Psalms

Day 22, Psalm 22

/ Dailybite / Leave a comment

In psalm 22, David is cryiing out to God, wondering when He will step in and help turn things around. When days, weeks and months go by and your desperate prayer has yet to be answered, you are faced with reconciling your heart with God’s sovereignty.   We can’t control God, like we can control some situations in our lives.  God’s ways are not our ways.

I have been in a few relationships with addicts.  One of my survival techniques was to take control when things got out-of-control in our lives.  Once in a while, forcing a solution would work, but mostly it was like taking one step forward only to slide back down the hill.  When God intervened and began to unwind this behavior, in me, it wasn’t easy. I was so frustrated. Instead of saving someone else from the consequences of their decisions, I let it go. I may have prayed for their sobriety, but God went after my co-dependency.   He knew what I needed most.

May your will be done, Father God, on earth as it is in heaven.

See you tomorrow for Psalm 23

Day 21, Psalm 21

/ Dailybite / Leave a comment

I love listening to my grandkids tell me a story about a fun adventure they had.  They are so animated and they skip so many details in their rush to get to the good parts.  Their hands are moving, their laughter interrupts the flow of their tale.   It might be more fun to hear the story than to have lived it. 

In today’s psalm, David is talking to God and telling tales of what God has done and what God will do.  His confidence in God’s strength was earned first-hand.  He had to move into the battle to see the victory take place.  I tried reading the psalm out loud in an animated and excited way – and it worked!  I wonder if this song would could be performed as a rap?

See you tomorrow for psalm 22

Day 20, Psalm 20

/ Dailybite / Leave a comment

This psalm was written during a time of battle.  David cries out for help and knows that God will help.  The first verse reminds me of the prayers I would say as my kids grew up and began to live their lives outside of my reach.  I would pray that God would protect them and help them when they are in trouble. 

I have several friends and family members who have kids heading off to college, or getting married, or moving to a new location.  Their worries are the same as mine were, but not all have faith to trust God with their kids.  I want to tuck this verse in their hand, with the hope they will find it on the day they need it most. 

We trust you Lord to watch over our kids.

See you tomorrow for Psalm 21

Day 19, Psalm 19

/ Dailybite / Leave a comment

In this beautiful psalm, David is giving tribute to God and the mighty works of His hands.  I love how he describes nature: speaking without a sound or word, their voice is never heard.

Years ago, when my children were young, I was staring at a large white bird in the tree by my house. I found a very quiet place in my thoughts and everything seemed to slow down. As I watched the bird, I felt God tell me, deep inside my soul, that everything was going to be okay. Those were healing words for a worried and busy working-mom. My stress and worry were gone, I was filled with a quiet and confident peace.

“Be still and know that I am God.”  Psalm 46

See you tomorrow for Psalm 20

Day 18, Psalm 18

/ Dailybite / Leave a comment

David’s Victory Song

When I read through this psalm it is clearly a victory song.  David recalls the victories he had because God helped him.  He proclaims love and confidence in God’s character.   He marvels at God’s faithfulness and mighty hands.  He describes what a life of obedience looks like and how intimate a relationship with God can be. 

What does your victory song sound like?  How have you worked to align your life under God’s authority?  What has God’s transformational power done within you?   What are the moments in your life that you can only give God credit for?  Our victory stories are a work-in-process only to be made complete the day we arrive home. 

See you tomorrow for Psalm 19

Day 17, Psalm 17

/ Dailybite / Leave a comment

This psalm is written during a time David was surrounded, persecuted, witnessing injustice and not positioned to change the circumstances around him.  I can sense his desperation to find a place to rest, to hide where no one can harm him, just to catch a breath.  I have never been in that exact situation but I have been out of my comfort zone, surrounded by people I didn’t know and didn’t trust.  Witnessing behavior that I didn’t agree with, hoping to stay out of the fray.  Looking for a safe place to rest.

I like the analogy of climbing under the protection of God’s wings.  Giving him the control and trusting him to do what is right.  Spiritually we can always retreat to the care of God and ask him to shelter us and to guide us.  He is always available, our ever-present help in times of trouble.

See you tomorrow for Psalm 18

Day 16, Psalm 16

/ Dailybite / Leave a comment

My husband and I recently attended a reunion for a ministry we served in for 15 years.  To be in the presence of our friends after so many years apart was settling.  I felt safe, welcomed, and inspired.  The memories of how we served the Lord together and of all the wonderful works of His hands we witnessed, have bonded us for life.  How badly we wanted to recreate the past and do it all over again.  But of course, that is not possible.  Instead, we are each on a new path, serving the Lord in new ways with new people as He leads us all forward. 

David’s words in this psalm reveal the deep and intimate relationship David has with the Lord.  And his words proclaiming his pleasure to be with God’s people, came alive for us this week. 

