1:3 — He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in its season and its leaf does not wither; and in whatever he does, he prospers.
God provides whatever you need when you live in submission to Him. He loves to bless His obedient children—moving out ahead of us, preparing the way, and bringing us into good and pleasant places. He doesn’t promise lack of trials but does promise eventual victory. So when the storms of adversity strike, we are perfectly secure because He is our eternal shelter.
1:5 — The wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.
Sometimes when we look around us, it seems as though God makes no distinction between the righteous and the ungodly—“He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous” (Matt. 5:45). However, we must take the long view—not judging what He will do through us by how our circumstances appear right now.
2:7 — “I will surely tell of the decree of the LORD: He said to Me, ‘You are My Son, today I have begotten You.’”
The writer of Hebrews quotes this verse to show how far superior Jesus is to angels (Heb. 1:5). Our Savior is fully one of us, even as He is fully God. We can trust Him completely (Heb. 2:14–18; 4:14–16).
2:11 — Worship the LORD with reverence and rejoice with trembling.
When we approach the Lord’s throne, do we remember who we are addressing? He is the mighty, eternal King of all creation, against whom no ruler or army can stand. He is perfect in His righteousness and unfathomable in His ways. It is out of love that our holy God calls us to worship and serve Him, but we should never forget who it is we are addressing and that He is worthy of our love and honor.
3:2 — Many are saying of my soul, “There is no deliverance for him in God.”
David wrote Psalm 3 as his son, Absalom, was attempting to usurp his throne (2 Sam. 15—18). Many believed David’s reign was over and that even God could not help him. Yet we know they were completely wrong. Doubters and skeptics are everywhere. That’s why to succeed in the Christian life, we need the church. We must surround ourselves with strong, godly believers who love and encourage us and show us how to stay faithful to our Lord.
3:5 — I lay down and slept; I awoke, for the LORD sustains me.
Every time you lie down and sleep each night—or wake up each morning—you are enjoying a good gift from God (Ps. 127:2). The Lord has given you rest for your benefit and promises to sustain you, both waking and sleeping, no matter what is going on in your life.
4:7 — You have put gladness in my heart, more than when their grain and new wine abound.
The joy of the Lord is a supernatural thing, deeper, stronger, and more resilient than any happiness derived from mere circumstances. Those without it cannot understand it, so we need to lead them to the Lord so that they can experience it for themselves.
4:8 — In peace I will both lie down and sleep, for You alone, O LORD, make me to dwell in safety.
David wrote this psalm during a time of great distress—possibly while Saul was pursuing him (1 Sam. 18—26), after Absalom’s betrayal (2 Sam. 15—18), or during the rebellion of Sheba (2 Sam. 20). The stress could have caused David to be restless and wakeful, yet he was able to sleep well because he knew the Lord would keep him safe. God wants this same kind of confidence and peace to take root in us.
Peace with God is the fruit of oneness with God.
Every now and then we do well to take stock of our situation, so I’d like to ask you to look around. What’s happening in your life and in your family?
You may not be experiencing a difficult time. From your perspective, everything may seem sunny and clear. Storms come, however. At times, they roll over our lives with bounding blows. How do we maintain a sense of peace and spiritual balance when trials strike?
The answer is found in a close, abiding relationship with Jesus Christ. The words of Helen Lemmel’s classic hymn, “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus,” contain a vital and exciting truth: an unshakable peace is available to all who turn the eyes of their hearts to Jesus.
Chances are that when adversity strikes, one of the first things you do is to wonder why. Then you may question what kind of impact it will have on your life. While reactions such as these are normal, we also need another response, and that is to turn to the One who holds all comfort and security firmly within His grasp.
No one, outside of God, is equipped to handle our problems. He never meant for us to be strong on our own. He wants us to find courage, hope, and strength in Him and His Word.
Many wonder what they can do to change the feelings of anxiety they feel when they come under pressure. One of the first steps is to recognize anxiety for what it is—the opposite of peace. It is the fan that flames the fires of doubt and confusion, and it has the ability to leave us helplessly bundled up in worry and fear. When we cave into thoughts of anxiety, we lose our spiritual focus and mindset. The key to overcoming anxiety is found only in the presence of God.
Paul admonishes us: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:6, 7).
Accepting God’s timetable and the limitations He places on a given situation help to dispel rising anxiety. Therefore, let Him provide for you in His timing. When you accept life as a gift from the hand of God, then you will do what Helen Lemmel’s song says—you will turn your eyes toward Jesus. You will look full into His glorious face and there find mercy and grace, forgiveness and hope, peace and everlasting security.
What would you give to experience the peace of God? Are you willing to lay down the anger that haunts your soul because someone has done something to wound you? God knows the hurt you have experienced. Will you trust Him in quietness, knowing that He has not forgotten you but stands ready to heal you?
God’s peace is unshakable because there has never been a time or an event when God has felt disturbed. His peace and presence are sure. They are immovable. You will accomplish many things—great and mighty—when you keep your focus on God.
At one of the most difficult points in his life, David wrote Psalm 57, which begins: “Be gracious to me, O God, be gracious to me, for my soul takes refuge in You; and in the shadow of Your wings I will take refuge until destruction passes by. I will cry to God Most High, to God who accomplishes all things for me. He will send from heaven and save me; He reproaches him who tramples upon me. God will send forth His lovingkindness and His truth” (vv. 1–3).
How could David write such trusting words, especially with King Saul trying to kill him? David had a divine, unshakable peace within his heart that God would protect his life and fulfill His promises to him.
The safest place for you when trials come is in the everlasting arms of Jesus. After His resurrection, Jesus appeared to His disciples and said to them, “Peace be with you” (John 20:19). This was not a trite greeting; the Lord had a specific purpose in mind. He spoke of God’s peace, immovable and eternal—the peace He had paid for on the Cross (John 14:27; Rom. 5:1; Eph. 2:13–16)—the peace you need today.
Does something trouble you? Has a conflict, sorrow, or situation escalated beyond your control? Hear His word to you: “Peace be with you.”
Let His peace invade your heart. Tell Him all you are feeling. He understands and knows that life can be difficult—but He has a solution. Our peace resides in our Savior, who loves us unconditionally. He has promised to keep us and deliver us into the Father’s loving arms.
See the Life Principles Index for further study.
5:4 — You are not a God who takes pleasure in wickedness; no evil dwells with You.
Many today think grace means they can sin without consequence—that God loves them and forgives them, so they can do whatever they want. But grace never changes the way the Lord feels about sin. He hates it because it is destructive and harmful to those He loves (1 Cor. 6:12). “Your eyes are too pure to approve evil, and You can not look on wickedness with favor” (Hab. 1:13).
5:11 — Let all who take refuge in You be glad, let them ever sing for joy; and may You shelter them.
We should rejoice and be glad of the Lord’s great love, protection, and provision for us. When attacked, we know that He will certainly defend us.
6:4 — Return, O LORD, rescue my soul; save me because of Your lovingkindness.
We do not ask God to rescue and deliver us because we deserve His help; we ask Him to come to our aid because He loves to show mercy to His humble, obedient children.
6:9 — The LORD has heard my supplication, the LORD receives my prayer.
How did the psalmist know that God had heard his prayer? How could he express such confidence that the Lord would respond to his request? Through faith (Heb. 11:1, 6). He wholeheartedly believed God would answer, because he prayed with trust in the Lord’s matchless character—just as we can.
7:11 — God is a righteous judge.
God loves the world and sent His Son to die for undeserving sinners (John 3:16–18), yet He is holy and will certainly judge all those who reject His gift of salvation (3:36).
7:17 — I will give thanks to the LORD according to His righteousness and will sing praise to the name of the LORD Most High.
David wrote this lament after being wrongly accused of trying to kill Saul. Even though he was deeply discouraged, he chose to trust the Lord, knowing that He would bring justice and favor. Even when we don’t understand how or why God does what He does, we can be sure He always acts in righteousness.
8:4 — What is man that You take thought of him, and the son of man that You care for him?
The more we learn about the vastness of the universe, the more powerful this question becomes. Although we are but a speck in the immensity of the cosmos, God places His love and unwavering attention on us.
8:9 — O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is Your name in all the earth!
When we say that God’s name is majestic, we mean everything about Him—His character, actions, thoughts, desires, plans, words, works—is magnificent, praiseworthy, and perfect.
9:1, 2 — I will give thanks to the LORD. . . . will sing praise to Your name, O Most High.
Whenever we see God’s name—LORD—in all capitals, it is because the original Hebrew text said “YHWH.” This word is pronounced Yahweh or Jehovah and means that He is the existing One, the great “I AM,” and He never changes (Heb. 13:8). As faithful and loving as He was yesterday, He will also be today, and He will continue to be for all eternity. No wonder He is so worthy of our praise and adoration!
9:7 — The LORD abides forever; He has established His throne for judgment.
God never had a beginning, and He will never have an end. That makes Him the perfect judge, for He knows all the causes leading up to an event and all the consequences that result from it.
9:10 — Those who know Your name will put their trust in You, for You, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek You.
God never forsakes any man or woman who places his or her trust in Him. He may allow them to experience some very difficult circumstances, but He will never abandon them. When everyone else flees, He remains.
10:1 — Why do You stand afar off, O LORD? Why do You hide Yourself in times of trouble?
During hard times in the desert, the Israelites thought God had abandoned them. But Moses reminded them, “The LORD your God who goes before you will Himself fight on your behalf . . . In the wilderness . . . you saw how the LORD your God carried you, just as a man carries his son” (Deut. 1:30, 31). Although it may feel as if the Lord is far from you, always remember that He carries you and is working in the unseen (1 Cor. 2:9; 2 Cor. 4:16–18).
10:14 — The unfortunate commits himself to You; You have been the helper of the orphan.
No Christian is ever truly without a defender. Even if everyone else abandons you, God has pledged to remain with you and give you the help you need (2 Tim. 4:16–18). That is why He deserves to be called “Faithful and True” (Rev. 19:11).
11:1 — In the LORD I take refuge; how can you say to my soul, “Flee as a bird to your mountain.”
When foes urged Nehemiah to escape an assassination attempt by hiding in the temple, he replied, “Should a man like me flee?” (Neh. 6:11). He refused to sin by failing to trust God (6:10–13). Likewise as believers, we never need to run from our problems. We should always stand firm and face them in the courage and wisdom of the Lord.
11:7 — The LORD is righteous, He loves righteousness; the upright will behold His face.
God made us in His image to have an intimate relationship with Him and to bring Him glory. Since the Lord is holy, He wants us to reflect His righteous ways so others will be drawn to Him in love and repentance. And through His Spirit, He gives us the power and wisdom we need to be His representatives.
