REFUGE devotions in the psalms

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For countless generations, the Psalms have served as the expres-sion of worship, prayer and praise for God’s people in all cultures and circumstances. They have also given voice to the universal emotions of pain, longing, doubt and even despair—emotions be-lievers everywhere wrestle with regularly. Perhaps no book has seen more use throughout Christianity than the book of Psalms. While all Scripture is God’s word, there are perhaps several reasons why the Psalms hold such enduring value for believers.

RELEVANCE

First, the Psalms are entirely relevant for modern-day life. When we read the Psalms, we often feel as though they could have been writ-ten this past week—so timely are the thoughts, fears and feelings expressed within them. So Martin Luther remarked, “The Psalter is the favorite book of all the saints.… [Each person], whatever his cir-cumstances may be, finds in the psalms ...words which are appro-priate to the circumstances in which he finds himself and meet his needs as adequately as if they were composed exclusively for his sake, and in such a way that he himself could not improve on them nor find or desire any better psalms or words.” As you journey through the Psalms you will find that far from being “alone,” you are on familiar ground, standing with believers who themselves have rejoiced and laughed, mourned and cried, trusted and doubted. We desperately need a book like this in our personal de-votional lives.

EMOTION

Second, the Psalms are very useful in expressing and sanctifying our daily emotions. Because we are fallen emotional beings we must recognize the need for daily emotional renewal into the likeness of Christ. The psalms are saturated through and through with emotion. As the early church leader Athanasius noted, “the Psalms have a unique place in the Bible because most of the Scripture speaks to us, while the Psalms speak for us.” It gives us an emotional vocabu-lary and aids us in expressing the deepest fears and desires we have as we seek to live lives of faith. Most of the psalms attributed to David were written not when he was fruitfully reigning as king of

Preface: The Value of the Psalms

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Israel, but rather on the run, fearing for his life. In times of suffer-ing, anxiety or depression, the Psalms offer us the very words for prayer and praise.

WORSHIP Third, the Psalms teach us how to worship. Worship is often some-thing thought of as a corporate-only event, and indeed the Psalms have always been used fruitfully this way. They inform us on how to sing praise (Ps. 96), how to confess our sin (Ps. 32), how to call on God for help throughout the day (Ps. 86) ), and how to hide God’s Word in our hearts (Ps 119). The Psalms also help us to worship in Jesus Christ, because they point us to Jesus . Jesus made a point to show the disciples on the road to Emmaus how all of Scripture per-tained to himself, referencing the psalms in particular (Lu. 24).

Each day this devotional offers a psalm for your reading, reflection and prayer. Take time to read the psalm in its entirety, then con-sider the “Reflection” portion as a means of digging deeper in wor-ship and wonder. Don’t feel burdened by the need to look up every additional scripture reference under this section; they are there for your additional understanding, but the devotion stands on the psalm itself. The “Prayer” sections guide you in your effort to apply the psalm to your personal life, as well as some aspect of our church’s life. Do not get discouraged if you miss a day or more, just pick up where you left off. I have purposefully left the devotional undated for this reason. Simply seek the Lord, with no sense of guilt or obli-gation, but rather with a sense of anticipation and rest. Pastor Josh

A Note on How to Use This Devotional

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Day 1 Psalm 1

Reflection Spend some quiet moments reading and reflecting on Psalm 1. This psalm is a "wisdom psalm" that contrasts two very different life-styles and their outcomes. In some ancient copies this psalm ap-pears unnumbered, possibly designating it as a prologue or preface to the entire book. How would you describe the lifestyle of the righteous in con-

trast to the wicked in verses 1-2? What significance do you see in the progression from “walking”

to “standing” to finally “sitting?” What word pictures does the psalmist provide in verses 3-4 to

contrast the outcomes of both lifestyles? What promise is the Lord making to the righteous in verses 5-

6? In Psalm 14:3 the psalmist declares, "There is no one who does good, not even one." We are to strive for righteousness in this life, but we will never "stand in the judgment" on the basis of the good things we have done. In what ways can you see that Jesus is the only one who lived the truly righteous life depicted in this Psalm? (see John 8:46) Prayer Take some time in prayer to thank God for his work of salvation in your life, which includes both justifying you and sanctifying you –making you more like His Son, Jesus. Can you look back on a year ago and see how God has been transforming your desires, thoughts and choices to be more pleasing to him, and more fruitful for you (v. 3)? Pray that the children of our church would grow up to be like trees that have strong roots in God’s Word. Pray for our 1st and 2nd Grade Sunday School class taught by Chris & Erin Carrow & Steve & Ruth Burton. Pray that these teachers would be strengthened to serve and teach these young students about the God who blesses those who delight in Him.

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Day 2 Psalm 3

Reflection Read and consider the prayer of King David in Psalm 3. This psalm is a "psalm of trust" in the Lord's unfailing protection. The title at-tached to this psalm reveals it was written during the time of Absa-lom’s conspiracy to overthrow his father as King (2 Samuel 15-18). In v. 6, David confidently affirms, "I will not be afraid of many

thousands of people who have set themselves against me all around." Search this psalm intently to see if you can discern the secret of David's confidence.

David declared, "I lay down and slept; I woke again, for the Lord sustained me" (v. 5). Have you ever recognized that sleep is a true gift from God? “He gives to his beloved sleep.” (Ps. 127). What circumstances in your life threaten your sleep? What are you anxious about today?

Prayer Take time to pray for greater faith—to believe the promise of God that He is always with you, and will never leave or forsake you. Je-sus is the true King, to which David’s reign pointed ultimately. But Jesus is also called the Prince of Peace. Ask the Prince of Peace to fill you with the awareness of His presence today. Pray also for the parents and children of our church family who have been suffering with disease or disability for a long time. Pray for those who are grieving the loss of loved ones this past year by name.

