Psalm 119:25–27 I am laid low in the dust; — preserve my life according to your word.I gave an account of my ways and you answered me; — teach me your decrees.Cause me to understand the way of your precepts, — that I may meditate on your wonderful deeds. Read the context The Word of God tells the story of God's great deeds. Consider just a few: He created a beautiful world He protected his people He promised deliverance And where his law reveals our broken relationship with him... He performs...
1 day ago • 1 min read
Psalm 103:11–12 For as high as the heavens are above the earth, — so great is his love for those who fear him; As far as the east is from the west, — so far has he removed our transgressions from us. Read the context Even the most directionally challenged person knows this: East and West go in opposite directions. Look at a map! They never meet. If you feel like the foolish things you've done will never go away, consider this: God has removed your sin further than directions can explain. When...
3 days ago • 1 min read
Psalm 86:5–7 You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you. Hear my prayer, Lord; listen to my cry for mercy.When I am in distress, I call to you, because you answer me. Read the context If you need help hauling new furniture, you know which friend to call. It's the one who will show up to help. When you pray, God promises to answer. He provides mercy and forgiveness day after day. It's at the core of who he is. Call out to him again. You know he'll answer! Why...
4 days ago • 1 min read
Psalm 63:1 You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you;I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you,in a dry and parched land where there is no water. Read the context After working outside on a 90° day, nothing is more satisfying than a cool glass of water. This world is a spiritual desert. Guilt and worry dry you out. Cling to God. He will fill you up with his promises of forgiveness and mercy. He's a source of water that never runs out. When have you felt like this world was a spiritual...
5 days ago • 1 min read
Matthew 26:52-54 “Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him, “for all who draw the sword will die by the sword. Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?” Read the context His friend and student betrayed him. He was surrounded by a hateful mob, and one of his disciples wanted to defend him. But Jesus said no. Not the disciples...
6 days ago • 1 min read
Psalm 51:10-12 Create in me a pure heart, O God,and renew a steadfast spirit within me.Do not cast me from your presenceor take your Holy Spirit from me.Restore to me the joy of your salvation Read the context Heart transplants are incredibly rare. Only the most skilled doctors can perform the surgery. For that patient on the other side of surgery it means a new lease on life. Our hearts are corrupted to the core. They are filled with wicked intentions and sinful desires. But with God you...
7 days ago • 1 min read
Psalm 51:7–9 Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; — wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice.Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity. Read the context I'm not a winter person, but I have to admit that fresh snowfall is one of the most beautiful things you can see. When I consider about what I look like spiritually, I see a mess: stains of wickedness and disobedience. In God there is forgiveness for...
8 days ago • 1 min read
Psalm 51:3–4 For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me.Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight;so you are right in your verdict and justified when you judge. Read the context Imagine how hopeless it feels to walk into a courtroom knowing you face an unfavorable verdict. Even worse - you know the judgement is correct. Every twisted thought or harsh word is judged by God's law. And his verdict is clear. But the punishment you were due has...
9 days ago • 1 min read
Psalm 40:1–3a I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire;he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Read the context Have you ever tried walking up a slippery hill? Every step feels like you're about to slide back to the bottom. When you fall into the same temptation over and over, it can feel like you'll never gain your footing. The...
10 days ago • 1 min read