Psalm 75 Judgment. What does that word mean to you? Is it filled with negative connotations? Do you think of a vindictive “God of the Old Testament” that goes around “smiting” people at the least provocation? Does that “God” stand in distinct contrast to the merciful “God of the New Testament”? I certainly hope not, …
Monthly Archives: June 2022
June 29 / Psalm 74:12-23
Psalm 74:12-23 In yesterday’s reading, the psalmist painted a depressing picture, asking whether God has cast us off forever. Today we get an antidote to that perspective: recounting the Lord’s prior deeds and faithfulness while petitioning Him for His ongoing favor. Indeed, whenever we drift into thinking that God is absent or we start to …
June 28 / Psalm 74:1-11
Psalm 74:1-11 O God, why do you cast us off forever? (v. 1) Have you ever asked that question? Or (perhaps better) how often have you asked that question? Are you currently asking that question? As for me, I have certainly felt “cast off” occasionally, and sometimes for extended periods. Calling out to God and …
June 27 / Psalm 73:18-28
Psalm 73 Today the psalmist expresses his confidence in the Lord’s justice, that the wicked “get theirs” in the end. Note, though, that the difference between yesterday’s reading and today’s is entirely one of perspective and faith — a change in perspective that comes as the psalmist enters the sanctuary of God, not as a …
June 26 / Psalm 73:1-17
Psalm 73:1-17 Today we begin Book 3 of the Psalms. Of the 73 psalms for which David is noted as the author, only 18 are in Books 3-5, meaning that 55 of the 72 psalms that we have seen thus far are ascribed to David. So we can expect to see very different psalms as …
June 25 / Psalm 72
Psalm 72 I truly appreciate John stepping up when I am unable, but for now, at least until Tuesday morning I can share a bit to start us off. I may have found a new favorite psalm. If not number one, Psalm 72 is right up there! Very quickly as I was reading through it …
June 24 / Psalm 71:14-24
Psalm 71:14-24 The second half of this psalm turns from plea to praise, or more accurately, to the promise of public praise: But I will hope continuallyand will praise You yet more and more.My mouth will tell of Your righteous acts,of Your deeds of salvation all the day,for their number is past my knowledge.With the …
June 23 / Psalm 71:1-13
Psalm 71:1-13 With Fred “otherwise occupied” for a bit, I guess you’re stuck with me again… This psalm is a cry from the heart for God’s protection and deliverance. My guess is that we can all fairly readily “put ourselves into” the psalmist’s position, appealing to the Lord for rescue. For some of us, that …
June 22 / Psalm 70
Psalm 70 It seems a bit unusual – Psalm 70 has only five verses, but David addresses God (“O God…” v. 1), his enemies (“Let them…”, vv. 2-3), the faithful (“Let all…, Let those…”, v. 4), and himself (“But I…”, v. 5). Yesterday I mentioned that God seems to favor the poor and needy. Today …
June 21 / Psalm 69:29-36
Psalm 69:29-36 I am always touched when I see the Psalms reflect on the Lord’s concern for the poor and needy: For the Lord hears the needy and does not despise His own people who are prisoners. (v. 33) No doubt God loves all of us, but the poor in a special way? Nothing more …