Author: looking2jesus13

MAY 15

Psalm 97

Psalm 97:1, “The Lord reigns, let the earth rejoice; let the many coastlands be glad!”

Psalm 97 reminds us that God reigns, even when the world feels unstable. His rule is not uncertain or shifting—it is built on righteousness and justice (Psalm 97:2). The psalmist paints a vivid picture of God’s presence: clouds and thick darkness surround Him, fire goes before Him, and mountains melt like wax. This is not a timid God—He is sovereign, holy, and powerful.

But amid all this awe and glory, God’s people are invited to rejoice. Why? Because His rule brings justice, joy, and hope. While idols fall and evil trembles, the righteous are preserved and light shines for them (vv.10–11). The right response is worship and gladness—even in difficult times.

Years ago, a fierce storm engulfed a British ship off the coast of Scotland. The waves crashed violently, the wind howled, and the crew worked desperately to keep the ship afloat. Among the few passengers on board was a young boy whose father was the ship’s captain. While everyone else panicked, the boy sat calmly, reading a book. A crew member noticed and asked, “Aren’t you afraid?”  The boy looked up, smiled, and said simply: “No. My father is the captain, and he’s never lost a ship.” His calm didn’t come from the absence of the storm—but from confidence in who was steering the ship.

In the storms of life, we often feel shaken, uncertain, or afraid. But Psalm 97 reminds us: “The Lord reigns… righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne.” When we truly believe that our Heavenly Father is at the helm, we can remain calm—not because the storm isn’t real, but because our Captain never fails.

“ God is still on the throne, Almighty God is He; And He cares for His own through all eternity.” – Wendell P. Loveless

Application Questions: When life feels chaotic or overwhelming, how can you remind yourself that God is still reigning over all—and let that truth shape your response? What specific “storm” in your life right now needs to be handed over to the Captain, trusting that He has never lost a ship and never will?

MAY 14

Psalm 96

Psalm 96:1, “Sing to the Lord, all the earth!”

Psalm 96 is a joyful and universal call to worship the one true God who alone is worthy of praise. Unlike the idols of the nations, God reigns in splendor and majesty. He is worthy because of His strength, righteousness, and His unique authority to judge the world with equity. As Creator and Sovereign, He rules over all the earth, which He Himself has established. The call to worship extends beyond humanity—it includes the heavens, the earth, the sea, the fields, and even the trees of the forest (Psalm 96:11–12), inviting all creation to join in the song of praise.

We were created to worship our Creator, but sin has deceived and darkened our hearts. By Christ alone, can our hearts be re-tuned to sing His praise. He works not just to forgive us our sins, but to transform us. Blind eyes are opened, and hardened hearts are made alive. That is the purpose for which Christ came. As A. W. Tozer so powerfully wrote: “Jesus was born of a virgin, suffered under Pontius Pilate, died on the cross, and rose from the grave to make worshipers out of rebels.”

Like a maestro conducting an orchestra, the Holy Spirit instructs and inspires. A conductor guides each musician to play with both precision and unity, bringing diverse instruments and voices together into a single, harmonious performance. So too, the Spirit leads us—not only individually, but collectively—into lives of worship that glorify God. Philippians 3:3 reminds us that we “worship by the Spirit of God,” showing that true worship is Spirit-led and heart-deep.

There is no song more beautiful than one that exalts our Lord and Savior. The psalmist’s call is not just poetic—it is deeply personal. The angels in heaven continually declare God’s glory, and one day, we will join that eternal choir. But for now, here on earth, we are in choir practice—learning to worship in spirit and in truth.  Let each day be a rehearsal for heaven as we offer our hearts in joyful, Spirit-led worship, joining the great symphony of all of God’s creation.

“Come thou Fount of every blessing, tune my heart to sing Thy grace.”—Robert Robinson

Application Questions: In what ways can you more intentionally “join the symphony of creation” in worshiping God throughout your daily life? Are there areas in your heart or life where sin has dulled your worship, and how might you be Spirit “re-tuned” to praise Him more freely and fully?

MAY 13

Psalm 95

Psalm 95:1, “Let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation.”

