Email [email protected] to purchase the “Delighting in the Lord Through the Psalms” II Devotional & CD pack for $20 or go to Amazon.com.
Get the Podcast (audio book version) with the piano music in the background at apple music, spotify, etc. or download at CDbaby.
Piano Track for “The Light of Your Face”
Podcast Track for “The Light of Your Face”
Devotional for “The Light of Your Face”
Answer me when I call to you, my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; have mercy on me and hear my prayer. How long will you people turn my glory into shame? How long will you love delusions and seek false gods? Know that the LORD has set apart his faithful servant for himself; the LORD hears when I call to him. Tremble and do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent. Offer the sacrifices of the righteous and trust in the LORD. Many, LORD, are asking, “Who will bring us prosperity?” Let the light of your face shine on us. Fill my heart with joy when their grain and new wine abound. In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, LORD, make me dwell in safety.
Psalm 4:1-8
Do you ever wonder if God hears your cries for help? In this Psalm, David is asking the Lord to answer him, give him relief, have mercy on him, and to hear his prayer (vs. 1). There are times when I feel overwhelmed with stress, anxiety, and trouble and, like David, find myself asking the Lord for the same things.
David expresses frustration with the people around him and their lack of response to God. They may have been slandering him or simply looking to him instead of the Lord when troubles came their way.[i] I also have trouble understanding why people don’t acknowledge the Lord in their lives, and I certainly can get upset if they are saying bad things about me. In times like that, I sometimes treat them with impatience, frustration, and lack of love.
However, verse four says, “Know that the Lord has set apart his faithful servant for himself; the Lord hears when I call to him.” What an amazing promise-those who seek the Lord are set apart by God for himself and that he hears their prayers! The Lord of heaven cares about our needs and sets us apart to know and love him. We don’t have to worry about things-we can trust him!
The psalmist goes on to say, “Many, Lord, are asking, ‘Who will bring us prosperity?’ Let the light of your face shine on us.” (vs. 6). It seems that some people were getting frustrated with King David and their perceived lack of prosperity.[ii] King David chooses to pray this little prayer: “Let the light of your face shine on us” (vs. 6). When the light of God’s face shines on us it changes everything. This figurative expression signifies the spiritual reality of God’s favor being on us. What a great prayer for us to pray!
Moses asked to see the Lord and he was told that he couldn’t see God’s face and live. He was allowed to look at the Lord’s back from a cleft of a rock. After that time, he was glowing as he went around the community.[iii] People knew he had been with the Lord. When God’s face shines on us (figuratively) people know that we’ve been with the Lord.
In the final verses of this Psalm, David expresses that his confidence and joy are in the Lord. He asks the Lord to fill him with joy when those around him prosper. It’s easy to get jealous of others when they succeed but the psalmist reminds us of what is most important. Where or to whom do we look to for our first joy in life?
Jonathan Edwards said, “The enjoyment of God is the only happiness with which our souls can be satisfied. To go to heaven, fully to enjoy God, is infinitely better than the most pleasant accommodations here. Fathers and mothers, husbands, wives, or children, or the company of earthly friends, are but shadows; but God is the substance. These are but scattered beams, but God is the sun.”[iv]
Do we believe these words? More importantly, has the truth they convey gotten into our hearts? Once we realize that only God can satisfy-our priorities change. We esteem him above all else. We truly delight in the Lord.
1. What is your response to the following verse? “Know that the Lord has set apart his faithful servant for himself; the Lord hears when I call to him” (vs. 4).
2. Do you believe that only the Lord can truly satisfy you? If so, think of a practical example from your life.
Lord, let the light of your face shine upon me today. I ask for your help and favor in my life. When people wrong me or attack me, help me trust in you. I know that only you can satisfy my soul. Teach me how to delight in you today.
[i] Kenneth L. Barker, New International Version Study Bible, (Grand Rapids, Mi.: Zondervan, 1985, 1995, 2002), 1055.
[ii] Ibid, 1056.
[iii]Exodus. 33-34
[iv] Jonathan Edwards, “The Christian Pilgrim,” in The Works of Jonathan Edwards, ed. Edward Hickman, 2 vols. (1843; reprint, Edinburgh: Banner of Truth, 1974) 2:244.