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Day 3 Psalm 6

Reflection Take time to read Psalm 6. Notice the overall thrust—a plea for God’s forgiveness in a time of great peril and suffering. David asks God to not be angry with him, but rather to be gracious. He also makes known to God his suffering, his tears, and his heartache. Are you tempted to view times of suffering as God’s judgment in

your life? What is the difference between God’s anger and God’s loving discipline?

In v. 3, David asks, “How long?” Do you feel that God is late in answering your desire for answers?

How can David’s honesty in v. 4-7 instruct our prayers during similar times of despair?

In v. 8-9, David expresses his confidence that God has heard him, and accepts him. Do you struggle believing (in your heart, not just theologically) that God hears you and accepts you? If so, why?

Prayer Pray that God would strengthen your faith to not only sing his praise, but express your doubts and fears in prayer. Pray for a deeper peace about God’s acceptance of you through the union you have with His son, Jesus Christ. Pray for our missionaries, Scott & Meghan Dillon serving in Peru, as they seek to preach this message of acceptance and love in Christ to those who rely on their own righteousness for acceptance.

“Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.” - Corrie ten Boom

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Day 4 Psalm 7

Reflection Read the psalm, and notice how seemingly-harsh the concept of God’s justice strikes us. The picture is of God’s righteousness con-trasted with that of sinful men like Cush the Benjamite, (possibly referring to Absalom, who is seeking David’s life for no just reason). The word pictures of God’s anger at sin, and action to eliminate it are very strong in verses 12-16 especially. Why do we shrink away from this type of language? Consider

some of this week’s headlines and the horror of those who com-mit atrocities; is it not fitting to call on God to bring an end to such evil?

Notice that David does not seek to take vengeance into his own hands, recognizing that he too is a sinner. Instead he takes “refuge” in God.

A.W. Tozer said, “We take refuge from God in God.” How does the coming of Christ change our understanding of “taking ref-uge” in God?

Prayer Take some time to pray for the will of God to be done on earth as it is in heaven; a prayer that will necessarily ask for the conquering of evil intentions and evil schemes. Pray this for your children’s school, your own family, and for the church. Thank God for His being a “refuge” for those who seek Him.

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Day 5 Psalm 13

Reflection Meditate on Psalm 13. This is a "psalm of lament" in which David is crying out for deliverance, perhaps from some illness that threatens his life (vs. 3). David is wrestling with the age-old dilemma of faith: “Why do bad things happen to God’s people?” Many philosophers and thinkers have called this the problem of evil, which goes like this: “If God is all-loving, why does He allow me to suffer?” and “If God is all-powerful, why doesn’t He act to end my pain?” What words summarize David’s emotions in v. 1-2? When was

the last time you could identify with these feelings? Based on v. 5-6, how would you respond to the statement that

"only those of weak faith feel abandoned by God"? What does the psalmist appeal to in v. 6 that brings confidence

amidst his pain? Perhaps the bigger question behind this psalm is why does God al-low us to feel forgotten for a time? It’s been said that if ‘time flies when you’re having fun’ then it crawls on all fours when you’re in pain. Does this fit your paradigm of a loving and gracious God? If we understand God is our greatest “good,” then we can begin to see how suffering during God’s silence benefits us. It makes us long for our greatest good. Prayer Perhaps God is “silent” in your life right now. Can God trust you with that silence? Will you still praise Him? A devotional writer once wrote, “God will give you the blessings you ask if you will not go any further without them; but His silence is the sign that He is bring-ing you into a marvelous understanding of Himself.”

Pray that God will strengthen your faith to endure His silence, and yet praise Him. Pray for those you may know of who are likewise waiting on God for answers, that their confidence might grow.

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Day 6 Psalm 19

Reflection Take some time to savor Psalm 19. This is a "hymn of praise" that praises God for the way he has revealed himself in the created world and through his Word. The psalmist uses very vivid language to speak of the glory of creation, and how it teaches us more about our God. There is a lot of confusion among Christians over whether this world is of any value or not, but there is no doubt that despite the curse of sin, God’s creation is essentially still good. The bible doesn’t teach that the earth is a mere ‘setting’ for our lives to go on their way. In Romans 8:20-21 Paul, speaking of the final state of glory, de-clares that “the creation was subjected to futility…in hope that the creation itself will be delivered from the bondage of corruption and brought into the glorious liberty of the children of God.” In other words, the creation will experience a redemption similar to our own redemption—restoration into perfection. What difference does it make to know that this created world—

the trees, skies, oceans, woodlands, and all creatures, reveal something of God’s glory?

Consider how many times Jesus referenced creation in order to teach us spiritual truths about our Father in Heaven (wind, lil-ies, bread, seeds, fruit, birds, ants, water, sheep, hens, rivers, mountains, etc.)

Prayer Prayerfully commit to spending less time in front of screens and more time outdoors, taking in the splendor and handiwork of God’s creation. Pray for balanced wisdom on how to be a better steward of God’s creation. Children are often very observant making the younger years a prime time to nurture an appreciation for God’s world. Pray for our 4s & Ks Sunday School Class taught by Linda Crossland, Joanne Ford, and Tammie Kanich. Pray that the students in this class would see and love the God of all creation, who made them unique and gave them a world to enjoy.

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Day 7 Psalm 27

Reflection Read Psalm 27. Here we have a window into the soul not only of David, but of all who walk by faith in a world filled with dangers. The Lord is David’s “light” (v. 1): have you considered the

power of this oft-used metaphor for God? Think of a completely dark room; in such a room, even a little light will suffice. While we don’t always see God’s hand, we can trust His heart in the darkness. See Jn. 8:12, then consider Mt. 5:14!

Look at v. 4-5. It is the very presence of God that brings the peace of God amid the enemies and chaos of life. True peace must be given, not gotten; received, not just believed. The only way that happens is by “hiding” ourselves in His presence regu-larly. How might your lack of peace speak to a lack of being in His presence regularly?

