, that you may fear the Lord your God forever (Joshua 4:21-24).”

A greater redemption was still to come—one that miraculous signs would also mark. When Christ died for the salvation of those who believe, the sun was darkened, the earth quaked, tombs opened, and the veil of the temple was torn in two. And then, in the ultimate demonstration of divine power, God raised Christ from the dead, revealing “the immeasurable greatness of his power” (Ephesians 1:19).

The same God who parted seas and shook mountains is still mighty to save. He still works “through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus” (Romans 3:24) to save and transform lives. And the believer now looks forward to an even greater miracle—the day when Christ “will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself” (Philippians 3:21).  He is able “to save to the uttermost save those who draw near to God through him (Hebrews 7:25).”

The God who shook mountains and parted the sea is the same God who, through the saving work of Jesus, transforms hearts and lives and delivers safely to heaven.

Application Questions: Are there obstacles in your life right now that feel like unmovable mountains or impassable waters? How can remembering God’s past deliverance help you trust Him in the present?

JUNE 6

Psalm 113

Psalm 113:3, “From the rising of the sun to its setting, the name of the Lord is to be praised!”

Have you ever paused on a Sunday morning to consider how God is being praised around the globe? Psalm 113:3 paints a breathtaking picture: praise rising like the sun, never ceasing, traveling across the globe with time.  Across America, from Oregon to Maine, to Uganda on the other side of the world, and even “to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8).

In South Korea, believers begin their day with pre-dawn prayer services, lifting their voices in earnest praise. In rural China, small house churches gather quietly, risking much to proclaim their love for Christ. Across Europe, grand cathedrals and humble chapels echo with Scripture and song, steeped in history and tradition.

In Africa, joyful worship fills the air with drumming, dancing, and vibrant song, pouring out from open-air village churches and city sanctuaries alike. In the United States, services vary from gospel choirs to quiet liturgy, from large megachurches to small country congregations. And across the Pacific Islands, entire villages gather, their voices blending with the waves as they sing praises in harmony and simplicity.

This isn’t just a poetic image — it’s a living reality. As the sun rises and sets, so does the sound of God’s name being lifted high in every language, every culture, every continent. His praise doesn’t pause. It doesn’t depend on a building, a sound system, or a perfect setlist. It flows from hearts that love Him.

Sometimes it’s easy to feel like our worship doesn’t matter—especially if we’re alone, distracted, or discouraged. But you are part of something far bigger than yourself. Your voice joins a global choir of unceasing praise to the Creator of all things. Whether you sing enthusiastically in church, whisper quietly in prayer, or simply give thanks to God on a walk through the woods—your praise rises like the sun to meet the One who made it all.

Take time today to reflect on your place in this unbroken chain of worship. Let it humble you, inspire you, and remind you: God is truly worthy of such praise.

““Worship is the sound of eternity touching time.” — A.W. Tozer

Application questions: How can you become more intentional in recognizing that even your quiet praise joins a global and eternal chorus? Are there moments in your week when praise feels difficult or distant? What steps could you take to re-center your heart on God’s worthiness in those times?

JUNE 5

Psalm 112

Psalm 112:6, “For the righteous will never be moved; he will be remembered forever.”

Psalm 112 paints a beautiful picture of the life blessed by God—the life marked by fear of God and delight for His word, and the accompanying fruit of righteousness, compassion, and faithfulness. Verse 6 tells us that the righteous will never be moved and that they will be remembered forever. But what does this mean?

To be “never moved” doesn’t mean the righteous never face challenges or hardships. Rather, it means they have a deep, unshakable foundation—a faith that holds firm through every storm. And to be “remembered forever” speaks of a lasting legacy, not necessarily in the earthly realm, but for eternity and in the hearts of those whose lives they touch.

A powerful example from Scripture is the life of Daniel. Taken captive and exiled to Babylon, Daniel found himself in a culture that was hostile to his faith. Yet, he remained steadfast—praying to God despite the king’s decree, refusing to compromise his beliefs, and trusting God completely.

When Daniel was thrown into the lion’s den for his faithfulness, he was not moved by fear or despair. His trust was in God’s power and promises. And God delivered him! Because of Daniel’s unwavering righteousness, he is remembered throughout history as a man who honored God above all else.  Daniel’s life is a vivid illustration of Psalm 112:6. He was steady in faith and left a legacy that endures to this day.

