Psalm and Praise, Day 84 Better. Read Psalm chapter 84. Today was a rough day. Lots of emotional highs and some challenging lows. Reading this psalm tonight I am reminded that life is full of frustration, unfairness, and problems. One minute things can be going well and the next I find myself questioning whether I should even bother “keeping on.” The ups and downs of this life are challenging. The question I end up asking myself after a day like today is, “Why does God have me right here, right now?” I know that there is purpose in everything that God does and what I am going through is with…

Psalm and Praise, Day 83 God demonstrates who he is. Read Psalm chapter 83. As we read this psalm, we come to understand that the people are going through difficult times and the psalmist wants God to demonstrate and show his glory. He wants God to bring judgment on the people and he wants them to fully understand the depths and breadth of the power of God. When we take a look at who God is, do we truly understand his power and his glory. As we continue to work through all that God has done for us, we can glorify him for who he is.

Psalm and Praise, Day 82 What “gods” do we choose to follow? Read Psalm chapter 82. As the psalmist writes, we can almost feel his frustration that the evil in the world persists. Yet, we are oftwn the ones that choose those “gods” to follow instead of following the one true God. What are the other areas of priorities that we place ahead of God? What are the things we value more than God? It can be unintentional, but we need to stay focused on how we can make God first in every area of our lives.

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…