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 52, 53, and 54.
Reflection 1
Be careful what you say. Be careful what you post on social media. Be careful what you believe. Be careful who you follow. So many today have placed their trust in man and perpetuate conspiracy theories that are nothing more than lies. They pass these lies along to others. Be careful. You are hurting yourself, others, and your testimony. We are here to represent Christ and build His Kingdom. The best way to be a blessing on earth is to be people of His Kingdom as we live and love like Jesus. Spend your time and energy on loving God and loving people. Be slow. Be very slow to buy into conspiracy theories to further your narrative. Seek truth. Seek grace. Become like and live like Jesus. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. That is the truth.
“Why do you boast of evil, you mighty hero? Why do you boast all day long, you who are a disgrace in the eyes of God? You who practice deceit, your tongue plots destruction; it is like a sharpened razor. You love evil rather than good, falsehood rather than speaking the truth. You love every harmful word, you deceitful tongue!” — Psalms 52:1-4
Reflection 2
As I read this potent passage from Psalm 53 I’m reminded of several things. First, our world desperately needs God. Our communities, our country, and our world need to know the love and life of Christ. Second, the Church—followers of Jesus and individual congregations everywhere—is God’s primary plan to making Himself known to those who are far from God. Third, the Church must protect this sacred trust and keep the true Gospel, the message of God’s saving sacrifice and love, pure and clear. I’m deeply concerned in this season that all of our rhetoric and cultural warring distorts the message of Jesus Christ. People are getting a poor and distorted picture of what it means to be Christian and are pushed away. We can win an argument and lose the power of our testimony. Reaching people with the love of Jesus is where the power is and must be our primary priority. This cause should be foremost in our minds always. If it is, it will guide our conversation, behavior, and heart toward others. Jesus said, “They will know you are Christians by your love.” How can you best show God’s love to people who are searching for God today? Aim high!
“The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, and their ways are vile; there is no one who does good. God looks down from heaven on all mankind to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God. Everyone has turned away, all have become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one.” — Psalms 53:1-3
Reflection 3
Have you ever felt overwhelmed and undone? Of course, you have. We all have. Maybe you do today. Certainly, there is plenty in life to be concerned about. As followers of Jesus, we are in an incredible position, which I wish everyone could experience and enjoy: We are not alone today or any day. God is with us, and God will help us. Call on Him. Trust in Him. Give Him your worries and your cares. I just gave Him mine right now. It took a while. Life can pile up on us, but we need not fear or worry. The Lord is always with us and will help us. Turn to Him and trust in Him today!
“Save me, O God, by your name; vindicate me by your might. Hear my prayer, O God; listen to the words of my mouth. Surely God is my help; the Lord is the one who sustains me. You have delivered me from all my troubles, and my eyes have looked in triumph on my foes.” — Psalms 54:1-2, 4, 7