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 94, 95, and 96.
Reflection 1
We make our plans and then they make us. What is the difference between futile plans and purposeful and productive plans? The Christ-follower understands the importance of committing our plans to the Lord versus not committing our plans to the Lord. We need to pray, listen, ponder, get wise counsel, humble our hearts, and find God’s wisdom. We run into trouble when we do our own thing instead of God’s. A couple of weeks ago I taught at our church on how to find clarity when times are confusing and we are conflicted. We looked at “10 Compass Readings” to help us navigate hard decisions. Maybe you are making some plans or making a hard decision. You might find that recent teaching helpful. As we make our plans, let us commit our ways to Him. He will guide us and bless us. Psalm 37:5 says, “Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this:” Similarly, Proverbs 16:3 reminds us to “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.
“The Lord knows all human plans; he knows that they are futile.” — Psalms 94:11
Reflection 2
Our Rock. Our Creator God. Our Shepherd. He made us, cares for us, and guides us. God loves us more deeply than we can know. It is amazing to think about, really. He’s shown His love in Christ on the Cross. Today, we show our love by drawing near in worship with a sincere heart, kneeling humbly before Him with gratitude for all He has done and for who He is.
“Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song. For the Lord is the great God, the great King above all gods. Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker; for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care.” — Psalms 95:1-3, 6-7
Reflection 3
What is the first thing you do when the weight of the world seems a little bit heavier? What is the first thing you do when you are burdened for your loved ones more than usual? What is the first thing you do when clarity seems fleeting and the future uncertain? Most of us would say, “I pray and turn to Scripture.” I have found this to be far more than cliche. As you pray, proclaim the greatness of God, and meditate on His Scriptures, faith swells, and burdens become a little less heavy. Someone else is carrying them now, and mountain-sized challenges begin to shrink in His presence. I’m grateful for the importance prayer and Scripture play in my life every day!
“Sing to the Lord, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples. For great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; he is to be feared above all gods. Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and glory are in his sanctuary. Ascribe to the Lord, all you families of nations, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength. Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; bring an offering and come into his courts. Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness; tremble before him, all the earth.” — Psalms 96:2-4, 6-9