Category: Uncategorized

APRIL 14

Psalm 74

Psalm 74:10, “How long, O God, is the foe to scoff? Is the enemy to revile your name forever?”

Psalm 74 is a lament that mourns the destruction of the Temple and the suffering of God’s people. Asaph grieves the devastation of God’s sanctuary, describing how invaders desecrated it, burned it to the ground, and openly mocked God. In his distress, he questions why God has allowed His enemies to profane His name and defy His power. The chief concern of the psalmist is God’s apparent silence in the face of this mockery.

Asaph recalls God’s past victories and his sovereign power over creation, urging God to rise up and defend His honor. He repeatedly emphasizes that God’s enemies are scoffing at Him with no apparent consequences, and he cries out for justice, pleading with God not to remain passive while the wicked revile His name. His cry for God’s intervention resonates with all who wonder about how God can delay justice in the face of such mockery and wickedness.

This mockery of God reached a pinnacle at the cross.  Jesus Christ, the divine Son of God and Creator of all things (John 1:1-3), was heaven sent to rescue us, living among us as a humble servant, showing love and performing miraculous deeds that showed his true identity. Yet, despite His acts of love and power, He willingly suffered and endured the cross and mockery from all sides—religious leaders, soldiers, common people, and even the criminals crucified beside Him. Mocked and scoffed at, He still prayed from the cross, asking God to forgive the mockers.  And, as he died for sins and rose from the dead, he unleashed the good news, which has both the power to forgive and to turn rebels into worshipers.

People still mock God today, doubting his existence or relevance, as Peter writes: “Where is the promise of his coming?” (2 Peter 3:4). What they don’t understand is that God is withholding judgment not out of weakness, but out of patience, as Peter explains: “The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). The mockery of God continues, and that it does testifies to the great mercy of God who desires all men to forsake their rebellion in sin and turn to Jesus for salvation. 

Jesus died for scoffers, unleashing the gospel that has the power to transform rebels into worshipers.

Application Questions: How does it make you feel when you hear others mock God? How best can you respond, knowing that Jesus has worked to transform you from a rebel sinner to one who loves God?  Consider ways you might share your faith with those who deny Him (1 Peter 3:15).

APRIL 11

Psalm 73

Psalm 73:26, “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”

Though I haven’t been there in years, I have a favorite restaurant near the coast that I love to visit. Not only is the food delicious, but the portions are so large that I can never finish them in one sitting. When I’m there, I have no reason to envy anyone else for what they’re eating.

The psalmist faced a problem—he was envious of the prosperity of the wicked. Despite knowing that envy was a grievous sin (one of the Ten Commandments addresses it), he couldn’t help but desire what the wicked had. They seemed to prosper, accumulating wealth, while he, in contrast, faced hardship in his efforts to live righteously. To him, they appeared exempt from the common burdens that weighed others down. Despite their prideful and godless attitudes, they seemed unburdened.

But God opened the psalmist’s eyes to two important truths. Though the wicked appeared to live trouble-free lives, a time would come when they would face God’s judgment and be “swept away utterly by terrors” (Psalm 73:19). Beyond that, the psalmist realized the immense value of his relationship with the Lord. Even though his flesh and heart might fail, he had God as his strength and enduring portion. Or, as the hymn “Great is Thy Faithfulness” puts it, in God’s faithfulness, he possessed “strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow.”

The psalm speaks to an important reality: the poorest among us is, in fact, rich if he possesses Christ. Conversely, one can be incredibly wealthy yet spiritually bankrupt without Him. The believer’s portion in Christ is “the unsearchable riches of Christ” (Ephesians 3:8). Indeed, he possesses “every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 1:3). This eternal portion is accompanied by His strength to endure the trials and troubles we all face. Consider, for instance, the two dear hospice patients who passed away this past week. Though their flesh and hearts failed, they had faith in God and have now received their heavenly reward in the manifold riches He had prepared for them. If you trust in Jesus, you are incredibly blessed in knowing Him as your Lord and Savior. A safeguard against the temptation to envy is the realization of that reality!

When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
Count your many blessings, money cannot buy
Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.
“Count Your Blessings” — Author: Johnson Oatman, Jr. (1897)

Application questions: Are you sometimes tempted to envy what others have?  How can maintain a focus on the blessings you now possess work to safeguard you from that?  Do you consider Jesus to be your strength and your portion even now?  Pray for a greater realization of this reality.

APRIL 10

Psalm 72

Psalm 72:1, “Give the king your justice, O God, and your righteousness to the royal son!”