12:1 — Help, LORD, for the godly man ceases to be, for the faithful disappear from among the sons of men.
At times, it may feel as if we are completely alone in our troubles. This is what Elijah felt when fleeing from the wicked Queen Jezebel (1 Kin. 19). God spoke to Elijah in a gentle whisper—comforting his heart, reminding him of other faithful Israelites, and giving him instructions on how to proceed. Likewise, the Lord will do so for you when you turn your attention to Him.
12:6 — The words of the LORD are pure words; as silver tried in a furnace on the earth, refined seven times.
God’s Word is not like any other book on earth. It expresses the heart and mind of the Lord and can be trusted beyond any shadow of doubt. It is an immovable anchor in times of storm.
13:1 — How long, O LORD? Will You forget me forever?
At times we might feel as though God has hidden Himself from us. Yet these times do not last. Often, He is testing us to see if we will continue to follow Him according to the truth of His Word, regardless of our feelings.
13:5 — I have trusted in Your lovingkindness; my heart shall rejoice in Your salvation.
Our Christian walk thrives when we recall how God has shown us mercy. Out of love we obey Him—no matter how difficult the circumstances—knowing that we are positioned under the umbrella of His provision and protection and that we will again see Him deal bountifully with us (Ps. 13:6).
14:2 — The LORD has looked down from heaven upon the sons of men to see if there are any who . . . seek after God.
When the Lord looks down from heaven, He is not trying to catch us in sin. Rather, He is observing those who are seeking Him so He can bless us with His presence (Jer. 29:11–13; Luke 11:9, 10). “The eyes of the LORD move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His” (2 Chr. 16:9).
15:1 — LORD, who may abide in Your tent?
Who may live with God in heaven? If the list of requirements in Psalm 15 sounds impossible, in a sense, it’s supposed to be. The truth is, we do not realize our need for the Savior until we understand how far we have fallen short of God’s holiness (Rom. 3:23; 7:7). This is why we must depend on Jesus. He is the only One who can cleanse us and prepare us to dwell in His house forever.
16:7 — I will bless the LORD who has counseled me; indeed, my mind instructs me in the night.
David made a habit of pondering—thinking about—God’s Word, His blessings, His commands, and how He was working through His people. Even at night, thoughts of the Lord’s faithfulness filled David’s mind. When God is our focus, it is easier for us to hear Him when He speaks. Remember, listening to God is essential to walking with Him.
16:10 — You will not abandon my soul to Sheol; nor will You allow Your Holy One to undergo decay.
This verse is an important prophecy about the resurrection of Jesus Christ, quoted by Peter in Acts 2:27. Peter argued that since David had died and his body decayed, the verse had to apply to the Messiah—Jesus, who was raised from the grave on the third day and never suffered the decay of death (Acts 2:25–36).
17:8 — Keep me as the apple of the eye; hide me in the shadow of Your wings.
God delights in all those who place their trust in Him. He considers each one the apple of His eye—the object of His special devotion. We find both protection and shelter in His loving presence.
17:15 — As for me, I shall behold Your face in righteousness; I will be satisfied with Your likeness when I awake.
We look forward to that great day when we will see Jesus as He is and when we will be transformed into His glorious image (1 John 3:2). It will be like waking from a deep sleep into a stunningly beautiful new day.
18:2 — The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge.
Psalm 18 bears a strong resemblance to David’s song of praise in 2 Samuel 22, where he praised the Lord for delivering him from his enemies. Wisdom teaches us to acknowledge God’s strength and to worship Him for who He is: our Rock, our Fortress, our Shield, and our Stronghold.
18:18 — They confronted me in the day of my calamity, but the LORD was my stay.
In this life, confrontation is inevitable. When things go wrong, we may be tempted to yield to feelings of discouragement. The best thing we can do is to set our hope on the Lord. He has bound Himself to us forever, so we never need to worry.
19:1 — The heavens are telling of the glory of God; and their expanse is declaring the work of His hands.
Go outside on a clear night and stare up into the sky for several minutes. Soak in the grandeur, majesty, and vastness of the starry host—and then think, My God made all this.
19:14 — Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my rock and my Redeemer.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with asking the Lord to make you pleasing to Him; in fact, He loves to teach you His ways. He tenderly molds your character so that you speak, think, and act in a way that honors Him.
20:7 — Some boast in chariots and some in horses, but we will boast in the name of the LORD, our God.
Whenever we face obstacles or challenges, we generally seek our strongest line of defense. When David fought Goliath, Saul wanted him to wear his armor. But David understood that worldly armaments are no match for the Lord God’s protection (1 Sam. 17). David used the humble weapon God provided and gained a mighty victory.
21:6 — You make him most blessed forever; You make him joyful with gladness in Your presence.
God invites us to ask Him for the things we need and the desires of our heart. But only His presence brings lasting joy. The deepest delights are found in Him, not in anything this world has to offer.
21:8 — Your hand will find out all your enemies; Your right hand will find out those who hate you.
We can come to God in faith and receive His pardon and grace, or we can reject His offer of life and become His enemy (John 3:16–18; Rev. 20:11–15). Those are the options.
22:1 — My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?
Jesus Christ knew more about feeling forsaken by God than we ever will—but in His case, it was more than a feeling. For a brief moment, our sinless Savior became sin for us (2 Cor. 5:21). He experienced the full penalty of all our transgressions, including the terrible separation that sin causes between us and God (Matt. 27:45–54). That’s why He is our perfect High Priest—He knows our wounds (Heb. 2:14–18; 4:14–16).
22:24 — He has not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; nor has He hidden His face from him; but when he cried to Him for help, He heard.
Jesus clearly had this psalm on His mind as He hung from the Cross, so He must also have taken great comfort from this verse. He knew the Father heard Him (Luke 23:34, 46) and that triumph was ahead for all who would believe in Him (Heb. 12:2).
23:1 — The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want.
As a shepherd, David understood the loving care sheep required. He also understood that none carried out the duties of protecting, providing for, and leading the flock better than God. With the Lord, you have everything you will ever need. Is He your shepherd? Is Jesus your Savior?
Answers to Life’s Questions
How can I find renewal and restoration?
“He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul” (Ps. 23:2, 3). Most likely you have heard this passage quoted more times than you can count. No matter how often this much-loved psalm is recited, however, we still seem to miss the full impact of the message: God restores our souls.
How does He do this? He restores our souls through fellowship with Himself. Even though at times we stray far from Him, He remains the Good Shepherd. Though we wander, He receives us back gladly and willingly pardons His wayward sheep.
Why would we ever leave such a loving Guide? Most likely you have never made a conscious decision to forsake the Father; instead, you may have slipped away slowly and subtly as a result of wandering desires and selfish attempts to meet your own needs. But when you strive to attain comfort and safety apart from God, you stray farther and farther away from Him.
Luke 15 presents a wonderful picture of the warm reception awaiting a lost “sheep.” Did the shepherd scold or punish the wayward lamb? No. Instead, all of heaven celebrated because the lost had been found. Likewise, heaven rejoices when a wandering child of God returns “to the fold.” Jesus tells us, “There will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance” (Luke 15:7).
In restoring our souls, God is more than a pardoning Shepherd. He is also a providing Shepherd. He knows what we need before we even ask, and He delights in meeting our needs (Matt. 7:9–11). That means He knows what you need physically, emotionally, and spiritually, right now. In fact, He is already at work, accomplishing and providing the things you need, even though you may not even have thought of them yet.
Finally, God is our protecting Shepherd. What comforts the psalmist in Psalm 23:4? It is the Lord’s rod and staff. Ancient shepherds used these tools to defend their sheep from vicious animals seeking a quick meal. In the same way, God moves before us, clearing the way of the enemy’s snares.
Have you experienced God’s provision, only to fall into subsequent doubt and fear because of loss or hardship? God has not left you. He remains your Good Shepherd, leading you through the darkness and into the light. It is there in His presence that He will pardon, provide for, and protect you. Always.
See the Life Principles Index for further study:
23:6 — Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
We cannot always see goodness and mercy ahead of us, but when we look back, we can see all the ways God has helped us. That helps us to move forward, knowing that wherever the Lord leads us, our ultimate destination is an eternal dwelling place of joy.
24:1 — The earth is the LORD’s, and all it contains.
Occasionally, you may hear a teaching that claims this world is the property of Satan, obtained in the Fall (Gen. 3). Don’t believe it. This world always has been and always will be God’s. He will never relinquish His sovereignty to anyone.
24:8 — Who is the King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty.
The ark of the covenant is a symbol of God’s relationship with Israel, and when the Philistines captured it, the Israelites were completely disheartened. There was no way for them to retrieve it, so the Lord miraculously moved the Philistines to send it back on their own (1 Sam. 4—6). Tradition holds that David wrote Psalm 24 to honor the ark’s eventual return to Jerusalem (2 Sam. 6). He saw firsthand that the Lord is the King of glory and that He rules over all creation.
25:4, 5 — Make me know Your ways, O LORD; teach me Your paths. Lead me in Your truth . . . for You are the God of my salvation; for You I wait all the day.
We learn God’s ways and His truth over time; we do not become experts about Him overnight. He spends years molding us into the likeness of His Son, so we must seek Him daily through His Word and prayer and walk in an intimate relationship with Him. That is the way we truly know the One who saves us.
25:14 — The secret of the LORD is for those who fear Him.
If you long to understand why certain things happen, spend time with the Lord in prayer. He promises to “tell you great and mighty things, which you do not know” (Jer. 33:3). This means He will give you insight into His will for your life, teach you His principles, and give you spiritual discernment about how He is moving in your situation.
26:12 — In the congregations I shall bless the LORD.
Some believers think they do not need to go to church. Often, this is because they were wounded by someone’s mean-spirited words or harmful actions. But the Bible is clear—believers should come together for worship and mutual encouragement (Heb. 10:24, 25) because that is how we stay strong in our faith and remain devoted to the Lord.
27:1 — The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the defense of my life; whom shall I dread?
We don’t need to be afraid of the dark when the Lord gives us His light. We don’t need to fear our enemies when we walk in the power of God’s Spirit. John says, “Perfect love casts out fear” (1 John 4:18). That means we are secure because we know God’s perfect love protects us, no matter what our circumstances may be.
What the Bible Says About
Life is full of decisions, and if we want to make the right choices—those that glorify God and benefit us and others—we need God’s guidance. The following seven words will help us in seeking His direction.
1. Cleansing. We need to ask, “Is anything in my life hindering me from hearing what You are saying? If so, what is it?” Cleansing comes by confession (1 John 1:9).