The supreme statement comes in v. 13: “I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.” There are two approaches to our Christian life. One is that we will believe it when we see it. The other is believing in order that we may see it. The former is not the kind of faith Jesus calls us to. The latter—believing in order that we may see—most certainly is. We often muse that had we just a moment of actually seeing

Jesus, or some miracle of God, our faith would increase. The Scriptures not only debunk this myth (see the entire OT), but Jesus likewise declared to Thomas, who insisted on seeing, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” I

In what ways are you walking by sight in your life, insisting God “prove” something to you?

Prayer “The goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.” Ask God to increase your faith in His goodness in the land of your family, the land of your workplace, and the lands beyond these shores , through missions. “Faith is believing what we do not see, and the reward for this kind of

faith is to see what we believe.” - St. Augustine

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Day 8 Psalm 23

Reflection Meditate on Psalm 23. This psalm is a well known and loved "psalm of testimony" in which David speaks of God's shepherd-like care in his life. The shepherding allusions are undoubtedly drawn from the days David spent tending flocks for his father Jesse. There is so much here, we may consider only a few points, namely, the minis-tries of God as our Shepherd: The ministry of rest: “He makes me lie down in green pastures.”

How does God offer us rest? Read Mt. 11:28-30. The ministry of protection: “You prepare a table before me in the

presence of my enemies.” It is a great thing to be led by "still wa-ters" and into "green pastures" but a greater thing still to be seated at the table "in the presence of my enemies" - whether they be afflictions, persecutions or the devil himself. God’s pres-ence is our protection.

The ministry of the shadow: “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death.” Only the youngest, most uncer-tain little child is afraid of a shadow, mistaking it for the thing itself. We know that in Christ, death has been swallowed up in victory (1 Cor. 15), and that only the shadow remains. We need not fear it, for “you are with me.” We can face the reality of our own funeral someday knowing that we too will “dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

Prayer How little faith we have in the valleys, in the shadows. Ask God to help you take advantage of the times of “still waters” and “green pastures” now, so that in the “valleys” you can walk with confidence and hope. Pray for those at Crossroads dealing with serious illness, and those with relatives fighting disease. Ask that the very presence of their Shepherd-God be real to them.

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Day 9 Psalm 25

Reflection Read Psalm 25, taking notice of the theme of “shame” (v. 1, 3, 20). Everyone has had the nightmare of going to school or work having forgotten to put on the appropriate clothes. The fear of shame is powerful, making its way even into our dreams. Real shame comes from being exposed as the sinners we are. But God knows who we really are, and still He calls us friends. Charles Spurgeon once said, "Though you are ashamed of yourself, Jesus is not ashamed of you.” In Christ, we know that not only has the punishment of our sin been dealt with, but the shame of guilt has been conquered as well. Look at v. 7: to what does David appeal as a motive for God for-

giving him his sin? Look at v. 14, where David speaks of "the friendship of the Lord.”

Jesus said that we are no longer called “servants” but “friends” (Jn. 15:15). How often we talk of "serving the Lord," and how infrequently of "friendship with God." What difference does it make to think of yourself as a friend of God, and not simply a servant?

Friendship is especially treasured by those who are “lonely” (v. 16). If you feel lonely, how does the friendship of God offer hope amidst the loneliness? (Consider Heb. 4:15 as you meditate).

Prayer We do well to meditate on the loneliness of Christ, who was not merely crucified for our sin, but lived as the “man of sorrows,” and is therefore able to sympathize with our pains and shame. Nobody has known grief like our Lord. Nobody has felt sorrow like our Lord. Perhaps you have been betrayed. Possibly you have been wrongly accused. Maybe you have watched “friends” shrink back, even disappear when things got dark in your life. Tell it to the “man of sorrows,” who knows where you are, and will never leave you.

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Day 10 Psalm 32

Reflection Prayerfully read Psalm 32. Psalm 32 is a "penitential psalm,” a psalm of confession. It’s possible that the occasion for this psalm may have been David’s adulterous affair with Bathsheba and the murder of her husband, Uriah the Hittite (2 Samuel 11). The psalm reveals in poetic ways the contrast between the one who confesses their sin, and the one who avoids confession. What are the adverse effects of living with unconfessed sin in v.

3-4? What counsel and assurance does the psalmist give those who

are laden with guilt in v. 5? What does the forgiven, trusting soul gain in v. 6-11? Notice the word “covered” appears in two very different ways. First, in v. 1, “blessed is the one... whose sin is covered.” That’s passive voice, meaning, the sin has been covered by something, or someone else. Then a few verses later, the psalmist says “I did not cover my iniquity” (v. 5). When we confess, we “uncover,” and ask God to do the “covering.” The word “atonement” carries this very idea of cov-ering. God covers our sin by His grace, through the death of Christ. But so often we seek to do this “covering” ourselves. For the unbe-liever, the whole of life is a “covering” one’s tracks. For the believer, the “blessed” (v. 1-2), this shouldn’t be so. We can uncover our sin before God and others through confession, knowing with certainty that our sin is covered by God Himself. So Paul quotes these words in Romans 4:6-8, referring to the blessing that comes from being “covered” in Christ. Prayer “Let everyone who is godly offer prayer to you at a time when you may be found.” (v. 6) Are you hiding something? Some sin that you know as a believer should be “uncovered?” Are you suffering the effects of unconfessed sin, the way David did for a time? Confess your sin, with the confi-dence that comes from knowing that in Christ, your sin is no longer held against you.

