Tag: Psalms

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Praises in life’s highs and lows.

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Shout with joy to the Lord, all the earth! Worship the Lord with gladness. Come before him, singing with joy. Acknowledge that the Lord is God! He made us, and we are his. We are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation. ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭100‬:‭1‬-‭5‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Dedication day, both of the brand new temple and moving the ark of the covenant to its new home, was THE height of everything the nation of Israel wanted. They had the king they comparibly imagined. They had wealth and were winning in their personal lives as well as a high GNP (gross national income). Nations were sending envoys and gifts because they had heard of the wise king Solomon. They were at the pinnacle of success. At this high mark and season in Solomon’s own life he rightly declares just how good God is to them!

Solomon’s words are dripping with praise, ever grateful to God. These moments were absolutely true, real, and genuine. Amidst all their dreams and desires being fulfilled, God was central. May I offer this: It’s rather easy to have high praise for God when everything is going well.

I am not going to turn a very amazing moment of true praise to God into a negative reflection. However, I will point out that those peak, mountaintop experiences cannot last. Psalm 100 is true in the epitomes of fulfillment. And, Psalm 100 is also true in the shadowy depths of disappointment, even disaster. God is God in both and above both experiences.

We ride the waves of emotions and experiences filled with highs and lows – this is the reality, even the wonder and beauty of life as humans! Apparently we love the high heights, the feel-goods and epiphanies of fulfillment so much that we try to stay there, LIVE there. And, although we can experience plenty of those moments, even seasons, we cannot exist solely, permanently, at that spiritual elevation here on earth.

Life is the great adjudication of highs and lows! Yet, surprisingly, thankfully, God exists in, above and beyond this life. And, as God’s creation, we get to find him and praise him in ALL situations. Psalm 100 is the psalm reminding us that it is not only grand moments that should elicit our praise, it is also the lowly ones. God is good in both.

Isaiah captures the height, depth, and width of God’s spectacular perspective. “The high and lofty one who lives in eternity, the Holy One, says this: “I live in the high and holy place with those whose spirits are contrite and humble. I restore the crushed spirit of the humble and revive the courage of those with repentant hearts.” Isaiah 57:15.

Prayer

Dad,
Being above and beyond what I can even imagine from my perspective, gives me a stable, anchored tether within the vast experiences of life. Whether I am living the grand and glorious high of fulfillment, peace of hope or the sad and shadowed low of disappointment, fear or failure. You are my unchanging reality, my rock. And, in both those ultra-wide dispersions of emotion, you are here, with me. You speak joy when I celebrate and peace when I am perplexed. It is my utmost challenge to bring you praise in both my highs and lows. Amen.

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Symbols of God’s presence.

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Sing to the one who rides across the ancient heavens, his mighty voice thundering from the sky. Tell everyone about God’s power. His majesty shines down on Israel; his strength is mighty in the heavens. God is awesome in his sanctuary. The God of Israel gives power and strength to his people. Praise be to God! ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭68‬:‭33‬-‭35‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Psalm 68 is a response of celebration for the return of the ark of the covenant. The ark of God, carrying the memory items of miracles long ago: containing the gold jar of manna, Aaron’s staff that had budded, and the stone tablets of the covenant.

The ark of the covenant had a circuitous journey through the years. The Philistines were bold enough to capture the ark but suffered because of it for seven months! 1 Sam. 6:1. It then goes to the house of Abinadab, where it stays for 20 years. This all took place under the leadership of the judges, before Israel had a king. Then king Saul commands Ahijah to bring the ark to the war camp and it secures their victory. David is the next king to move the ark from Abinadab’s house, but in his exuberance, does not instruct those carrying the ark, that God prescribed a very specific way of transporting it. A man named Uzzah, quickly found out that the ark was a normal cargo load and paid for his mistake with his life! Uzzah put out his hand to the ark of God and took hold of it, for the oxen stumbled. The anger of the LORD was kindled against Uzzah, and God struck him down there because of his error, and he died there beside the ark of God. David was angry with God but he was also scared to death to mishandle the ark again. He had it taken to house of Obededom the Gittite, where it stayed for three months. In a complete over-the-top display of careful respect, David had the ark moved to Jerusalem. But he did it with a grand style and exuberant gestures! “When those who bore the ark of the LORD had gone six steps, he sacrificed an ox and a fattened animal – every SIX STEPS! That is extravagant and expensive. Then David danced before the LORD with all his might. And David was wearing a linen ephod. So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the LORD with shouting and with the sound of the horn.”

