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Weekly devotionals based on soul tending in the book of Psalms.

Where to Focus in Times of War – Psalm 60

/ Anthea Kotlan / Leave a comment

Images of war, reports of cruelty, and daily updates of escalating violence fill our newsfeeds. The first verses of Psalm 60, a prayer of lament, paint an eerily accurate reflection of scenes in the Middle East in October of 2023.

News networks bombard us with reports of earthquakes, acts of terror, kidnapping, and people staggering under the crushing force of witnessing one traumatic event after another.

1O God, you have rejected us, broken our defenses; you have been angry; oh, restore us.
2 You have made the land to quake; you have torn it open; repair its breaches, for it totters.
3 You have made your people see hard things; you have given us wine to drink that made us stagger.
(Psalm 60:1-3 ESV)

The psalmist cries out to God for restoration, knowing that only He could bring what is needed. While the one who wrote Psalm 60 had a clear idea of who was at fault, the current complexities and histories of the conflict in the Middle East could not be summed up so simply. Fault finding by those who live thousands of miles away can become a tool to create even more distance from these atrocities.

  • Are there people in the area who have rejected God? Yes
  • Are there innocent civilians caught in a conflict they did not create? Yes
  • Are there people there who honor God? Yes
  • Are there people there who have turned away from God? Yes

Therefore, only God can and will bring stability to the region because He alone can provide justice and mercy in equal measure.

I may never live in a war-torn city. However, as a believer, I live in times of spiritual warfare. The enemy of my soul bombards me and those I love with discouragement, uncertainty, financial problems, and suffering. When I step out to serve and commit to God’s assignments, I often experience increased discouraging opposition. The onslaught of opposition can leave me feeling defeated before I even start.

4 You have up a banner for those who fear you, that they may flee to it from the bow. Selah
5 That your beloved ones may be delivered, give salvation by your right hand and answer us!
6 God has spoken in his holiness: “With exultation I will divide up Shechem and portion out the Vale of Succoth.
7 Gilead is mine; Manasseh is mine; Ephraim is my helmet; Judah is my scepter.
8 Moab is my washbasin; upon Edom I cast my shoe; over Philistia I shout in triumph.” 
(Psalm 60:4-8 ESV)

In verse 4, the psalmist speaks of Jehovah Nissi, the Lord our Victory. This name of God reminds us of His ability to win all wars and be the one who fights for us. Amid the brokenness, the destruction, and the trauma, He will set up a banner for His people to flee to.

In times of war, look for God’s banner. Sometimes, God provides a place to flee to before the restoration.

 

By only focusing on seeing the provision or the healing, I might overlook the place of refuge God is calling me to go to with Him.

Banners can be used to celebrate victories, share hope with soldiers in the fight, and establish territory that has been won over. Banners fly high in the sky, beyond the fray, and point in the direction of respite for those fleeing the war.

In verses 5 to 8, the psalmist lists specific geographical areas that remind the people of God’s previous victories. Imagine God is unfurling His war resume full of victories.

In times of war, review God’s victories in your life. Where and when has He rescued you?

Making a list of God’s victories can remind your war-weary heart of all God has done in your life. Take time to give thanks for those victories. Share those victories with other believers to encourage them. Has God given you victory over an addiction? Has God restored a broken relationship? Has God made a miraculous provision for you when you didn’t have what you needed?

9 Who will bring me to the fortified city? Who will lead me to Edom?
10 Have you not rejected us, O God? You do not go forth, O God, with our armies.
11 Oh, grant us help against the foe, for vain is the salvation of man!
12 With God we shall do valiantly; it is he who will tread down our foes.
(Psalm 60:9-12 ESV)

In verses 9-12, the psalmist focuses on putting all his confidence in God’s abilities. The psalmist turns his attention to what will happen “with God.”

In times of war, focus on what God will do, not the enemy’s attacks.

The final words of Psalms 60 in verse 12 speak of God’s ability to put our foes under his feet. He will be in authority over them. When we spend time with God, our hearts will be filled with courage.

When you feel sad and overwhelmed by the news headlines, take time to pray through Psalm 60. When you feel weighed down from your own spiritual battles, allow the truth of God’s word to tend your war-weary soul.

Prayer

Here’s another prayer for Israel from Psalm 7.

Prayer Points for a Betrayed Soul – Psalm 55b

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We need to stop overestimating our problems and underestimating prayer.

Fr. Jon Beadle

The betrayal of a friend cuts deep down, even to my soul. Someone so close can wound in a way that someone at a distance cannot. This kind of problem can feel too heavy to bear.

When the tea kettle of my emotions rolls to a full boil, what releases the steam is a call to a trusted friend. Once the overwhelm is vented, I might quickly move on and become distracted by the demands of daily life. A friend’s sympathy provides balm for a troubled soul, but what does God call me to do?