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Day 11 Psalm 36

Reflection Consider Psalm 36. Much of what disturbs David here troubles so many of us today, centuries later: the schemes and actions of the wicked. Notice the features of the one who works evil: they don’t consider God; they imagine themselves to be “something;” they fail to purposefully move away from evil. Nobody realizes their poten-tial for evil all at once, it is a process. Just as there is a progression towards evil, there is a need to continually move toward God as a process in our lives. Remembering God’s steadfast love regularly is one way; spending time in devotional reading like this is yet an-other. Consider a few aspects of this psalm: God is a refuge for us, and is pictured here as a mother hen who

guards her chicks under her wings; what emotions does this word picture evoke for you? (see Lu. 13:34)

David goes on: “They feast on the abundance of your house, and you give them drink from the river of your delights.” Food and meals are powerful things; what emotions do you feel when you sit down with family to a great meal? Imagine that spiritually, with Christ as your host. (see Rev. 19)

Prayer Consider v. 11. We need no candle to see the sun, we see it by its own radiance, and then see everything else by the same luster. We never see Jesus by the light of self, but self in the light of Jesus. If we’re honest, there are aspects of our lives that overlap with those of the wicked. That is what makes the ability to run to our God such a sweet reality; when we feel our need we will go to the One who meets our need in every way. Ask God to increase your desire to see yourself by the light of His Word. Pray God would keep the real-ity of His fatherly love before you . Pray also for the Crosswalk Student Ministry and its leaders. Ask God to make Himself real to our teens, and to strengthen the lead-ers who seek to model the love of Jesus for these students.

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Day 12 Psalm 42 & 43

Reflection Take some time to meditate on Psalm 42 and 43—most likely one unified psalm according to many scholars. Have you ever found yourself during your day stopping, and asking yourself, “Why am I so down today? What’s troubling me?” There is a sense of that throughout this psalm— “why are you downcast O my soul?” (42:5, 11 & 43:5). Here the psalmist is lamenting oppression by his ene-mies, which has resulted in his being cut off from the house of God (v. 2-4). While we do not need a temple to worship, we can still feel dis-

tant from God—usually the root of spiritual despondency. In v. 4 and v. 5, the psalmist “remembers” as part of dealing with his depression. How does remembering God’s past faithfulness lift your spirit when things look bleak?

In v. 1-2 we find the word that depicts the desire of the soul: thirst! We often refer to spiritual “dryness” in a similar way. Now prayerfully consider Jesus’ words: “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink.” (Jn. 7:37)

Again we see in this psalm of lament that God not only allows, but desires we come to him with our complaints of faith. What has you downcast this day? Take it to Christ in prayer.

Prayer Philippians 4:6 says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every-thing by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God ….” Thanksgiving is a critical part of spiritual health, and a counterforce to anxiety and spiritual depression. Take time today to simply give thanks for: Your family Your employment Your health Your church Your salvation Any and everything else

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Day 13 Psalm 49

Reflection Read and reflect on Psalm 49. Much of this final psalm of the sons of Korah sounds like the musings of the Preacher in Ecclesiastes: death waits for no man, and in the end nobody takes anything they accumulated with them. The story is told of how Alexander the Great, ancient conqueror of the known world one day came across the philosopher Diogenes. Diogenes was staring attentively at a heap of bones. "What are you looking for?" asks Alexander. "Something that I cannot find" replied Diogenes. "And what might that be?” asked Alexander. Diogenes answered, "The difference be-tween your father’s bones and those of his slaves.” Even the great and wealthy die, and while all perish, not all have the ability to proclaim v. 15 with confidence: “God will ransom my soul from the power of Sheol, for he will receive me.” Sheol in the OT was the symbol of death and the grave. Think of

how much more you can express the words of this verse in light of the victory of Christ over death and the grave (read 1 Cor. 15).

Think back to Psalm 23, and notice some contrasts between the righteous there, and the wicked (self-reliant) here:

“their graves are their homes forever” (v. 11) compared with “I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever (Ps. 23:6)

“death shall be their shepherd” (v. 15) compared with “The Lord is my shepherd”

In what ways is your life more concentrated on increasing the glory of your house (v. 16) or increasing your own self-worth (v. 20) than it ought to be as a child of God?

Prayer Take time today to worship the God who has swallowed up death in victory. Prayerfully consider your own funeral. A seemingly morbid exercise becomes a way of refocusing our lives and what really counts in the end.

“Happy is he that always hath the hour of his death before his eyes and daily prepareth himself to die." - Thomas à Kempis

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Day 14 Psalm 55

Reflection Read and consider this psalm by David. Notice that David’s heart is heavy over a few specific things:

The burden of evil's apparent triumph (v. 3, 10-11) The burden of betrayal by a friend (v. 12-14)

Often when problems overwhelm us we wish to simply run away from it all and escape. We sympathize with David who says, “Oh, that I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and be at rest; yes, I would wander far away; I would lodge in the wilderness. I would hurry to find a shelter from the raging wind and tempest.” We don’t have to physically run away in order to end up avoiding our prob-lems. Often God’s people try to occupy themselves with busyness, mindless entertainment, food, drink or some other empty comfort. Look at v. 16, and at v. 22: what does David finally decide to do

instead of running away? Consider Jesus’ words in Mt. 11:28-30. How do they help us to

cast our cares upon God with confidence? In what ways does God actually sustain the child who casts

their cares upon Him? Prayer Saints of a bygone era used to speak of “rolling it back onto God.” That’s what we are to do; cast our burden upon the Lord. We may be shaken, but we will never be moved out of our place—our place in His family, or our place in His book of eternal life. Take time to-day to cast any and all pressing cares upon God! Pray also for our missionaries in London, England—Matt & Jenn Irvine—as they minister to South Asians in the outskirts of the city. Pray for continued faithfulness and fruitfulness as they hold out the good news about a God who carries our burdens, and does away with our sin to those who know nothing of Christ, many hearing of Him for the first time.

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Day 15 Psalm 67

Reflection Consider Psalm 67. This “psalm of praise” reflects a desire for all the nations to worship the true and living God. Notice the benediction of v. 1 is familiar (Num. 6:24). To wish the blessing of God’s “face” or countenance to shine on another was the highest blessing you could pronounce. Here it is sincerely wished for all the nations. Notice the entire psalm starts with grace “May God be gracious

to us” (v. 1). This is a prayer addressed to the God of mercy, by one who feels his need of mercy. God cannot give until he for-gives. How many prayers each day are empty and vain because the heart has not started here – seeking forgiveness and clean-sing? Have you?