Psalm 68 captures the words and thoughts of David as he brings the ark to Jerusalem, its last known home before Nebuchadnezzar raided the temple, then later burned it to the ground. After that, the ark disappeared into history. It won’t be seen again until the end of all things where it is mentioned in Revelation 11:19!

Prayer

​Dad,
So much mystery, so much drama and intrigue over the ark of the covenant. I read in Hebrews that these symbols and reminders are simply copies of the real thing store in heaven. That is so cool! There are so many powerful illustrations and object lessons in the Bible. I love it. What a paradox of life itself – some things are hidden to be discovered and some things are plain to be revealed for your purposes. All of it is to tell your story. Thank you for not just allowing us to participate in the human story of redemption, but specifically including us to have a purpose and a role. Amen.

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Paralleling the Psalms.

Reading Time: 3 minutes

You welcomed him back with success and prosperity. You placed a crown of finest gold on his head. He asked you to preserve his life, and you granted his request. The days of his life stretch on forever. Your victory brings him great honor, and you have clothed him with splendor and majesty. You have endowed him with eternal blessings and given him the joy of your presence. For the king trusts in the Lord. The unfailing love of the Most High will keep him from stumbling. Psalms‬ ‭21‬:‭3‬-‭7‬ ‭NLT‬‬

When one reads the about the life of Israel’s ancient king David, then reads through the psalms, you’ll find an uncanny parallel between the words of David and the prayers and quotes of Christ! Jesus not only quoted frequently from the law and the prophets, he exclusively spoke from the psalms. But not just any of the psalms – specifically, the psalms of David.

Jesus had most of the books of the law memorized and it was obvious that he had amazing recall of the psalms. Jesus quotes the Old Testament so often, it seems as if he is just teaching and speaking his own thoughts and words. When I read the agonizing, painful reality prayers of David, I find that Jesus used these to express his own thoughts and understanding of God the Father, and himself as the messiah. Peter Johnson says, “the psalms helped Jesus to carry through with His redemption purpose. Psalms are believed to express deep emotions and full surrender to God.”

When I read this psalm and see David realize that his past days of running and hiding from Saul are gone. David looks forward to his life, now filled with abundance and blessing. Can you see the overlay of this wonderful sense of hope in Jesus’ own life as well. In complete faith that God will help him and see him through death and the hope of redemption and resurrection, Jesus himself can hang on to these ancient words penned by David himself. “You placed a crown of finest gold on his head!”

Can you see these heavenly exchanges; removing the crown of thorns, the mocking crown of shame and suffering and replacing it with a crown of gold, of victory and freedom. When we read of David’s days in life – stretching on forever, can you see the parallel of David’s past, running for his life, living in caves, but now his days are free and full – seemingly with no end! Jesus was buried in a cave, his life from our temporary understanding was over, but his resurrection brought everlasting life! David, in his past, wore tattered, borrowed clothes while dodging death, but as king he was clothed with splendor and majesty. A dynamic picture of rags to riches, funeral shrouds to kingly robes! Jesus lived this same version of David’s life and most likely quoted and prayed these psalms to fortify his own faith in God’s plan, his own mission. Jesus’ life paralleled the psalms!

We are not David nor Jesus, but wouldn’t you think these psalms – memorized, meditated on, and PRAYED would give us hope as well? God saw us through our darkest times, maybe for some literally running for our life. God was there in the darkness of caves and doubts. Our hope is that God is also with us now, giving us eternal blessings and the joy of his own presence! Why? Because God truly loves us and proved it through Jesus’ own life, death and resurrection. We too can pray the psalms! We too can parallel and track with the lows only to come out with the highs of unfailingly love of the Most High!

Prayer

​Dad,
No wonder Jesus was such a fan of the psalms! He lived them. No wonder Jesus’ hope and faith was encouraged by memorizing the psalms, he used them when praying for strength while he was earthbound. Thank you for Your word. It is a lamp, a light and the hope of my salvation! Amen.

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Uniqueness of human life.

Reading Time: 2 minutes

When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers— the moon and the stars you set in place— what are mere mortals that you should think about them, human beings that you should care for them? Yet you made them only a little lower than God and crowned them with glory and honor. You gave them charge of everything you made, putting all things under their authority— the flocks and the herds and all the wild animals, the birds in the sky, the fish in the sea, and everything that swims the ocean currents. O Lord, our Lord, your majestic name fills the earth! ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭8‬:‭3‬-‭9‬ ‭NLT‬‬

We don’t know when David wrote this magnanimous Psalm. but it is believed the psalm was inserted into the collection towards the end of his life. This is yet another beautiful observation of the psalm’s ability to give us – PERSPECTIVE.

