Where to Focus in Times of War – Psalm 60

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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.

Church Hurts – Psalm 55a

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Church hurts from bad religion are accompanied by a profound sense of loss. They hurt more than most of life’s other hurts. They sometimes feel on par with divorce or even death. I know for me, church hurts were personal, deeply internal, at the core of my soul. Bad religion is confusing, depressing, and side-lining. I sometimes wondered if I could survive the church.

Bishop Todd Hunter, What Jesus Intended: Finding True Faith in the Rubble of Bad Religion
 

Surviving the Church

Many have wondered if we would survive the church. Hearing about church hurt is something relatively common for me.  As a women’s ministry leader and part of a church plant team, I have no doubt that I have failed and inflicted pain on others in the church at different points. As broken human beings, we wound each other.

In Psalm 55, David laments his church wounding.

1 Give ear to my prayer, O God, and hide not yourself from my plea for mercy!
2 Attend to me, and answer me; I am restless in my complaint and I moan,
3 because of the noise of the enemy, because of the oppression of the wicked. For they drop trouble upon me, and in anger they bear a grudge against me.
Psalm 55:1-3 ESV

David begs to be heard. It is a basic need of all humans to be seen and heard.

Why can’t we be heard?

The noise of the enemy isolates David and causes him to feel unheard. Why can’t we be heard? The soundtrack of our lives grows in volume every year. Thanks to cell phones, access to audio input has never been so easy. The enemy of our soul drowns out the hope-filled messages of Jesus with accusations, condemnations, and declarations of disaster.

Despite how it may feel, the enemy of my soul is Satan and not the one who hurt me in the church. Satan bears a grudge against me because I am a follower of Jesus. He tempts me to pick up an offense and cultivate heavy grudges. When grudges weigh me down, it becomes harder to receive grace.

Fear and Anxiety

4 My heart is in anguish within me; the terrors of death have fallen upon me.
5 Fear and trembling come upon me, and horror overwhelms me.
6 And I say, “Oh, that I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and be at rest;
7 yes, I would wander far away; I would lodge in the wilderness; Selah
8 I would hurry to find a shelter from the raging wind and tempest.”
(Psalm 55:4-8 ESV)

In a season of deep wounding, fear and anxiety may overwhelm me and begin to manifest as physical symptoms. All of that cortisol cascading through my system takes its toll. I may need to make use of tools to reduce anxiety.

Sometimes, like David, my response to emotional pain is exhaustion. Those are times when I may need to step away and rest with the Lord. It is far too easy to ignore the warnings that I need soul rest and keep running until I am exhausted. Then the appeal of unhealthy escapism grows exponentially.

Captive

9 Destroy, O Lord, divide their tongues; for I see violence and strife in the city.
10 Day and night they go around it on its walls, and iniquity and trouble are within it;
11 ruin is in its midst; oppression and fraud do not depart from its marketplace.
(Psalm 55:9-11 ESV)

David’s request to divide his enemies’ tongues seeks to prevent them from sharing information and working together. David felt ganged up on.

Satan, the enemy of my soul, often uses that feeling of being “talked about” or “left out of the conversation” to discourage me. God can and will divide those tongues if needed and stop damaging communication. (See the story of the Tower of Babel to learn more.)

David also feels physically surrounded. The enemy has climbed the walls and sat atop them and taunted him. The city walls, designed to protect him, have become a pathway for evil.

Am I trying to build walls for protection? Or am I seeking my only true refuge and protection, the Lord’s presence? Wall-making apart from the Lord might backfire.

Betrayal

12 For it is not an enemy who taunts me—then I could bear it; it is not an adversary who deals insolently with me—then I could hide from him.
13 But it is you, a man, my equal, my companion, my familiar friend.
14 We used to take sweet counsel together; within God's house we walked in the throng.
15 Let death steal over them; let them go down to Sheol alive; for evil is in their dwelling place and in their heart.
(Psalm 55:12-15 ESV)

People will hurt us and let us down, but those we held close, trusted, and opened our hearts to have the ability to wound us more profoundly than almost anyone.

