The Psalms have brought tremendous comfort and guidance to so many for so long. Join me in taking a fresh look at each Psalm. As you read through them, I urge you to reflect, pray, and apply these devotional bits of encouragement to your own life. Today, we study and reflect on Psalms 109, 110, and 112.
Reflection 1
David cries out to the Lord during times of deep pain and difficulty. His reliance on the Lord stands out to me. It is so easy to take things into our own hands and think we are up to the challenges of life alone. We all have a breaking point. A point where it becomes too much, too hard, and too difficult to carry it alone. David reminds me to not carry my burdens. Jesus said, “Cast all your cares on me.” So why do I keep trying to carry my heavy load alone? Is it stubbornness, lack of dependence, or human pride? We need to do better at dropping the weight of the world at Jesus’ feet. Let Him carry the heaviness of whatever situation you are facing right now. Trust Him to carry you through. We can always rely on Jesus. Pray, “Lord, today I cast all my cares on you because I know you care for me.” Great is our God.
“Help me, Lord my God; save me according to your unfailing love. Let them know that it is your hand, that you, Lord, have done it.” — Psalms 109:26-27
Reflection 2
Psalm 110 meant the world to David. His assignment as King of Israel was a great challenge. There were enemies on every side and battles within. He needed daily reassurance that God was on his side and by his side. So do we. We live in deeply conflicted times. Some of us feel it more than others. All of us can be reassured that, just like David, God is with us, for us, and helps us. This may not resonate with you right now if life is smooth, simple, and great in every way. You know and I know that there will come a time where it will be different. We will meet adversity without and within. We never go it alone. God is with us and for us. Believe it!
“The Lord says to my lord: “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.” The Lord will extend your mighty scepter from Zion, saying, “Rule in the midst of your enemies!” Your troops will be willing on your day of battle. Arrayed in holy splendor, your young men will come to you like dew from the morning’s womb. The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind: “You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.” The Lord is at your right hand; he will crush kings on the day of his wrath. He will judge the nations, heaping up the dead and crushing the rulers of the whole earth. He will drink from a brook along the way, and so he will lift his head high.” — Psalms 110:1-7
Reflection 3
What does it mean to fear the Lord? To fear God is the beginning of wisdom. This is where it starts. First, fear. Do not fear as in being afraid, worried, full of anxiety. Fear as in revere. Respect, worship, adore, and obey. The awesomeness of God is lost on us much of the time. We would do well to spend time in amazement at His splendor, might, compassion, and love. Fear Him. Revere Him.
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise.” — Psalms 111:10