Have you ever thought of the unbelievable uniqueness of living as a human being on this beautiful blue sphere, miraculously spinning and seemingly floating in space? David, peering into the vast night sky, observing millions of stars and the cool glow of the moon, thinks about his own existence. You know, when one believes in a very real, very BIG God, we feel extremely small. “What are mere mortals?,” David reflects.

I don’t know how often you think of the grand scheme of all that we know about God and all that we don’t know about eternity, but the word “vast,” barely describes this season, this existence. Sure, it is an extraordinary existential exercise- but it’s worth it. Even with all the crazy chaos of our life and our world, it is such a powerfully unique experience, likely non existent anywhere else in the known and unknown universes out there. We could be the ONLY dark planet where Satan was imprisoned and sin was experienced by humanity.

We were created, “crowned,” David writes, with glory and honor, reflecting the beauty and power of our creator – God. And, God gave us dominion and dominance over all living things. We are co-caretakers of this planet and we have opportunity to CHOOSE God, create like God, love, give and BE like him. We are NOT God, but we get to use our God-given authority, power and influence to tame this wild existence. No wonder David, after reflecting on all that he sees and understands about our planet, contemplating our God and our existence, explodes into this exuberant praise – “O Lord, our Lord, your majestic name fills the earth!”

Prayer

​Dad,
Every once in a while, I have these existential moments, like David, when I not only see the magic and majesty of what you have created, but also what opportunity and responsibility you have given to us as humans on this amazing planet! Even in the chaotic, generational cycles of sin and grief, I still realize the specific wonder of this season, I call “my life.” Yes, I exist among trillions that have come before me, but this is my time to see your grand plan and be part of something that may only exist here on this fallen planet. So, even in my own sin and the sins of my generation, I still see great opportunity to seize these moments and give you praise and thanks for my own existence. I will take these occasions, cherish them, and do my best to rise to my responsibilities with all the faith, grace and power you provide! Amen.

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David’s Hit Country Western Song.

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Only fools say in their hearts, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, and their actions are evil; not one of them does good! God looks down from heaven on the entire human race; he looks to see if anyone is truly wise, if anyone seeks God. But no, all have turned away; all have become corrupt. No one does good, not a single one! ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭53‬:‭1‬-‭3‬ ‭NLT‬‬

It is believed that this Psalm was written by David while he was king of Israel. A few interesting things about this Psalm.

One: The most notable… is that this was a song – A SONG! The mysterious instrument was a Mahalath. It was possibly some kind of guitar. And, a couple of fairly infamous people were named Mahalath – Ishmael’s daughter and third wife of Esau ( Genesis 28:9 ), Isaac’s granddaughter! Also the name of David’s own son (Jerimoth). She was one of Rehoboam’s wives ( 2 Chronicles 11:18 ).

Two: This Psalm shows up twice in the book of Psalms (14 & 53).

Three: These Psalms became popular while Israel was in captivity under Babylon’s rule. Ezra brought it out of the archives of David’s writings and introduced it to the nation, his people, while they were king-less, leader-less and in a foreign land.

But just look at the words of this song that people actually sang while in the lowest of circumstances. It totally reminds me of a “woe is me, country-western” song. I’m sure it was a big hit during its day! David starts the song with a strong theme – “only the fool.” This word for fool is “nabel,” the most evil of fools mentioned in Proverbs. Nabel is the bent and seriously broken fool whose heart has completely been given to evil and the destruction of others. It’s a great, cryptic, rally-cry to declare the kings, the Nebuchadnezzar’s of Babylon to be these most evil fools.

The Israelites were living among the most wealthy, powerful, world conquerors of the ancient days. David sings of God’s perspective of all the might and influence of the nations during his own day – God searches for wisdom among the nations and finds NONE. And it sounds so fitting for the captives of the great Babylon to sing this as their own top song on the playlist. I imagine they gathered together while symbolically “crying in their beer,” finding solace and comfort in the fact that God would have the last word for the evil fools who blatantly, boastfully declare there is no God!

Babylons will rise, but all of them will eventually fall. This Psalm is perfect for the lament of our own soul when we look around and see evil flourishing while wisdom and common sense are fleeting. Thanks David! Play it one more time.

