The Songs of Jesus: A Year of Daily Devotions in the Psalms

A Long Obedience in the Same Direction

Reflections on the Psalms

The Path to the Good Life - Psalm 1

Psalm 1 describes the path to the “good life” and the path to ruin. There are two ways of being human, and what we choose to meditate on makes all the difference. When we meditate on and live by God’s instruction, we begin to taste abundant life for ourselves and others, which is when we really experience human flourishing! 

The Rage of Nations and the Laugh of God - Psalm 2

Psalm 2 is remarkable in its relevance, but it’s also convicting and comforting. The conviction comes through its stark reminder that God is the ultimate ruling power, no matter who our earthly rulers happen to be. The comfort is found in the promise that the psalm closes with, “Blessed are all who take refuge in Him.” Psalm 2 is a great reminder to all of us of the importance of always identifying ourselves first and foremost as devoted followers of Jesus Christ

Fix Your Eyes & Focus on Jesus - Psalm 3

Here in Psalm 3, we see David respond, not with strategy but with Surrender. It reminds us that our darkest moments don't disprove God's care, they reveal it. The Lord shields, He uplifts, and He sustains. The question isn’t whether or not God is able, but will you rest in him when  everything else falls apart?"

How Majestic is Your Name - Psalm 8

Psalm 8 is a beautiful meditation on our place in the universe and the purposes of God. The poem is based on the portrait of humanity found in Genesis 1:1-2:3, and explores the themes of the image of God and humanity as God’s co-ruling partners in the world. Ultimately, it is AMAZING that God uses weak and vulnerable people to accomplish his purposes—he has exalted men and women to rule all creation, even though we are way less impressive than the heavenly hosts! Such grace! And what a calling on our lives!

Access to the Presence of God - Psalm 15

How can sinful humans come into the presence of God? Psalm 15 gives a character portrait of the human that can come safely into a holy God’s presence. It shows us how to be safe in a dangerous world. But can we ever dwell in the presence of God and fulfill these requirements of righteousness? There’s only one man who does so to perfection in all of history. And when we are united to Jesus in faith what is true of him becomes true of us. Because he has ascended the holy hill to dwell forever at the Father’s right hand, you and I go with him because he has become our righteousness. As Paul writes in Colossians 3, those who have been raised with Christ can know their life is hidden with Christ in God.

The Revelation of God- Psalm 19

David is in awe and wonder of God, the creator of the heavens and earth. He pens this poetic masterpiece to point to the glory of God revealed through creation, His Word and mankind. In modern day, many people seek to find God in many different things and different ways and often they are questioning “Where is He?”. When reading these lyrics, we can be assured to see God’s fingerprint, and hear His voice through His creation, the stars in the sky and the rising sun. We can read His Words readily available and jumping off the pages of the Holy Bible. Finally, we can hear and see God’s desire to have a relationship with His finest creation, man.