Category: Uncategorized

JULY 30

Psalm 150

Psalm 150:6, “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!”

We’ve reached the end of our devotional journey through the Psalms—a journey spanning 150 chapters and 2,461 verses, filled with cries of lament, shouts of praise, quiet trust, and profound declarations of God’s greatness. And now, we arrive at the final verse—a fitting conclusion to it all: “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!” (Psalm 150:6).

This final call is more than poetic closure—it’s the crescendo of the Psalms’ entire message. To worship God is to acknowledge Him for who He is and what He does, and to do so in both what we say and how we live. Psalm 150 reflects this clearly: it calls us to praise God for His mighty deeds and excellent greatness (Psalm 150:2) and describes the joyful ways we respond—with song, dance, instruments, and ultimately, with every breath.

Along the way, we’ve encountered towering truths about who God is. We’ve seen Him as our Shepherd (Psalm 23), our Refuge and Fortress (Psalm 91), our Creator and King (Psalm 8; 29; 95; 100), our Deliverer (Psalm 18), our Judge and Redeemer (Psalm 96; 130), and our Ever-present Help in trouble (Psalm 46). We’ve learned that His steadfast love endures forever (Psalm 136), His mercy is more than we deserve (Psalm 103), and His faithfulness reaches to the clouds (Psalm 36). We’ve been reminded that His Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path (Psalm 119:105), and that blessed is the one who delights in His law (Psalm 1).

In every high and low, in praise and lament, in silence and song, the Psalms have taught us to turn to God—to trust Him, treasure His Word, and worship Him with our whole hearts. We were made for this: to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.

So, as we close this journey, may this final verse become our lasting response.  Let every word, every breath, every act of obedience echo its call: “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord! Praise the Lord (Psalm 150:6)!”

“Praise is the food of the soul.” — John Bunyan

Application Questions: In what practical ways can you incorporate praise into your daily life so that “everything that has breath” in you actively worships God—not just through words, but through your actions and attitudes? How can remembering God’s faithfulness, steadfast love, and mighty deeds—like those described throughout the Psalms—help you respond with praise even in difficult or uncertain seasons?

JULY 29

Psalm 149

Psalm 149:4, “For the Lord takes pleasure in his people.”

What brings you pleasure? For me, it is watching my garden flourish, landing a big fish, or seeing a project come together after hard work. But nothing compares to the joy of watching my children and grandchildren thrive. Just recently, I watched a video of my 12-year-old grandson hitting a grand slam—and I couldn’t help but smile.

Yet when it comes to finding pleasure in people, it can be a mixed experience. Decades of pastoral ministry have shown me that none of us are without flaws, including me. While gathering with the saints on Sunday is one of life’s richest blessings, people are still people—capable of saying and doing things that wound, confuse, or disappoint. Ministry means walking with others through the good, the bad, and the deeply broken, as we look to Jesus, who came to this broken world to deliver us from our sins.

And yet, in the middle of all our imperfections and inconsistencies, Psalm 149 offers a stunning truth: “For the Lord takes pleasure in his people” (Psalm 149:4). It’s almost hard to grasp—this holy, perfect God finds joy in us. Not because we’ve earned it or lived up to some ideal, but because He delights in manifesting the riches of His grace and mercy, in clothing us with His salvation. Where human love so often falters or fades, God’s love remains steadfast. He doesn’t just tolerate His people—He treasures them. That’s a truth worth resting in, especially when we’re painfully aware of our flaws or discouraged by the flaws of others. God’s pleasure in His people is rooted in grace, not performance, and that gives us reason to rejoice.

Preceding verse 4, the psalmist calls God’s people to joyful, exuberant praise: “Let them praise his name with dancing, making melody to him with tambourine and lyre!” (Psalm 149:3). This isn’t dry religion—it’s vibrant, heartfelt worship. God delights not only in His people but also in their praise, because He is infinitely worthy of it. When we lift our voices in praise, we are enjoining ourselves to our God-given purpose. As the Westminster Catechism so beautifully puts it, our chief end is “to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever.” Praise isn’t just a duty—it’s a fulfillment of purpose. And when we praise Him, He is pleased, not because He needs our songs, but because we are living in right relationship with Him, doing what we were made to do: finding joy in the One who takes joy in us.