Prayer

​Dad,
These Psalms are timeless as reminders and even comfort when our world feels very much like the evil fools in charge are getting away with so much. Sadly, we have even declared a whole month to celebrate our own arrogance! David’s song, his lament, rings loud and clear even today. I pray as you look out over the human hearts today, that you would find pockets of wisdom, places of good. I know you will have the final word – and it will be just, right and true. Amen.

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Duplicity of praise with disobedience.

Reading Time: 2 minutes

My heart is confident in you, O God; no wonder I can sing your praises with all my heart! Wake up, lyre and harp! I will wake the dawn with my song. I will thank you, Lord, among all the people. I will sing your praises among the nations. For your unfailing love is higher than the heavens. Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds. Be exalted, O God, above the highest heavens. May your glory shine over all the earth. ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭108‬:‭1‬-‭5‬ ‭NLT‬‬

This Psalm, likely written by Solomon, or at least, about him, describes facing a new day, with faith and hope that God would give Israel victory over Edom.

Interestingly enough, God was responsible for “stirring” this once defeated country to attack Israel because Solomon wasn’t obedient to God. A few verses out Kings 11 give the context: “As Solomon grew old, his wives turned his heart after other gods, and his heart was not fully devoted to the LORD his God, as the heart of David his father had been.” And, “So Solomon did evil in the eyes of the LORD; he did not follow the LORD completely, as David his father had done.” So God raised up an old enemy of Solomon’s father, David.

God allowed a once defeated country (Edom) to not only be revived, but come back to discipline Solomon for his disobedience, because “The LORD was very angry with Solomon, for his heart had turned away from the LORD.” Yet, this is Solomon’s prayer even still! Even in disobedience and leading Israel back into idolatry, Solomon wakes up one day with a confidence of hope!

Solomon was old and near the end of his life at this time, and did not live long enough to see God take the 10 tribes of Israel and give them to Jeroboam, a once trusted industrious, mighty man of valor. As we know Jeroboam was not obedient to God either. This was the beginning of the end of the 10 “lost” tribes of Israel.

This Psalm captures an odd sense of extraordinary faith and praise to God, that was beautiful in words but empty in practice. Can we extol and praise the goodness and greatness of God with our words, yet neglect the simplicity of obedience? Can God receive our praise even when we are living a life of disobedience? Apparently the duplicity in the human heart allows for both! Solomon woke up that morning with eloquent words and bright hope for his future, but his days ended in shame and the loss of Israel as a unified nation.

Prayer

​Dad,
It is disheartening to see a full circle view, a complete family cycle of one of the most beloved and wise leaders of your people. This was always a dilemma for me. Solomon, the wisest of wise with the most amazingly humble heart as a young man, but fame, power and wealth still caused him to turn from you and follow fake gods! Of course this directly points to the fact that none of us are perfect and all of us are sin consumed and needing Jesus. But, these are such sad stories, that could bring a sense of hopelessness. My only hope is not how I can be perfect or live some kind of apparent “perfect” life, but that my heart, my soul and strength are set on you and you alone. My life, my trust is in you. You are the priority of my soul! Amen.

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The Boast of Nations.

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Now I know that the Lord rescues his anointed king. He will answer him from his holy heaven and rescue him by his great power. Some nations boast of their chariots and horses, but we boast in the name of the Lord our God. Those nations will fall down and collapse, but we will rise up and stand firm. Give victory to our king, O Lord! Answer our cry for help. ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭20‬:‭6‬-‭9‬ ‭NLT‬‬

King David writes this Psalm after achieving some miraculous victories over a few enemy nations, the Ammonites and Syrians. A main adversary, Hadadezer, had battled with Israel several times, but finally when this General fell, there was a long season of peace. 1 Samuel 10:19, “When all the kings allied with Hadadezer saw that they had been defeated by Israel, they surrendered to Israel and became their subjects. After that, the Arameans were afraid to help the Ammonites.”

Israel had become powerful enough to accomplish peace in the entire region. David writes this Psalm, not to acknowledge his military might or ability – NO! David, as an experienced warrior recognized that Israel’s victories were because of the God they served. And, with a certain amount of humility David writes, “the Lord rescues his anointed king.” Then, he very poetically pens these famous words that would be quoted many times over in times of uncertainty – some nations boast of their chariots and horses… David knew that God had favored him and it was useless to pretend it was because of some amazing number chariots and horses.