In our own lives, it can be easy to feel shaken by uncertainty, fear, or failure. But Psalm 112 encourages us to root ourselves in God’s truth. Like Daniel, we may face “lions” of doubt, pressure, or hardship, but God equips through His word that we might remain steadfast and immovable.

“Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.”—1 Corinthians 15:58

Application Questions: What is anchoring you when life gets hard? How can you cultivate a faith that cannot be moved? What legacy are you building—not just for now, but for eternity?

JUNE 4

Psalm 111

Psalm 111:2, “Great are the works of the Lord, studied by all who delight in them.”

Psalm 111 is a song of praise that celebrates the greatness of God through the works He has done. From creation to covenant, from provision to redemption, the psalmist calls us to remember and rejoice in the faithfulness and power of the Lord. Nearly every verse highlights a different aspect of His work—His righteousness, justice, grace, wonders, and provision.

Reading this psalm, I couldn’t help but think of a recent visit with my 94-year-old father. He stays active by tending to his yard with steady care and purpose. On this visit, he gave me a tour to show what he’d been working on. The fruit trees were perfectly pruned and already full of young fruit. The grass was mowed, the garden thriving, and the rose bushes blooming beautifully. He had even repaired the walkway and replaced some broken boards on the deck. Everything was clean, vibrant, and well-ordered—a quiet but clear testament to his ongoing work and care. I found myself deeply admiring it, and I told him so.

It reminded me of how we are invited in Psalm 111 to not only notice God’s works but to delight in them—to study them, remember them, and praise Him for them. Just as I walked through my father’s yard and saw the evidence of his labor and love, so the psalm invites us to walk through life and see the hand of the Lord in everything He has done. His works aren’t distant memories—they are present realities. The world He sustains, the people He redeems, the needs He meets, the wisdom He gives—all are ongoing expressions of His goodness.

When we slow down and pay attention, God’s works are all around us. Psalm 111 calls us to look again—to trace His fingerprints through our lives and respond with thanks, worship, and awe.

“The works of the Lord are the scrolls in which He writes His character, and the archives of His love.” — Charles Spurgeon

Application Questions: Psalm 111 says the works of the Lord are “studied by all who delight in them.” What might it look like for you to slow down and intentionally reflect on God’s work in your life this week? Is there a practical way to build that into your routine?

JUNE 3

Psalm 110

Psalm 110:1, “The Lord says to my Lord: ‘Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.’”

Psalm 110:4, “The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind, ‘You are a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.’”

Psalm 110 is a royal psalm written by King David. It stands out because it contains direct divine speech—God addressing someone David calls “my Lord.” This was remarkable in David’s time, suggesting someone greater than Israel’s greatest king.

Ancient readers saw this as a prophetic, messianic psalm about a future ruler who would inherit David’s throne and possess eternal priestly authority—something unheard of in Israel’s dispensation, where kings came from Judah and priests from Levi, and the roles never combined. Psalm 110 prophesies a King-Priest, after the order of Melchizedek—a unique figure both king and priest, hinting at a Messiah who transcends earthly roles.

Centuries later, Jesus quoted Psalm 110:1 to challenge the religious leaders’ view of the Messiah. In Matthew 22:41–45, He asked, “If David calls him ‘Lord,’ how is he his son?” Jesus revealed the Messiah as not merely David’s descendant but David’s Lord—divine, eternal, and exalted. By quoting this psalm, Jesus identified Himself as the promised King-Priest, seated at God’s right hand with all authority.

Psalm 110:1 is the most quoted Old Testament verse in the New Testament (Matthew 22:44; Mark 12:36; Luke 20:42–43; Acts 2:34–35; Hebrews 1:13, 10:13).  After the resurrection, Peter proclaimed its truth at Pentecost: “God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified” (Acts 2:36). Jesus reigns as King and serves as our eternal High Priest—ruling with power, interceding with compassion, and fulfilling God’s promises.

Jesus is not a distant ruler—He reigns now. He is Lord and the Priest who knows our weaknesses and pleads for us before the Father. Under His care as King and Priest, we find deep comfort and reassurance.