The psalmist seeks the blessing of God for a purpose (“so that”) expressed in v. 2. What is that purpose?

Missions is a word used to refer to the effort of believers to reach the lost with the good news. This is not a human invention, but re-flects the heart of our God. Christ was nothing if not a missionary. So the Indian missionary Henry Martyn observed, “The spirit of Christ is the spirit of missions. The nearer we get to Him, the more intensely missionary we become.” What is this psalm calling you to as a believer in the use of your

time, skills, and resources? Do you have a longing to see God’s fame spread around the

world? If not, why not? Prayer Today, there are approximately 11,000 ethnic people groups where there is no church. Yet there are over 700 evangelical churches for every one unreached people group! The Great Commission is at-tainable. Ask God to fan into flame a love for the nations, not just America. Ask God how you and your family can take up the call to “go and make disciples of all nations” that Jesus left us with. Pray also for our Missions committee as they carry out their work, and in particular for Missions Chair Denver Bartee.

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Day 16 Psalm 73

Reflection Take some time to meditate on Psalm 73. In this “psalm of testi-mony” Asaph the musician struggles with the prosperity of the wicked and the seeming futility of right living. This is an experience that countless saints have had, and still have. We think of Job, who though he was upright, suffered greatly. His friends decalred that God never allows the righteous to suffer for long, yet Job learned that this wasn’t the case. This psalm has been called by one scholar “the book of Job in a nutshell.” The thinking is familiar to us: God is good to the upright… but God, you don’t appear to always be good to the upright! The notion that right living must be rewarded will always lead to despair, and the words of v. 4-15 reflect this. When we see how those who care nothing for God prosper with seeming ease, it makes us feel the whole of life is some sort of futile joke. Where does Asaph find relief from the weary task of thinking

about this apparent injustice (v. 16-17)? How does that instruct you in how you ought to handle similar feelings and thoughts?

What does Asaph come to understand about the wicked in verses 18-20?

Attempt to rewrite or paraphrase v. 23-26 in your own words as a prayer of confidence.

Prayer God doesn’t seek to explain Himself to us. There is a great deal of mystery in this life. Ask God to show you how much you’ve commit-ted the mistake of believing that He always rewards the righteous in this life. Ask Him to give you the perspective of Asaph: “Nevertheless, I am continually with you; you hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but you?” Pray also for our missionaries the Shaw family as they serve North India. Pray God’s blessings for Isaac, Gloria, Sarah and Isaac Jr. as they serve with Delhi Bible Institute, and for Gloria Jr. and Myriam studying at college here in the States at Cedarville.

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Day 17 Psalm 84

Reflection Take a few quiet moments to read over Psalm 84. This psalm is re-ferred to as a “pilgrim song” because it reveals the deep desire and devotion of the psalmist on his way to Jerusalem in commemora-tion of one of Israel’s annual feasts. As you read it, knowing that our worship of God is not in one place, but “in Spirit and truth,” con-sider the fact that we too are pilgrims in this world, journeying to the ultimate destination—the new Jerusalem (1 Pet. 2:11). Look at v. 3-4, and consider the sparrow. If you tear down a

sparrow's nest the little bird will build again in the same place. However, if you pull it down several times, she will seek a new location—a shelter higher up—where it will be less vulnerable. We are not always so wise. Have you ignored the call to “go higher” and place your security in God alone?

The valley of Baca (v. 6) was known as the “valley of tears,” probably due to the undrinkable waters that flowed through this arid terrain. What does the psalmist’s faith enable him to do while passing through this difficult stretch of terrain?

As Christian pilgrims we can use this psalm to praise God until we “each appear before God in Zion.” Of course we have the heavenly Zion in mind (Hebrews 12:22). Take a moment to think through the significance of v. 10.

Prayer Perhaps you are in a particularly difficult part of your “pilgrimage” to your final destination—the very presence of God. The destina-tion is secure, as is your arrival, but perhaps you are in need of some “fresh springs” in the desert. Ask God to send comfort to you today. If you are not in the desert, pray for those around you that you know are. Remember God’s past faithfulness as you anticipate his present help. Pray also for missionaries to West Africa: Calvin & Susan Jett, Frank & Cindy Sindler, Nathanael & ? Adawanu. Ask God to bless their church planting work with peace and the right kind of success. Pray also for safety and endurance in the face of persecution for the pas-tors in West Africa.

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Day 18 Psalm 90

Reflection Read Psalm 90. This “psalm of lament” is a prayer of Moses. Here the majesty and eternal nature of God are contrasted with the sin-fulness and frailty of man. Throughout the psalms there is a willing-ness to focus on how brief our lives are, as a means of gaining godly perspective. Near the town of Shiraz, in Iran, there is a small tomb belonging to Cyrus, the 6th century B.C. ruler of Persia., with the inscription: "Man, whosoever you are, and whenever you come, be-cause I know that you will come, I tell you that I am the emperor Cyrus, and that I conquered for the Persians the dominion of the world. Please leave me at least with this little piece of land that cov-ers my body." His tomb has been plundered. No matter what glory we have in this life, we are only here for a

brief moment compared to God’s eternal nature. Often this brings a sense of despair, but how can this fact bring you en-couragement?

What do you think it means to “number our days” rightly when none of us knows the day or hour of our death? How does it ap-ply to the use of your money? The use of your time? The way we treat your relationships?

Prayer We often ask God to bless some endeavor or effort of ours (v. 17), without first “numbering our days.” Understanding how brief our time here is helps us live with wisdom and work with godly effort. Take time today to prayerfully consider that phrase “from everlast-ing to everlasting you are God.” Pray also for our 2s & 3s Sunday school class and teachers: Beth Chipriano, Jenn Seda and Danielle Gerber. Pray that these youngest students would learn of the everlasting God and trust Him even now.