Samuel mentions at one point that David had captured a thousand chariots, seven thousand charioteers and twenty thousand foot soldiers. There is no doubt that David had a massive arsenal of weapons and soldiers to go with them – maybe multiple times the number he captured. So, as the apex warrior of the ancient world, David knew how many chariots, horses, men, spears and swords he had in his massive army. But here in the Psalms he admits, it wasn’t his accomplishments, it was God’s victories and to boast in anything else would be foolish.

David’s success as a warrior would eventually prevent him from building a “home for God,” the temple. God said David’s hands were too bloody, and they were! (1 Chronicles 28:3). But here, David gives high praise and acknowledgement of God’s protection and fulfillment of promise to David and his legacy.

Prayer

​Dad,
Throughout our human history you have had rulers, kings and presidents rise to and fall from power. Some, you promoted and put in place, some you allowed to reign and wield their authority in wild and wicked ways. These rulers, mostly men, have been a mystery as to why some have been allowed to use and abuse their charisma and influence over nations. Whether we have good or godly leaders or tyrants and narcissistic, it is hard to understand your will and your ways through their time in power. The cycles of good or bad rising and falling continue to frustrate us. However, even though I do not understand, I do trust you. Even when I cannot see the reason, nor its end, I have faith in you and know that you are always just, true and right. Amen.

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Our Grand Globe

Reading Time: 2 minutes

O Lord, what a variety of things you have made! In wisdom you have made them all. The earth is full of your creatures. Here is the ocean, vast and wide, teeming with life of every kind, both large and small. See the ships sailing along, and Leviathan, which you made to play in the sea. Psalms‬ ‭104‬:‭24‬-‭26‬ ‭NLT‬‬

The Psalmist often writes about God’s majesty and compares it to the grandness of the oceans of the world. I never get tired of looking out over the vast beauty of the sea! Whether I sit and gaze from a cliffside perch, dig my toes in the sand where the waves continually crash upon the shore, or look out from the bow of a ship sailing the deep blue depths where the horizon goes on forever. It is always an ominous moment. And, because I agree with the Psalmist of who created the massively vast ocean, I too am overwhelmed with God’s creativity.

Imagine sailing a great ship in ancient days and seeing a Leviathan, a giant sea creature playfully rise from the water and then disappear. Terrifying right? I have a tremendous respect for both the water and the beasts that live within it.

These are the visions and feelings the Psalmist wants us to emote about the grandness of God in all His glory. By the way, science has scoured the universes as far as they can telescopically see, searching for life out there somewhere. Our culture is obsessed with aliens and other life forms beyond the blackness and twinkling stars in the night sky. So far… nothing. Are we so unique and alone in creation. Is the earth deemed the “dark planet” as C.S. Lewis proposes in his space trilogy books? I don’t know.

However, I do know that God created a beautiful planet and determined to create us and give us this place to work, live and play. Even with its ominous dangers of places on the earth, and the even more dangerous humans who are broken and inhospitable, this place is still amazing. I agree with the author of this Psalm, what a great God we serve and what a glorious variety of things He has made.

Prayer

​Dad,
This place, this spinning, floating miracle is absolutely stunning to behold and explore. And the myriad of creatures and variety of plants are spectacularly amazing. From the mountains to the valleys, the deserts and the seas, we enjoy the beauty of all your creation. Thank you. As I fly past my five second neighbors on the highways of my city, I am also reminded of the individual beauty and wonder you created in every human being I see. Thank you for them as well. Let everything and everyone that has breath praise you for your unending beauty and grace! Amen.

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Untamable

Reading Time: 2 minutes

The floods have risen up, O Lord. The floods have roared like thunder; the floods have lifted their pounding waves. But mightier than the violent raging of the seas, mightier than the breakers on the shore— the Lord above is mightier than these! Your royal laws cannot be changed. Your reign, O Lord, is holy forever and ever. ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭93‬:‭3‬-‭5‬ ‭NLT‬‬

The power of the sea. I can imagine that the Psalmist had access to vistas of either the waters of the great rivers of Euphrates and the Tigris, the pristine, Persian Gulf (both located by the city of Babylon) or maybe the beautiful Mediterranean Sea by Jerusalem. This Psalm was likely written by Ezra the Scribe.

There is nothing more ominously powerful than the oceans of the world. A massive 71% of our beautiful blue globe is water! I have often sat for hours looking out at the expansive vista of our own shores of the Pacific ocean. Mesmerized by the rhythmic power of the crashing waves, pounding the sand. The sight and sound is comforting.