2. Surrendering. We must submit to whatever God instructs us to do. Sometimes we find it difficult to move ahead because we want to know step two before we complete step one of God’s will. However, we must surrender ourselves to His timing and guidance. Obeying the will of God is both a humbling and an uplifting experience (1 Pet. 5:6).
3. Asking. James 4:2 reports, “You do not have because you do not ask.” God promises that when we ask according to His will, He hears us. And when we know that He hears us, we know He will answer (1 John 5:14, 15)—even though the answer may come over a long period of time.
4. Meditating. God promises that His Word will be a light to our path (Ps. 119:105), so the more we think about His Word, the clearer our path will become.
5. Believing. In Mark’s Gospel, we learn that when we ask, we must believe He is going to give us what we have requested (Mark 11:22–24). Therefore, trust that He will show you what to do.
6. Waiting. God promises that He acts on our behalf when we wait for Him (Is. 64:4). If we run ahead of Him and try to fix things on our own or manipulate circumstances, we will most certainly be disappointed. However, if we wait on the Lord, then our sovereign, divine, omnipotent God will act on our behalf. It’s our choice.
7. Receiving. When we obediently seek the will of God, we can be sure that He’ll hear us and give us the wisdom we need to make the right choices (Matt. 7:7, 8; James 1:5). And once we know His will, we have a responsibility to embrace His direction and obey Him completely.
You will find great peace and confidence in knowing that you are making choices based on God’s guidance. Perhaps no one else will understand or agree with your decision—but you will have heard from the One who matters the most.
See the Life Principles Index for further study:
27:13 — I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.
When you come to the end of your resources, it is easy to feel discouraged, but don’t. God’s help and deliverance are always available. Being a Christian does not merely qualify you for a home in heaven, it guarantees that the Lord will defend you as you follow Him in obedience. Trust Him and you will enjoy His goodness in every circumstance.
28:9 — Save Your people and bless Your inheritance; be their shepherd also, and carry them forever.
God offers us His salvation through Jesus Christ right now, not just when we go to heaven. He blesses us with His presence every moment, not just in eternity. He leads us and sustains us every day on earth. Heaven merely completes our relationship with Him. “This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent” (John 17:3).
30:5 — For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for a lifetime; weeping may last for the night, but a shout of joy comes in the morning.
When darkness covers your heart, you may think you have no hope, but just as the sun disperses the nighttime at daybreak, your circumstances will change at the Lord’s command. So wait in hope and trust Him, because His joyous triumph is surely on its way.
30:11 — You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; You have loosed my sackcloth and girded me with gladness.
There are hardships we endure that are extremely difficult to overcome. But God has promised to cause “all things to work together for good” (Rom. 8:28)—and that includes the major heartbreaks of life. We may not understand how, but we can be confident that the Lord will use that experience as a springboard of praise—turning our mourning into dancing and our sorrow into a cause for rejoicing.
31:3 — For Your name’s sake you will lead me and guide me.
When we place our trust in Christ, He becomes our stronghold and identifies us with Himself forever (Rom. 8:14–23; Gal 4:4–7). Our future is bound up with His, which is why we can confidently ask for His guidance (2 Tim. 2:11–13).
31:15 — My times are in Your hand; deliver me from the hand of my enemies and from those who persecute me.
People can oppose and harass us, but as children of a sovereign God, we are never victims of our circumstances. Our lives are in the Lord’s hands, not anyone else’s.
Life Examples
The Joy of Forgiveness
Psalm 32 is David’s confession of his sin with Bathsheba. He wrote it after his encounter with the prophet Nathan and probably after he had spent time alone with God in prayer and repentance.
If we were to give this psalm a title, a good one would be The Joy of Forgiveness. David writes: “How blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered!” (v. 1). “How blessed” can be translated, “How happy!”
Sin blocks our fellowship with the Lord. It also keeps us from experiencing God’s goodness. David could not enjoy the sweetness of God’s presence as long as he had not repented of his sin.
When you find yourself discouraged because you have repeated a certain sin, turn to God in prayer. Ask Him to apply His forgiveness to your life and receive His mercy. He loves you and wants to enjoy your fellowship once again.
See the Life Principles Index for further study:
32:5 — I acknowledged my sin to You, and . . . You forgave the guilt of my sin.
When we refuse to confess our sins to the Lord, we can end up feeling miserable, weak, discouraged, and ultimately isolated from God. The Lord commands us to repent from sin because it damages our intimacy with Him. So be honest with God. Tell Him what you’ve done, and He will forgive and restore you.
32:9 — Do not be as the horse or as the mule which have no understanding, whose trappings include bit and bridle to hold them in check.
Stubborn, untrained horses must be guided with bits and bridles because they fight against the direction of their masters. In the same way, whenever we refuse to submit to the Lord’s commands, He may choose to guide us to do His will through the reigns of adversity. As believers, He wants us to delight in drawing near to Him, not fight against His perfect will.
33:6 — By the word of the LORD the heavens were made, and by the breath of His mouth all their host.
The Gospel of John reveals that Jesus is “the Word” (1:1) and says, “All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being” (v. 3). Paul adds that everything was made for Him (Col. 1:16).
33:17 — A horse is a false hope for victory; nor does it deliver anyone by its great strength.
A horse is much stronger and faster than a man, but no wise person puts his hope in the animal for deliverance. There is no real safety outside of a close walk with God.
34:1 — I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.
If it’s not already your practice, praise God throughout the day. Exalt Him when you wake up, when you eat, when you leave the house, and when you return. An attitude of adoring trust in the Lord will make an amazing difference in your life.
34:7 — The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, and rescues them.
Who knows how often we have been protected or delivered from harm by an angel assigned to guard us? Who knows how that angel is defending you right now?
34:18 — The LORD is near to the brokenhearted.
Do you avoid God when you’re feeling down because you feel like you’re useless to Him? The Lord knows that this is when you need Him the most, and He wants to comfort you. His strength and courage are always available to those who come to Him.
35:24 — Judge me, O LORD my God, according to Your righteousness, and do not let them rejoice over me.
We pray powerfully when we pray in line with the righteousness of God—that is, when we pray for what is right, good, glorifying to Him, and beneficial for His people. The Lord delights in such prayers.
35:27 — “The LORD be magnified, who delights in the prosperity of His servant.”
When things don’t go well, we may think the Lord has rejected us. But the truth is that He takes great pleasure in our success and rejoices in our happiness. However, God’s first priority is our spiritual well-being and growth. He loves us and is always providing for us—even in the hard times.
36:5 — Your lovingkindness, O LORD, extends to the heavens, Your faithfulness reaches to the skies.
God loves to show mercy and remains eternally trustworthy to do exactly what He has promised. If He seems to delay in working on your behalf, wait for Him. He will never be unfaithful to you.
36:9 — With You is the fountain of life; in Your light we see light.
God offers the only real life there is. When we give ourselves to Him and walk in the light He provides us, in His Word and by His Spirit, we enjoy life to the fullest.
Answers to Life’s Questions
How can I deal effectively with jealousy?
Have you ever felt jealous of someone else’s success? Maybe your neighbor has a brand new car, or perhaps someone at work got the promotion you desired. When situations like these stir up unexpected reactions within us, we just might have a problem.
Jealousy is the emotion of extreme displeasure upon seeing someone else’s good fortune—and it can poison good relationships, ruin our witness, and keep us from experiencing God’s blessings. The Bible calls jealousy a work of the flesh (Gal. 5:19, 20).
Is it possible to take control of a jealous attitude? Yes! Since God wants His children to take charge over these volatile emotions, let’s examine some specific things you can do to gain victory.
1. Confess your jealousy. This emotion will always—always—take your eyes off the Lord and fix them on some other person or object. That, at its heart, is idolatry. Whenever you place a higher value on some “thing” than you place on God, you put yourself under divine judgment. Repent of that sin immediately!
2. Realize that you disagree with God. If the Lord chooses to bring some specific blessing into another person’s life, then that is His prerogative. Your jealousy merely declares that you think you deserve the blessing more than the other person. Bring this disagreement honestly before the Lord and ask Him to restore a godly perspective to you.
3. Thank God for what He’s doing in that person’s life. You may not like this point! But when you praise God—even if you do not feel like it—you put yourself in a position to receive His blessings by showing that you fully trust His judgment.
4. Ask God to place love in your heart for the other person. So often in Scripture the word anger follows the word jealous. Do not allow jealousy to stir up malice and hate. Instead, learn how to rejoice when others receive blessings, even when you believe you should have received those blessings instead.
5. Keep your focus on God alone. Delight in Him, knowing that He’s promised to give you the desires of your heart. Focus first and foremost on what He’s done for you and on the promises He’s made to you through His Word. Always remember that God is God and that it is His prerogative to bless each one of us in exactly the way He sees fit.
See the Life Principles Index for further study:
37:3 — Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness.
God calls us to do good to others so that they might see His kindness in us. But unless we “cultivate faithfulness”—unless we stay in close fellowship with Him—we won’t have much to offer anyone.
37:4 — Delight yourself in the LORD; and He will give you the desires of your heart.
When you make the Lord your joy, the desires that grow in your heart are usually the ones He plants. These are the things that bring lasting peace and satisfaction—not the things we think we want or strive to achieve apart from God.
37:39 — The salvation of the righteous is from the LORD; He is their strength in time of trouble.
When hard times come, we often feel listless, powerless, weak, and worried. We must find our strength in God, for His might never wavers.
38:4 — My iniquities are gone over my head; as a heavy burden they weigh too much for me.
God knows that our sins weigh us down and keep us from His best. When we confess them, He takes them off our shoulders and enables us to walk with our heads upright once more.
39:1 — “I will guard my ways that I may not sin with my tongue.”
We should always be aware of our speech and take special caution when in the presence of unbelievers. Never give anyone a reason to reject God because we’ve said something ungodly. As Colossians 4:5, 6 instructs, “Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity. Let your speech always be with grace . . . so that you will know how you should respond to each person.”
39:11 — “Every man is a mere breath.”
Life passes with lightning speed. We are on this earth for only a short time, so we must be diligent to walk wisely. We may appear before God tomorrow, so let us live for Him wholeheartedly today.
40:1 — I waited patiently for the LORD; and He inclined to me and heard my cry.
Waiting is just a fact of life. Sometimes God answers our prayers immediately, but at other times He makes us wait to see the answer. When we wait for Him patiently, we show that we trust Him.
40:8 — “I delight to do Your will, O my God; Your Law is within my heart.”
God isn’t seeking men and women who will obey Him grudgingly, reluctantly, or resentfully. He desires children who will delight to obey Him, who take pleasure in living out His commands because it pleases Him.
41:1 — How blessed is he who considers the helpless; the LORD will deliver him in a day of trouble.
