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 58, 59, and 60.
Reflection 1
As I reflect on Psalm 58, I can’t help but think of the current state of affairs in our nation. People on both sides (and more) of every issue are pounding the table claiming they are the righteous ones. Lots of hubris everywhere you look. People say, “Jesus overturned tables in the Temple,” as if that’s a command to them and for their viewpoint. Well, I hate to burst anyone’s bubble, but you are not Jesus and table flipping isn’t one of the eight Beatitudes. Righteousness is reflected in Jesus’ teaching and nowhere better than the Sermon on the Mount, and the Beatitudes in particular. What would happen if we truly tried to be like Jesus, think like Jesus, talk like a Jesus, and clearly reflect Jesus? Novel, I know. Jesus talks about peacemaking, mercy, purity of heart, meekness (which is not weakness), mourning over sin (and unrighteousness), and hungering and thirsting after righteousness. We all have our viewpoints. We all have our agendas. Let’s try to think a little more like Jesus and be a little more like Jesus today. Jesus is the hope of the world. Let’s reflect Him well. Let’s point others to Him by how we love and live.
“The righteous will be glad when they are avenged…Then people will say, “Surely the righteous still are rewarded; surely there is a God who judges the earth.” — Psalms 58:10-11
Reflection 2
My strength is limited and often unreliable. God’s strength, on the other hand, is unlimited and always reliable. Where do you need His strength today? Where are you at the end of your rope? Finances, relationships, fear, worry? Do you feel beaten down? Exhausted? Worn out? Does it feel like hope is waning? You are not alone. God knows. He cares. And He wants to help you, comfort you, and give you His strength. Turn to Him and trust in Him. He is with you always!
“But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble. You are my strength, I sing praise to you; you, God, are my fortress, my God on whom I can rely.” — Psalms 59:16-17
Reflection 3
There are times when it feels like God is far from us. But, the fact is – He is always near. There are times when it feels like everyone is against us. But, the fact is – Someone is always for us. We choose whether to focus on our feelings or on the facts of our faith. Feelings can be confusing. Faith in God brings clarity. Put your hope in God today.
“You have rejected us, God, and burst upon us; you have been angry—now restore us! You have shaken the land and torn it open; mend its fractures, for it is quaking. You have shown your people desperate times; you have given us wine that makes us stagger. But for those who fear you, you have raised a banner to be unfurled against the bow. Save us and help us with your right hand, that those you love may be delivered.” — Psalms 60:1-5