See you tomorrow for Psalm 17

Day 15, Psalm 15

/ Dailybite / Leave a comment

I am intimidated by the word “righteous”.  I immediately envision a bishop or a cardinal in their robes looking right through me.  To be righteous seems way out of my reach, since I know everything I have recently been up to.  A friendly way that I have learned to accept this word is to think of being righteous as being someone who strives to live in a “right way” according to God’s direction.

This psalm has a list of things to work on to improve your righteousness.  I included four in my meme – the ones I can work on every day.  I am surprised at how often I hear gossip – it seems to always comes with the desire to pass it on.  Sometimes, unfortunately, I do pass it on.  But sometimes I have victory over myself and am able to let it end with me.  I want to stand firm with God and am forever thankful to Jesus for helping me achieve forgiveness.

See you tomorrow for Psalm 16

Day 14, Psalm 14

/ Dailybite / Leave a comment

Have you ever caught someone’s eye?  You look around a crowded room and your eyes stop because you notice someone was looking at you.  Maybe you look at each other for a moment and share a smile, maybe you look away quickly, maybe you feel awkward and aren’t sure what to do?  God is scanning the crowd right now, looking to see if anyone is searching for him.  He longs to catch your eye.

I have friends who say they don’t believe in God or that they aren’t interested in knowing more about Him.  I always hear that as a statement of how they feel in the moment.  They may look for Him when they are alone or maybe when they have a crisis or a moment of curiosity.  I do know that when they earnestly seek Him, they will find Him looking their way. Whenever that wonderful day comes.

See you tomorrow for Psalm 15

Day 13, Psalm 13

/ Dailybite / Leave a comment

I relate so much to the emotional flow of this psalm.  It starts out with cries for help and ends with a declaration of trust in the Lord and appreciation for all that He has done.  It is possible to feel both emotions at the same time, anxious for what you face in this world and confidence that God is with you. 

When I suddenly lost the central vision in both of my eyes, I was faced with so many abrupt changes to my life.  I could not force the solutions that I wanted, instead I had to wait for things to unfold.  I knew that God was with me and that He was helping me and I had to surrender, a thousand times, to His timing.  I was anxious about my situation and confident in His love.  I can honestly say that my trust in God’s love makes me want to celebrate.

See you tomorrow for Psalm 14

Day 12, Psalm 12

/ Dailybite / Leave a comment

Day 12, Psalm 12

This psalm compares the flattery and empty promises we experience in the world with God’s impeccable record at keeping His promises and acting justly.  I have been duped by flattery and led right into believing empty promises, more than one time in my life.   Some of those losses really hurt and soon I became hesitant to believe anyone’s word. 

Thankfully, our God in heaven is not a person.  His promises are pure and trust-worthy.  If you need to accept that statement in faith, that’s okay, over time you will see that it’s true.  This is one of my favorite promises to stand on, give it a try:  (Isaiah 41:13) “For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear, I will help you.”

We trust you Lord.

See you tomorrow for Psalm 13

Day 10, Psalm 10

/ Dailybite / Leave a comment

This psalm is very similar to yesterday’s psalm.  It is a little more relatable to me, since it talks about “those people” that seem to succeed regardless of their evil actions and intentions to harm others.  We’ve all seen this very dynamic in our life circles.  A bully at school, an immoral co-worker, a neighbor we would like to avoid, etc.  This psalmist asks the same questions I have asked or wondered.  He also proclaims what he knows to be true, God is just and fair and He will vindicate the oppressed. 

God doesn’t always act as fast as we’d like Him to – and we may not ever see the correction He will give to the person we are watching.  But He will, according to His perfect timing.  He will also restore the one(s) who were victims, but maybe in a way we are yet to understand.  This psalm encourages us to trust that God’s got this.

See you tomorrow for Psalm 11.   

Day 9, Psalm 9

/ Dailybite / 2 Comments

Day 9, Psalm 9

In this psalm, David recognizes God as not only his authority, but The Authority above all things.  Although David ruled over a nation, he also recognized that God ruled over him.  David was humble, respectful, and confident that God would help him and that God would rule justly over his enemies. 

David also ensures us that God cares for the oppressed and that God has never forsaken those who seek Him.  There is no human equivalent to this promise.  If you seek God, he will not forsake you.  I’ve seen many examples of this truth.  Seek the Lord, accept his authority over your life and watch what He will do to fight your battles.   He will turn things around.

See you tomorrow for Psalm 10

Day 8, Psalm 8

/ Dailybite / Leave a comment

I’ve seen starry skies in some amazing locations; the North Dakota prairie, on the deck of a cruise ship while out to sea, in southern France, Colorado Springs, my backyard in Minnesota.  Every time it’s a marvel; vast, brilliant, dazzling, changing, comforting, inspiring, mind-blowing.  You may be able to tell, it makes me speechless.  It’s hard to really grasp its’ magnificence. 