It is the unconditional love of Christ that prompts us to minister to those in need. When we extend His love to others, we are doing what He has called us to do—be ambassadors of His mercy and grace.
41:9 — Even my close friend in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted up his heel against me.
Jesus applied this verse to Judas Iscariot as a fulfillment of biblical prophecy (John 13:18). Just because someone says, “Lord, Lord,” that does not mean they have a genuine relationship with God (Matt. 7:21).
42:1 — As the deer pants for the water brooks, so my soul pants for You, O God.
God’s reason for creating us is for fellowship with Him. This is why He has placed a thirst within our hearts—a desire that only He can satisfy (Matt. 5:6). His highest priority is for us to enjoy His presence and intimate care.
42:11 — Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him.
Sometimes we do not know why we feel discouraged, depressed, or sad. It is good at those times to consciously return our focus to God, put our hope in Him, draw on His strength, and anticipate the grace He will show us.
43:3 — O send out Your light and Your truth, let them lead me; let them bring me to Your holy hill and to Your dwelling places.
The holy hill the psalmist referred to was Mount Zion in Jerusalem, where the temple stood. It was the one place appointed for Israel to gather to seek the Lord and celebrate His holy festivals. One of the ways God draws us to Himself is by leading us to worship Him with His people. His Word consistently encourages us to gather with other believers to hear His truth and to praise Him together.
44:6, 7 — I will not trust in my bow, nor will my sword save me. But You have saved us from our adversaries.
Regardless of the resources God gives us, we must not trust in them for success, but we must put our hope in Him alone. We should ask Him how to use those gifts and employ them to glorify Him, but we should never count on them for deliverance.
44:22 — For Your sake we are killed all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.
Paul quotes this unsettling verse in the middle of a passage extolling God’s love (Rom. 8:35–39). Why? Because he wanted us to know that even in the worst of circumstances, the Lord’s love for us remains unchanged.
45:7 — You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, Your God, has anointed You with the oil of joy above Your fellows.
It really is not more fun to do evil than to do good. When we willingly obey God, He rewards our obedience with “the oil of joy,” a satisfaction and delight that penetrates all the way to our hearts.
46:1, 2 — God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change and though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea.
On some days, we may feel as if our world has been shaken and everything we depend upon has slipped into the heart of the sea. But if we put our hope in God, we have no need to fear. He is our unshakable refuge. In fact, sometimes the Lord will allow all of our earthly security to fail us so that we will learn to depend upon Him better.
What the Bible Says About
Confidence in Times of Distress
Most of us feel distraught at some point in our lives. When stress in daily living becomes unbearable, we want to escape. We may want out of jobs, relationships, a church, a neighborhood, or some other difficult situation. We think we can’t handle things the way they are because they cause us too much stress, so we decide to walk away. Move on. Head for anywhere but where we are.
What does the Bible have to tell us about how to handle stress? How are we to respond when our fallen human nature cries out for us to stop and run?
God has a powerful truth for us. We do not handle stressful situations by fighting against them; instead, God calls us to be at rest in Him. To the psalmist, this meant being still and knowing God (Ps. 46:10). To the apostle Peter, it meant refusing to carry burdens not meant for him: “casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you” (1 Pet. 5:7). Jesus described it as a peacefulness that we both find and receive as we spend time learning from Him (Matt. 11:28–30). Our human instinct clamors for us to escape—but God calls us to draw near and absorb the truths of Scripture.
Most of all, the Lord wants us to know Him. As we believe in His sovereignty (1 Chr. 29:11) and accept both the absolute goodness of His plans (Jer. 29:11) and His deep, abiding love for us (Eph. 3:17–19), we will grow in trust. Then we will find it easier to “be still” and not to respond like the world, which says, “I’m out of here!”
Our stress need not become distress. When we feel stress, we do not have to feel defeated and give in to the temptation to give up and run. With an accurate understanding of our heavenly Father and a firm belief in His care, we will be able to walk through the worst of circumstances with inner quietness (Gal. 5:22) and genuine confidence (Heb. 13:6).
That is our privilege as God’s children.
See the Life Principles Index for further study:
12. Peace with God is the fruit of oneness with God.
46:10 — “Cease striving and know that I am God.”
Although God will sometimes display His glory in amazing ways that are impossible to ignore, most of the time, we meet Him in the quietness of our hearts. So when chaos threatens, remember to seek Him, and you will have peace. “In quietness and trust is your strength” (Is. 30:15).
47:7 — God is the King of all the earth; sing praises with a skillful psalm.
Are hymns better than praise songs? Are choruses superior to cantatas? We weary ourselves with such questions when we should be asking, “Am I growing in my understanding and relationship with God through my worship?”
48:10 — As is Your name, O God, so is Your praise to the ends of the earth.
God deserves our most heartfelt praise and worship, for He has the most wonderful name in all of the universe. The style never matters so much as the heart (1 Chr. 28:9; 1 Sam. 16:7). Regardless of how well we sing, do we bring Him our very best?
49:15 — God will redeem my soul from the power of Sheol, for He will receive me.
Death will overtake all of us unless we are still alive when Jesus comes back. Yet God breaks the power of death over us and brings us into the fullness of life (John 17:3; 1 Cor. 15:53–57; Heb. 2:14, 15). He receives us in Jesus’ name into our eternal home in heaven (John 14:1–6).
49:20 — Man in his pomp, yet without understanding, is like the beasts that perish.
Amassing a fortune or winning the admiration of millions counts for exactly nothing in eternity if the person in question does not know the Lord. “What does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and forfeit his soul?” (Mark 8:36).
50:3 — May our God come and not keep silence; fire devours before Him, and it is very tempestuous around Him.
When Jesus comes again, He will arrive “with His mighty angels in flaming fire, dealing out retribution to those who do not know God and to those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus” (2 Thess. 1:7, 8). He came first as the Suffering Servant to die for our sins (Is. 53) and will return as the reigning King to judge the nations (Rev. 17:14; 19—22).
50:12 — “If I were hungry I would not tell you, for the world is Mine, and all it contains.”
God has no needs—He has no divine deficiencies that we fill through our service. But because He loves us, He invites us to serve Him.
51:4 — Against You, You only, I have sinned and done what is evil in Your sight, so that You are justified when You speak and blameless when You judge.
David sinned by committing adultery with Uriah’s wife and plotting his murder (2 Sam. 11). He made an adulteress of Bathsheba and dishonored his people, Israel. Yet all sin is ultimately against God and requires His forgiveness first and foremost.
51:12 — Restore to me the joy of Your salvation and sustain me with a willing spirit.
Although we can never lose our salvation once we genuinely come to Christ by faith, we can lose the joy of our salvation through our sin. Only through confession and reliance on His Spirit can we return to peace with the Lord and contentment in our souls.
51:17 — The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and a contrite heart, O God, You will not despise.
We don’t have to be perfect when we go to the Lord. We just have to be willing to submit to Him and acknowledge that He knows what is best for us.
52:7 — “Behold, the man who would not make God his refuge, but trusted in the abundance of his riches and was strong in his evil desire.”
Is God your strength? When threats appear, do you run to your resources or to the Lord? Has your success made you humble or arrogant? How would your family and associates answer that question?
52:8 — I trust in the lovingkindness of God forever and ever.
God will never run out of mercy, love, or grace. There will never come a day when He says, “I’m tired. Come back in a month.” Because He never changes, we have an unchanging hope (Heb. 13:8).
53:6 — When God restores His captive people, let Jacob rejoice, let Israel be glad.
Perhaps you’ve noticed how similar Psalm 53 is to Psalm 14. Whenever something is repeated in God’s Word, it is because it’s very important for us to learn. The essential lesson is that if we want to be restored, joyful, and truly wise, we must seek the Lord in every situation because He is the only One who can save us. This is a message that cannot be reiterated enough, because it is the foundation of life at its very best.
54:6 — Willingly I will sacrifice to You; I will give thanks to Your name, O LORD, for it is good.
What does it mean to willingly sacrifice to God? It means that we voluntarily and gladly put something precious of ours in His gracious hands, knowing that we can never outgive Him. No offering is ultimately a sacrifice, because we give nothing to Him that He has not first given to us.
55:6 — “Oh, that I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and be at rest.”
When our circumstances become overwhelming, we may want to escape, but God usually wants us to stay right where we are. Rather than running away, run to Him, because He is in the process of training you for something greater. Trust Him and He will reveal it to you.
56:3 — When I am afraid, I will put my trust in You.
The psalmist does not say, “if I am afraid,” he says, “when I am afraid.” Fear is a natural human reaction to danger. God does not tell us to ignore our anxieties, but to bring them to Him and realize that He can overcome any terror we ever have to face.
56:11 — In God I have put my trust, I shall not be afraid. What can man do to me?
We should never fear other people because they are no match for our sovereign God. Jesus told Pilate, “You would have no authority over Me, unless it had been given you from above” (John 19:11).
57:1 — My soul takes refuge in You; and in the shadow of Your wings I will take refuge until destruction passes by.
In fleeing from King Saul, David did not think he was safe anywhere. But he was safe because God was watching, and He was sheltering His servant. David discovered a sanctuary of peace in the Lord. God does not always keep us from calamity, but He invites us to make Him our refuge while we pass through it. When we trust Him, adversity can be a bridge to a great blessing.
57:7 — My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises!
Our emotions may overwhelm us, and our feelings may rise and fall. But when, through an act of will, we praise our God and give Him our burdens, He will calm us and bring peace to our hearts (John 14:27; Phil. 4:6, 7).
58:11 — “Surely there is a reward for the righteous; surely there is a God who judges on earth!”
Throughout the Bible, God promises His obedient people that He will reward their faithfulness far beyond what their deeds deserve. “My reward is with Me,” Jesus says, “to render to every man according to what he has done” (Rev. 22:12). So do not despair if your good work for Him goes unnoticed here on earth. You are storing up treasures in heaven that can never be taken away (Matt. 6:19–21).
59:16 — I shall sing of Your strength . . . for You have been my stronghold and a refuge in the day of my distress.
Many of us don’t have good singing voices, so why should songs of praise play such a prominent role in spiritual growth? The act of singing tends to unite our emotions and intellect—and God wants us to devote ourselves to Him with every part of our lives.
60:12 — Through God we shall do valiantly, and it is He who will tread down our adversaries.
While on our own we can do nothing, through faith in God we can “do valiantly.” So Paul said, “I will not presume to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me” (Rom. 15:18). Because it is only through His power and wisdom that we truly have strength to accomplish anything that will last in eternity.
61:2 — From the end of the earth I call to You when my heart is faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
The Lord is our Rock—our unshakable foundation that will never fail. No matter where in the world we travel, no matter what challenges we face, God goes before us, inviting us to entrust our troubles and emotions to Him. If we will just look up, He will be there, and He will lead us to triumph.