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Day 19 Psalm 91

Reflection Read Psalm 91. Consider what a difference there is between one who visits, and one who abides or dwells. Some places are wonder-ful to visit, but you would never want to live there. Other places—well, you have no problem imagining the joy and beauty of living there all the time. Here the psalmist states that the blessing is on those who dwell in the shadow of the Almighty as their refuge. How often we simply visit, and that for only a few minutes here or there throughout the week. Practically, what does it mean to “dwell” versus visit God? Consider the phrase: “the shadow of the Almighty" and the

emotions/images it would bring to mind to a people who lived in a hot and sunny climate. What does that communicate to us about God’s presence?

Satan quoted v. 11-12 during his temptation of Jesus in the wil-derness (Lu. 4). There, Satan twisted the promise to imply that no worldly harm could ever befall anyone God loved. What is and isn’t being promised in this psalm to us, God’s children?

Prayer Imagine the relief that comes from the shadow of building or tree during an intensely hot day. Realize that God is that shadow for the soul; a refuge from the heat of the pressing crises and challenges of your life, and a shelter from the onslaught of temptations. Ask God to make you willing to commit to more time in prayer and commun-ion; to become one who not only visits, but dwells in His presence. Pray also for our Jr. and Sr. High Sunday school teachers—Steve Christophel, Brian Lee, Reggie & Krissy Jefferson, as they hold out the truth of God to our teens each and every Sunday. Pray they too would dwell in the shadow of the Almighty.

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Day 20 Psalm 100

Reflection Read Psalm 100. This “psalm of thanksgiving” calls on God’s people to express their gratitude to God. Many hymns and choruses have been written based on “the old hundredth” psalm. What are we to be giving thanks for specifically according to the

Psalmist? What should be the key features of our worship, according to v.

1 and v. 4? The act of singing holds a favored status within the psalms. The early church leader John Chrysostom observed, “When God saw that many men were lazy, and gave themselves only with difficulty to spiritual reading, He wished to make it easy for them, and added the melody to the prophet's words, that all being rejoiced by the charm of the music should sing to Him with gladness." Why do you think singing is so important for God’s people? What does this teach us about the importance of participating

in corporate times of worship singing on Sunday morning? How to Pray: Do you sing or simply listen to others sing? Ask God to loosen your voice as the instrument of praise, even if it is nothing more than a “joyful noise.” Take time during prayer to sing—pick any hymn or song that exalts Christ and ushers you into His presence.

"Let those refuse to sing Who never knew our God;

But favorites of the heavenly king Must speak his praise abroad." - Isaac Watts

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Day 21 Psalm 103

Reflection Meditate on Ps. 103. The grace and tender mercy of God are all throughout this psalm. Often we think of the Christian life as a march—one foot in front of the other, never to fall out of line, and suffering the rebuke of a drill-sergeant-like God if we do. Here David, a man who knew what it was to sin deeply, pictures a differ-ent God—like a father who “shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him. For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust.” (v. 13-14). What confidence do you gain in remembering that God consid-

ers our weakness and proclivity to sin, and yet still shows com-passion? (see Heb. 4:15-16)

Imagine in your mind the uttermost eastern and uttermost western point in the world. It’s difficult to put into one mental picture! Then consider v. 12: “as far as the east is from the west, so far does He remove our transgressions from us.”

Meditate on the actions of God toward his children found in v. 3-5: forgives, heals, redeems, crowns, satisfies. Let the pure mercy of God’s actions grip you as you meditate.

God has called us to live in freedom as those whose lives have been redeemed from the pit of sin and self. We ought to see our lives as more of a dance than a march, with mistakes, yes, but also with the ability to grow in our love and obedience as we catch more of the “music” of God’s love. The great reformer Martin Luther once spoke of our need to live boldly this way: “If grace is true, you must bear a true and not a fictitious sin. God does not save people who are only fictitious sinners. Be a sinner and sin boldly, but believe and rejoice in Christ even more boldly. For he is victorious over sin, death, and the world.” Prayer Thank God for his merciful actions in your life. Confess your sin boldly knowing that he “does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities.”

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Day 22 Psalm 110

Reflection Take time to savor Psalm 110. In its immediate context, this was psalm of David would assure a newly installed king of divine guid-ance and protection (which historical king, nobody is quite sure.) This king functions with God’s authority in his reign (v. 1). The psalmist also declares that this individual will function not only as king, but as priest as well (v. 4). However, there was no king that officially functioned also as a priest in Israel’s history, and this is why the New Testament writers understood this psalm to be pro-phetically pointing to the Priest-King Jesus Christ. No psalm is quoted more often in the New Testament than this one. In Matthew 22:41-46, Jesus refers to v. 1 of this psalm to show that David “speaking by the Spirit,” was pointing prophetically to One who was higher even than he; speaking of Jesus Himself. Peter like-wise references v. 1 in his Pentecost sermon to declare the supreme Lordship of Jesus. Finally, the author of Hebrews makes use of this psalm to show that Jesus, superior to all angels, prophets, kings, priests, sits at the right hand of God the Father as both priest and king (Heb. 5—8). What is the significance of Jesus as King? What is the significance of Jesus as Priest? Romans 8:24 tells us that Christ, as Priest, is at the right hand of

God interceding for you even now. Robert Murray McCheyne declared, “If I could hear Christ praying for me in the next room, I would not fear a million enemies. Yet the distance makes no dif-ference; He is praying for me!” What difference does it make in the midst of your current struggle or trial?

Prayer Usually at Christmas more than other times of the year we focus on the fact that Christ was the fulfillment of the prophecies of the Old Testament—Israel’s promised Messiah and the hope of nations. We do well to always remember that Christ is the fulfillment of all God promised in the Old Testament. Thank Him for His faithfulness. Pray also for our worship team as they exalt Christ each week.