In the first half of Psalm 55, David speaks of a devastating betrayal from someone inside his faith community. He takes his wounding and weariness directly to God in prayer. In the second half of the psalm, he sheds more light on his method of prayer.

16 But I call to God, and the LORD will save me.
17 Evening and morning and at noon I utter my complaint and moan, and he hears my voice.
18 He redeems my soul in safety from the battle that I wage, for many are arrayed against me.
19 God will give ear and humble them, he who is enthroned from of old, Selah
because they do not change and do not fear God.
(Psalm 55:16-19 ESV)

Declaration

David’s prayer begins with a declaration based on God’s character, not his situation.

“the LORD will save me.” verse 16

Schedule

David commits to a schedule of prayer.

Morning, noon, and evening he prays.  Verse 17

When my life feels chaotic, and emotions run high, scheduled prayer provides a pathway to soul-tending and spiritual self-care.

Redemptive Results

“He redeems my soul in safety from the battle” verse 18

God redeems our souls when we commit to tending them in prayer.  He restores us, not just out of the flames, but allows us to become stronger and more resilient. Taking time for confession clears out what can only weaken us.

God Hears and Humbles

“God will give ear and humble them” – verse 19

As I pray more, it becomes clear that it is not up to me to change the hearts or minds of my enemies because God will humble them. This humbling may lead to their repentance, but I don’t need to figure that out.

20 My companion stretched out his hand against his friends; he violated his covenant.
21 His speech was smooth as butter, yet war was in his heart; his words were softer than oil,
    yet they were drawn swords.
(Psalm 55:20-21 ESV)

Full Report

David reports to God all the wrongs done.

Hand against his friend, violating a covenant – verse 20

He shares with God his betrayal.

Buttery speech, words softer than oil, yet war in his heart

Sometimes our betrayer continues to fool others with sweet talk and soothing words. All the while, God knows what is in our enemy’s hearts. He is never deceived.

Burdens Cast Away

22 Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit
    the righteous to be moved.

23 But you, O God, will cast them down  into the pit of destruction; men of blood and treachery
    shall not live out half their days. But I will trust in you.

(Psalm 55:22-23 ESV)

When I cast my burdens on the LORD, he responds with sustaining strength. If not, I will become too exhausted from carrying what I was not designed to carry. God will hear my complaints and take care of the needed judgment. I can trust God to bring justice in His way and time.

Prayer

Lord, thank you for creating a safe space for me to come to with my wounded heart. Knowing you will act on my behalf, I pour out my pain, sadness, and the details of my betrayal. Help me to pray more and keep accounts short with you. Thank you for redeeming my soul and healing me from a friend’s wounds. I will trust you today to bring justice and resolution, in Jesus’ name.

Addicted to the Fix – Psalm 53

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I’m a fixer. When someone tells me about a struggle, a problem, or a challenge, I am ready with a handy solution. I want to dive in and guide this person to the solution that might have been out of reach until I suggested it.

Failures in Fixing

Sometimes, perhaps too many times, I get it wrong.

  • My so-called solution is different from what is needed.
  • My plan of action has yet to consider all the factors involved.
  • My handy fix will fail.

Suffering Avoidance

In reality, and all too often, I don’t want them to suffer. I also want to bypass any discomfort. I want to skip over any unpleasantness and run right into the land of peace and tranquility, but that is not where God has called me to serve.

Jesus made it very clear in John 16:33. “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

In Psalm 53, David points out God’s omniscience in sharp in contrast to my own ignorance.

1 The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, doing abominable iniquity; there is none who does good.
(Psalm 53:1 ESV)

No Heart Hidden from God

God even knows what every person says in his or her own heart. Things whispered in secret are revealed to God.

I do not know what is in people’s hearts. When I try to assign motives based on guesswork, I take on things I was never designed to carry or conclude.

2 God looks down from heaven on the children of man to see if there are any who understand, who seek after God.
(Psalm 53:2 ESV)

No Mind Unread

God looks down, and He sees all that is happening. He also knows what is in the minds of everyone.

While I may even say, “I know what you are thinking,” or try to guess at someone’s logic, I don’t know. I am not a mind reader.

3 They have all fallen away; together they have become corrupt; there is none who does good, not even one.
(Psalm 53:3 ESV)

Good, Bad, and Ugly

God sees all and knows about any good done or left undone. God knows when people have fallen away from Him. He sees how corrupt they become apart from Him.

I do not know any of these things like God does, even when I think I do.

4 Have those who work evil no knowledge, who eat up my people as they eat bread,
 and do not call upon God?
(Psalm 53:4 ESV)

Called to Call Upon Him

God sees those who work towards evil ends and those who destroy others in the process. He sees how those who don’t call upon Him become disconnected entirely from His influence.

I am required to call upon God and pray every single day, sometimes every single moment. I continuously need His guidance and wisdom.

5 There they are, in great terror, where there is no terror! For God scatters the bones of him who encamps against you; you put them to shame, for God has rejected them.
(Psalm 53:5 ESV)

Enemies Eliminated

God destroys the enemies of His people in His ways and His timing.