Psalm 95 is a stirring call to worship God with both reverence and joy, mindful of His greatness as our Creator and Shepherd. He alone is worthy of our heartfelt and enthusiastic worship. Yet, the psalm also carries a solemn warning: do not harden your hearts, as the Israelites did in the wilderness when they rebelled and turned away from God’s voice. The psalm urges us to “make a joyful noise to the Rock of our salvation.” This joyful noise isn’t just about musical skill or loudness—it’s about a heart overflowing with devotion, gratitude, and awe for the One who saves and sustains us.

Worship, at its core, is acknowledging God for who He is and what He has done. True worship must be offered “in spirit and in truth” (John 4:23), and it involves both our lips and our lives (Hebrews 13:15–16). It’s not confined to Sundays or sanctuaries—it is the 24/7 privilege and calling of everyone who belongs to Him (1 Corinthians 10:31). We worship because He is worthy.

Psalm 95:1 calls for enthusiastic, unashamed praise. I remember a man named Louie who was part of our fellowship in St. Helens years ago. Louie had little and lived with a severely disabled back, walking bent over and needing to turn his whole body just to see you. Yet Louie loved Jesus deeply, and he wasn’t shy about it. During our Sunday evening services, we’d sometimes sing “How Great Thou Art.” Typically, Louie would trail behind the rest of the congregation. After everyone else had finished the final line—”how great Thou art”—Louie would belt it out alone, with all the energy he had. Some found it awkward or amusing. But I have no doubt that God was pleased with Louie’s heart—a heart that made a true joyful noise.

Genuine worship doesn’t require polish or performance—it’s about the sincerity of heart and the joy we bring to God in response to who He is. May our worship—be it private or public—be marked by authenticity, gratitude, and enthusiasm, even if it looks or sounds a little messy.

“Next to the Word of God, the noble art of music is the greatest treasure in the world. It controls our thoughts, minds, hearts, and spirits. The one who sings, prays twice.”—Martin Luther

Application Questions: In what ways can you “make a joyful noise” with your heart and actions, not just with your words or Sunday attendance? When you feel hesitant or self-conscious in expressing your praise to God, how can you remind yourself that true worship is about the condition of your heart, not the perception of others?

MAY 12

Psalm 94

Psalm 94:19, “When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul.”

The main theme of Psalm 94 is the justice of God in the face of oppression and evil, and the comfort He gives to His people in times of trouble. The psalmist rebukes those who believe that God does not see or understand what is happening. But the omniscient God hears and sees everything, and in due time, He will come to the aid of the oppressed. In the meantime, He disciplines His children as a loving Father and consoles them amid their suffering.

No one can console us like God. He knows us completely, cares more deeply than anyone else, and can intervene in our lives in powerful and often unexpected ways. This was the experience of Hudson Taylor, founder of the China Inland Mission, in the aftermath of the Boxer Rebellion. Faced with the deaths of 50 missionaries and numerous Chinese Christians, Taylor turned to God for strength and wisdom.

In response to the tragedy, supporters from around the world offered prayers, compassion, and financial help. Instead of collapsing, the mission effort strengthened, receiving an influx of new workers and resources—something Taylor recognized as God’s way of bringing comfort and reaffirming His purpose. Following the Rebellion, Taylor’s health declined significantly, prompting him to take time in Europe for rest. There, he found deep comfort through Scripture and the care of his wife and fellow believers. God used this season to restore him both spiritually and physically.

Though the Boxer Rebellion brought profound loss, the long-term result was that China showed increased openness to the gospel and missionaries showed renewed zeal. Hudson Taylor lived to witness how God turned tragedy into blessing—faithfully upholding His people and furthering the gospel.

When we feel overwhelmed or uncertain, we can trust that God sees, understands, and will bring comfort and purpose out of pain—just as He did for Hudson Taylor.

“It does not matter how great the pressure is. What really matters is where the pressure lies—whether it comes between you and God, or whether it presses you nearer His heart.”—Hudson Taylor

Application Questions: When you face seasons of pressure, grief, or uncertainty, do you allow that pressure to push you closer to God’s heart—or does it come between you and Him? What might it look like for you to lean into God’s consolation, even when you don’t understand His timing or ways?