“The chief end of man to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever.” – Westminster Catechism

APPLICATION QUESTIONS:  Do you truly believe that God takes pleasure in you—not because of what you’ve done, but because of who you are in Christ? How does that truth change the way you view yourself and your relationship with Him

JULY 28

Psalm 148

Psalm 148:13, “Let them praise the name of the Lord, for his name alone is exalted; his majesty is above earth and heaven.”

We had a choir at our church in Astoria, led by a gifted and experienced director. The choir sang from time to time during Sunday services and on special occasions like Easter and Christmas, and even shared music with residents at the nearby assisted living facility. Our director had a remarkable ability to bring out the best in each of us, skillfully blending our unique voices and talents to serve the music. The invitation to join was always open, because the choir was at its strongest—and most beautiful—when many voices came together to offer praise to God.

Just as our church choir welcomed every voice—each unique and valuable—Psalm 147 calls on all of creation to join in praising God. The psalmist invites the rebuilt city of Jerusalem to rejoice, celebrating God’s restoration and care for His people. He calls upon the scattered Israelites, reminding them of God’s faithfulness in gathering them from exile. The psalm also exhorts the mountains to praise, and the animals of the field, which depend on God for their sustenance. Even the winds and weather are portrayed as part of God’s creation that responds to His command. In this way, the psalm paints a vivid picture of a world overflowing with praise—from people to nature—all united in worshiping the Creator who sustains them.

Just as every voice matters in a choir, each of us has a unique part to play in the daily chorus of praise to God. Finding our place in this great choir means living with awareness that our actions, words, and attitudes reflect the Creator we worship. Whether in moments of joy or difficulty, in how we treat others, we join the psalmist in offering praise through our lips and lives. When we choose to trust and obey and love Jesus by loving others, we add to the harmony of God’s praise in the world around us. Praising God is not only about singing on Sunday—it’s about enjoining ourselves to a universal choir that gladly and wholeheartedly acknowledges God for His majesty, as our creator and redeemer.

“Let us praise God for what He is, not for what we see; for what He does, not for what we feel; and not for our emotions, but for His own infinite perfections.” — Charles Spurgeon

APPLICATION QUESTIONS: In what ways can you intentionally join the “choir” of creation today by praising God through your actions, attitudes, or words in your daily interactions? How does remembering God’s care for all His creation—both great and small—encourage you to trust Him with the challenges and relationships in your life?

JULY 25

Psalm 147

Psalm 147:4, “He determines the number of the stars; he gives to all of them their names.”

When we gaze into the night sky, we’re reminded of the staggering scale of God’s creation. Astronomers estimate that the Milky Way alone holds over 100 billion stars—just one galaxy among billions. In light of such vastness, our tiny planet seems almost invisible, and we, even more so. And yet, Psalm 147 invites us into a breathtaking truth: the same God who names and numbers the stars also heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. The Creator of the cosmos is not distant or indifferent—He is near, attentive, and deeply involved in our lives. What a wonder it is that the One who governs galaxies delights in caring for each of us.

This psalm paints a rich picture of God’s tender and powerful care. He restores Jerusalem, gathers the exiles, and lifts up the humble. He sends rain to the earth, makes grass grow on the hills, and provides food for both animals and people. He does not delight in human strength, but in those who fear Him and hope in His steadfast love. From the grand sweep of nature to the quiet needs of the heart, Psalm 147 shows us a God who is both infinitely great and intimately good—a sovereign King who stoops to serve and sustain all He has made.

Reflecting on this, we are invited not only to marvel but also to trust. If the God who breathes galaxies into existence is also the One who notices our wounds, hears our prayers, and tends to the smallest details of life, then no concern is too minor and no burden too heavy to bring before Him. Whether we are weighed down with concerns, struggling with decisions, or simply walking through an ordinary day, Psalm 147 reminds us that we are never forgotten. The God of creation is also the God of your today—and He cares for you.

“He who holds the stars in space will surely uphold his saints on earth.”

Application questions: What specific burden or concern are you carrying today that you need to entrust to the God who both names the stars and heals the brokenhearted? Take a moment to bring it before Him in prayer, trusting that He cares for even the smallest details of your life

JULY 24

Psalm 146

Psalm 146:5, “Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord his God.”

