Monday, October 23, 2017

Psalm 114

Summary: The psalmist recalls God's actions during the Exodus from Egypt so big that the earth changed. Under His authority, half a nation left to start a new one. A sea opened its waters down to dry land. A mountain was so excited by God's presence that the whole thing shook. A rock burst forth with a spring of water at His command. And the next river was just as willing to accommodate travel of an entire nation.

Response: Usually, my summaries are much shorter than the source, but this was actually pretty close. I just felt led to list those out because, if God has already done those amazing things, I know He has a plan for my small things as well.

Friday, October 13, 2017

Psalm 113

Summary: The psalmist praises God's name, which by itself is enough to be praised everywhere. God helps those like the poor and barren, blessing them as much as royalty.

Response: I love the focus on the little guy. I find it amazing that the same big God that creates and sustains everything also wants to fellowship with and bless even me (and you)!

Thursday, October 12, 2017

Psalm 112

Summary: The psalmist paints a mental picture of a person of God. Such a person is blessed and stable, gaining wealth honestly and trusting God in good and bad times.

Response: Just as the "kill 'em all" psalms strike me as a thought process given too much time, this one too is a bit misleading if this is your benchmark for success. It fits into what is today known as prosperity gospel, that God wants you to be rich for your own benefit. I can see cracks in that, that the exemplar here gives to the poor and has a great attitude, but it still seems less to God's glory than his own. Lord, keep me content where you have me, move me when I need moved, and use me when I can be used.

Wednesday, October 11, 2017

Psalm 111

Summary: The psalmist praises God publicly. God's creation and provision, care and mercy are all perfect. Even His instructions are great and should be followed.

Response: Just off the top of my head, I wonder if there's a Latin word or phrase with psalm in it that means "praise the Lord;" it seems to be at the front of almost every psalm and it feels like I just now noticed. Also, swipe text doesn't like the word psalm.

But the psalm itself. This is something I've needed to do to keep myself focused: I will write or say something out loud to affirm it, even when it seems obvious. In this case: God loves me and wants the best for me. Following His instructions will be better for me than taking my own path.

Tuesday, October 10, 2017

Psalm 110

Summary: David hears two messages from God and expounds on them. First, God tells David to submit to Him until He defeats their enemies. Second, God reminds him that he is not just king but priest as well.

Response: Again, trying to read past the literal piles of dead bodies in this one. Lord, help me to rely on Your strength and to serve in that strength as well.

Monday, October 9, 2017

Psalm 109

Summary: David feels persecuted by his enemies. He asks God to deliver him and subject his enemies to the kind of fate they wanted for him.

Response: I mean, I'm hoping David looked back at this kind of song at some point and decided it was too harsh, but I don't know and probably never will. It's a sincere and legitimate reaction, but I'd find it hard to live in that emotion. Help me God to understand Your ways, even when they seem harsh to me.

Friday, October 6, 2017

Psalm 108

Summary: The psalmist commits to praising God daily with the dawn, since God is just as faithful to save. God speaks, announcing He will use Israel to defeat its enemies. The psalmist responds, noting that can only happen with God's help.

Response: It's true, God has been reliable day in and day out. Diving into His Word and praising Him daily is just about the least I could do. And I have quite a bit to overcome and my church does too. I know only God can help, and it's crazy that He chooses us to do it, but here we are. God, use my daily time with You to shape me into who I need to be for You. Accomplish Your will through me and through Your Church.

Thursday, October 5, 2017

Psalm 107

Summary: The psalmist considers God as Deliverer. Through many scenarios, the people get themselves in trouble and God rescues them and blesses them.

Response: Lord, even through my wrong choices, You have blessed me immensely. Thank You for Your loyal love, without which I would be nothing.

Wednesday, October 4, 2017

Psalm 106

Summary: The psalmist gives an account of God's mercy to His people, who--from the parting of the sea and the wandering in the desert to mixing with other nations and being submitted to them--praise God for a bit, then get back to doing what they want. The psalm ends with one more plea to praise God for one more deliverance.

Response: I know very well: I'm in the same boat. I fall often. God picks me back up. I give Him some praise. And I fall back again. God loves me (as He loves everyone, yes even you) l, and He'll never stop. That doesn't give me greater courage to sin, but renewed hope when it eventually happens as well as hopefully pushing me closer and closer to His side.

Tuesday, October 3, 2017

Psalm 105

Summary: The psalmist praises God through a history of His people, called by Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, but power shown to get them out of Egypt.

Response: Well for one, I didn't know this recap was in the Bible, so that's neat. But this is a piece of Israelite identity: the Lord delivered us from Egypt. Help me to see more and more Your deliverance, Lord.

Monday, October 2, 2017

Psalm 104

Summary: The psalmist sees God as Creator, majestic and yet also working hard keeping everything running. In response, the whole earth responds to His presence and attention. We are called to do the same.

Response: There's some pretty great imagery here, from God laying down foundations of clouds like timber and concrete to lions following God's prescribed schedule. And as all this just works, as there's a trust involved in God being able to take care of us, I feel the call to trust Him. Help me to do so more and more every day.