I cannot deal with my enemies or the enemies of those I love the way God can. I must continually give them over to Him.

6 Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion! When God restores the fortunes of his people, let Jacob rejoice, let Israel be glad. 
(Psalm 53:6 ESV)

Promised Restoration

God will restore the fortunes of His people. It is not a matter of if but when.

I could never adequately restore anything the way God can. That is His work done in His ways. I am called to confidently hold onto hope because of God’s promises.

When I find myself feeling desperate to fix something for someone I love, I must be faithful to the holy work of honestly assessing my own limitations. Please note all the verses above that reveal God’s skill set in problem-solving versus mine.

Ultimately, I am also called to the sacred ministry of holding onto hope for those I care about who may have become weary in a season of prolonged suffering. I can be willing to sit in the place of struggle while clinging to the knowledge of God’s promises without offering my own quick fixes.

Prayer

Lord, forgive me for my fix-addicted ways. I don’t want to sit in suffering. I don’t want those I love to suffer. I want to bypass it all and do it my own way. But that will never bring the ultimate solutions and restoration from You. Help me know my limitations and trust You to hold me; hold them as we hold hope in You.

In Jesus’ name, amen.

Can I Be Righteously Angry and Not Sin? Psalm 52

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David penned Psalm 52 when he likely felt consumed by grief and outrage. King Saul heard that David had sought prayer and counsel from a priest named Ahimelech. When King Saul learned the news, he ordered the massacre of Ahimelech and all the priests that served with him.

David wrote this psalm directed to Doeg, the Edomite who led the massacre. He had every reason to be angry, but David chose to bring his anger before the Lord rather than executing his version of vengeance.

Vengeance

What do we do when vengeance seems perfectly reasonable? How do we process righteous anger?

1 Why do you boast of evil, O mighty man? The steadfast love of God endures all the day.
2 Your tongue plots destruction, like a sharp razor, you worker of deceit.
3 You love evil more than good, and lying more than speaking what is right. Selah
4 You love all words that devour, O deceitful tongue.
5 But God will break you down forever; he will snatch and tear you from your tent; he will uproot you from the land of the living. Selah
(Psalm 52:1-5 ESV)

Experiencing wrongdoing is inevitable. Whether through outright deception, neglect, broken promises, or betrayal, it takes a toll on our hearts and minds. How should we respond? David vents his anger against Doeg but reminds himself of God’s steadfast love and confronts Doeg’s deception before leaving any reckoning to God. When faced with wrongdoing, do you turn to friends or God and surrender the desire for revenge?

6 The righteous shall see and fear, and shall laugh at him, saying,
7 “See the man who would not make God his refuge, but trusted in the abundance of his riches
    and sought refuge in his own destruction!” 
(Psalm 52:6-7 ESV)

True freedom can be found knowing that God’s just punishment will be displayed for all the righteous. All the wrongs will be brought out into the light. Even those with wealth and status are no match for God’s justice. No wrongdoer will escape.

8 But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God. I trust in the steadfast love of God
    forever and ever.
9 I will thank you forever, because you have done it. I will wait for your name, for it is good, in the presence of the godly.
(Psalm 52:8-9 ESV)

Vitality

Unlike those who seek evil, David compares himself to a green olive tree in the house of God. David chooses to trust in the steadfast love of God forever. He chooses an eternal perspective knowing that God is not limited or bound by time. He decides to sink his roots into God’s soil and remain close to God’s house because these things are vital to growing our faith. He doesn’t want his anger to stagnate his relationship with the Lord. He wants his faith to flourish and produce fruit.

Victory

Once again, as is His habit, David praises and celebrates God before the victory has been realized. He declares God’s righteousness and ability to bring complete justice. He promises to wait, watch, and draw close to God in the waiting time. He stands in complete faith.

How about you?

How will you respond to anger taking up residence in your own heart and mind? It is not a matter of “if” you will ever get angry, but when. Our broken world is packed to the brim with examples of wrongdoing. Perhaps our anger might be even more intense when someone hurts or betrays those we love. Perhaps anger and outrage have become so expected in our society that we no longer believe we need God’s help to tend our souls.

Take time today to process any anger you may have picked up recently. Don’t allow it to fester or slow your growth in the Lord.  Surrender it all just like David did.

Prayer

Lord, I seek your refuge today and know there is a safe space to vent my anger. I can be honest with you and entrust you to bring about what is needed. Help me to grow in my wisdom and love of God. Please use Holy Spirit to cleanse me from all brokenness. Thank you that I can celebrate the victory only You can bring. Thank you that You can and will make all things right.  In Jesus’ name, amen.

