Psalms
-
Through the prophet Isaiah, God affirmed that, irrespective of circumstances, He would not retract His grace and compassion from any individual (Isaiah 54:10). God remains faithful to His promise even today, having given His only Son as atonement for our sin, despite our unworthiness in His sight. His grace and compassion transcend our shortcomings, saving […]
-
This Psalm addresses matters largely overlooked by most believers yet discerned by the author. It is not a vision or a unique revelation to the author; rather, it reflects common expectations of every believer. Consequently, Jesus instructed us to pray for the coming of His Kingdom and for His will to be accomplished on earth […]
-
We observe David approaching God in light of the adversities he encountered, prompting the question: if not for these challenges, where would he be? However, before contemplating this inquiry concerning David’s life, this Psalm invites us to introspect. Are we aligned with God solely due to tribulations, or are we drawn by the blessings and […]
-
David composed this psalm, reflecting on God’s triumph over His people’s adversaries from the time of Abraham until his own era. In this Psalm, David draws upon the victories granted by God to his forebears, relating them to his contemporary context. This serves as a significant illustration for us, demonstrating how we ought to connect […]
-
God assures us that His mercy will remain with us unconditionally. This promise was conveyed to us through His Prophet Isaiah in the following verse: Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the LORD, […]
-
This psalm reminds us of the importance of continually remembering God in our daily lives. Sadly, many of us tend to think of Him only on Sundays or during designated “prayer times.” Some even assume that God’s presence is manifested only when there is a large gathering of people. But the truth is, His presence […]
-
Creation itself reveals the Creator, yet only a few truly recognise the Creator through what He has made. In the Bible, the Psalms often glorify God by reflecting on His mighty works in creation. Along with this psalm, Psalms 8 and 148 also focus on the beauty and power of His handiwork. Job, too, speaks […]
-
This psalm captures the essence of salvation in every way, reminding us to care for our souls just as we care for our bodies. Sadly, many ignore the soul altogether, and some do not even recognize its existence. It is only at death that people often say, “May the departed soul rest in peace,” a […]
-
Many believers hold the common notion that we must somehow awaken God to hear our prayers, which is why people often organize long prayer meetings and even fast. King Solomon prayed with this very thought when he asked God to listen to the prayers of the people offered at the temple he had built. He […]
-
A resolution is a firm decision or determination made to address and overcome something that seems complicated. Believers often make resolutions at the start of a new year, choosing to abandon unwanted habits and practices in hopes of bringing order to the chaos they face in daily life. However, what truly matters is not just […]
-
No one can truly explain why so many people on earth remain unaware of God, even though He has done everything for all people on this earth. God is not far from any of us, yet only a few truly know Him, while the majority remain ignorant of His presence. When we accomplish something, we […]
-
This Psalm reveals the sovereign authority of God—the Creator who not only made all things but continues to govern them flawlessly. In His wisdom, the Almighty entrusted a measure of His authority to mankind, whom He created in His own image. Tragically, through disobedience, mankind forfeited this governing authority to the devil. As a result, […]
-
Long before God atoned for our sins through His Son and proclaimed forgiveness for all mankind, this Psalm declared one universal truth: regardless of time or ignorance, God’s redemption was already at work, and those who loved Him could perceive that salvation came by His grace. Because of this, we are called to live out […]
-
This Psalm continues the theme and structure of the previous one. Although the themes may not have originally stemmed from the Psalmist’s personal inspiration, he skillfully reshapes the insights and expressions of others to reflect his present circumstances. In the same way, we should learn to interpret and apply these Old Testament Psalms within our […]
-
This Psalm encourages us to renew ourselves daily in order to grow deeper in the love of God. Though it begins by addressing the people of God, it gradually extends the call to all nations—and even to all of creation—to worship the Lord. Through this Psalm, we are invited to reflect on the joy of […]
-
