Psalm and Praise, Day 81 Sometimes God gives us what we ask for. Read Psalm chapter 81. As we read this chapter, we see the rebellious people who are disobeying God. How does God respond? God allows the people to get what they asked for. As we think about the things that we pray for and the items that we ask God to give us, are these things praising God? Are they part of what God’s plan and design is for our lives? As we ask God to give us things, sometimes we need to understand that he may tell us no because we really don’t need what we are…

Psalm and Praise, Day 80 We need God’s restoration. Read Psalm chapter 80. As we read this chapter, we see that the people are asking for God to restore them. They have sinned and fallen short of everything God has for them and as a result, God has brought judgment. However, the people are now begging for his restoration and forgiveness. It’s an interesting reminder that we actually cannot restore ourselves. We can ask for forgiveness and we can seek restoration but we are not able to actually restore our relationship with God. Only God can do that. When we look around us, we have to understand that our relationship…

Psalm and Praise, Day 79 Why should God save us? Read Psalm chapter 79. As we read through this psalm, we see all the terrible things that are happening to the people of Israel. The nations around them are destroy them and the people in the cities are being laid waste. So the psalmist is asking God for help. Why should God help? Why should God be concerned with the happenings that are going on for his people? The answer is, he shouldn’t. There is really nothing about God that indicates he is required to step in and help us when we are in trouble. We are sinful. We do…

Psalm and Praise, Day 77 What fills our thoughts? Read Psalm chapter 77. As we read through this Psalm, we see so many reflections on all that God has done. When we look back and take inventory on what we spent the day thinking about, how much of it is about God’s marvelous works? We can dwell on his actions and meditate on his deeds. As we think about all that God has done, we can more easily trust in what God will do.

Psalm and Praise, Day 76 Fulfill your vows. Read Psalm chapter 76. As I read this psalm and this verse, I am reminded that I owe God the fulfillment of my promises. I have committed to love him and to trust him. I have promised to rely on him and seek him first. Am I following what I have committed to the Lord?

Psalm and Praise, Day 75 God moves people and positions. Read Psalm chapter 75. Sometimes we get confused about what exactly drives our successes and failures. If we’re not careful, we will start to think that we are the reason why we succeed or fail. It’s important to remember that God is actually in charge of all of that. God is the one who orchestrates things so that people end up in specific positions. As we are obedient to him, he will move us through life into the exact spots that he wants us to be at the exact time that he wants us to be there. While we are…

Psalm and Praise, Day 74 Feels like forever. Read Psalm chapter 74. When it comes to the question of how long until God brings justice and rights all the wrongs, it can feel like that is taking forever. Why does God not just make it right immediately? I’m sure he has a lot of reasons. But it still doesn’t feel right. Ultimately, we may find ourselves asking God exactly what the psalmist did. We can take confidence that God will make it right at just the right time.

Psalm and Praise, Day 73 How do we respond when we see the wicked seem to prosper? Read Psalm chapter 73. I will admit, there are times that really struggle with what I perceive as the success of others who have no integrity and no regard for the commands of God. I can become jealous of what they seem to have that I don’t think I have. So often I do end up feeling like I am a failure when I compare myself to others. Yet, that is not God’s definition of success. God sees me as I am and he understands my desires. He helps me achieve what will…

Psalm and Praise, Day 72 The king and the Lord. Read Psalm chapter 72. Reading this psalm, we see that it is a prayer for the king of the land. The desire is that the king would be a reflection of the Lord and that the Lord would bless him and give him everything he needs to be a successful and productive King. However, that does not change who God is and the role that God plays. While the King is the leader, the Lord is the master over all. The King owes everything to to the Lord. We owe everything to the Lord. We need to pray for our…