Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he has redeemed from trouble (Psalm 107:2, ESV). This Psalm explains the origin of trouble and God’s solution — it’s the “trouble” Psalm. In Scripture, trouble has two causes: trouble caused by our decisions and trouble not caused by us. The Bible teaches one solution for both kinds of trouble […]
Psalms On Saturday ~ 107: The Trouble Psalm Read More »
The Psalms have been my faithful companions in over 53 years of following Jesus. I’ve learned to praise God in victory through the Psalms, and during times of deep disappointment, I’ve made new friends in the Psalms by memorizing a specific Psalm relevant to the difficulty. The Psalms have never failed as friends! No matter
Psalms On Saturday ~ My Five “Friends” Found in the Psalms Read More »
God has taken his place in the divine council; in the midst of the gods he holds judgment (v. 1, ESV). Imagine God sitting on His throne. That’s the image of Psalm 82. The word “Elohim” is the most common word used for God in the Old Testament. It’s a plural noun, but when used with singular verbs,
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Below are three translations of Psalm 65:1a. What’s the difference? Praise is due to you, O God, in Zion (ESV). There will be silence before You, and praise in Zion, God (NASB). What mighty praise, O God, belongs to you in Zion (NLT). The literal translation in Hebrew would be, “To You praise is silent.” Not believing this statement has
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Typically, I write my main point at the beginning of an Interruption and then repeat it several times in the blog post for emphasis. But in this Interruption, I’ve left the focal thought for the end. It needs some build-up to make sense, so let’s read about Saul, David, Spiritual Warfare, and then the Psalms!
Psalms On Saturday ~ Psalms and Spiritual Warfare! Read More »
Psalm 74 depicts the consequences of sin. Walk through the awful ruins of the city; see how the enemy has destroyed your sanctuary (v. 3, NLT). God chose Israel and the Jews as His land and His people. It’s the only land and people that God has chosen in history. Now, with the Babylonians destroying
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We find angels mentioned in the Psalms about 15 times (either directly or by my inference). Two of my favorite verses are. . . The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them (Psalm 34:7, ESV). and For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways (Psalm 91:11).
Guardian Angels in the Psalms Read More »
Every day I will bless you and praise your name forever and ever (Psalm 145:2, ESV). The word “praise” is found 150 times in the 150 Psalms in the Old Testament. The words “psalm” and “song” can be used interchangeably, with all the Psalms set to music, though we no longer know what that music
Psalms On Saturday ~ Praise in Psalms Read More »
Psalm 149 seems discordant to me. Let’s read a verse from the beginning of the Psalm and then two verses from the end of the chapter to see if you understand my dilemma. Praise the Lord! Sing to the Lord a new song. Sing his praises in the assembly of the faithful (v. 1, NLT). Let the praises
Psalms On Saturday ~ Psalm 149 Read More »
For your name’s sake, O Lord, preserve my life! In your righteousness bring my soul out of trouble! (Psalm 143:11, ESV) Psalm 143 is unique. It lists a step-by-step process of freedom from discouragement. As a pastor for 49 years, when dealing with a follower of Jesus depressed by a life situation, I felt my best advice would
Psalms On Saturday ~ Psalm 143 Read More »