This Psalm serves as a powerful eye-opener for new believers, offering clear reasons to engage in true worship. It highlights God’s care and protection for His people. The Holy Spirit also gives a solemn warning—not to harden our hearts, lest we risk losing our salvation. Ultimately, the Psalm speaks of the rest that is withheld […]
-
This Psalm reveals how doubt and disbelief can endanger our salvation. They blind us from recognising His limitless love and distort it as if it were driven by vengeance. It is sobering to realise that the very blessings we seek from God today are often the ones that end up shaking our faith. When we […]
-
This Psalm affirms God’s absolute sovereignty and His authority over all things—both good and evil. Yet, many believers often limit God’s role, attributing evil exclusively to the devil, darkness, or even to other deities. However, it was God who planted the tree of the knowledge of good and evil in the Garden of Eden. How, […]
-
The Jews traditionally used this Psalm as a song of worship in their synagogues, and its content made it especially suitable for Sabbath worship. Following this precedent, people began the practice of worshipping God on Sundays within designated buildings. However, while this Psalm reflects early practices of Sabbath worship, shouldn’t we recognise the need to […]
-
This Psalm is traditionally believed to have been written by Moses and is considered the only Psalm attributed to him. While some scholars argue that Moses may not have written it himself, suggesting instead that someone recorded his prayer in the form of a Psalm, it is nonetheless recognised as The Prayer of Moses. This […]
-
The title of this Psalm attributes its authorship to Ethan the Ezrahite, who served as a musician in King David’s court. He was later recognised among the wise men during King Solomon’s reign. The Psalm centres on God’s faithfulness to His covenant with David and his descendants. Portions of the text appear to reflect the […]
-
The title of this Psalm identifies its author as Heman the Ezrahite. Often regarded as the most sorrowful of all prayer songs, this Psalm has brought comfort and restored hope to many during their darkest times. However, Heman, the son of Joel, didn’t turn to God only in moments of despair—he was consistently devoted to […]
-
The author of this Psalm remains unknown, yet it was likely submitted to the sons of Korah, possibly the choir of that time. Though the writer chose to remain hidden, God reveals Himself through the message. This anonymity mirrors the Book of Hebrews, which also has an unknown author. Like Hebrews, this Psalm carries a […]
-
After a long gap, near the end of Book III, a Psalm of David is once again included in the Book of Psalms. While some Psalms are specifically known as prayer Psalms, such as the Ninetieth Psalm, which is the prayer of Moses, people often use all the Psalms as a tool for prayer. In […]
-
The inspiration for this Psalm likely stems from the 430 years of Israelite bondage in Egypt and the subsequent deliverance that God provided. Although it is rooted in this historical event, the Psalm also applies to various situations where God’s people faced oppression from their enemies after being handed over by God Himself. This Psalm […]
-
This Psalm, written by the sons of Korah, echoes the message found in Ezekiel chapter 18, where the prophet emphasizes that God’s forgiveness is available to every generation, regardless of the sins of their ancestors. There is often a belief that God’s punishment for the sins of the forefathers carries over to their descendants. However, […]
-
Many Psalms are prayers lifted to God during times of war, seeking victory. This particular Psalm is one such prayer, offered when Israel was under attack by its enemies. At times, these prayers reflect a sense that not only God’s people but even God Himself is being overpowered. In the Old Testament, whenever Israel disobeyed […]
-
The author of Hebrews tells us that God created mankind a little lower than the angels and sent His Son to become man in order to save them. Before explaining this, the author distinguishes the Son of God by stating that God never addressed any angel with the words, “You are My Son.” Furthermore, God […]
-
This Psalm calls people to remember and rejoice in the victory that God granted them. The Bible refers to these celebrations as the Feast of Trumpets or the Feast of Tabernacles. These festivals were observed as God’s statute, commemorating the day God delivered His people from slavery in Egypt. Do we follow all of God’s […]
-
This Psalm focuses on deliverance, highlighting the stressful conditions the Israelites faced and the Psalmist’s plea for God to restore them once again. It depicts God as a Shepherd, providing a detailed account of His rescue and blessings. Despite God’s guidance and provision, the people suddenly found themselves under immense stress, feeling as though His […]
-