MAY 9

Psalm 93

Psalm 93:2, “Your throne is established from of old; you are from everlasting.”

72 years. That’s how long my beloved wife, Laura, has walked this earth. 8 years. That’s how long she’s been courageously battling cancer—enduring chronic pain and wave after wave of treatment, all sustained by God’s grace. 3 to 6 months. That’s the timeframe the oncologist gave if she chooses to discontinue chemo.  And still, the clocks tick on. “Tick-tock, tick-tock,” time marches forward, each second drawing us closer to a final goodbye. Laura’s days are numbered. As are the days of us all (Psalm 139:16).

But God is not bound by time. Psalm 93:2 declares, “Your throne is established from of old; you are from everlasting.” This truth not only speaks to God’s eternity but also His unshakable authority. His throne has always been and always will be. While we are subject to the pressures and passing of time, God remains sovereign—enthroned above all, steady and unchanging through every rise and fall of history and human life. It’s hard for time-bound creatures like us to grasp a timeless God. We live moment by moment—remembering the past, struggling through the present, uncertain about the future. Yet God sees all of time at once. He is never caught off guard. As Isaiah 46:10 reminds us, He declares “the end from the beginning,” and His purposes will stand.

This eternal sovereignty is not just a theological concept—it is a profound comfort. Life is filled with beginnings and endings. Goodbyes are a regular part of our journey. Even the greatest kingdoms of the world rise and fall. But God reigns forever. He doesn’t change, and His promises never expire.  “Our Savior Christ Jesus…has abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel” (1 Timothy 1:10).  Eternal life isn’t just a future destination—it is knowing God now (John 17:3) and walking with Him in a relationship that time cannot touch.

We do face pain. We do face loss. But these are, as Paul puts it, “light and momentary troubles” compared to the eternal glory that awaits us (2 Corinthians 4:17). Because of this, we need not lose heart (v. 16). The everlasting God, who knows our days and holds our future, invites us into His eternity—and in that there is a hope no clock can destroy.

“The eternal God is our refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.”—Deuteronomy 33:27

Application questions: How does the truth of God’s eternal sovereignty, as described in Psalm 93:2, shape the way you view your own life and the events around you? How can this perspective help you trust God in uncertain times?

MAY 8

Psalm 92

Psalm 92:14, “They still bear fruit in old age; they are ever full of sap and green.”

The principal theme of Psalm 92 is the praise of God for His character and works. The psalmist expresses gratitude for God’s steadfast love in the morning and His faithfulness in the evening, acknowledging that God’s works and wisdom are worthy of praise. Though the wicked may seem to prosper temporarily, the psalmist affirmed that they will ultimately perish, while the righteous will endure, flourishing like tall, sturdy trees—”ever full of sap and green.” This imagery reflects a life rooted in God’s presence and sustained by His faithfulness. Similarly, Jesus’ parable of the vine and the branches underscores that an abiding relationship with God is the key to fruitfulness.

One person who exemplified this enduring faith and fruitfulness was George Whitefield (1714–1770), a dynamic preacher and central figure in the 18th-century evangelical revival. Known for his powerful messages, Whitefield sparked the Evangelical Revival in England and was instrumental in the First Great Awakening in America. Throughout his lifetime, he preached over 18,000 sermons, reaching massive crowds on both continents.

Even in his old age, Whitefield continued to preach. He delivered his last sermon just one day before his death. Despite his failing health, Whitefield prayed before that last sermon: “Lord Jesus, I am weary in Thy work, but not of Thy work. If I have not yet finished my course, let me go and speak for Thee once more in the fields, seal Thy truth, and come home to die.”  When friends urged him not to preach because of his weakened condition, Whitefield responded with his trademark conviction: “I would rather wear out than rust out.”

Standing on a barrel in an open field, he delivered a passionate message on the need to be born again. Though his voice was initially strained, witnesses said it grew stronger as he spoke, and his fervor for Christ remained undiminished. That evening, he traveled to Newburyport, Massachusetts, where he died the following morning at 55.