Do I Speak the Language of Heaven or Hell? Psalm 50

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Thanksgiving is the language of Heaven.
Complaining is the language of Hell.

author unknown

Giving thanks changes the atmosphere in the room and sends waves of gratitude out. Simply sharing something you are thankful for with another person may result in that person sharing a thanksgiving. Could it be contagious? Also, God’s word says that it pleases the Lord.

Meanwhile, complaining can rapidly catch on and lead others to find ways to camp out in places of disgruntlement. Sometimes we even try to outdo each other with our level of offense.

In Psalm 50, God commands His people to offer sacrifices of thanksgiving.

Sacrifice of Thanksgiving

12 "If I were hungry, I would not tell you, for the world and its fullness are mine.
13 Do I eat the flesh of bulls or drink the blood of goats?
14 Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and perform your vows to the Most High,
15 and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me."
(Psalm 50:12-15 ESV)

God knows our tendencies to count ways things are lacking long before we count our blessings. I am incredibly gifted in this area.

Giving thanks is a skill in need of cultivation. It takes a certain level of intentionality. Most of us don’t default to listing what we are thankful for. It is far too easy to complain.

Four Actions

In these four verses from Psalm 50, notice the four actions required. 

Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving.

Are you known as a thankful person? Do you tend to give thanks for what you have or complain about what you lack?

Perform your vows.

Are you known as a promise keeper? Do you keep your word?

Call upon the Lord in the day of trouble because He has promised deliverance.

When you feel sad or troubled, do you call out to God or phone a friend? Do you seek God’s deliverance or your own way out?

Glorify Him.

Do you take time to give God glory when He rescues you? Or when He gives you a blessing? Do you seek ways to point others to Him?

The Lord calls out the wicked.

The Lord also calls out the wicked after encouraging His followers to walk out their faith with actions.

16 But to the wicked God says: "What right have you to recite my statutes or take my covenant on your lips?
17 For you hate discipline, and you cast my words behind you.
18 If you see a thief, you are pleased with him, and you keep company with adulterers.
19 "You give your mouth free rein for evil, and your tongue frames deceit.
20 You sit and speak against your brother; you slander your own mother's son.
21 These things you have done, and I have been silent; you thought that I was one like yourself.
But now I rebuke you and lay the charge before you.
(Psalm 50:16-21 ESV)

Most of us don’t expect wicked people to be reciting God’s statutes or speaking about His covenant. However, Jesus warned his disciples about wheat and tares. The ones God calls wicked in these verses know His commandments and covenants. They know the truth and yet choose to turn from it.

God also describes them as those who are pleased with a thief, keep company with adulterers, and speak fluent evil and lies. Their pride caused them to believe God did not mind their grievous sins.

Does my pride get in the way of seeing my sins?

Simply knowing the truth does not inoculate any of us from the power of sin.

Mark this – Don’t Forget

22 "Mark this, then, you who forget God, lest I tear you apart, and there be none to deliver!
23 The one who offers thanksgiving as his sacrifice glorifies me; to one who orders his way rightly I will show the salvation of God!"
(Psalm 50:22-23 ESV)

Could I possibly forget God? People forget Him because He suggests that those who hear this message “mark it.” It is as if He is saying, “Highlight this point,” because it is far too easy to forget God.

How does God call me to glorify Him?

In the final verse of Psalm 50, God describes the one offering thanks as a sacrifice and says that person glorifies Him.

These thanksgivings are costly time, treasure, and talent. If it doesn’t cost anything, then it is not worthwhile offering. It takes time and effort to cultivate a thankful heart and mind.

After all, a sacrifice made grudgingly is not acceptable. 

Prayer

Lord, we long to please you and make sacrifices you accept. But we know we have missed the mark so many times. Teach us and guide us in the practice of cultivating thanksgiving in our hearts and minds. Help us to “order our ways” rightly and please you in our obedience. We cannot do this in our own strength. We ask for your help every single day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

LORD of All – Psalm 50

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“Son, the sun never sets on the British Empire.”

My grandfather once told my Uncle Tony this as they stood in Trafalgar Square around 1945 or 1946. The British forces had defeated Germany, but the British Empire would lose much of its power and influence over the next few decades.

Psalm 50 opens with a similar sweeping statement about the LORD.

LORD of All Time Zones and Nations

1 The Mighty One, God the LORD, speaks and summons the earth from the rising of the sun to its setting.
2 Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God shines forth.
(Psalm 50:1-2 ESV)

The Mighty One works around the clock from the time the sun rises worldwide. The sun never sets on the Lord’s Empire, and He never sleeps. Not only does God keep watch at all times, but He also summons his subjects because He seeks to have a relationship with each of them.  

He is a fantastic communicator who uses the beauty of His creation to reveal His character.