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Day 23 Psalm 111

Reflection Prayerfully read Psalm 111. The psalmist speaks about God’s works—his provision, his power, his redemption. Yet it can go un-noticed and disregarded by us if we are not careful. So v. 10 in-structs us, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” All that our lives consist of must begin with God, or we have already started on the proverbially ‘wrong foot.’ “I am the Alpha” means that He alone is the only sure beginning. One devotional writer put it well: “The Lord will not write an appendix to a volume about which He has never been consulted.” Consider how you normally begin your day. While there is no

law regarding our time in the presence of God, does it not make sense that we ought to commit our affairs and activities into His hands when we rise, not just when we retire? (See Ps. 5:3; Ps. 63; Ps. 90:14; Mk. 1:35).

Meditate on the various areas or spheres of your life in which you are comfortable “going alone” without seeking God. Usually these are areas where we feel comfortable in our abilities, gifts and experience.

Prayer Instead of thinking about rising to pray, think about rising to meet and talk with your soul’s true friend. He alone is the source of wis-dom, and too often we find our day went wrong right from the be-ginning. Ask God to strengthen your will to rise and meet with Him if at all possible. Our gracious God always strengthens the will that is willing. Pray also for our pastors—Jim and Josh. Pray God would draw them into ever deeper lives of prayer and communion with Him, that they would fulfill their roles as shepherds and examples in the strength God provides. Pray they would never let “ministry” be-come synonymous with Christ!

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Day 24 Psalm 61

Reflection Read Psalm 61. We have a treasure in this psalm which reveals to us how, where and when we ought to pray to our Heavenly Father.

How? “Hear my cry, O God” Children can cry out long before they can articulate words and form thoughts in language. And that cry is immediately a call to action for a parent. So too with our heavenly Father: “...you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” This is not so often an actual cry (though we ought to train ourselves to cry out "Abba" more often). Many times it is a feeble heart cry, a sighing, a groaning. But your groans are as shouts in God’s ears and God is quick to hear the sigh of your heart. “The best prayers often have more groans than words.” - John Bunyan Where? “From the end of the earth” We are as near the throne of grace in one place as in another, and often when we are removed from that which is comfortable and familiar we find ourselves longing for companionship and comfort. “Before they call I will answer; while they are yet speak-ing I will hear.” (Isa. 65:24) When? “When my heart is faint” We are often upset, depressed or otherwise troubled. Prayer is necessary at these times (“pray without ceasing”). But when our hearts faint from the heat and intensity of our circumstances, we ought to cry out to our Heavenly Father. “Call upon me in the day of trouble.” In our desperation we ought to come shame-lessly and ask for help (Lu. 11:5-13), the way a child comes without thought of past wrongs, and asks for help in the mo-ment of pain or fear.

Prayer Again the theme of refuge is found. Pray the very words of the psalmist today: “Lead me to the rock that is higher than I, for you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the enemy….Let me take refuge under the shelter of your wings!”

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Day 25 Psalm 115

Reflection Read Psalm 115. The opening words serve as the title of well-known Latin hymn, Non Nobis Domine (“not to us O Lord”). How often it seems it is our own glory we’re after—whether at work, in the home, or amongst our peers (real or virtual). Our culture is ob-sessed with fame for this reason. In his poem “Non Nobis Domine” Rudyard Kipling wrote:

And we confess our blame— How all too high we hold That noise which men call Fame, That dross which men call Gold.

While the circumstances surrounding this psalm are unknown, clearly there is the threat of other nations potentially wiping out God’s people, and the psalmist calls upon Israel to remember that God is their “help and shield,” and that ultimately, it is God’s glory at stake. Something that runs throughout the psalms is the beautiful truth that while we oftentimes forget God, He remembers us (v. 12). In verses 4-8 we are shown the foolishness of idolatry. What are the idols you give your strength to instead of God?

Comfort? “When I fed them, they were satisfied; when they were satisfied, they became proud; then they forgot me.” (Hos. 13:6)

Mindless entertainment? “They wandered over mountain and hill and forgot their own resting place.” (Jer. 50:6)

Other people? Who are you that you are afraid of man who dies….and have forgotten the LORD, your Maker.” (Isa. 51:12)

Prayer Confess to God that you often forget Him, and confess your devo-tion to the false gods of our culture. Thank Him that He remembers you, and stands ready to restore your soul. Pray also for our 3 & 4th Grade teachers Patty Warner & Tim Sen-ner, along with the 5 & 6th Grade teachers the Silvestris. Pray God will be ever before them as they prepare each week to teach our children about the God who remembers and blesses.

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Day 26 Psalm 123

Reflection Meditate on Psalm 123. This is a concise description of a soul that has learned how to wait. Something the modern man or woman hates is waiting; waiting in line, waiting for a delivery, waiting for the weekend. The verb “wait” seems like anything but a verb; it seems listless and lifeless. But to “wait on the Lord” is anything but passive idleness. Notice how it is described here: “as the eyes of servants… as the eyes of a maidservant….” The servant would atten-tively (actively) wait for the next direction their master might give with a wave of his hand. In your waiting for God to answer prayer, have you learned how

to wait in this sense—to pay careful attention to His direction in His word, and to busy yourself doing it until the next stage of revelation about your situation comes?

Notice the determination that says, ‘I will wait until the Lord our God…” Have you prayed for a season, then abandoned your waiting?

Notice also what the eyes of the one who waits on the Lord are fixed upon—the Lord Himself. How often our idea of waiting is to lower our vision, and to occupy ourselves with trivial things instead of pressing on in our waiting. A.W. Tozer was right when he said, “The faith of Christ offers no buttons to push for quick service. [We] must wait the Lord’s own time, and that is too much for the man in a hurry. He just gives up and becomes interested in something else.” Prayer How little endurance we have when it comes to waiting. Confess your impatience and self-centeredness in believing your timeframe is the one God should consult. Ask for the fruit of patience as you await answers. Remember in gratitude the patience of Christ with you, and ask for a portion of that spirit for your walk of faith.

