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 34 is one of my very favorite Psalms. Here are a few reasons why: God is good, He deserves glory, He knows us, and He cares about us. God loves us and never forsakes us. The reminder of these truths is so faith building!
“I will extol the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips. I will glory in the Lord; let the afflicted hear and rejoice. Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt his name together. I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him. Fear the Lord, you his holy people, for those who fear him lack nothing. The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are attentive to their cry; The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” — Psalms 34:1-4, 8-9, 15, 17-18
Reflection 2
David’s honest cry and clear need for God’s help is one of the most authentic and applicable aspects in the Psalms to me. We need Him and His help always. He is always there for us as He was always there for David. We were in desperate need for a Savior. Christ came to us and for us.
“Awake, and rise to my defense! Contend for me, my God and Lord.” — Psalms 35:23
Reflection 3
Here’s some encouragement for today and every day: God loves us more than we know and is with us wherever we are!
“Your love, Lord, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies. Your righteousness is like the highest mountains, your justice like the great deep. You, Lord, preserve both people and animals. How priceless is your unfailing love, O God! People take refuge in the shadow of your wings. For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light.” — Psalms 36:5-7, 9