LORD of All Righteous Judgement

3 Our God comes; he does not keep silence; before him is a devouring fire, around him a mighty tempest.
4 He calls to the heavens above, and to the earth, that he may judge his people:
5 “Gather to me my faithful ones, who made a covenant with me by sacrifice!”
6 The heavens declare his righteousness, for God himself is judge! Selah
7 “Hear, O my people, and I will speak; O Israel, I will testify against you. I am God, your God.
(Psalm 50:3-7 ESV)

Some Christian fiction stories about the end of days narrate a plotline where many people miss the Lord’s return. They somehow sleep through it or don’t notice His arrival. Verse 3 reassures us that we can’t miss Him. He does not keep silent, and a devouring fire and a big storm surround his arrival.

When He does arrive, He will call His faithful ones. He will recognize those who made a covenant with Him.

We don’t need to fear His judgment because He is a righteous judge. The heavens declare it.

He judges, and He will testify about his people’s lack of faith.

LORD of All of Creation

8 Not for your sacrifices do I rebuke you; your burnt offerings are continually before me.
9 I will not accept a bull from your house or goats from your folds.
10 For every beast of the forest is mine, the cattle on a thousand hills.
11 I know all the birds of the hills, and all that moves in the field is mine.
(Psalm 50: 8-11 ESV)

God owns all the animals on the earth, so when we sacrifice without true repentance, it looks like someone regifting a Christmas present like a boomerang. God instructed His people in a sacrificial system, but His desire is for hearts to return to Him and obedience.  

God created the cattle on a thousand hills, and He knows the birds of the air, each one. He knows all the animals that move in the field. He created each one uniquely and knows what each one needs. He manages all of creation for His glory.

What difference does it make that you serve the Lord of all?

What difference does knowing that He is the Lord of all make when dealing with a problematic situation or praying for something that doesn’t appear to be working out?

Spend a few minutes today meditating on the Lord of all. He is sovereign over anything that comes your way. Release to Him all you are carrying because He is more than able.

Prayer

Lord of all, thank you for being on the job 24/7 so I don’t have to be. I can rest knowing you are still on your throne. Thank you for being a righteous judge who will evaluate me based on the covenant made through the sacrifice of Jesus’ blood that covers all my sins. Help me to be more concerned with being grateful and obedient than trying harder to please you. Thank you for tending to all of creation. While you may give me portions to manage in different seasons of my life, I don’t have to carry that as a burden. I can enjoy Your creation and see how You reveal Yourself in new ways every day. In Jesus’ name, amen.

…But God -Psalm 49

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I WILL LIKELY FEEL COMPELLED TO JOIN IN when I hear just a few words from the famous School House Rock! video, a series of teaching songs with unique cartoons.

  • “Conjunction, junction, what’s your function?”
  • “Interjection…”
  • “Interplanet Janet, she’s a galaxy girl!”

School House Rock!

David McCall came up with the concept after trying to help his son learn some basic mathematical facts. This eventually led to seven seasons featuring 64 episodes of songs matched with simple cartoons that educated an untold number of students in the 70s and 80s.

McCall knew that setting a complex concept to music helps listeners focus and retain knowledge. The psalmist came up with a similar idea many centuries earlier. Psalm 49, written by the sons of Korah, is part of the wisdom collection of psalms designed to teach God’s people essential theology.

1 Hear this, all peoples! Give ear, all inhabitants of the world,
2 both low and high, rich and poor together!
3 My mouth shall speak wisdom; the meditation of my heart shall be understanding.
4 I will incline my ear to a proverb; I will solve my riddle to the music of the lyre.
(Psalm 49:1-4 ESV)

The Problem

This psalm sheds light on one of life’s most perplexing problems. The psalmist has meditated and practiced until he can communicate clarity in a song. He will sing as he plays the lyre.

5 Why should I fear in times of trouble when the iniquity of those who cheat me surrounds me,
6 those who trust in their wealth and boast of the abundance of their riches?
7 Truly no man can ransom another, or give to God the price of his life,
8 for the ransom of their life is costly and can never suffice,
9 that he should live on forever and never see the pit.
(Psalm 49:5-9 ESV)

The Perspective

The perplexing problem is that no man can ever pay the price to redeem another’s life. The psalmist also offers the perspective that even when we feel we are surrounded by evil, know this, it will all pass away. None of this will go on forever. It is all fleeting. People who boast and trust in themselves and ignore God will end up in the pit, eternally separated from God.

10 For he sees that even the wise die; the fool and the stupid alike must perish
    and leave their wealth to others.
11 Their graves are their homes forever, their dwelling places to all generations,
    though they called lands by their own names.
12 Man in his pomp will not remain; he is like the beasts that perish.
13 This is the path of those who have foolish confidence; yet after them people approve of their boasts. Selah
(Psalm 49:10-13 ESV)

Wisdom Fails

Even the wisest among us will miss eternal life without a relationship with God. We can all have that reconciled relationship with God because of Jesus’ willing sacrifice if we accept Him as the Lord of our lives.

