Today and Forever: A Narrative Coloring Book, Out NOW!
A new series from Debra Hill: Psalms In Your Palm.
Tune in every Sunday to read a passage of scripture, hear Debra’s personal thoughts on the reading, and then relate and reflect on the words as you write them into your palm and into your heart.
In this psalm, as in so many others, David opens up his heart and soul to God with deep and honest expressions of pain and need. As I examine myself and the way I pray to God, I think there are times I hold back my emotions and carefully edit my words. Why do I do this when I know Jesus says I can “cast all my cares on him because he cares for me?”
Psalm 24 begins with the glorious proclamation that God reigns supreme over everything. “The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof.” He is the Founder and Creator of it all. Only the pure of heart and righteous one can commune with God on His holy mountain or in His temple. Handel, the classical composer, put the next verses to triumphant melodies.
The more I read the Word, spend time in meditation and prayer, and daily consecrate my life to Him, the more familiar and close I am to Him. I pray that I stay close to my Shepherd and not stray far from Him. But it is even more amazing to know that Jesus will always seek to find me and welcome me back to His tender goodness and mercy.
I will never truly understand Jesus’ love for me. He was wounded for my transgressions, He was bruised for my iniquity, the chastisement of my peace was upon Him and by His stripes I am healed (Isaiah 53:5). I thank Him that I will never have to feel the desperate sorrow and complete loss of connection with God. He will never leave me or forsake me. Thank you Jesus.
Since I was a child, I felt so much joy singing songs about Jesus in church. Throughout the years of my life, so many songs have lifted my spirit, strengthened my faith, and led me to a place of peace and worship. I pray that for the rest of my days, I will continue to sing of the goodness of God and rejoice in His mighty works. How Great Is Our GOD!
Psalm 20 brings to mind those times in my life when I felt overwhelmed with trouble. Feeling weak, anxious, helpless and afraid, I could feel my faith wavering as doubts flooded my heart and mind. In those tough times, I would call on my rolodex of prayer warriors. These precious saints would pray confidently about the faithful, unfailing and victorious God who is our Father, our refuge, our savior and deliverer.
In Psalm 19, David tells us that we need only to look to the splendor of nature, in the earth and skies, to come to know God. He speaks to all of mankind through His creation and by understanding how they are designed, we can come to understand God’s righteous laws. The one thing we all have in common around the world is that we all look up into the same sky, day and night. There is no speech or language where the voice of God is not heard (19:3). He speaks to all of us as we behold and study the sun, moon, stars, galaxies and so much more.
Psalm 18 begins with the descriptive title explaining the context of David’s song. This psalm is a song of victory, a lengthy and exuberant praise for God’s mighty deliverance of David from all his enemies and from the long-time oppression of Saul.
David seems to be presenting an argument to God, justifying his right for God’s protection because of his own works. David sees man’s covenant with God as one where, as long as you are keeping your end of the bargain, by keeping God’s commandments, then God will honor His promises by blessing and protecting you. This perspective is not unusual in light of the Old Testament/Covenant of God and man.
I know that God will keep me in perfect peace if I keep my mind on Him. I also live with the blessed assurance that this peace and joy will continue through eternity when my soul is forever with the lord. Amen.
