Wednesday, September 27, 2017

Psalm 103

Summary: David has to call himself to praise God, and there's quite a bit He's done to deserve it. Kind, Healer, Deliverer, anointing, satisfying, renewing, just yet merciful, loving, not repaying evil for evil, Father, as eternal as we are limited by time. David calls on all--angels, warriors, and priests alike--to praise God.

Response: As we work our way through a pastoral transition, we're human and we're making mistakes. It's great to be reassured that God doesn't punish us as we deserve; thank God for that!

Tuesday, September 26, 2017

Psalm 102

Summary: The psalmist demands God's ear, for he is so anxious and lonely that he can hardly sustain himself. He then compares his small life to the eternal God, for Whom even the earth is like a jacket you wear out and pitch. He also notes God's compassion; even with this disparity between God and man, He still wants that relationship.

Response: Well, it is my birthday. I don't feel quite like withered grass just yet and that's okay. But I still find awe in God's presence; the words we read and sing really do ring true, and God really is amazing for loving even us, even me!

Monday, September 25, 2017

Psalm 101

Summary: David (hey I know that guy) wants to show his loyalty to God through his integrity. To that end, he promises is associate and do business only with people of integrity; as king, he also promises to do away with those who cheat.

Response: On the one hand, having no sleaze or corruption in a country would be grand if not unheard of in today's society. On the other hand, the penalty seems a bit excessive, even given how the crime distorts so much about public service and even given that this is David's personal feelings, which he's entitled to. I mean, imprison them, take their position and influence away, root out corruption, but it doesn't have to get that bloody, does it?

Wednesday, September 20, 2017

Psalm 100

Summary: We praise God for a bunch of reasons: He is Creator, Shepherd, a great Giver, Shelter, ever loving and ever faithful.

Response: Definitely a long, varied, and true list. God will guide and provide always. Help me to see that, and help my church in transition to see that as well.

Tuesday, September 19, 2017

Psalm 99

Summary: God is shown as King above all others, be they kings of other nations, the Law itself, or even heroes of the faith.

Response: I'm trying to come up with something thought provoking or clever but I'm not feeling great. Lord, please be King of my body and help me to feel better.

Monday, September 18, 2017

Psalm 98

Summary: The psalmist calls on God's people to constantly find new ways to praise God. God, after all, is always finding new ways to bless and deliver us. It is just as right for instruments to give Him thanks as for creation itself to cry out to Him.

Response: There are so many things that are out of my hands that worry me and drag me down. There are several things I do have control over that make me feel the same way. But Lord, keep me thinking of Your blessings, that I might continually praise You.

Friday, September 15, 2017

Psalm 97

Summary: The psalmist again urges everyone to praise God. He is a ruler so powerful that creation itself bends to His will. He is a ruler so righteous that those who follow Him consider it joy.

Response: God, help me to trust in Your power. Help me to find and keep joy in doing Your will.

Thursday, September 14, 2017

Psalm 96

Summary: The psalmist urges everyone to praise God. He delivers daily; He is real, unlike other 'gods;' He is Creator and full of majesty. We should give him credit for this, acknowledging His power and finding joy in it.

Response: Between devotions, circumstances, and the music I've heard this week, it's been a theme that God is in control, even if it feels more like its inverse: I am not in control of the big picture. But I still have a choice, and I pray that it would be to find joy in that and all circumstances.

Wednesday, September 13, 2017

Psalm 95

Summary: God is shown as Creator and Ruler, worthy of all praise, but this comes with a warning. God reminds the reader/listener that He cannot abide sin and their ancestors have seen the consequences of it firsthand.

Response: I feel for God a little bit here, like a tug-of war from kindergarteners: they will sometimes keep breaking the rules and seem surprised when I have to deal consequences. So I feel like I need to work on anger at work, sure. But I am certainly guilty of that same side myself, and I'd say it's mostly about time. I waste a lot of time, on phone and computer games and sites that really are just time wasters. There's this concept of abnegation (like checking out) that can be a reason to play games, but is also what we fight against as followers of Jesus. So the fight continues, I suppose.

Tuesday, September 12, 2017

Psalm 94

Summary: The psalmist condemns other nations that are persecuting him and his people and asks God to deal with them and protect him.

Response: I've given my thoughts to this kind over and over. I won't say I'm done, but I'm certainly having trouble getting new meaning. Still, a theme I'm returning to in my abiding music (I listen to new worship music as it comes out and collect what speaks to me) is control. God should have it, I should leave well enough alone and trust Him. Sometimes it might feel like He will never save us or those we love, but we... I... have to trust.

Monday, September 11, 2017

Psalm 93

Summary: The psalmist shows God as King since the dawn of time. The sea applauds His power. His covenant with His people stems from His holiness.

Response: Lord, help me trust that You are in control. (I wish I had something else to add, but it'd just be the same sentence copy-pasted a few times.)

Wednesday, September 6, 2017

Psalm 92

Summary: The psalmist praises God and makes a case for praising Him. Between His love, faithfulness, and saving actions, God blesses and strengthens those who follow Him.

Response: I like the comparison in here of God's people with the unbelievers, who can't see His intricate plans. Honestly, most times I can't see them either, but there are certainly times when I could not be where I was or am without His hand moving in my life. 

Tuesday, September 5, 2017

Psalm 91

Summary: The psalmist speaks to one who trusts God like he does, assuring him that God will protect them.

Response: I can't help but feel like this is another train of thought that Jesus completely upends. The psalm says that, because I am good, God will save me; but I am seldom good enough to warrant that. Instead, I feel like Jesus would say that because God is good, He will save me. It's grace, and it should change our actions and our thoughts, but you don't have to be good enough before receiving it.

Friday, September 1, 2017

Psalm 90

Summary: After praising God's immortality, Moses (this is the only psalm he is claimed to have written) ponders just how far an immortal being is from mortal man, who comparitively may as well be grass that withers after a day. He sees God's hatred of sin and pleads for mercy and love.

Response: I'm definitely feeling withered today. Some combination of sick young students and too much talking (by me) in class have left my throat miserable this last week. Hopefully I can make a peep at a sporting event tomorrow, and hopefully I can get my mind closer to exegesis next time.