“Crown Him the Lord of love; behold His hands and side, rich wounds, yet visible above, in beauty glorified.” —”Crown Him with Many Crowns,” by Matthew Bridges and Godfrey Thring

Application Questions: What areas of your life are you tempted to keep under your own control, rather than submitting them to Jesus as your Lord? How does knowing that Jesus is interceding on your behalf (Romans 8:34) affect the way you approach prayer and your struggles?

JUNE 2

Psalm 109

Psalm 109:4-5, “In return for my love they accuse me, but I give myself to prayer. So they reward me evil for good, and hatred for my love.”

To love freely and give generously without receiving love in return is difficult. But when sincere goodness is repaid with evil, it can feel especially painful and disheartening. This kind of sorrow is not unfamiliar to God’s people. While we don’t know the exact circumstances surrounding Psalm 109, there are many moments in David’s life when his love met with hostility or betrayal. In this psalm, David directed his heartache to God in prayer. He pours out his pain, in honest, vulnerable conversation with the One who judges justly.

Nowhere is this pattern more clearly seen than at the cross. Jesus, who only and always loved—healed, forgave, and spoke truth—was met not with gratitude, but with betrayal, arrest, false accusation, and ultimately crucifixion. Yet He responded not with vengeance but with forgiveness: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34).

Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a pastor and theologian during Nazi Germany, is a modern witness to this same truth. His stand against injustice and his efforts to protect others were met with imprisonment and, eventually, execution. Yet he did not allow evil to define his response. From his prison cell, he wrote about grace, forgiveness, and even joy. He understood what it meant to overcome evil with good—not by passivity, but by a courageous love that refused to mirror hate. Like David, Bonhoeffer turned to God with his lament and his trust.

The challenge for us is the same: when our good is met with evil, the natural temptation is to retaliate. But as followers of Christ, we are called to a higher path. “Repay no one evil for evil,” writes the Apostle Paul (Romans 12:17). And again, “Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God” (Romans 12:19). In choosing this path, we do not allow evil to overcome us. Instead, we overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21).

May we, like David, Bonhoeffer, and ultimately Christ, bring our hurt and our hope to God in prayer—and respond not with bitterness, but with the power of overcoming love.

“The more deeply we grow into the psalms and the more often we pray them as our own, the more simple and rich will our prayer become.” — Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Psalms: The Prayer Book of the Bible

Application Questions: When have you experienced good being repaid with evil, and how did you respond? What would it look like to bring that pain to God in honest prayer, like David in Psalm 109?

MAY 30

Psalm 108

Psalm 108:13, “With God we shall do valiantly; it is he who will tread down our foes.”

In Joshua 6, the Israelites experienced a remarkable victory at Jericho. The battle plan was unconventional—marching around the city walls for seven days, blowing trumpets and shouting. On the surface, it seemed like an unlikely strategy, yet they obeyed God’s command without question. The result? The walls of Jericho collapsed, and the city was handed over to them without any loss of life. This victory was a clear example of the principle found in Psalm 108:13, “With God we shall do valiantly.” The key to Israel’s triumph was not their strength or skill, but their obedience and trust in God’s power. When they followed His lead, God fought for them and delivered a miraculous victory.

However, in Joshua 7, the Israelites faced a painful defeat at Ai, just after their triumph at Jericho. This time, they failed to consult God, assuming they could win without His guidance. Worse yet, the sin of Achan—taking spoils from Jericho that were dedicated to God—brought God’s judgment on the entire nation. The result was a humbling defeat. What went wrong? The difference between the victory at Jericho and the failure at Ai was simple: obedience. When the Israelites acted on their own and disobeyed God’s commands, they experienced failure. It serves as a powerful reminder that without God, we can do nothing.

Psalm 108 echoes this truth: Victory comes only through God’s strength. The same God who brought down the walls of Jericho is the One who guides us in our daily battles. When we trust in His guidance, when we obey His commands, and when we rely on Him, we will find victory—just as the Israelites did at Jericho. But when we stray from His will or rely on our own strength, we will face defeat.

This psalm invites us to reflect on where we place our trust. Are we leaning on our own abilities, or are we humbly surrendering to God’s direction? May we remember that true victory comes when we rely on the One who is always faithful to lead us to triumph.

“Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God.”—2 Corinthians 3:5

Application questions: In what areas of your life have you been trying to rely on your own strength or wisdom, rather than seeking God’s guidance? How can you begin to trust Him more fully in those areas?