“We shall not grow weary of waiting upon God if we remember how long and how graciously He once waited for us.” - C.H. Spurgeon

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Day 27 Psalm 126

Reflection Meditate on Psalm 126. This “psalm of ascent” seems to be related to Israel’s release from exile and their return to Jerusalem. They had been in captivity for numerous decades, and were on their way home; it was like a “dream” it was so glorious (v. 1). Yet there were many challenges that lay ahead, so the psalmist expresses his con-tinuous need for God going forward (v. 4). Nothing makes the presence of God so sweet as a time of “captivity;” of being in circumstances where the presence of God seemed utterly missing. It is said that Sir Edward Elgar, the famous English composer, once listened to a young girl singing a solo from one of his own works. She had a voice of exceptional purity, clarity and range, and almost perfect technique. When she had finished, Sir Edward said softly, “She will be really great when something hap-pens to break her heart." It is the very presence of trials that makes our worship all the more authentic. What suffering in your life has God led you through and out of,

that you too can shout for joy and sing with laughter now? How might the words in v. 5-6 offer some comfort to you in

some prolonged trial you may be facing? Prayer We must remember that God’s timing is perfect, but rarely what we would choose for ourselves. Give thanks in the midst of your strug-gles today, looking forward in faith to His deliverance. Praise and thank Him for the miracles He’s already wrought in your life. Pray also for our deacons by name. Ask God to strengthen them for service to those who are often in times of difficulty. Pray God’s ten-derheartedness would become “contagious” as they spend time in prayer and fellowship with Him.

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Day 28 Psalm 130

Reflection Read Psalm 130. Set to music, this psalm has traditionally been sung at funerals over the centuries. It is understandable, as it in-cludes such evocative words as “depths,” “iniquities,” “forgiveness,” and “redemption.” In some sense these words need few others to describe our spiritual lives from cradle to grave. Consider a few as-pects: “Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord!” - How often do we fail to

do this when we find ourselves in our own depths? When we are in the pit, we often do anything but cry out to God, yet this is precisely what we most need.

“If you O Lord marked iniquities...but” - Do you have the confi-dence that despite your sin, failure and doubt, God still longs for you to call out to Him, the One who forgives?

Meditate on the relationship between God’s forgiveness (v. 4, 7, 8) and the psalmist’s hope as he waits.

Prayer Luther, during a particularly severe trial at Coburg, and in great af-fliction, said to those around him, "Come, let us sing that Psalm, `Out of the depths, ' in derision of the devil." So often our waiting for God to act (v. 5-6) is met by the accuser, Satan telling us that God has forgotten us, or simply has bigger problems to handle. Ask God to increase your confidence in His steadfast love not only after he answers your prayer, but while you wait. Believe God to be who you knew Him to be before trials came. He is unchanging. Pray also for our elders by name, who are called to serve the con-gregation not merely as leaders, but as fellow sinners who know about the grace and mercy of God, and are seeking Him daily. Ask God’s wisdom for their decisions, and His protection over their spiritual lives.

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Day 29 Psalm 139

Reflection Prayerfully read Psalm 139. This psalm speaks to the ever-present care of God. Oftentimes children simply need to know that a parent is nearby, and their confidence to meet the new friend at the play-ground, or try a new experience seems to increase exponentially. So David’s confidence is tied to the realization of God’s presence. Con-sider v. 5: “You hem me in behind” - God is the God of our yesterdays. He

is a “rear guard” against yesterday’s sin, which can pursue us doggedly; against yesterday’s failures, which threaten our peace; against the guilt from years past, which drains our joy. Against all of these and more God is our refuge.

“You hem me in...before” - God goes out before our tomorrows and clears a path as it were. He is able to fend off anxiety about next week, fears about next month, and doubt over the years ahead.

“You...lay your hand on me” - God our Father is strong not only to save, but to steady us. His hand holds us, even when we let go. He is faithful no matter what, even in the darkest of times, because they are not dark to Him (v. 11)

Prayer God knows us better than we know ourselves. The whole of psalm affirms this. We might then be tempted to run and hide. But David instead prays, “Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!” (v. 23, 24). With confidence, pray that God would show you the areas of unbe-lief in your life. Pray he would reveal the areas of cherished sin, those things you hold on to for comfort and security instead of Him. Confess freely your unbelief, and find forgiveness. Pray also for our Men’s and Women’s bible studies this year, which are going deeper into the truth that God knows us, and yet loves us unconditionally as they work through “Gospel Identity” curriculum.

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Day 30 Psalm 146

Reflection Prayerfully read Psalm 146. This psalm of praise focuses very plainly on the fact that in this life we are to praise God. That focus is coupled with the theme of God’s care for the outcasts, prisoners, ill, and generally disregarded people of the world (v. 7-9). Remember that Jesus stood in the synagogue in Luke 4 and

stated that he was the One who had come to “proclaim good news to the poor….to proclaim liberty to the captives and recover-ing of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor.” Why do you think God’s heart beats so tenderly for the poor, captive, blind and other downtrodden people groups so clearly?

Spiritually we all find ourselves in need. Consider the following verses:

Prisoner: “before faith came, we were held captive under the law, imprisoned until the coming faith would be re-vealed” Gal. 3:23

Blind: “….the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.” 2 Cor. 4:4

Oppressed: “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Mt. 11:28-30

Isaac Watts, the pastor and hymnist, reflecting on this psalm wrote:

I’ll praise my Maker while I’ve breath; And when my voice is lost in death, Praise shall employ my nobler powers. My days of praise shall ne’er be past…

Prayer How much of your prayer life is petitioning without praising? God has delivered you from your spiritual blindness, captivity, poverty and oppression. Give Him praise for watching over you—a “sojourner” in this land, on your way to your true home.