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.
Recently, I was hospitalized for several days. It was a time of pain, confusion and uncertainty. Like David, I cried out to the lord for his comfort and presence. I put my faith and hope in the healing power of Jesus, knowing and recalling the many times he has healed me before. I felt the Spirit’s comforting peace throughout the long, dark nights. I never stopped praising God for who he is and all I know he can do. I thank god that I am healed today.
In Psalm 41, David reminds us how God extends mercy to us, even when we are poor and weak in our trespasses and sins. How much more gracious then, should we be to provide mercy and grace to those in need. May I always remember how God saved me from darkness and brought me to His marvelous light. I want to share the news of this blessing with others, which is of greater value to the poor in spirit than silver or gold.
I know that only what I do for God will last for eternity. We are told to set our affections on things above, not on things below that man can steal or moths destroy. I ask the Lord to help me remember what is truly important. Life is too short. Make every day count.
When I first became convicted of my sin, I felt like David did in Psalm 38. In my heart, I confessed to God that I was a sinner, guilty as charged. I was saved by God’s amazing grace, who took my place and died for my sins on Calvary’s cross. I knew I was not deserving of such a great love and sacrifice as this. I believed in Jesus and thanked Him, like David, for delivering me from sin. I thank God daily for salvation and ask Him to forgive me, with godly sorrow.
Through the tough times in my life, the joy of the Lord strengthens me. This passage also assures me that all my needs are met. Jesus lovingly said that we don’t have to worry about what we will eat or what clothes to wear. God cares more for us than the birds of the field or the beautifully adorned lilies. I know my heavenly Father is watching over me. The more I experience the life’s sorrows, the more like David I have learned that I am never forsaken.
In Psalm 36, David compares and contrasts God’s relationship with those who are righteous with His harsh treatment of them who are wicked. David speaks from his own personal experience and from what he has witnessed in the lives of saints and sinners.
David was a king acquainted with war. In Psalm 35, he speaks in the vernacular of a warrior and leader accustomed to facing many enemies on the battlefield. This chapter is his courageous prayer to God to lead him to total victory against his oppressors. He is equally unyielding in his call for their destruction and in his faith in God to perform it.
Psalm 34 is a testimony of praise to God for His continuous help to us. He is deserving of blessings twenty-four hours a day. He delivers us from dangers seen and unseen. His angels guard and encamp around us, defending us from evil. The scripture says “I will overcome by the blood of the lamb and the words of my testimony”. This is true for us all.
God inhabits the praises of his people. When I am singing, rejoicing, praising and worshiping, especially in a church setting, united with other believers, my heart is filled with so much joy. Gathering with the saints, hearing the beautiful voices, the musicians playing, and the clapping and shouting is a communal level of praise that is different from the time when I am alone.
Psalm 32 is a beautiful example of the way God forgives us. When we return to Him with a contrite spirit, he speedily responds with tender mercy and grace. Like the father who welcomed home his prodigal son, God opens His arms to us, returning us back to His loving care and protection.