In this psalm, David absorbs the beauty of God’s creation and wonders, who are we that you are even thinking of us?  This is a question we have all wondered, in our own words, in our own quiet moments.  David proclaims God’s answer.  God created us in His image and made us only a little bit lower than angels.  He has crowned us with glory and honor.  He has entrusted us with the work of hands.  This is God’s mic drop regarding your value to Him.  You are His.

See you tomorrow for Psalm 9.

Day 7, Psalm 7

/ Dailybite / Leave a comment

This psalm is written with such bravery.  David asks the Lord to react with justice against the sin and evil actions of his enemy.  He also asks the Lord to examine his own heart and if there is fault within him, he asks the Lord to show him.  He stands ready to take correction from the Lord at the same time he implores the Lord for help.  I admire this so much.  David not only show us something about his character, he also fearfully teaches us about God’s sovereignty.   Through his many battles and time spent with God, he knows God is just, not only with those around him but also with him personally.  We will all have to pass through God’s purifying fire.

Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.  Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life. Psalm 139:23-24

See you tomorrow for psalm 8.

Day 6, Psalm 6

/ Dailybite / Leave a comment

The picture I found for today’s psalm, makes me pause.  To me it says, “through my pain, I reach to you, in hopes you will hear me.”  I have felt just this way a few times in my life.  For some reason, it’s hardest for me to reach out when I am experiencing deep pain.  For me, it feels like I have so much on the line, I don’t want to risk being let down.  Often one of my close friends will encourage me and pray with me, like this picture so gently shows. 

Over time, just as this psalmist experienced, we learn that God will hear our prayers, and He will accept our prayers, just as they are. He will be faithful to take great care with your request. If you don’t experience an immediate answer, you will be able to look back one day and see how He helped you through this time in your life’s journey. He is known for his lovingkindness and faithfulness.

See you tomorrow for Psalm 7

Day 5, Psalm 5

/ Dailybite / Leave a comment

Yesterday, in psalm 4, we closed our day by resting in the assurance that our Lord would protect us.  Today, in psalm 5 we begin our day with thoughts of our Lord and send him our requests.  Then, we wait in anticipation for His reply.  I think it’s much easier to talk to the Lord than to wait for, and hear His reply.   

Hearing the Lord takes practice and patience. He isn’t limited to the English language and can talk to us in so many creative and surprising ways.  Tuning in to His frequency and staying aware of His presence in our lives is a life-long adventure. He may talk to us through the circumstances in our lives, through music, through a friend’s counsel, through scripture, through nature, His communication methods are unlimited and deeply personal. 

We want to hear from you Lord, we are listening.

See you tomorrow for Psalm 6

Day 4, Psalm 4

/ Dailybite / Leave a comment

This psalm was written with confidence in God’s character.  David knew God would help him because God had helped him so many times in the past.  This confidence gave David the kind of assurance in God that allowed him to fall fast asleep even though his enemies continued to pursue him.

I have had seasons in my life where I battled with restful sleep.  When I was a single mom I had a hard time shutting my mind down at the end of the day.  There was always something that was left undone, kids to care for, schedules to remember, strange noises to wonder about and an aching loneliness to contend with.  Reading the bible at night always helped me, and sometimes, it would put me right to sleep.  I would be so grateful in the morning, when I woke rested and saw my bible laying beside me.  I could lie down and sleep soundly, knowing the Lord would keep me safe.

See you tomorrow for Psalm 5

Day 3, Psalm 3

/ Dailybite / Leave a comment

This psalm is both a reflection and projection of God’s faithfulness, strength and availability.  David looks back with gratitude and forward with confidence as he is again faced with an enemy that pursues him. 

My current struggle is not with a person, but, with my visual ability.  Having lost my central vision five years ago, I’ve had to learn to see by using my full visual field.  With Jesus at my side, encouraging me, I have slowly expanded my ability and capacity to do the things I enjoy the most.  When I stand in an unfamiliar and intimidating place, like an outdoor event full of people, or have to navigate a grocery store that was just redesigned, I know that somehow, Jesus is going to help me succeed.  He truly has restored my courage by being present (and helpful) in my daily life.  How has he helped you?

See you tomorrow for Psalm 4

Day 2, Psalm 2

/ Dailybite / Leave a comment

I felt an echo when I read through Psalm 2.  It speaks of the ever-present conflict between the world and The Kingdom of God.  Our present-day strife fits snuggly into the first verses and the victory that Christ has and will have is confidently proclaimed. The tone of this verse makes me think of Jesus’s words in John 16:33; “Hear on earth you will have many trials and sorrows.  But take heart, because I have overcome the world”.   

Things are not worse than they’ve ever been, it’s more like, “here we go again”.

The last verse, as translated in The Message gives me great hope and assurance.  “If you make a run for God, you won’t regret it”.  This kind of run is the kind you do on your knees.  In a humble and surrendered way.   We say, “Jesus, please help”….and He helps.

See you tomorrow for Psalm 3.