14 Like sheep they are appointed for Sheol; death shall be their shepherd,
and the upright shall rule over them in the morning. Their form shall be consumed in Sheol, with no place to dwell.
(Psalm 49:14 ESV)

Sheep

There is no hope for eternity unless God intervenes for us. We can all be sheep fixed on following after whoever captures our attention next. This can lead to self-destruction. The sheep appointed to Sheol or Hell will not last long.

15 But God will ransom my soul from the power of Sheol, for he will receive me. Selah
16 Be not afraid when a man becomes rich, when the glory of his house increases.
17 For when he dies he will carry nothing away; his glory will not go down after him.
18 For though, while he lives, he counts himself blessed—and though you get praise when you do well for yourself—
19 his soul will go to the generation of his fathers, who will never again see the light.
20 Man in his pomp yet without understanding is like the beasts that perish.
(Psalm 49:15-20 ESV)

But God…

But God changes everything, including the trajectory of each of our paths. He promises to ransom the psalmist’s soul & make a new home for him with the Lord.

Some people will appear to have every material blessing in the world, but no one lies on his or her deathbed wishing for more stuff. In death, the wealthy no longer have any power to do anything again. The psalmist points out how even their bodies will be eradicated in Sheol/Hell. Certain destruction awaits them.

Eternal Value

Sadly, for some, generation after generation of a family comes and goes on Earth, but there is nothing of eternal value left behind by any of them.

So, how about you? Having read this psalm, what do you take away? Is the destination of your eternal soul set? Have you accepted the gift of a relationship with God through the reconciling work of His son, Jesus? Also, as this matter becomes settled for you, what will you leave behind of eternal value? Who else will you share this gift with? Perhaps our most God-honoring legacy of eternal value might be those we shared Jesus with.

Prayer

Thank you, Lord, for the gift of ransoming my soul from the power of Sheol and then receiving me into your family. Please help me to find ways to tell others about your saving grace. Let my legacy be that I told others about you. In Jesus’ name, Amen. 

Called to Tell the Next Generation- Psalm 48

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My pilgrimage to Jerusalem required perseverance. Even while riding on the tour bus, I felt the incline as we made our way up from the Dead Sea to Jerusalem. Seeing the city in all its splendor from miles away is magnificent. I imagined what it might have been like for pilgrims carrying their supplies and guiding children up the steep pathways in the time of Jesus. Jerusalem, also known as Zion, is a city on a steep hill.

Once we left the bus, the climb continued to the Temple Mount. Good walking shoes were my most essential item, along with my floppy hat to shield me from the blazing sun. However, every steep step was worth it. There is something profoundly moving about setting foot in such a sacred place.

Psalm 48 speaks of this exact location.

1Great is the LORD and greatly to be praised in the city of our God! His holy mountain, 
2 beautiful in elevation, is the joy of all the earth, Mount Zion, in the far north, the city of the great King.
3 Within her citadels God has made himself known as a fortress.
(Psalm 48:1-3 ESV)

Protection

When this psalm was written and the city’s “beautiful elevation” spoken of, the people took comfort in observing the substantial advantage of protection and visibility. It is harder to get to, and the citizens could see what might be coming their way at a great distance. God, their fortress, had protected the city from enemy invasions for generations. For people who had experienced many wars, this psalm gave them hope and peace. Sadly, the rebellious behavior of future generations would change this situation.

In what areas of your life do you need to seek the Lord’s protection? Most of us are not living in times of war, but many of us experience attacks from the enemy of our souls. Do you need to spend time fleeing to God’s fortress, His presence?

4 For behold, the kings assembled; they came on together.
5 As soon as they saw it, they were astounded; they were in panic; they took to flight.
6 Trembling took hold of them there, anguish as of a woman in labor.
(Psalm 48:4-6 ESV)

Many kings joined in efforts to overcome the city, but just seeing it was enough for them to recognize their potential defeat. They became weak and shaking. God’s presence with His people defeated enemies that sought to attack Jerusalem. His people didn’t even have to fight.

In what areas of your life do you need a battle fought by the Lord and not by you? What do you need to give to Him?

7 By the east wind you shattered the ships of Tarshish.
8 As we have heard, so have we seen in the city of the LORD of hosts, in the city of our God, which God will establish forever. Selah
(Psalm 48:7-8 ESV)

The Lord of Angel Armies

Jeremiah prophesies about this destruction, “Like the east wind I will scatter them before the enemy. I will show them my back, not my face, in the day of their calamity.” (Jeremiah 18:17 ESV) God controls the weather. His raised hand can destroy an onslaught of enemy ships.

The LORD of hosts, the name the psalmist uses in this section, speaks about how God is the leader of angel armies. He commands them to fight our battles and destroy those who come against us.

In what areas of your life do you need angel armies to fight your battles or defend you or someone you love?