But imagine the ocean as a tantrum-throwing toddler, raging with fits of fury. Its mighty, giant storms, tidal waves and tsunamis know no resistance strong enough to stand against it. The ocean is untamable. Ezra is in awe of our God that is magnificently, compoundedly more powerful than the sea! The sea roars, lifting its waves higher than an elevation of 1720 feet, a megatsunami in 1958 that hit Lituya Bay, in southeast Alaska. What could be mightier than the power and unpredictability of the ocean? It is God who created it!

Ezra’s love and respect for His mighty God and His Word declares and compares this awesomeness to the power of God’s royal laws. They cannot be changed. God’s Word cannot be swayed or subdued! Nothing can compare or compromise the capability of God’s Word. One my favorite verses concerning the durability and life-giving sustainability is found in Isaiah 40:8, The grass withers and the flowers fade, but the word of our God stands forever. Amen Ezra! Indeed our God and His reign is holy forever and ever.

Prayer

​Dad,
The vistas of the sea are my most favorite places to pray and think about your power and strength. With wind and sun, with white-noise sound of waves, I feel safe and at peace knowing that you are powerful enough to crush us, but instead invite us, in relationship, to know you. How ominous is your presence in those moments. Thank you for being expansively beyond what I can even imagine! Thank you for Your Word, which is enduring and powerful, to keep your promises and complete the work you are doing in me. I am in awe of You! Amen.

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Feeling the presence of God.

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Turn us again to yourself, O God of Heaven’s Armies. Make your face shine down upon us. Only then will we be saved. You brought us from Egypt like a grapevine; you drove away the pagan nations and transplanted us into your land. You cleared the ground for us, and we took root and filled the land. Our shade covered the mountains; our branches covered the mighty cedars. We spread our branches west to the Mediterranean Sea; our shoots spread east to the Euphrates River. But now, why have you broken down our walls so that all who pass by may steal our fruit? The wild boar from the forest devours it, and the wild animals feed on it. ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭80‬:‭7‬-‭13‬ ‭NLT‬‬

This idea of God raising up a grapevine, nurturing it, watching over it and giving it a place to thrive and flourish is a popular theme in the Bible. I just wrote about Isaiah (chapter 5) giving an object lesson about the vine and the vineyard. The Psalmist writes about it while Israel is in Babylonian captivity. It goes along with another familiar phrase, “the root of Jesse,” which expresses the promise of a messianic king who would be born of David’s family. God is responsible to keep and protect this root of His vine!

Jesus even refers to Himself being the vine root and speaks of the fruit of that vine in John 15. And, Paul picks up the theme in Romans 15. Then finally, Jesus refers to himself as the root of Jesse in Revelation 22. This overarching picture of God following through with his promise even though Israel (and us as well) have consistently been unfaithful and failing to keep our promises in obedience to God’s Word. God is faithful to fulfill His promise and from that “root” He will raise up a whole new generation of children. These are the children of promise through the faithfulness, not of themselves, but of Christ alone.

In the verses following in this Psalm we hear the desperate plea for God not to give up on His people. “Come back, we beg you, O God of Heaven’s Armies. Look down from heaven and see our plight. Take care of this grapevine that you yourself have planted, this son you have raised for yourself.” (vs 14-15). I get the feeling that people generally know when they are close to the Lord or far off from Him. I know for me, when I have wandered or just been careless with my love and attentiveness to His presence, I definitely knew it. I felt similar to the Psalmist. I wanted to be close again and hear God’s voice, feel the Holy Spirit working in my life. I would never want to get used to being far from Him. I would never want to be so far from God that I no longer felt His face shining down on me. Jesus is the vine; we are the branches. Those who remain in him, and he in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from Jesus we can do nothing (John 15:5).

Prayer

Dad,
I clearly see that you have done everything to keep us (keep me) close to you. You faithfully and consistently come after us, wooing us, forgiving us and loving us. My part is to stay close to you, connected to you. The most difficult part is not even my sin, which separates me from your presence. It’s the shame and embarrassment of continuing to return, constantly coming back in confession and repentance. It’s trusting that you forgive me and receive me once again. It’s the not giving up, not drifting too far – that’s the hard part. Your word promises that you are faithful and JUST to forgive me and clean me when I come to you. I never want to be without your presence. I never want heaven to be silent because of my unfaithfulness to you! Amen.