This royal psalm, as people designate such psalms, prays for the Messianic kingship of David’s dynasty, anticipating the future reign of the King of Kings.  The psalmist prays for the king, asking God to bless him with wisdom and righteousness in his rule.  He also desires that the king will provide for the poor.  Ultimately, the psalmist anticipates when the king’s reign will extend to the whole earth, bring glory to God!  The psalmist’s prayer will be fully and finally realized in the return of Christ.

A social reformer named Robert Owen founded the community of New Harmony, Indiana in 1825.  The goal was to create a utopian society based on equality, cooperation, and collective ownership.  Owen believed education, social reform, and the elimination of class distinctions could create a perfect and model society.  However, despite the initial optimism, the experiment ultimately failed.  No longer an experimental utopian society, New Harmony is now just a popular tourist destination.

New Harmony is but one of a long list of such failed experiments. Though the human race has long dreamed of creating some utopia on earth, sin is at the root of such failures.  A perfect world requires a perfect ruler, and there is only One qualified, Jesus Christ. He who died for sins and rose from the dead is coming to reign over all.  He alone has the power to deal with our sin problem, whether that be in a personal or corporate way.  His coming reign will fulfill all the Old Testament promises of a place ruled by His peace and justice.  In the meantime, He reigns in the heart of all who trusted in them.  They experience His perfection in their own hearts and lives.  Instead of looking for some utopia on earth, we do better when we focus on the beauty of the One who rules in our hearts.

There is but One perfect Ruler and His name is Jesus!

Application Questions: The psalmist prayed for peace and righteousness to prevail under the hand of a perfect ruler. To what extent is that your reality under the Lordship of the Lord Jesus.  There are plenty of things we can’t control in this world, but we’ve always the the freedom in Christ to better subject ourselves to His leadership over our the affairs of our lives.

APRIL 9

Psalm 71

Psalm 71:3, “Be to me a rock of refuge, to which I may continually come.

Charles Spurgeon calls this psalm “the prayer of the aged believer,” as the psalmist reflects on his life and how God had been a rock of refuge to him through his struggles. Confronted by foes and the abandonment of friends, He looked to God, confident in God’s faithfulness to deliver him amid his hardship and personal frailty.

Many trials marked John Newton’s life. From a young age, Newton faced loss and turmoil, beginning with the death of his mother. His rebelliousness, time spent in harsh conditions at sea, and eventual enslavement in Sierra Leone seemed to push him further from God. However, amid his darkest trials, particularly during a violent storm at sea in 1748, Newton turned to God for help. A desperate prayer during this near-death experience marked a turning point in his life, as he recognized the amazing grace of God amid his own brokenness.

As he continued to face internal struggles and guilt over his past as a slave trader, he called out to God. God’s intervention was evident in Newton’s eventual conversion and miraculous transformation. Not only did he find forgiveness, but he also discovered a new purpose in life, becoming a beloved pastor and outspoken advocate for the abolition of slavery. Newton’s journey exemplifies how God is a “rock of refuge” to which those in need can find deliverance. Nearing his death, John Newton said, “My memory is nearly gone, but I remember two things: that I am a great sinner, and that Christ is a great Savior.” Indeed, He is a great rock of refuge, to which we can continually come!  Though you’ve come in need to Him a thousand times before, He does not weary of your pleas and remains faithful to His purpose in you.

“Through many dangers, toils, and snares, I have already come; ‘Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far, And grace will lead me home.” —John Newton

Application Questions: Think back to the previous times you’ve fled to God in prayer over some trouble in your life.  How important is to see God as a Rock of Refuge to which you can continually come.  Read 2 Corinthians 1:8-11.  How did Paul remain hopeful amid his trials?

APRIL 8

Psalm 70

Psalm 70:4, “May all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you!”

In Psalm 70, David finds himself in a state of distress, urgently calling out to God for help. His enemies are pursuing him, seeking to do him harm, and David feels powerless against their threats. In his desperation, he pleads with God for justice and deliverance. It is within this context that we encounter our verse, reminding us that there is a joy to be had for those that seek God, that remains undiminished, no matter the circumstances.

Corrie ten Boom once said, “Joy runs deeper than despair.” What she meant is that true joy—that which is experienced in one’s relationship with God—is deeper and more enduring than any suffering we might face.  She said that as one who endured unimaginable hardship in a Nazi concentration camp, losing her family and witnessing horrific cruelty.  Yet, even in her darkest times, she experienced a deep, abiding joy that had its source in God.

Joy is not the same as happiness.  For those who pursue it apart from God, happiness remains an elusive thing.  Happiness depends on one’s external condition.  Joy, on the other hand, is a deep spiritual reality experienced in one’s relationship with God.  The strength and joy Corrie found in God and His promises was more profound than the suffering she faced.  And that holds true for us all.  The command to “rejoice always” (1 Thessalonians 5:16) has its basis in that reality.

