Today and Forever: A Narrative Coloring Book, Out NOW!
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.
In Psalm 31, David weeps from the ravages of his iniquities. But even in this lowly state, he declares God is still with him, his rock and strength (31:2). David still trusts that the Lord will come down to his level, to bow down His ear to listen to him.
My home is not a symbol of my economic status. Rather, it reflects the favor and blessings of God. I pray that it remains dedicated to Him to be used for his glory and all who enter sing along with me of the goodness of God.
Uplift your spirit in the sounds of the Psalms in Your Palm Playlist. Each song in this playlist is thoughtfully paired with a Psalm featured in Debra’s Sunday reflections. Tune in every Sunday for a new Psalm, a heartfelt reflection, and a song that carries the essence of divine connection and peace.
Like David, I want to praise and worship the Lord with all my heart, mind, soul and strength (Luke 10:27). Let His praises be continually in my mouth (Psalm 34:1).
There have been times when I have prayed to God for guidance when I have faced a situation where I did not know what to do. Not wanting to choose the wrong direction or go down the wrong road, like David I cry out to God for an answer. I understand the distress David felt when his cries were met with silence. How unsettling it is to feel you are treading on shaky ground and may fall. It is during this tough time of waiting, that , like David, I hold fast to my faith and trust in God. I listen for His voice in His Word, seeking scriptures that may teach me God’s will.
So many times when I have been engrossed in a fierce spiritual battle, I find myself using my own tactics and strategies to be victorious rather than have the confidence of David to know that God is my light and my salvation. He gives me strength and will be my refuge from any of life’s storms that come my way.
I thank God that man looks on the outside but He looks on the inside (1 Sam 16:7). He is looking for a humble, repentant and broken spirit, and contrite heart (Psalm 51:17). I pray each day for forgiveness and for I know it is only the blood of Jesus that cleanses me and makes me righteous. Lord, give me a clean heart (Psalm 51:10).
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?”