There is no hurt like church hurt. This is, of course, all part of Satan’s plan. I see how well it works to keep Jesus’s people divided, conquered, and far away from fellowship. The very place they might receive healing.

Jesus was deeply aware of church hurt. He experienced the betrayal of one of his own disciples. Judas had been part of the small group of Jesus’s closest friends. Judas had been praying with Jesus, sharing meals with Jesus, and attending all of Jesus’s teaching sessions. Suddenly, and without warning, he veered off into greed and betrayal. The consequences were deadly.

 

Prayer to Heal from Church Hurt

Jesus, I know that you know what it is to be hurt by those I held so close. Help to heal me and help me avoid the trap of bitterness, isolation, and/or falling away from being part of the body you call me to. Restore my heart and my faith that I might walk in freedom and fellowship. In Jesus’s name, amen.

Declaration and Deliverance – Psalm 54

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Social media gives me access to curated images of other people’s lives. I can catch glimpses of their parties, travels, families, and perfectly arranged homes. Taken out of context, these skewed insights can begin to fan the flames of envy and jealousy in my life. Envy is the first step to feeling justified in wanting what someone else has. Envy gives birth to jealousy, a drive to take away what someone else has. These sins build upon themselves and lead to destruction.

Envy and jealousy grow in the incubator of dissatisfaction and perceived unfairness. Ultimately, it’s the lie we can choose to believe that God is keeping a good gift from us. He’s holding back what is rightfully ours. This goes back to that apple in the Garden of Eden.

King Saul did not have access to social media but somehow became insanely jealous of David. He observed David’s success, influence, and leadership abilities, and rather than being grateful to have someone so talented on his team, he sought to kill David.

In Psalm 54, David cries out to God with a desperate request for rescue.

Save Me

1O God, save me by your name, and vindicate me by your might.
2 O God, hear my prayer; give ear to the words of my mouth.
3 For strangers have risen against me; ruthless men seek my life; they do not set God before themselves. Selah
(Psalm 54:1-3 ESV)

In verse 1, David calls on God for victory based on God’s reputation and His might. He then begs God to listen and hear him. He explains what he is dealing with, ruthless men who seek his life. These men blindly follow Saul’s demands and do not seek the Lord’s guidance. He is not before them.

Praise and Thanksgiving

4 Behold, God is my helper; the Lord is the upholder of my life.
5 He will return the evil to my enemies; in your faithfulness put an end to them.
6 With a freewill offering I will sacrifice to you; I will give thanks to your name, O LORD, for it is good.
(Psalm 54:4-6 ESV)

After making an explicit request, David ceases to beg. He now switches his focus to thanksgiving and praise.

David praises God as his helper, an upholder of life, a returner of evil, faithful, and the one who can end these enemies once and for all.

Declaration

7 For he has delivered me from every trouble, and my eye has looked in triumph on my enemies. (Psalm 54:7 ESV)

David completes his prayer with a declaration of absolute confidence in God. He declares God’s victory over the enemies even amid the battle. This battle is not over, but David stands confidently under God’s protective hand. This victorious statement points to Jesus’ ultimate victory over all sin.

  • What kind of deliverance do you need this season in your life?
  • Has envy and jealousy taken up residence in your own heart?
  • Does it lead to feelings of dissatisfaction and fear of missing out?
  • Or are you being chased by fear or anxiety?
  • Where and when can you declare victory over these enemies of our souls based on the one who fights for you?

Prayer

Lord, You are my deliverer.

You see my struggles.

You see my enemies.

You will put them to an end in Your perfect way and in Your perfect timing. You are always worthy of my trust. Please guard my heart against the influence of envy and jealousy. Thank you, in Jesus’ mighty and victorious name, AMEN.

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

/ Anthea Kotlan / Leave a comment

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

/ Anthea Kotlan / Leave a comment

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.