That great hymn, Great Is Thy Faithfulness, speaks of how God brings “strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow.” The psalmist praised God for just that kind of sustaining grace. In Psalm 146, he declares his intention: “I will praise the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praises to my God while I have my being” (Psalm 146:2). His worship is not tied to circumstances but to the unchanging character of the Lord—faithful, powerful, and endlessly good.

Help and hope are two things we all desperately need—often more than we realize. We are weak, limited, and vulnerable in a world filled with adversity, spiritual warfare, and heartache. But the psalmist reminds us that our help comes from the One “who made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them” (Psalm 146:6). God’s power is limitless, and His compassion is personal. He is great enough to handle our greatest burdens and tender enough to care about the smallest concerns of our hearts.

Psalm 146 paints a vivid picture of this compassionate God: He sets the prisoners free, opens the eyes of the blind, lifts up those who are bowed down, watches over the sojourner, upholds the widow and the orphan (Psalm 146:7–9). These are not just poetic phrases—they are real actions God takes. Jesus lived this out during His earthly ministry, and He continues to do so now. He invites us to bring our cares to Him, knowing that He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7).

Not only is He our present help, but He is also our future hope. The psalm warns us not to place our trust in princes or human leaders, for they are mortal and their plans die with them (vv. 3–4). But those who hope in the Lord are never abandoned. He is faithful, His promises are sure, and “bright hope for tomorrow” is guaranteed because He holds all things in His hands.

And this is not just poetic truth—it’s personal. Recall how God has helped in times past: a word of encouragement, an unexpected provision of assistance, strength to endure some challenging situation.  As He’s been faithful to help in times past, so we can trust Him with our future.  This psalm calls us not only to remember what God has done, but to praise Him for it, and to keep trusting Him for all that lies ahead. As long as I have breath, like the psalmist, I want to declare: “Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord his God (Psalm 146:5).”

Our big problems are small to His power; our small problems are big to His love.

Application Questions: In what specific areas of your life do you need to remember God’s faithfulness and bring your concerns to Him as your help and hope? How can you cultivate a habit of praising God daily, even when your circumstances feel uncertain or challenging?

JULY 23

Psalm 145

Psalm 145:6-7, “They shall speak of the might of your awesome deeds, and I will declare your greatness. They shall pour forth the fame of your abundant goodness and shall sing aloud of your righteousness.”

“I’m gonna live forever, I’m gonna learn how to fly”—so proclaims the chorus of Irene Cara’s Fame, capturing the human longing to be remembered and admired. Yet as Horace Greeley wisely observed, “Fame is a vapor, popularity an accident, and riches take wings. Only one thing endures and that is character.” While human fame fades, Psalm 145 directs our attention to a name and reputation that endures forever—God’s. In verses 6 and 7, David declares, “They shall speak of the might of your awesome deeds, and I will declare your greatness. They shall pour forth the fame of your abundant goodness and shall sing aloud of your righteousness.” God’s “fame” is not superficial or short-lived; it flows from the response to His greatness and abundant goodness. He is famous not for what He gains, but for what He gives.

Psalm 145 overflows with descriptions of God’s nature—He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love (Psalm 145:8). He is faithful in all His words and kind in all His works (Psalm 145:13), near to all who call on Him (Psalm 145:18), and upholds all who are falling (Psalm 145:14). These are not fleeting acts of goodness but enduring truths about who God is. Unlike human fame, which rises and falls with public opinion, God’s worthiness is eternal. As verse 4 proclaims, “One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts.” His fame deserves to be passed on—not as a fading memory, but as a living testimony of who He is and what He has done.

It’s not enough to simply admire or intellectually consider these truths; we are called to respond. Not only should we meditate on His attributes, but we should also praise Him in them. Praise anchors our hearts in the reality of His greatness and declares to others that He alone is worthy. In praise of Him, we join the chorus of all the preceding generations who have done the same. His fame is timeless, and one day in heaven our eyes will be fully opened to all the reasons why.

“What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.” — A.W. Tozer

Application Questions: In what areas of your life are you tempted to seek recognition or approval from others, and how can focusing on God’s eternal greatness help realign your priorities? How can you make praise a more regular part of your daily rhythm—not just for what God does, but for who He is?

July 22

Psalm 144

Psalm 144:1-2, “Blessed be the Lord, my rock, who trains my hands for war, and my fingers for battle; he is my steadfast love and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer, my shield and he in whom I take refuge, who subdues peoples under me.”