Although this Psalm is titled “A Psalm of Asaph,” it is believed to have been written by a later Asaph, as it appears to date to the period when the Babylonians destroyed Jerusalem and defiled the temple. The Asaph, who served during the reigns of King David and his son Solomon, would not have been […]
-
Despite His protection and blessings, the Israelites rebelled against God in the desert. The Psalmist vividly describes their disobedience and God’s response—allowing His wrath to serve as a means to draw them back to Him. However, the people misunderstood God’s discipline, viewing it as fury rather than merciful correction. Could the same God who delivered […]
-
While people often bring trouble upon themselves through their mistakes, they tend to view these consequences as punishments from God. Punishment can harden a person, but forgiveness and mercy offer an opportunity for repentance. Both experiences involve sorrow, but godly sorrow transforms a person, making them a new creation. Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads […]
-
The concept of God is often misunderstood, as He is the one true God who loves all people—past, present, and future. Despite this, many perceive Him as an angry person, always seeking opportunities to punish. While this misconception persists, few openly declare their resolve to avoid His punishment. Instead, through repeated sins, they accept the […]
-
The central theme of this Psalm is the grace of God extended to rebellious people (Romans 5:20). To emphasize this truth, the Psalmist reflects on the past, recounting how God delivered His people and guided them through the wilderness. Despite God’s abundant provisions, the people rebelled, failing to grasp His irreversible plan for their lives. […]
-
A distinguished poet and composer from the time of David and Solomon wrote this song for Jeduthun, a musician and singer in the choir. Jeduthun was appointed as a musician and singer (1 Chronicles 16:41)—a role of great honour. Furthermore, Jeduthun’s sons served as gatekeepers and were also singers in the choir, tasked with prophesying […]
-
Sennacherib, the King of Assyria, ruled a powerful nation located to the north and east of Judah. He launched an attack on Judah, but God intervened on Judah’s behalf. The angel of the LORD struck down 185,000 soldiers in the Assyrian camp, leading to Sennacherib’s defeat. As a result, God’s power and presence became known […]
-
In this Psalm, Asaph reflects on the greatness of God, even while living among people who rarely seek Him. People often turn to God when they experience miracles but otherwise remain distant, preoccupied with their own concerns. Despite this, God continues to provide for them and abundantly pours out His grace. Unfortunately, people often neglect […]
-
Considering the time of Asaph, this Psalm likely reflects the devastation following the temple’s destruction by the Babylonians. Alternatively, if viewed within the context of Asaph’s God-given role to worship and prophesy (as noted in 1 Chronicles 25:1), it could be a prophetic Psalm foretelling a future temple destruction. Another possibility is that it speaks […]
-
The author of this Psalm vividly expresses how he almost deceived himself and betrayed the community of believers by becoming envious of the prosperity of the wicked. Although the Psalmist openly acknowledges his misguided thoughts, many believers harbor similar feelings but are reluctant to admit them. The frustration that arises from witnessing the seemingly comfortable […]
-
The title of this Psalm suggests it is written by Solomon, but it might actually be a translation error, and the title could mean “A Psalm for Solomon,” the son of David. The last verse of the Psalm indicates that it concludes the prayers of King David and marks the end of the second part […]
-
There is a stigma associated with ageing, and many people today are reluctant to acknowledge the signs of getting older. For example, practices like dyeing hair to hide the greys and spending heavily on anti-ageing treatments are widespread in modern times. In ancient cultures, elders were often regarded as blessings to their families, with grey hair symbolizing the wisdom gained over a lifetime. What has caused this shift in perception? It is concerning to see, through the words of this Psalm, that even in ancient times this trend existed, leading the author to fear that God might forsake people in…
-
This psalm depicts a perilous situation where the Psalmist’s life is under threat. It vividly portrays the image of a boy sprinting home to escape bullies, desperately knocking on the door to get inside. Similarly, people in the world often experience moments of urgent escape from others once their true intentions are revealed. When pursued by evildoers intent on harm, we may struggle to decide where to turn. This psalm teaches us that the best and safest refuge is God.
