Reading 15—It’s Christmas in July Psalm 96 READ PSALM 96 It’s Christmas in July. Not really, but today’s psalm is appointed for use during the Christmas Eve Service, “Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice. For the LORD comes to judge the world with righteousness and truth” (paraphrase v. 11, 13). The popular […]

Reading 14—The Sheep of His Hand Psalm 95 READ PSALM 95 Have you noticed how the tone of several of the psalms can suddenly change direction? The psalmist may praise God one second and then call for divine retribution on personal enemies. No psalm changes direction quicker than Psalm 95.

Reading 13—A Daily Pilgrimage Psalm 84 READ PSALM 84 “Blessed are those whose strength is in you, who have set their hearts on pilgrimage.” (Psalm 84:5, NIV) Have you ever been on a pilgrimage?

Reading 12—How Fleeting is Fame? Psalm 73 READ PSALM 73 This prayerful song—for psalms are both prayer and song—paints a vivid picture of those who are “righteous” and those who are “wicked.” The author tells God that although he tried very hard to be righteous, it appeared that all around him people who were flouting […]

Reading 11—Sing for Joy Psalm 66 Read Psalm 66 It is easy this time of year in Western North Carolina to appreciate the beauty of God’s creation. Lush green mountains, cool trout streams, warm sun and nourishing rains, and even the friendly Asheville black bears are all reminders of our masterful Creator. Every time I […]

Reading 10—Silent Time Psalm 62 READ PSALM 62 “My soul waits in silence.” When can silence be found in our noisy world? When is your time to wait in the refuge of silence to hear God’s word transform your very being? Our confidence in God’s power stands firm and the time of silence creates coherent […]

Reading 9—Unlimited Mercy Psalm 51 READ PSALM 51 I recently had an argument with a Facebook friend. I had re-posted a statement that said, “Sometimes you are the bad guy.” Jake (not his real name) could never see himself as the bad guy. Jake is not the only one who thinks that way, but a […]

Reading 8—God, Our Mighty Fortress Psalm 46 READ PSALM 46 This is a Korah Psalm (part of a collection of Psalms likely collected by the Korahites, who were a group of Temple singers). The Psalm (esp. v.1) inspired Martin Luther’s hymn, “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God.” It is a song of Zion celebrating God’s […]

Reading 7—Remember to Remember Read Psalm 30 David writes this “Psalm of Thanksgiving” after finding himself in great darkness. He remembers when he, “felt secure” and declares, “I will never be shaken.” David knows God as a provider who is close, who “made his royal mountain stand firm.” However, when the darkness comes, David becomes […]

Reading 6—Glory READ PSALM 24 Long ago, our ancestors in the faith prayed and sung these ancient words on the way to worship God in the Temple. As they came to the place of encounter, the Holy of Holies, they start with the affirmation that the whole earth is God’s handiwork.