As a seasoned warrior, David was intimately familiar with the art of warfare. He knew how to strategize, how to position his forces, and what it took to secure victory. Yet despite his skill and experience, David never lost sight of one essential truth: God was his true champion. No battle—whether physical or spiritual—could be won apart from the Lord’s intervention and deliverance.

In the opening verses of Psalm 144, David draws on a rich array of metaphors to describe God’s role as his deliverer. He calls the Lord his rock—solid, immovable, and dependable—providing a firm foundation on which he could stand. He refers to God as his steadfast love, pointing to the Lord’s loyal mercy and covenant faithfulness. David marvels that the Creator of the universe would take thought of fragile, fleeting human beings like us (Psalm 144:3–4). To David, God was not only mighty in power but deeply personal—his fortress, stronghold, and shield—a place of absolute safety, unshaken by the threats of his enemies.

David didn’t put his trust in military might alone; he looked to God for decisive, supernatural action. He cried out for the Lord to intervene: “Flash forth lightning and scatter them; send out your arrows and rout them!” (Psalm 144:6). He pleaded for rescue from the “many waters”—a poetic image likely representing overwhelming enemies or dangers (Psalm 144:7). Through all of this, David held fast to a foundational truth: victory is not won by the warrior’s wisdom, the army’s strength, or the sword’s edge, but by God’s sovereign hand.

In the risen Christ, we have such a deliverer. He is the one who loved us and gave Himself for us (Galatians 2:20), and who now stands with us, interceding from heaven on our behalf (Romans 8:34). Paul prayed that our hearts would be enlightened to grasp “the immeasurable greatness of His power toward us who believe” (Ephesians 1:19). No matter the nature of the battle—whether seen or unseen—He is strong to save, faithful to act, and mighty to deliver. Like David, we would do well to lift our eyes to Him, our true refuge and victorious King.

“The Lord’s battles are not won by the strength of arms, but by the strength of hearts that trust in Him.” — Charles Spurgeon

APPLICATION QUESTIONS:  Where in your life are you tempted to rely on your own strength, strategy, or resources instead of trusting God as your deliverer? How can you actively cultivate a deeper awareness of God’s power and presence in the challenges you face?

JULY 21

Psalm 143

Psalm 143:8, “Make me know the way I should go.”

Psalm 143 speaks to David’s deep desperation and dependence on God as he faces overwhelming distress. Surrounded by enemies and crushed in spirit, he doesn’t appeal to his own righteousness, but pleads for God’s mercy and, above all, for divine direction. Again and again, David cries out for God to lead him: “Make me know the way I should go” (Psalm 143:8), “Teach me to do your will” (Psalm 143:10), and “Let your good Spirit lead me on level ground” (Psalm 143:10). These repeated requests reveal more than a desire for deliverance—they reflect a heart that longs to be guided, a trust that only God can lead him safely along.

That reminds me of a day my dad and I drifted down the South Santiam River in my drift boat. Early on, we lost a nice steelhead—a disappointing start—but we pressed on into unfamiliar waters. I had read about the various water diversions in that stretch of river, where canals branch off for city and agricultural use. Some of the channels looked promising, but a wrong turn could have sent us into a dead end or a farmer’s field instead of toward the boat takeout downstream. It wasn’t always clear which way to go. Thankfully, we made the right choices and stayed on course.

Life is filled with similar moments—forks in the river, choices that can alter our direction in big or small ways. And though we’re often tempted to rely on our own instincts or understanding, difficulty has a way of humbling us and reminding us how deeply we need to be led. David understood that. He trusted God not only to rescue him but to guide him. He leaned on the Spirit to show him the way forward. Paul echoes this same truth when he writes, “Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us… according to the will of God” (Romans 8:26–27).

Success in life’s journey isn’t found in simply pushing forward—it’s found in knowing and doing the will of God. To do that, we need the Spirit to guide us. Like David, we pray with open hearts, “Lord, make me to know the way I should go.” Because only God truly knows what lies ahead and the way we should go.

“He does not lead me year by year, nor even day by day, but step by step. My steps are ordered.” — Dwight L. Moody

APPLICATION QUESTIONS: In what areas of your life are you currently trying to navigate without seeking God’s direction? What would it look like to pause and genuinely ask, as David did, “Lord, make me to know the way I should go?”