9 We have thought on your steadfast love, O God, in the midst of your temple.
10 As your name, O God, so your praise reaches to the ends of the earth.
Your right hand is filled with righteousness.
(Psalm 48:9-10 ESV)

His Steadfast Love

Focusing on God’s steadfast love in His temple leads to waves of praise. While I can praise the Lord anywhere, there is something about attending church and being with the body. As I praise God and dwell on His goodness in the sanctuary, I think more and more of what He has done. I hear others give Him thanks, and it is contagious.

During a worship song on Sunday at my church, we sang about how God reigns as I found myself repeating the chorus containing that phrase, the power of those words washed over my mind and heart. Peace filled me.

Can you take some time at church to focus your mind on God’s steadfast love?

11 Let Mount Zion be glad! Let the daughters of Judah rejoice because of your judgments!
12 Walk about Zion, go around her, number her towers,
13 consider well her ramparts, go through her citadels, that you may tell the next generation
14 that this is God, our God forever and ever. He will guide us forever. 
(Psalm 48:11-14 ESV)

Eternal Guidance

In the final section of this psalm, an absolute treasure trove of encouragement can be found. As a women’s ministry leader, hearing that the daughters of Judah rejoice because of God’s judgments reminds me of God’s sovereign ability to right the wrongs of this world once and for all.

Verse 13 reminds me to “tell the next generation” of the Lord. As a more mature leader who has earned some silvery streaks in my hair, I am uniquely positioned to take every opportunity to mentor younger women leaders.  

I am called to remind them and everyone about how God will guide us forever. His wisdom and direction have no expiration date. Biblical principles for living are not situational or trendy. They stand the test of time and go on into eternity.

Where do you need this kind of eternal guidance right now?

Prayer

Lord, thank you for all your provision, protection, and guidance. Please help me to tell the next generation about all You do, have done, and will continue to do.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Called to be a Catalyst for Praise – Psalm 47

/ Anthea Kotlan / Leave a comment

Earlier this month, I had the privilege of leading a women’s event at a local area church. In the days following, the Lord blessed my team and me with some amazing testimonies and excellent feedback. Every positive report helps us plan for future events, and as we review various details, our gratitude for all that God provided continues to expand.

God did more than we even thought to ask or imagine, so we praise Him.

Magnify

As I write thank you notes, the list of all God has done continues to grow. As I give thanks, I see more and more to be thankful for. Reviewing the event with a magnifying glass reveals the Lord’s abundant blessings. As I attune myself and take a moment to lean in close to see what God has been doing, I am in awe.

Attune

In Psalm 47, the psalmist attunes himself to the Lord, leading to a chorus of joyful adoration and praise.

1Clap your hands, all peoples! Shout to God with loud songs of joy!
2 For the LORD, the Most High, is to be feared, a great king over all the earth.
3 He subdued peoples under us, and nations under our feet.
4 He chose our heritage for us, the pride of Jacob whom he loves. Selah
(Psalm 47:1-4 ESV)

Praise begets praise, hands are raised, voices follow, and God’s beloved worship Him. They give thanks for his victories and power. They see and sing about the His love and the land He has provided for His people.

Celebrate

5 God has gone up with a shout, the LORD with the sound of a trumpet.
6 Sing praises to God, sing praises! Sing praises to our King, sing praises!
7 For God is the King of all the earth; sing praises with a psalm! 
(Psalm 47:5-7 ESV)

Psalm 47 is one of seven enthronement psalms that celebrate God as our King, ascending His throne. He is the most high, one to be feared. He has authority; is capable of subduing people on our behalf. He can have a loving relationship, not just a distant king to be admired from afar. He comes near and draws us in. Worship God ascends his throne with a shout, with authority. Trumpets sound and singing praise is the response. We testify to God’s power and might. We sing praise & worship the King of all the earth. 

8 God reigns over the nations; God sits on his holy throne.
9 The princes of the peoples gather as the people of the God of Abraham.
For the shields of the earth belong to God; he is highly exalted!
(Psalm 47: 8-9 ESV)

He is not simply a local or national king but the King of the world. He reigns over all the other nations and leaders. He sits on his holy throne because he is the victor and does not strive to gain ground or defend His position of authority. He provides the shields of the earth, where He enables protection as the ultimate victor.  He is exalted. Whether we acknowledge Him or not, He is still above all else. The more we look for Him, the more we see.

Prayer

Lord, you are my King, one who knows me yet rules the world. Thank you for all you have done and are doing. Thank you for allowing me to see Your holy work all around me. Please help me to remember to praise You and acknowledge You regularly. In my natural state, I might be tempted to see a lack or where I have failed. Help me to take every opportunity to shout and clap my hands so that I may be a catalyst for praise—one who points out Your work to others. May I lead with gratitude by not missing an opportunity to recognize Your mighty hand at work? You command us to praise You because this practice transforms our hearts and helps us see more and more of Your work. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Love Letters – Psalm 45

/ Anthea Kotlan / 1 Comment

Have you ever written a love letter?

