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 67, 68, and 69.
Reflection 1
To know Christ and to make Him known is our chief duty on earth. How is it going? Scriptures like these are a powerful reminder that our daily grind matters to God. In the middle of our frustrations, work, responsibilities, wins, and losses, we are to point people and draw people to Jesus. It is our primary priority as Christ’s followers. So how is it going? Does your language, attitude, behavior, compassion, kindness, and love draw people to Jesus? Do you compel or repel people? It’s easy to dismiss anything that feels convicting, but the only way we grow and live a life of obedience is to embrace the commands of Scripture and seek daily to live them out more and more completely. People are watching you. They are watching me. Is the picture of Jesus they see and hear clear, or is it confusing? Let’s be salt and light. May we point and draw people to Christ today.
“May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine on us— so that your ways may be known on earth, your salvation among all nations.” — Psalms 67:1-2
Reflection 2
Tucked in the middle of this amazing Psalm that proclaims God’s power and greatness is this short, simple verse. Read it again. Let it sink in. The Creator God of the universe daily bears your burdens. Jesus said, “Cast all your cares on me because I care for you.” The transcendent God, who is over all and above all, is also immanent. Said another way, God is great and vast, yet He is near, and He is personally and completely concerned about you. His strength and power are beyond compare. His love and compassion for you are incomprehensible. Give Him your burdens today. I know you have a few. So do I. He cares about your hurts, disappointments, worries, and fears. Let Him take the weight you carry. Receive His peace and rest in return. Read this verse again. Let it sink in. Give your burdens to the Lord right now. He will daily bear your burdens. Today, tomorrow, and every day.
“Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens.” — Psalms 68:19
Reflection 3
The Bible tells us to be “devoted to prayer.” Among other things, Psalms is a prayer manual. Psalm 69 is one of those Psalms that literally teaches us how to pray. Notice the depth of expression, detail of concern, and clarity of dependence on God. We emote, devote, unpack, unload, and seek help for ourselves and others through prayer. Prayer is God’s idea and He invites us in. You have an audience with the King whenever you want. The Lord of the universe cares about you and invites you to communicate your hurt and heart. That may not mean much to you, but it blows my mind. God wants to commune with little me. Call on Him. Give Him your concerns. Pray for others. Devote yourself to prayer and depend on the Lord.
“But I pray to you, Lord, in the time of your favor; in your great love, O God, answer me with your sure salvation. Rescue me from the mire, do not let me sink; deliver me from those who hate me, from the deep waters. Do not let the floodwaters engulf me or the depths swallow me up or the pit close its mouth over me. Answer me, Lord, out of the goodness of your love; in your great mercy turn to me. Do not hide your face from your servant; answer me quickly, for I am in trouble. Come near and rescue me; deliver me because of my foes.” — Psalms 69:13-18