62:5 — My soul, wait in silence for God only, for my hope is from Him.
Why does God instruct us to wait in silence for Him? Because prayer is not for show—we should not attempt to earn His love and blessings through it (Matt. 6:5–8). Rather, it’s deeply personal and intimate communion, and we should enjoy His presence and eagerly listen for His voice (Eccl. 5:1, 2; Hab. 2:20).
62:12 — You recompense a man according to his work.
Salvation is a gift; rewards are earned. While every true Christian has a home in heaven, not all will receive rewards for faithful service. Some will “suffer loss; but . . . will be saved, yet so as through fire” (1 Cor. 3:15). We will be judged according to the truth we know about the Lord, the occasions we had to share it, and how we glorified Him in those circumstances.
63:1 — O God, You are my God; I shall seek You earnestly; my soul thirsts for You, my flesh yearns for You, in a dry and weary land where there is no water.
Do you long for God as David did? Do you seek Him earnestly and pursue Him throughout your day? Your intimacy with the Lord will determine the impact of your life. So go before His throne often with confidence because only He can fill the hunger of your soul.
63:6 — When I remember You on my bed, I meditate on You in the night watches.
When God brings a matter to your attention at bedtime, don’t ignore it. Pursue it. If He is causing you to feel restless, ask Him what He wants you to do. He always speaks when you make yourself available to Him.
64:2 — Hide me from the secret counsel of evildoers, from the tumult of those who do iniquity.
Believers sometimes become targets because they stand for God (Matt. 5:10–12; Luke 10:16). Unseen enemies may seek to injure us and cause us trouble. Yet God doesn’t want us to worry about these things, but to bring them to Him and obey Him. He knows all about them and knows just how to respond.
65:5 — By awesome deeds You answer us in righteousness, O God of our salvation.
Some answers to prayer can be described with no better word than “awesome.” Has God ever answered your prayers in a way that filled you with awe? Do you need His awe-inspiring intervention right now? Then pray and with faith expect Him to do amazing things on your behalf.
65:7 — Who stills the roaring of the seas . . . and the tumult of the peoples.
During His earthly ministry, Jesus both stilled the raging sea and stilled the angry mob (Mark 4:39; Luke 4:29, 30)—and demonstrated His divine sovereignty as Lord of all.
66:10 — You have tried us, O God; You have refined us as silver is refined.
God tests every believer, both to reveal the character of his or her heart and to lead him or her into a deeper relationship with Himself. We tend to learn more in the valley than on the mountaintop.
66:18 — If I regard wickedness in my heart, the Lord will not hear.
If we refuse to admit to some sin, despite the conviction of the Holy Spirit on our hearts, we hinder our own prayers. God blesses obedience, not stubbornness.
67:6 — The earth has yielded its produce; God, our God, blesses us.
We would not plant seeds and then return the following day anticipating them to be fully developed into vegetables. We understand such expectations are unreasonable. When it comes to God’s blessings, this is often what we think must happen. Yet His best blessings take time to mature, so it is wise for us to wait patiently, knowing He works on behalf of those who wait for Him.
68:6 — God makes a home for the lonely; He leads out the prisoners into prosperity.
God designed the church to be our greater family. Jesus said, “Everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or farms for My name’s sake, will receive many times as much” (Matt. 19:29). Though we shouldn’t forsake our own families, we can always find comfort and support in the church.
68:19 — Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears our burden, the God who is our salvation.
We may never know how the Lord has borne our burdens every day of our lives, but we should not take His many blessings of life, food, shelter, friends, and family for granted. Rather, we should always praise Him for who He is!
69:6 — May those who wait for You not be ashamed through me, O Lord GOD of hosts.
What we do and how we live has a profound effect on those around us. People are watching us, even when we don’t realize it. So we should pray that God would enable us to represent Him well at all times.
69:21 — They also gave me gall for my food and for my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink.
In fulfillment of this passage, the Roman soldiers crucifying Jesus gave Him wine mixed with gall to make it bitter. Later, others gave Him wine vinegar to drink (Matt. 27:34, 48; John 19:28–30).
70:4 — Let those who love Your salvation say continually, “Let God be magnified.”
God invites us to express our joy in Him by testifying about it to others. We are not to keep the Good News to ourselves, but are to share it with those who need His gift of salvation.
71:5 — You are my hope; O Lord GOD, You are my confidence from my youth.
Some caution against leading children to Christ too early, but this is a mistake. If you don’t teach your children to have faith in Jesus, others will convince them to trust in something else (Prov. 22:6; Matt. 19:13, 14; 2 Tim. 3:14–16).
71:24 — My tongue also will utter Your righteousness all day long.
While faith is deeply personal, God never meant for it to be a solitary matter. We usually love speaking about what gives us joy, and if the Lord is the source of our delight, then He should also be our main topic of conversation.
72:11 — Let all kings bow down before him, all nations serve him.
One day, perhaps soon, “every knee will bow” and “every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Phil. 2:10, 11).
72:17 — May his name endure forever; may his name increase as long as the sun shines; and let men bless themselves by him; let all nations call him blessed.
Jesus will receive a kingdom that will never end, and He will rule over all the nations in righteousness and truth. Then we will see the true blessing of our obedience.
73:13 — Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure.
Everyone goes through times when they wonder if obeying the Lord is really worth it—especially when they see people who don’t serve God having the success and prosperity they want. However, our obedience to Him is never in vain. Asaph the psalmist reminds us that we are reaping a harvest in eternity (Ps. 73:17–19). Always remember, we reap what we sow, more than we sow, and later than we sow.
73:22 — Then I was senseless and ignorant; I was like a beast before You.
When we leave the path God lays out for us to walk in our own way, we may think that we are pursuing a better or more enjoyable course of action; but sin is always the wrong choice. Always. And when we realize the destruction our sin causes, we also recognize how senseless and ignorant we’ve been.
73:26 — My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
Some people falsely believe that only the weak need God, but the truth is that all of us are weary, inadequate, vulnerable, and helpless at one point or another. When we find our strength in Him, His power is perfected in our weakness (2 Cor. 12:9, 10).
74:1 — O God, why have You rejected us forever?
The psalmist knew of no unresolved sin in his life, and yet his circumstances continued to look bleak. We may not know why God seems to be silent in regards to our prayers, but even in such dark times, He calls us to trust Him.
74:22 — Arise, O God, and plead Your own cause; remember how the foolish man reproaches You all day long.
Many Bible prayers are based on genuine concern for God’s reputation and glory. When we are obediently focused on the Lord—asking Him to defend His name and to be exalted through us—we are praying according to His will.
75:6 — Not from the east, nor from the west, nor from the desert comes exaltation.
God’s people are not to seek the favor of powerful figures in an attempt to selfishly advance their own careers or positions. We are to work “for the Lord rather than for men” and leave the outcome of our lives in His hands (Col. 3:23).
76:7 — You, even You, are to be feared; and who may stand in Your presence when once You are angry?
As believers, we must never lose our reverence for God, because when we do, we become weak, compromising, and complacent. He is our Judge and King, and He deserves nothing less than our wholehearted commitment and obedience.
77:8 — Has His lovingkindness ceased forever? Has His promise come to an end forever?
When we’re in the middle of some adversity, the answers to these questions often seem to be “yes.” In fact, however, God’s mercy never ceases, and His promises never fail. The Lord is always compassionate and faithful to His promises. Always.
77:10 — Then I said, “It is my grief, that the right hand of the Most High has changed.”
When hardship strikes and we feel at our lowest point, it will always bring us great comfort to dwell on the fact that God never changes and that He will always act on behalf of those who wait for Him (Is. 64:4).
78:4 — We will not conceal them from their children, but tell to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, and His strength and His wondrous works that He has done.
It is our job to tell our children and the generations that follow us not only the great things God did in biblical times, but also the wonderful works He has performed in our own lives. They need to see the Lord at work in us.
78:38 — He, being compassionate, forgave their iniquity and did not destroy them; and often He restrained His anger and did not arouse all His wrath.
It is a blessed truth that God “has not dealt with us according to our sins” (Ps. 103:10). For the sake of His name, He restrains His anger and pours out mercy rather than wrath on those who put their faith in His Son, Jesus Christ (Rom. 5:8–11).
78:52, 53 — He led forth His own people like sheep and guided them in the wilderness like a flock; He led them safely, so that they did not fear.
The demoralized, slavery-worn Israelites needed the strong, gentle leadership of the Good Shepherd. So He not only cared for their needs and protected them from their enemies, but He also gave them a visible reminder of His powerful presence to comfort them (Ex. 13:21). He will guide you through the wilderness, lead you in safety, and be your confidence in every situation, so keep your eyes on Him.
79:9 — Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of Your name; and deliver us and forgive our sins for Your name’s sake.
When we pray about something for the sake of God’s name, we urge Him to act in order to defend His reputation, to make His glory known, to honor Him, and to let others see His majesty and greatness.
Answers to Life’s Questions
How does my relationship with the Lord affect what and how I hear from Him?
Our relationship with God—the most important aspect of our lives—affects greatly what we hear when we pray and listen. The only message an unbeliever will ever hear from God is that he is a sinner who needs Jesus as his Savior. Until that person knows Christ as his personal Messiah, he will not hear God speak on any subject other than salvation.
In the life of a believer, that speaker/hearer relationship has two main features.
First, we are saved. When by faith we receive Jesus Christ as our personal Savior, the Bible says we are born again. God takes us from the kingdom of darkness and places us into the kingdom of light. We become children of God. Our salvation experience begins our relationship with Him.
Jesus is now my personal, faithful, and merciful High Priest. He is my Father with whom I enjoy intimate communication. I no longer have to stand on the perimeter, squinting into the distance for a glimpse of His presence. Jesus has paid the price of my relationship with God through His shed blood, so that now I am a full member of His own family, sitting daily before Him, totally secure in my sonship.
Second, we are identified with Him. Our salvation takes care of our eternal security, while our identification takes care of our daily walk of victory. By identification, I mean that Christ’s life is now mine and mine is His. “It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me” (Gal. 2:20). What happened to Christ at Calvary also happened to me. Christ was crucified; I was crucified. Christ was buried; I was buried. Christ was raised; I was raised.
Through my identification with Him, I come gladly and boldly, knowing that I am accepted, not by my behavior, but because of my belief in Him and in what He has already accomplished. Thus I can approach Him with confidence and great assurance.
See the Life Principles Index for further study:
80:3 — O God, restore us and cause Your face to shine upon us, and we will be saved.
