I’m working on a new approach to my blog series this year. Personally, I am walking through the Psalms (as I have done many times). These Scriptures have brought tremendous comfort and guidance to so many for so long, so each week this year I will share a couple of brief devotional thoughts from the Psalms. As you read through them, I urge you to reflect, pray, and apply these bits of encouragement.
Reflection 1
Psalm 12 talks about the importance of our words and how untruthful and inflammatory words can drag us – and others – down. This is an important reminder, which is also mentioned in Psalm 19:14. “May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in your sight, Lord.” Ask yourself, do my words honor God and build up others?
“And the words of the Lord are flawless, like silver purified in a crucible, like gold refined seven times.” — Psalm 12:6
Reflection 2
God never promised smooth sailing all the time. We all hit rough waters. But God is always with us and always for us. Remember, Jesus calmed the storm and brought the disciples peace in the midst of the storm. He will do the same for you! Turn to Him when times are tough.
“But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing the Lord’s praise, for he has been good to me.” — Psalm 13:5-6
Reflection 3
The most fundamental recognition in life is to realize there is a God…and that you (and I) are not Him. And second, to recognize that you need Him desperately and that He loves you deeply!
“The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God.’ They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good.” — Psalm 14:1