Like the righteous in Psalm 92 who flourish even in old age, George Whitefield exemplified a life of unwavering devotion to God, bearing fruit until the very end, and offering a powerful testimony to the enduring strength that comes from a deep, abiding relationship with Him.

“I’d rather wear out than rust out.” — George Whitefield

Application Questions: How can you cultivate an “abiding relationship with Christ” in your own life, especially as you grow older, so that the Spirit might continually bear fruit in you?  In what ways can you embrace the attitude of “wearing out” in God’s service rather than “rusting out,” even when facing challenges or exhaustion?

MAY 7

Psalm 91

Psalm 91:4, ”Under his wings you will find refuge.”

The central theme of Psalm 91 is divine protection. The psalmist trusts in God’s power to safeguard those who dwell in His presence. God is portrayed as a shield against a wide range of threats, including danger, disease, and disaster. The psalm culminates with God’s own promises of deliverance, protection, and honor for those who trust in Him. Within this context, the psalmist uses the tender image of God’s protection being like shelter under His wings, offering comfort and safety.

The well-known hymn “Under His Wings” draws deeply from the imagery and message of this psalm. Written in the late 1800s by William Orcutt Cushing, the hymn emerged from his own painful life experiences. Cushing, a pastor and hymn writer, dedicated much of his life to ministry and music. However, his journey took a tragic turn when he lost his voice due to paralysis of the vocal cords, forcing him to retire from preaching. Around the same time, he also suffered the heartbreaking loss of his wife. These trials led him into a long season of grief and spiritual introspection.

Out of this personal sorrow, the hymn was born. Just as the psalm reflects a deep sense of security and healing in God’s care, Cushing’s hymn echoes that same comfort—drawing on the image of a mother bird sheltering her young. It conveys the truth that there is a sacred place of refuge near to God, where His gentle presence offers freedom, safety, and peace from all fear.

“ Under His wings, under His wings,
Who from His love can sever?
Under His wings my soul shall abide,
Safely abide forever.”
—William Cushing

Application Questions: In what areas of your life are you currently seeking protection, and how can trusting in God’s presence help?  Like William Cushing, have you experienced a time of grieving that led you to a deeper level of trust in Him? How might you use that experience to encourage others?

MAY 6

Psalm 90

Psalm 90:12, “So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.”

Laura’s most recent visit to the oncologist brought sobering news: her cancer had spread to her liver. After sharing this update, the doctor gently asked if she wanted to continue treatment. I asked what would happen if she chose not to. His answer was direct—three to six months. And so, we find ourselves at a crossroads. Her cancer has always been terminal, yet God has already extended her life beyond what anyone expected. Still, the doctor’s words served as a stark reminder of how fragile and fleeting life truly is—a truth Psalm 90 communicates with deep clarity.

Psalm 90, attributed to Moses, is the oldest psalm in Scripture. It reflects on Israel’s wilderness journey after the exodus from Egypt—a season marked by God’s judgment and the harsh reality of human mortality. An entire generation died before entering the Promised Land. In this context, Moses meditates on the brevity of life and the weight of God’s eternal presence—truths that resonate deeply with what I’ve seen as a hospice chaplain.

Over the years, I’ve learned this: life is short, and death is certain—for all of us, unless Christ returns first. Psalm 90 doesn’t avoid this truth; instead, it invites us to embrace it with humility and hope. In verse 12, Moses prays, “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” It’s a call to live from an eternal perspective.

True wisdom is applying knowledge to make sound decisions based on truth. A heart of wisdom recognizes that our time on earth is temporary, while eternity with God is forever. That understanding shapes how we live now. It calls us to make wise, holy choices in this life, with our eyes fixed not just on the here and now, but on the then and there—the reward of being with God forever.

“Only one life, ‘twill soon be past; only what’s done for Christ will last.” — Missionary C. T. Studd

Application Questions: How does recognizing the brevity of life influence the way you prioritize your time and your decisions today?  What would it look like for you to live with a “heart of wisdom” in this season of your life, knowing that eternity is your ultimate home?