The pursuit of happiness does not in itself lead to happiness, but a deep, abiding joy is the experience of those who pursue God.

Application Questions: What is the difference between seeking happiness for its own sake and seeking after God and experiencing true joy as a result?  Why is it important to maintain the right perspective when enduring challenging circumstances?

APRIL 7

Psalm 69

Psalm 69:1-2, “Save me, O God! For the waters have come up to my neck…I have come into deep waters, and the flood sweeps over me.”

If you haven’t read Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand, I highly recommend it. The book tells the remarkable true story of Louie Zamperini, a former Olympic runner who endured a series of harrowing trials. After competing in the 1936 Olympics, Louie enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Force during World War II. Serving as a bombardier, his B-24 plane crashed into the Pacific Ocean. As the plane sank, Louie found himself tangled in wires, trapped in the wreckage. In a desperate bid for survival, he managed to break free and reached the surface of the water.

Louie and his crewmates survived for days at sea in a small rubber raft, enduring brutal conditions. But their ordeal didn’t end with their struggle for survival. Eventually, they were rescued—not by the Americans, but the Japanese, who took them as prisoners of war. Louie spent months enduring horrific mistreatment and abuse in Japanese prison camps until the Allies finally liberated him.

After his release, Louie faced another kind of “deep water” experience: consumed by anger and bitterness over his abuse, he fell into alcoholism. It was at his lowest point—when he felt truly “in over his head”—that Louie turned to Jesus and experienced God’s salvation. His conversion marked the beginning of a profound transformation.

Louie lived a long and fulfilling life of Christian ministry after his spiritual awakening. His story is a powerful testament to the redemptive power of God and the capacity for healing and forgiveness, even in the face of unimaginable suffering.

Like David in the Bible and Louie, we all encounter times when we find ourselves in deep waters. In those moments, it’s important to remember that God’s ability to save and intervene transcends our ability to comprehend. We can always trust Him in His ability to lift us up and set our feet back on solid ground.

“When I walk through deep waters, I know that you will be with me.”— Kari Jobe

Application Questions: With his eyes fixed on Jesus, Peter could walk on water, but when he looked at the wind, he was afraid and began to sink.  He cried out, “Lord save me,” and Jesus reached out his hand and rescued him (Matthew 14:29-31). How can you apply Peter’s experience to your own life?

APRIL 4

Psalm 68

Psalm 68:20, “To God, the Lord, belong deliverances from death.”

There have been several occasions in my life when I narrowly escaped death, thanks to someone intervening to save me. One such incident occurred when I was a boy and fell into the Little Deschutes River. Hearing my mom’s frantic cries, my dad rushed into the water and pulled me to safety, preventing me from drowning. Another time, I was riding on the handlebars of my uncle’s bike—definitely not the wisest choice—and we crashed, with me landing headfirst on the pavement. Covered in blood, my uncle feared the worst, but managed to get me to my grandma’s house, where I received care.

While these deliverances by human hands saved me physically, there are other forms of death that only God can address. The term “death” means separation, and in this sense, there are various kinds of dying. Spiritual death refers to separation from God due to sin. Physical death is the separation of the soul from the body, a consequence of original sin that introduced death into the human experience. Eternal death is the most tragic and sever, as it involves separation from God for all eternity. Only the Lord has the power to deliver from both spiritual and eternal death!

As a hospice chaplain, I’ve witnessed the dying process of dozens of individuals. When their physical condition has advanced beyond the point of human intervention, it is left to our hospice team to provide compassionate care to both them and their families. My role is to build a connection, offering comfort and hope as much as possible. Though death approaches, there is still hope in the Lord, who died for sins and rose from the dead.  The Apostle Paul’s final words reflect this hope: “The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and will bring me safely to His heavenly kingdom.” He is able to bring life to those spiritually dead (Ephesians 2:1,5) and deliver those who trust in Him from eternal death (2 Thessalonians 1:7-10).  Jesus died for our sins and rose from the dead to save us, and that salvation from sin is all encompassing—from sin’s penalty, sin’s power, and one day from sin’s presence.  Indeed, He is the God who saves!

“Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him.”—Hebrews 7:25

Application questions: God is the one who saves!  Have you trusted in Jesus for salvation?  Thank Him for His saving work and keep trusting Him to finish the work He started in you.

APRIL 3

Psalm 67

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

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

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

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

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

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

APRIL 2

Psalm 66

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

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

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

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

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

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

APRIL 1

Psalm 65

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

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

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

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

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

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

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