Summer of 1986

In the summer of 1986, I met the man who, three years later, would become my husband. On day one of Intervarsity’s Christian Fellowship’s training camp at Bear Trap Ranch in Colorado, Bill Kotlan was too chipper at 8 am that morning. Everyone, including me, had just driven hundreds of miles from Texas after finishing final exams at our local universities. Some had even driven all night! And yet there he was, smiling away and welcoming all our fellow students. I responded politely but had little energy to engage.

Somehow just days later, at the dance one evening, I would find myself in Bill’s arms, moving around the room to the sounds of Ann Murray’s “Will You Have This Dance, For the Rest of Your Life.” Maybe, it was one too many Harlequin Romance stories or an equal amount of those “Love Boat” episodes of my misspent youth, or much more likely the hand of our gracious God, but I was smitten.

Miles Apart

Texas is huge, and at the end of our magical camp week, we departed for our hometowns about 400 miles away from each other. To add some real long-distance challenges to our budding romance, we both traveled overseas that summer after leaving Colorado. He promised to write, but I never imagined he would follow through.

Imagine my surprise when while staying with my extended family in England, my father arrived with a package of love letters mailed to my home address. Naturally, my family was also quite intrigued. I had never received a letter from someone I dated, let alone love letters!

A Heart Captured

If my future husband’s goal had been to capture my heart through the written word, he certainly excelled. He even included a few illustrations, light-hearted banter, Bible verses, and sweet mentions of missing me and thinking of me often. Banter and Bible verses continue to fill our conversations to this day!

Love letters remind both the writer and recipient of the bond they share. They reach across time and space and convey deep and abiding care. They remain as a testimony of love found and nurtured.

Psalm 45 is written as a love letter to our King.

1 My heart overflows with a pleasing theme; I address my verses to the king; my tongue is like the pen of a ready scribe.
2 You are the most handsome of the sons of men; grace is poured upon your lips;
    therefore God has blessed you forever.
3 Gird your sword on your thigh, O mighty one, in your splendor and majesty!
4 In your majesty ride out victoriously for the cause of truth and meekness and righteousness; let your right hand teach you awesome deeds!
5 Your arrows are sharp in the heart of the king's enemies; the peoples fall under you.
(Psalm 45:1-5 ESV)

For King Charles’s coronation, millions tuned in because we were drawn to the pageantry and lore. What makes this appealing? In an ever-changing world, the traditions displayed during a royal coronation reassure us that some essential things don’t change. Psalm 45 reminds us as believers that the King we serve, the God of the universe, stands the test of eternity and never changes His plan or mode of operation.

Ruling Ways

In Psalm 45, the psalmist reminds us of three important ways the King of the universe rules.

  • Majesty

Our hearts overflow in response. “If something has majesty, it causes admiration and respect for its beauty….” Cambridge Dictionary

  • Mission

The King of this universe responds to the cause of truth, meekness, and righteousness.

  • Mighty

He is mighty and worthy to fight and win victory.

The following two verses take an encouraging turn in their focus.

6 Your throne, O God, is forever and ever. The scepter of your kingdom is a scepter of uprightness;
7 you have loved righteousness and hated wickedness. Therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness beyond your companions;
(Psalm 45:6-7 ESV)

The Messiah

Verses 6 and 7 deliver a message of hope about our returning Messiah, Jesus, who will reign forever and ever.  He was anointed with the oil of gladness to carry the message of salvation to the captives and set them free. 

8 your robes are all fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cassia. From ivory palaces stringed instruments make you glad;
9 daughters of kings are among your ladies of honor; at your right hand stands the queen in gold of Ophir. 
10 Hear, O daughter, and consider, and incline your ear: forget your people and your father's house,
11     and the king will desire your beauty. Since he is your lord, bow to him.
12     The people[b] of Tyre will seek your favor with gifts, the richest of the people.
13 All glorious is the princess in her chamber, with robes interwoven with gold.
14 In many-colored robes she is led to the king, with her virgin companions following behind her.
15 With joy and gladness they are led along as they enter the palace of the king.
(Psalm 45:8-15 ESV)

This section shows the scene when Jesus returns for His bride; the Church’s every member will bow his and her knees and acknowledge Him with joy and gladness. The ultimate wedding will unfold, followed by the Supper of the Lamb.

Enduring King

16 In place of your fathers shall be your sons; you will make them princes in all the earth.
17 I will cause your name to be remembered in all generations; therefore nations will praise you forever and ever.
(Psalm 45:16-17 ESV)

This reminds us of the eternal perspective we must hold on to in times when we might risk losing sight of it.  

What difference does it make to you today that you have an eternal king? One who will reign forever and ever?

It puts my daily difficulties in a much-needed perspective. Most of what I struggle with is not eternal but merely fleeting and over sooner than I can imagine. Even the suffering I must endure will not last forever. All of it pales in comparison to what my King offers me.

Take time today to write a love letter to God. Like Bill Kotlan’s love letters from almost forty years ago, these will remind you of your love for God and His love for you.