MAY 5

Psalm 89

Psalm 89:9, “You rule the raging of the sea; when its waves rise, you still them.”

Psalm 89 reflects the glory of God through His faithfulness, steadfast love, and unmatched power. The psalmist celebrates how God used this power to defeat Israel’s enemies and establish the Davidic kingdom (Psalm 89:20, 28–29). He also affirms God’s sovereign rule over creation, declaring that God commands the surging seas and calms their raging waves—a vivid symbol of His authority over chaos. Yet, despite acknowledging this power, the psalmist is troubled. David’s kingdom is in decline, and God seems distant, even angry. Has God abandoned His covenant with David (Psalm 89:39)? The psalmist wrestles deeply with this tension. Though God rules the waves, He appears removed from the suffering of His covenant people.

This same tension was experienced by the disciples when they were crossing the Sea of Galilee.  Caught in a violent storm, as waves crashed over the boat and it began to fill with water, the disciples feared for their lives—while Jesus slept peacefully in the stern. In panic, they woke Him, crying, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” Jesus rose, rebuked the wind, and calmed the sea with a word. Stunned, the disciples asked one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?” (Mark 4:41).

You’ve likely faced your own storms—seasons when life has not gone as planned or when difficulties have felt overwhelming. Psalm 89 and the story in Mark remind us of a powerful truth: God is greater than any storm we face. The One who rules the seas also has the power to calm our troubled hearts and grant us peace that “surpasses all understanding” (Philippians 4:6–7). Our calling is to trust Him—especially when the storms of life threaten to overwhelm us.

You needn’t fear the storms of life if you’ve got Jesus “in your boat!”

Application Questions: Have you felt like God was distant during a difficult time?  How can this psalm or the story of Jesus calming the storm reshape your perspective on His presence and power? What practical steps can you take to trust God more fully when you’re facing life’s storms, knowing He has the power to bring peace amid chaos?

MAY 2

Psalm 88

Psalm 88:13, “But I, O Lord, cry to you; in the morning my prayer comes before you.”

She was in hospice, and not many weeks from the end. I came to visit, and there she sat in her recliner—not comfortably. For her arm and leg were swollen, painfully so, and it was hard to see her like that. We both knew her time was short. We talked quietly—about how she was doing, about suffering, and about how God sometimes seems so close and sometimes so far.

Within reach of her chair was a hand-sized, round plaque. Philippians 4:13 was inscribed on it: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” She says that when she was calm and trusting, she would hold the plaque in her hand, like a steadying weight—something solid to cling to. But when pain or doubt crept in—when trust gave way to frustration—she’d quietly put it back into the cupholder and grumble a bit.

This psalm reminds me of her experience—the psalm that offers little to encourage. It’s not neat. It’s not tidy. It doesn’t wrap up with hope or healing. Instead, the psalmist cries out: “I am overwhelmed with troubles and my life draws near to death… Why, Lord, do you reject me and hide your face from me?” (Psalm 88:3, 14).  He speaks into the silence. No answers. No resolution. Just questions.

That’s the space she was in—trusting, yet struggling. Trusting, but wounded. Like the psalmist, she believed in God. She called out to Him. But she didn’t pretend things were okay. Her prayers were not polished. They were real. Even when she tucked the plaque away, she never threw it out. That verse—”I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”—was still close at hand. She wasn’t denying her faith in Jesus. She was wrestling with it. And in that wrestling, she joined a long line of saints—from David to Job to Paul—who knew what it meant to cry out and wait in the dark.

Not every story ends with healing. Not every psalm ends with praise. But even Psalm 88 begins with this: “Lord, you are the God who saves me; day and night I cry out to you.” Sometimes that’s the most powerful testimony of all—not the victory, but the perseverance. The clinging. The crying out and waiting—even when the answers don’t come.

“For faith is a constant struggle. It wrestles with doubt, despair, and death.” — Martin Luther

Application questions: This psalm is filled with honest questions and deep pain. How does it comfort or challenge you to know that the Bible includes such things?  In times of suffering, do you find yourself holding onto truth like Philippians 4:13—or setting it aside for a while? What helps you return to trust when you’ve been wrestling with God?