It would be great if we all marched from spiritual childhood to maturity without a hitch, but the truth is we all need to be restored from time to time. Prayer, confession, and repentance are all necessary steps to restoration.
Listening to God is essential to walking with God.
One of the most important lessons we can learn is how to listen to God. In our complex and hectic lives, nothing is more urgent, nothing more necessary, and nothing more rewarding than hearing what God has to say to us and obeying Him.
A true conversation, of course, involves both talking and listening. Most of us do better with the talking part.
At one point, I became so occupied doing the Lord’s work that I had very little time for anything else. I preached six times a week, taped two television programs, and was the senior pastor of a large church. We also were developing an international broadcast ministry. I spent a great deal of time talking to God, but one day I realized that I was not spending as much time listening to what He was saying to me. I knew something had to change. If we fail to learn how to listen to the Lord, we will make some very unwise and costly mistakes.
You may ask, “Does the Lord really speak to us today?” The Bible assures us that He does. The book of Hebrews opens this way: “God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, in these last days has spoken to us in His Son” (Heb. 1:1, 2). Our God is not silent. Our heavenly Father is alive and active. He speaks to us individually and in a way that we can hear Him, receive His message, and obey Him. He is infinite, fully capable of communicating with each of us right where we are—in the midst of our circumstances—in a very personal way.
This may be one of the most important concepts you will grasp in learning how to listen to God. When the Lord speaks, He is speaking to you. The Word of God contains His truth; therefore, take it personally. Allow His Holy Spirit to open your heart so you will have a deeper understanding of Scripture. When you do, you can begin to claim His promises for your life. You also will gain a deeper understanding of His provision, care, and love.
God is serious about His relationship with you. He speaks for your benefit, and it is important for you to listen to Him and respond in obedience. Sometimes He will challenge you to change your thinking or to release certain unhealthy feelings and opinions. Sometimes He will command you to change aspects of your behavior. Yet with every instruction He gives, you can be certain that it is for your good. He desires to encourage and mature you so that you might live with greater joy and strength. He also wants to transform you into the likeness of His Son, Jesus Christ—helping you to become the very best you can be.
Learning to listen to God through the reading of His Word is the most important thing you can do because there is no other way to enjoy the amazingly wonderful, abundant life He offers. Therefore, pay close attention to what He has to say, and He will certainly “tell you great and mighty things, which you do not know” (Jer. 33:3).
See the Life Principles Index for further study.
81:10 — “I, the LORD, am your God, who brought you up from the land of Egypt; open your mouth wide and I will fill it.”
Here, we see the heart of God: He desires to bless His people beyond their imaginations. But we also see our part in the process: to willingly receive what He has to offer by submitting ourselves to Him. We are filled only when we obey His instructions.
81:13, 16 — “Oh that My people would listen to Me, that Israel would walk in My ways! . . . But I would feed you with the finest of the wheat, and with honey from the rock I would satisfy you.”
Psalm 81 was a hymn used during the feasts to celebrate how the Lord had delivered Israel from Egypt. It reminded them of the great miracles He did on their behalf when they submitted to His leadership. God loves to bless His people when they obey His commands. He wants us to always remember that true satisfaction, peace, and joy come to us only through Him and not through any other means.
82:6 — “All of you are sons of the Most High.”
This verse refers to the judges and leaders of Israel who represented God before the people and taught them His Word (Ex. 4:16; 7:1). Jesus quoted this verse to show that He is the true Son of God and to highlight the privilege of receiving the Word of God (John 10:34–36). Let us treat the Bible as the great gift it is and daily feed upon it, honoring the One who gave it to us.
83:1 — O God, do not remain quiet; do not be silent and, O God, do not be still.
The Book of Psalms is full of pleas for God to act in power and to rescue His beleaguered people. Often, the Lord does not act until we acknowledge that we’re helpless on our own to resolve our troubles. That way, when He acts, He receives all the glory.
84:10 — A day in Your courts is better than a thousand outside. I would rather stand at the threshold of the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness.
Since we were made for an intimate relationship with God, a humble place of service with Him is better than an exalted position of power or fame in the world without Him. We find deep and ultimate satisfaction in Christ alone.
85:6 — Will You not Yourself revive us again, that Your people may rejoice in You?
Spiritual revival is not only about restoring a right relationship with God; it is also about returning to a place where we can delight in Him and joyfully celebrate His goodness, love, and mercy.
85:8 — He will speak peace to His people, to His godly ones; but let them not turn back to folly.
Salvation not only rescues us from the penalty of our sins, it delivers us from bondage to our transgressions and the impulse to practice them (Rom. 6:17–19). Paul wrote, “It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery” (Gal. 5:1).
86:6 — Give ear, O LORD, to my prayer.
If God already knows all our desires and needs, then why should we pray? One word: relationship. The Lord wants us to express ourselves to Him. If He were always to fill our needs without our seeking Him, we would never be vulnerable with Him. However, when we pray, we open ourselves to receive His love, power, wisdom, and provision.
86:7 — I shall call upon You, for You will answer me.
It takes faith to pray. That’s probably why it’s sometimes so hard to get on our knees before God—we wonder, What good will it do? However, we are assured that the Lord hears us and provides for our needs when we seek Him. Therefore, don’t look for other ways to solve your problems; rather, call upon Him with full assurance that He will help you.
86:11 — Unite my heart to fear Your name.
Our hearts can be a jumble of conflicting emotions and competing interests—we can feel torn in several directions. So God instructs us to pray for a united heart.
87:3 — Glorious things are spoken of you, O city of God.
Jerusalem means “teaching of peace,” and it is where the Lord has provided powerfully for His people. For Abraham, it was where He stopped the sacrifice of Isaac and provided a ram (Gen. 22:12–14). It is where He dwelt among His people in the temple (2 Chr. 5:11–14). It is where He came to reconcile us to Himself (Matt. 16:21). And it is where He will one day return to forever establish His kingdom of peace (Rev. 21—22).
88:3 — My soul has had enough troubles, and my life has drawn near to Sheol.
Obedience leads to blessing, but that doesn’t mean you will have a trouble-free life. Paul and Barnabas said, “Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God” (Acts 14:22).
89:6 — Who among the sons of the mighty is like the LORD?
Though other people will fail us—either for intentional or unintentional reasons—God never will. So why do we still rely on others more than on Him? Perhaps we do so because we can see, hear, and touch other people, and the Lord is not tangible with our physical senses. Still, He is real, and He will always be a much better help to us than any person could hope to be.
89:33 — “I will not break off My lovingkindness from him, nor deal falsely in My faithfulness.”
God chastens His erring children, but we should never mistake His discipline for rejection. He will never fail us, and even when He corrects us, He faithfully shows us mercy (Heb. 12:4–11).
89:35, 36 — “Once I have sworn by My holiness; I will not lie to David. His descendants shall endure forever and his throne as the sun before Me.”
The fulfillment of God’s promise to David came through Jesus Christ. Jesus was not only the accomplishment of the Lord’s guarantee to David (2 Sam. 7:12–16), but He also fulfilled over 300 prophecies and pledges throughout history to everyone from Adam to Zacharias. God always fulfills His promises to the letter.
90:4 — A thousand years in Your sight are like yesterday when it passes by, or as a watch in the night.
Because God is infinite and lives forever (Is. 57:15), He is not bound by the same constraints of time that limit and frustrate us. What seems like a delay to us is right on schedule to Him.
90:14 — Satisfy us in the morning with Your lovingkindness, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.
God wants our relationship with Him to fill us with joy and gladness as an example to the world of His goodness and mercy. “In Your presence is fullness of joy” (Ps. 16:11).
91:5 — You will not be afraid of the terror by night, or of the arrow that flies by day.
Sometimes it may feel as if our nights are filled with terror and that we do have figurative arrows flying at us by day. Yet when we find our security in the Lord, they do not have to terrify or intimidate us; He is our safety, and in Him we find rest.
91:15 — “He will call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him.”
In prayer, we connect our need to God’s supply. We bring our emptiness to His unending love and provision and ask Him to satisfy us. Our deficits are no match for His abundance, and He assumes full responsibility for our needs when we obey Him (Phil. 4:19).
92:2 — To declare Your lovingkindness in the morning and Your faithfulness by night.
This verse points to the moment-by-moment relationship that God wants with us. He wants us to walk in His presence and enjoy His company all day long.
92:14 — They will still yield fruit in old age; they shall be full of sap and very green.
Bodies grow old and frail, but God wants us to bear fruit so long as we live on this earth. And just as certain crops improve as trees age, years of a faithful walk with the Lord should yield a greater harvest in the believer’s life. Our service may vary depending on our age, but He calls us to fruitfulness in all seasons (John 15:4, 5).
93:1 — The LORD reigns, He is clothed with majesty; the LORD has clothed and girded Himself with strength.
We are children of the sovereign Lord of all that exists, and He has the power and wisdom to make everything happen as He desires. Nothing can frustrate His plans, and no one can derail His promises. That’s why we can trust Him!
94:12, 13 — Blessed is the man whom You chasten, O LORD, and whom You teach out of Your law; that You may grant him relief from the days of adversity.
In this verse, God gives us yet another reason to study His Word. Through Scripture, He shows us how we have contributed to our afflictions and teaches us to repent. He also instructs us in how to avoid stumbling in the future.
94:19 — When my anxious thoughts multiply within me, Your consolations delight my soul.
God is an ever-present comfort, which is why we should always seek Him. This includes when we have difficulty controlling our emotions. The Lord wants to calm our anxieties and give us hope to overcome our distress.
95:6 — Come, let us worship and bow down, let us kneel before the LORD our Maker.
Do you physically bow down before God in worship? Do you kneel before Him in prayer? A humble posture can help to remind us of the Lord’s majesty.
95:7, 8 — Today, if you would hear His voice, do not harden your hearts, as at Meribah, as in the day of Massah in the wilderness.
As they traveled through the wilderness, the Israelites grumbled against the Lord because they found no water. Their complaints revealed the faithlessness in their hearts and contempt for God’s holiness and provision (Ex. 17:2–7). We must be careful not to mimic their unbelief. The writer of Hebrews quotes this verse three times to encourage believers to listen carefully to the Lord and to demonstrate their faith by obeying Him (3:7, 8, 15; 4:7). When we stop listening to Him, we get into trouble.
96:1 — Sing to the LORD a new song.
Why does Scripture encourage us to sing a new song to the Lord? New songs, especially songs of praise, help us to see God in a fresh light. As we walk daily with the Lord, we should constantly see the evidence of His work in our lives—maturing us and bringing us into a deeper relationship with Himself.
97:10 — Hate evil, you who love the LORD.