Piano Track for “Creation Praises You”
Podcast Track for “Creation Praises You”
Devotional for “Creation Praises You”
Praise awaits you, our God, in Zion; to you our vows will be fulfilled.You who answer prayer, to you all people will come. When we were overwhelmed by sins, you forgave our transgressions. Blessed are those you choose and bring near to live in your courts! We are filled with the good things of your house,of your holy temple. You answer us with awesome and righteous deeds, God our Savior, the hope of all the ends of the earth and of the farthest seas, who formed the mountains by your power, having armed yourself with strength, who stilled the roaring of the seas,the roaring of their waves, and the turmoil of the nations. The whole earth is filled with awe at your wonders; where morning dawns, where evening fades, you call forth songs of joy. You care for the land and water it; you enrich it abundantly. The streams of God are filled with water to provide the people with grain, for so you have ordained it. You drench its furrows and level its ridges; you soften it with showers and bless its crops. You crown the year with your bounty, and your carts overflow with abundance. The grasslands of the wilderness overflow; the hills are clothed with gladness. The meadows are covered with flocks and the valleys are mantled with grain; they shout for joy and sing.
Psalm 65:1-13
Do you ever get caught up in the wonder and beauty of God’s creation? Living in the Pacific Northwest, I am well aware of the beautiful mountains, Puget Sound, and islands all around us. These things can point us to the greatness of the one who made them.
This Psalm focuses on the Lord’s provision for the earth he has made and how creation declares his praises. It kicks off stating that praise awaits God. Like a servant waits for his master, praise waits for God [i] It speaks of everyone coming to the Lord because he answers prayer. Basically, anyone who is wise will seek the Lord in prayer. It says he is the only one who can forgive our sins.
Then it says, “Blessed are those you choose and bring near to live in your courts” (v. 4). The word “blessed” here means “happy”. Those who are in close relationship with the Lord are happy. Are you wanting God’s blessing and joy in your life? Then draw near to him and seek his presence daily through worship, prayer, and studying his Word.
Verse eight says, “The whole earth is filled with awe at your wonders; where morning dawns, where evening fades, you call forth songs of joy.” What an amazing statement! The Lord is calling forth joyful songs from his creation to worship him. When we wake up in the morning, God is calling us to exalt him. I got up at 6:15am this morning and took one of our sons to swim team right away. To be honest, we had a stressful morning and God’s praise wasn’t on my tongue. I was frustrated and upset. However, I could’ve been singing a song of praise to the Lord. In the evening, his song should be on our lips as well.
Let’s allow God’s physical creation all around us to remind us to give him glory today!
- What do you enjoy most about God’s physical creation?
- How can creation enlarge our view of the Lord?
Father, I am grateful for your beautiful creation all around me. I am amazed at the intricacies of everything you have made. I worship you in response to this amazing world you have created!
[i] Jamieson-Fausset-Brown, Psalms.Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary(Complete). N.p. (1871), http://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/jamieson-fausset-brown/psalms-1-75/.
Piano Track for “The Good Shepherd”
Podcast Track for “The Good Shepherd”
Devotional for “The Good Shepherd”
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
Psalm 23:1-6 (ESV)
This is the most famous Psalm as it offers words of peace and comfort to us in our darkest hour. Our Lord, the Good Shepherd, provides all we need like a human shepherd provides for and protects his sheep from danger. In the midst of our chaos, he leads us beside calm waters and restores us.
I remember when I was filled with anxiety and obsessive thoughts, and the Good Shepherd came and gave me peace and restoration. However, in the craziness of life there are many times when I need to again walk “beside still waters” (v. 2-ESV) with the Lord.
Notice that verse three (ESV) says, “He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.” His ultimate goal is to lead us in such a way that we realize his greatness and glorify him. The Lord knows that when we get our eyes off ourselves and our problems, and focus on him, that we can truly be used for his purposes.
Even in our darkest times, we don’t have to be afraid because the Lord is with us, protecting and comforting us. A shepherd’s staff was an instrument of authority used to count the sheep, guide them along the right paths, and rescue them from danger.[i] I wonder how often we try to figure things out on our own, instead of allowing the Good Shepherd to guide us. His presence removes fear from our lives and he protects us. He also blesses us in unmeasurable ways, even in front of our enemies.
The psalmist enjoyed the protection and help of the Good Shepherd in this life, but ultimately looked forward to being in his presence forever.
- Is there any chaos in your life presently? How can the Good Shepherd help?
- Has the Good Shepherd provided for you or protected you in a memorable way? If so, how?
Father, you are the Good Shepherd and it is a privilege to be one of your sheep. Thank you for leading me along peaceful paths and protecting me from evil. I choose to trust your protective hand in my life.
[i] Kenneth L. Barker, New International Version Study Bible, (Grand Rapids, Mi.: Zondervan, 1985, 1995, 2002), 1081.
Email [email protected] to purchase the “Delighting in the Lord Through the Psalms” II Devotional & CD pack for $20.