As our taste for the Lord and His loving, holy nature grows, our distaste for anything that dishonors and displeases Him should also increase. Our love for God should prompt us to help others draw near to Him as well.
98:9 — He will judge the world with righteousness and the peoples with equity.
When He returns, Jesus will fulfill this verse and bring justice to our troubled world. Peter affirmed, “He ordered us to preach to the people, and solemnly to testify that this is the One who has been appointed by God as Judge of the living and the dead . . . Everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins” (Acts 10:42, 43).
99:1 — The LORD reigns, let the peoples tremble; He is enthroned above the cherubim, let the earth shake!
Why should we tremble when we ponder God’s sovereignty? Why should our hearts be moved when we consider His presence? Because He is “the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone possesses immortality and dwells in unapproachable light . . . To Him be honor and eternal dominion!” (1 Tim. 6:15, 16).
99:8 — You were a forgiving God to them, and yet an avenger of their evil deeds.
God’s forgiveness is not incompatible with or opposed to His discipline. When we place our faith in Christ, He forgives our sins—past, present, and future—but He still promises to discipline us when necessary (Heb. 12:4–11).
100:2 — Serve the LORD with gladness; come before Him with joyful singing.
If the Lord’s presence makes us joyful, then serving Him should make us happy. It is when one takes no pleasure in God that obeying Him seems like a chore and a burden.
100:3 — Know that the LORD Himself is God; it is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people and the sheep of His pasture.
God is the Shepherd; we are His flock. He is our Father; we are His children. He is the Creator; we were formed by His hand. When we remember these basic truths, we will honor Him and will have more motivation and confidence for whatever situation comes along.
101:2 — I will walk within my house in the integrity of my heart.
It’s one thing to behave in a godly way in public, when you know many eyes are watching. It’s another to reflect His goodness and righteousness at home, where only family members see. God calls us to both.
101:3 — I will set no worthless thing before my eyes.
How many wrong relationships begin with just a harmless glance? How many thefts start with an envious gaze? How many addictive habits take hold from prolonged exposure to the wrong thing? If we wish to avoid doing evil, we must stay far away from any situation, attitude, or habit that could cause us to stumble.
102:18 — This will be written for the generation to come, that a people yet to be created may praise the LORD.
We are the “people yet to be created” spoken of in this verse. You are a fulfillment of prophecy! But to fulfill it completely, you must be in the habit of praising the Lord. Are you?
102:25–27 — “The heavens are the work of Your hands. Even they will perish, but You endure . . . You are the same, and Your years will not come to an end.”
As people with comparatively short life spans, the stars may seem brilliant and unending to us. But compared to our glorious, eternal God they are like threadbare clothes ready for the rag bin. And yet as majestic, everlasting, and magnificent as He is, the Lord sets His love on us. Truly, He is worthy of our praise!
103:1 — Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name.
God wants every part of us—body, soul, and spirit—to grow close to Him and to enter into a joyful relationship with Him. He seeks worshipers who will gladly give everything they are to Him.
103:13 — Just as a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him.
How does a father have compassion on His children? He considers their weaknesses, immaturity, and ignorance, and so does not require of them more than they can handle. He also teaches them with patience and mercy. Our Father does the same with us (1 Cor. 10:13).
103:19 — The LORD has established His throne in the heavens, and His sovereignty rules over all.
The Lord is omniscient (knows all things), omnipotent (all-powerful), omnipresent (always with you), and He loves you perfectly. This means that He can and will arrange every circumstance of your life to work out for your good.
103:20 — Bless the LORD, you His angels, mighty in strength, who perform His word.
The angels of God are not the cute, harmless little cherubs often pictured in popular culture. They are messengers of enormous power, sent to do God’s will. The Lord in His mercy sends them to help us (Ps. 34:7; 91:11).
104:24 — O LORD, how many are Your works! In wisdom You have made them all.
Creation reveals that God has a vast intellect that we cannot completely comprehend. Our knowledge is finite while His is infinite. But as believers, we have the mind of Jesus Christ, and He provides the wisdom we need for every situation (1 Cor. 2:16).
105:4 — Seek the LORD and His strength; seek His face continually.
Since God is infinite, we will never run out of new and surprising territory to explore regarding His holy, unchanging character and nature. The great adventure of seeking the Lord and His ways will continue our entire lives.
105:19 — Until the time that his word came to pass, the word of the LORD tested him.
Whomever God uses greatly, He first tests thoroughly. As a teenager, Joseph had dreams that his brothers and father would one day bow down before him (Gen. 37:5–10). But before that happened, he had to endure much hardship (50:20).
106:3 — How blessed are those who keep justice, who practice righteousness at all times!
God often pairs justice with righteousness. He insists that the good things He is doing with us on the inside must work their way outside of us to bless others (Phil. 2:12).
106:15 — He gave them their request, but sent a wasting disease among them.
When the Israelites demanded meat in the desert, God answered their demands. But because of their complaining, unbelief, and refusal to be content with what He had already provided, the request ended up killing thousands (Num. 11). When God does not answer your prayers in the way you think He should, thank Him for His wisdom. He will always provide what is best for you at the right time.
107:9 — He has satisfied the thirsty soul, and the hungry soul He has filled with what is good.
God wants the undefined longing we feel in our souls to drive us to Him. His presence satisfies our spiritual hunger (Matt. 5:6).
107:19 — They cried out to the LORD in their trouble; He saved them out of their distresses.
Sometimes, the trouble that comes upon us is really a blessing in disguise, because it prompts us to seek God as never before. Are you in some trouble today? Then call upon the Lord, for He delights in rescuing you.
108:12 — Give us help against the adversary, for deliverance by man is in vain.
The real question is, where do we go first when trouble hits? Do we rush to secure the aid of a friend or relative? Or do we take our problems directly to the Lord and ask Him to send the help we need?
109:4 — In return for my love they act as my accusers; but I am in prayer.
When someone betrays or turns against us, God instructs us not to seek revenge, but to seek His face in prayer. He knows how to best deal with the situation, and we need to hear from Him.
109:27 — Let them know that this is Your hand; You, LORD, have done it.
When we pray for someone’s deliverance or for God to intervene in some situation, it is entirely appropriate to ask the Lord to make it plain that what happens is no coincidence, but His involvement in the situation.
110:1 — The LORD says to my Lord: “Sit at My right hand until I make Your enemies a footstool.”
The New Testament quotes this psalm, written by David, more than any other. Jesus used this verse to demonstrate that He, the Messiah, was both the “Son of David” (Matt. 1:1) and David’s Lord (22:41–46).
110:4 — “You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.”
Melchizedek was the king of Salem—a mysterious Old Testament figure who, because of his godly life, served as a priest of God long before Aaron came along (Gen. 14:18–20; Heb. 7:1–10). After Aaron, priests were required to come from the tribe of Levi (Ex. 28:1; Num. 3:3–10). The Book of Hebrews tells us that although Jesus was not from the tribe of Levi, He has become our perfect, eternal High Priest according to the order of Melchizedek (Heb. 5:5–7; 7:11–28).
111:2 — Great are the works of the LORD; they are studied by all who delight in them.
We usually take a keen interest in the activities and projects of those we deeply love. So it is natural that we should love to study the works of God recorded in the Bible.
111:10 — A good understanding have all those who do His commandments.
The more we obey God’s commandments, the more insight and understanding He gives. And the more we know His Word, the more we realize the amazing wisdom of keeping His commands. Jesus said, “If anyone is willing to do His will, he will know of the teaching” (John 7:17).
112:2 — The generation of the upright will be blessed.
God loves to bless the obedient. He delights to show “lovingkindness to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments” (Ex. 20:6).
113:7, 8 — He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap, to make them sit with princes, with the princes of His people.
Throughout the Bible, we see God exalting the humble and humbling the proud. Jesus said it like this: “The last shall be first, and the first last” (Matt. 20:16).
114:7 — Tremble, O earth, before the Lord, before the God of Jacob.
There are at least two kinds of trembling in Scripture. Both describe genuine fear in the overwhelming presence of God. One reflects praise for His glory and the other exhibits fear because of mankind’s sinfulness. As believers, who have been forgiven, we should find tremendous joy in His presence—so much so that we want to fall before Him in humble adoration and worship.
115:1 — Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to Your name give glory because of Your lovingkindness, because of Your truth.
Our task is always to glorify God (Matt. 5:16; John 8:54; 1 Cor. 6:20). He is exalted when we reflect His mercy and truth in our lives. That is why 1 Peter 4:16 tells us, “If anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name.” When others see the Lord sustaining us through hardship and answering our requests with the kind of power that can move mountains, they realize there is something uniquely wonderful about Him and will want to know Him better.
115:3 — Our God is in the heavens; He does whatever He pleases.
To say that God is sovereign is to say that He has the power and wisdom to accomplish everything He desires. He is the absolute Monarch of the universe, and His will rules all.
115:13 — He will bless those who fear the LORD, the small together with the great.
God does not play favorites when it comes to handing out His blessings. He does not favor pastors more than policemen or missionaries more than moms. If you fear the Lord and obey Him, He will bless you.
116:10 — I believed when I said.
Paul uses this verse to show that those who really believe in the death and resurrection of Christ should speak of their conviction to others (2 Cor. 4:13–15). We act on what we know is true.
116:15 — Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His godly ones.
We grieve when a loved one dies. And while God hurts because we are in mourning, He also rejoices that another one of His children has entered His eternal presence. Death is not the end, but a new beginning.
117:2 — The truth of the LORD is everlasting.
God’s truth does not change from year to year, decade to decade, or century to century. It does not vary according to the current trends or adjust to popular opinion. In a world of change, His truth remains absolutely constant and unalterable.
118:8, 9 — It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man. It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes.
Even the best of friends can say one thing and do another. Even the most trusted public officials can renege on their pledges. But God always does what He says and keeps every promise He makes. So trust Him!
118:22 — The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief corner stone.
The religious leaders of Jesus’ day rejected Him as the Messiah (Matt. 21:42), but as Peter declared, “God has made Him both Lord and Christ—this Jesus whom you crucified” (Acts 2:36).
119:9 — How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to Your word.
If we want to please the Lord and honor Him with our lives, we must know His Word. The Bible warns us of dangers ahead, steers us toward the heart of God, and gives us wisdom to flourish.
119:11 — Your word I have treasured in my heart, that I may not sin against You.
Many Christians today have never experienced the power and encouragement available to them through memorizing Scripture. When we “hide and store” God’s Word in our hearts and minds, it remains available always to help and strengthen us in tough times.
119:28 — My soul weeps because of grief; strengthen me according to Your word.
When we feel discouraged, down, and low in spirit, reading just the right portion of God’s Word can give us renewed hope and fresh strength. Through the Holy Spirit, the Lord’s power flows through Scripture in a way that defies description.
119:67 — Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep Your word.
Believers have a choice about how they will respond to life’s tempests. Either they can cast blame while becoming resentful and bitter, or they can turn to the Lord and ask, “What is Your purpose?” God wants to use adversity to draw us to Himself. If we respond to it in faith, our affliction becomes a bridge to a deeper relationship with Him.
119:105 — Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
Left to ourselves, we often don’t know which path leads to life and which way ends in death (Prov. 14:12; 16:25); we remain in the dark. But through His Word, God sheds light on our situation and leads us to safety.
119:162 — I rejoice at Your word, as one who finds great spoil.
If we think of the Bible as a mysterious book that’s difficult to understand, we won’t value it much and will read it even less. But if we see it as a priceless treasure, we’ll dive into it often and reap its amazing benefits.
121:3 — He who keeps you will not slumber.
God never sleeps. He is on guard every moment of every day, watching over you with infinite care. Why worry? The omnipotent Lord of the universe has declared His unending love for you and will never fail in protecting you.
122:1 — I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the LORD.”
What made the psalmist glad? First, he saw it as an opportunity to meet with God. Second, he considered it a chance to worship with friends. Third, it fulfilled the purpose for which God had created him.
123:2 — Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their master . . . so our eyes look to the LORD our God, until He is gracious to us.
There may be many reasons why God does not immediately answer our prayers for help and mercy—He has a better plan, greater blessings, or knows something we do not know. One thing is sure: He instructs us to keep on asking until He responds (Luke 18:1–8). Then He sends His blessings.
124:1, 3 — “Had it not been the LORD who was on our side . . . then they would have swallowed us alive, when their anger was kindled against us.”
Why did David write this? To remind Israel that when certain death loomed, the Lord came and did a miracle on the nation’s behalf. God instructs us in His Word to encourage each other by verbally reminding one another of how He has rescued us in the past. None of us are called to “go it alone” in our walk of faith, but are to be instruments of His peace and hope (Col. 3:16, 17).
125:2 — As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the LORD surrounds His people from this time forth and forever.
During the psalmist’s time, Jerusalem was virtually inaccessible to invading armies because of Mounts Olivet and Scopus and the valleys of Hinnom, Tyropoeon, and Kidron. Likewise, God surrounds His people as an impenetrable defense. He covers us on every side so that nothing can reach us without first passing through His loving hands.
126:5 — Those who sow in tears shall reap with joyful shouting.
God never pretends that this life will be free of hardship or pain, but He insists that, for those who know and love Him, our tears are seeds that will one day bloom into enormous joy.
127:1 — Unless the LORD builds the house, they labor in vain who build it; unless the LORD guards the city, the watchman keeps awake in vain.
All our efforts are useless and futile if we do not partner with God in what He wants, and in the time and manner He desires to accomplish it. The blessing of the Lord spells the difference between success and failure, satisfaction and regret.
130:5 — I wait for the LORD, my soul does wait, and in His word do I hope.
God does not spring into action on our timetable. In fact, He waits until the very best moment to intervene. Why? Waiting is the Lord’s training ground for building strong faith. As we wait, we learn to trust Him.
131:1 — O LORD, my heart is not proud, nor my eyes haughty; nor do I involve myself in great matters, or in things too difficult for me.
It takes humility to admit that some things are bigger than we are or just plain beyond us. Even the great David called himself a “flea” and a “dead dog” (1 Sam. 24:14). And we are told, “Moses was very humble, more than any man who was on the face of the earth” (Num. 12:3). Thus we see that it is true that “a humble spirit will obtain honor” (Prov. 29:23).
133:1 — Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity!
If as believers we all serve the one true God, then why shouldn’t His love express itself in us through unity (Eph. 4:1–16)? It really should. Therefore, “be like-minded, live in peace” (2 Cor. 13:11).
135:6 — Whatever the LORD pleases, He does, in heaven and in earth, in the seas and in all deeps.
What does God want to do? It pleases the Lord to do good, to show mercy, to bestow grace—and nothing can stop Him. Yet, as is also His right, He will judge the unrepentantly wicked.
137:4 — How can we sing the LORD’s song in a foreign land?
While our surroundings and circumstances can influence our desire to worship God, true worship is about adoring the Lord for who He is. No matter our outward conditions, we must make the decision to praise Him. “In everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thess. 5:18).
138:2 — You have magnified Your word according to all Your name.
The Bible is not merely one book among several; it is the Lord’s holy revelation to humanity. There is nothing else like God’s wonderful Word.
What the Bible Says About
God’s Desire to Communicate with Us
How many times have we heard someone say, “Why would God want to speak to me? I am not a preacher or in full-time Christian service. Why in the world would He want to communicate with me?”
The truth is, we are all saved by His grace (Eph. 2:8). When we know Christ as our Savior, we are all washed and sanctified (1 Cor. 6:11) and are all children of the living God (John 1:12). As our heavenly Father, God naturally wants to fellowship with us.
Many times, we may see ourselves in an unworthy light—and when we do, we wonder why our great, magnificent God would ever want to speak to us. In that case, the Lord could scream into our ears, but we would have a difficult time hearing Him.
We must see ourselves as the Lord sees us—that is, as children who need Him to speak, who need to listen, and who need His guidance every day of their lives. If we have a pauper-like image of ourselves, wondering why the God who created the heavens and the earth would engage in meaningful conversation with insignificant us, then communication shuts down.
It all depends on our relationship with Him. We are children of God, and we can be sure that our Father eagerly seeks to speak to us! Psalm 139 provides us with marvelous insight into the Father’s perfect knowledge of us and His abundant love for us just the way we are. He knows how we are made. He knows our weaknesses. He knows our sinful desires, and our transgressions are not hidden from Him. He knows our innermost hurts, fears, and frustrations—and yet He longs to gain intimacy with us.
Jesus has chosen to put His unmatched presence into these scarred, earthen vessels. He is at home in these tattered earthly tents. We need not be ill at ease, but instead we can relax and enjoy His fellowship, knowing that He died for us while we were hopeless sinners (Rom. 5:6–8). He has permanently accepted us into His family with all our undesirable baggage. We are His—lock, stock, and barrel.
So listen for Him and embrace all the wonderful things He wants to share!
See the Life Principles Index for further study:
139:7 — Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence?
God answers the psalmist’s question in Jeremiah 23:24: “‘Can a man hide himself in hiding places so I do not see him?’ declares the LORD. ‘Do I not fill the heavens and the earth?’” Thankfully, this also means that no matter where you go, He is there for you—no one can ever prevent you from seeking shelter in His loving arms.
139:23 — Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my anxious thoughts.
When we cannot understand ourselves or comprehend our feelings, God invites us to take our internal struggles to Him and ask Him for insight. He understands what we do not and knows what to do when we don’t.
140:7 — “O GOD the Lord, the strength of my salvation, You have covered my head in the day of battle.”
Whenever we obey God, we will more than likely stir up the fury of those who oppose Him (Matt. 5:11, 12; John 15:20). Yet when we stand firm in our faith—even though we face persecution because of it—He will step in and protect us, and we will see His triumph and glory in our situation (Acts 16:16–34).
141:5 — Let the righteous smite me in kindness and reprove me; it is oil upon the head; do not let my head refuse it.
When the righteous reprimand us through a stern rebuke or painful correction, they do so for our own good. In this way, God will work through our brothers and sisters in Christ to make us even more effective ministers of the gospel. “Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another” (Prov. 27:17).
142:7 — “Bring my soul out of prison, so that I may give thanks to Your name.”
Sometimes, we put ourselves in bondage through sin. Other times we’re held captive due to a wrong attitude. Only God can set us free from our emotional and spiritual captivity—and He will if we’ll trust Him (Is. 61:1; John 8:32, 36; Rom. 7:24, 25; 8:20, 21; 2 Cor. 3:17; Gal. 5:1; James 1:25).
143:8 — Teach me the way in which I should walk; for to You I lift up my soul.
If we want God’s guidance—and we all need it every day—then we must ask for it. We must request His wisdom in faith and then listen carefully for His voice. He always guides those who really want to follow.
143:10 — Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God.
Every day we either surrender ourselves to our sin, which leads to death, or we obey God, which leads to righteousness (Rom. 6:16). If God is our Master, shouldn’t we learn to submit ourselves to Him?
144:9 — I will sing a new song to You, O God; upon a harp of ten strings I will sing praises to You.
The Lord invites us to use our God-given talents and abilities to praise Him. We belong to Him, so we should worship Him with all we have.
145:5 — On the glorious splendor of Your majesty and on Your wonderful works, I will meditate.
How can we meditate on God’s majestic splendor? We can recall the personal victories He has given us. We can ponder His attributes. We can see His glory through nature and other believers. And most of all, we can focus on His Son.
145:15 — The eyes of all look to You, and You give them their food in due time.
The Lord is the great Provider. As Paul said, “He Himself gives to all people life and breath and all things” (Acts 17:25). We do not look to God presumptuously for what we need, but expectantly, because we put our hope in His great love.
146:8 — The LORD opens the eyes of the blind.
The Old Testament prophets performed many mighty miracles, but not one of them ever caused a blind man to see. Jesus, however, opened the eyes of the physically blind and the spiritually blind as well (Is. 61:1; Matt. 9:30; 11:5; 12:22; 20:34; Mark 10:52; Luke 4:18; 7:21; John 9:1–7, 32, 33).
147:3 — He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.
Isaiah echoes this sentiment, “The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me . . . to bind up the brokenhearted” (61:1). Jesus quoted Isaiah as a public declaration of His earthly ministry (Luke 4:18). He does not come into our lives to fix what is already right; rather, He heals us from our brokenness and forgives our sin. “It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick; I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners” (Mark 2:17).
147:11 — The LORD favors those who fear Him, those who wait for His lovingkindness.
It may seem odd to “fear” and “wait for . . . lovingkindness” from the same person. But our reverence for the Lord and patient trust in His will work together to produce a profound faith that can bring us safely through all hardship and calamity.
148:8 — Fire and hail, snow and clouds; stormy wind, fulfilling His word.
God has used fire (Ex. 3:2), hail (9:19), snow (Ps. 147:16), clouds (Deut. 4:11), storm (Ex. 9:24), and wind (Gen. 8:1) to accomplish His will. They all obey every whisper of His command. Do we?
149:4 — The LORD takes pleasure in His people; He will beautify the afflicted ones with salvation.
Do you know that God takes pleasure in you? He delights in your growth and rejoices over your desire to obey Him. One day He will transform you to resemble the ultimate expression of beauty, holiness, and splendor—He will conform you to the likeness of His Son(1 John 3:2).