-
This Psalm conveys the deep sorrow rooted in the heart of the Psalmist. It seems he was overwhelmed by his troubles, unable to find a way out. The depth of his grief is vividly expressed in this Psalm. The thought of having no one to save him likely contributed to his despair. Grief can blind […]
-
This song by David is believed by scholars to have been composed during the return of the Ark of God (2 Samuel 6). Initially, the people of God attributed their defeat to the absence of the Ark in battle. Consequently, they brought the Ark with them the next time, but they were still defeated, and […]
-
It is fascinating how we elevate the creators of the wonders of the world, marvelling at their handiwork and flocking to see these awe-inspiring sites. Yet, we often overlook the fact that these wonders are only possible because God created the universe. He set the planets in their orbits, where they have been running systematically since their creation, each suspended in the sky without any support. God has never needed scaffolding to maintain and repair these celestial bodies. Despite this unparalleled creative power, we often fail to appreciate and give thanks to God. We are quick to celebrate human achievements…
-
This Psalm opens with an exuberant call to all the earth to shout joyfully to God and sing the glory of His name. The psalmist invites everyone to witness and celebrate the wondrous works that God has done. The themes of praise and thanksgiving resonate throughout the psalm, emphasizing God’s mighty deeds and faithfulness. This Psalm is a compelling expression of gratitude and awe, encouraging believers to recount God’s faithfulness and to lift up songs of praise. It reflects on God’s sovereignty over creation and history, inviting all people to join in proclaiming His greatness and giving Him the honour…
-
Charles Spurgeon observed this about the uncommon pairing of Psalm and Song for this composition: “The Hebrew calls it a Shur and Mizmor”. This Psalm, while observed in a literary sense, is important to note for its significance. The initial portion of the Psalm follows the typical pattern of God using the Psalmist to prophesy the mysteries of His kingdom, while the second portion is a song of admiration for God, celebrating His wonderful and incomparable creations. When we are feeling spiritually and physically drained, God guides us to convey His message through us. Simultaneously, this Psalm serves as a reminder to contemplate the marvels…
-
We live in a world full of deception, and when we fall victim to it, we seek redress. Every marketing company operates a customer care center to address the grievances of their customers. Governments have judicial systems in place to address the complaints of the common people. The police safeguard individuals from theft and protect their lives when they are in danger. Social activists work to empower the disenfranchised, enlighten them about their rights, and advocate on their behalf. However, despite these resources, some individuals choose not to seek help through these channels and continue to bemoan their plight, feeling…
-
In this psalm, titled “A Psalm of David when he was in the wilderness of Judah,” David reflects on the time he spent as a fugitive living in the wilderness. Despite his eventual ascent to the throne, his experiences in the wilderness, including a period of exile due to Absalom’s rebellion, were instrumental in teaching him that the love of God surpasses all worldly pursuits. This serves as a timeless lesson, as many today are consumed by the pursuit of worldly pleasures, whereas David found solace in the wilderness, embracing the love of God.
-
Young individuals nowadays encounter considerable obstacles in forging their careers, perceiving the world as an intensely competitive environment. Professionals in the business sphere frequently employ diverse analogies to underscore the significance of investing resources such as money, skills, and time judiciously. Simultaneously, individuals from various backgrounds engage in fierce competition to obtain the latest technologies and enhance their standard of living. Nevertheless, it is crucial to reflect on the following: What is the origin of this culture of competition?
-
There are moments when we feel unheard because we do not receive the answers we yearn for. However, God hears and discerns our prayers before we even voice them, responding in His own time. In this Psalm, David articulates a sense of unmet requests and implores God to heed his prayer. It is imperative to exalt God above all else when presenting our grievances, instead of equating Him with mortal beings and sharing our concerns with both humans and God. It takes considerable time for individuals to realize the error of confiding their weaknesses in their fellow men. Unfortunately, at…
-
Written during his battles against Aram Naharaim and Aram Zobah, as well as Joab’s successful campaign, David’s cry for help resulted in the defeat of twelve thousand Edomites in the Valley of Salt. David initiated this Psalm by acknowledging that God had rejected them, drawing a parallel to King Ahab’s treatment of the prophet Elijah. […]
-
David fervently implored God to rescue him from his adversaries once he comprehended the evil intentions of Saul and his commanders. Expressing his dismay at their unjust actions, David highlighted his unwavering loyalty to Saul and his household, as well as his continuous efforts to combat the enemies of God’s people. Rather than merely serving Saul, David devoted himself to serving God by vanquishing those who sought to defame His name. David acknowledged his inability to comprehend the rationale behind their behaviour, yet instead of questioning God, he entreated Him to intervene, irrespective of the cause.
-
The Psalm exclusively discusses the atrocities committed by the rulers of the nations and calls upon God to intervene and punish them mercilessly for their treacherous acts. This theme strongly resonates with the modern world, where even in democratic countries, leaders chosen by the people often govern based on the desires of their majority supporters. In this context, believers seek God’s intervention to hold their leaders accountable and ensure fair treatment of the minority populations.
-
If we consider the teachings from the Psalms of David, we discern the gravity of consistently tending to our soul. While many prioritize the desires of the flesh, David, in his Psalms, underscores the significance of caring for one’s soul. This is crucial because when we indulge our wrongful fleshly desires, knowingly or inadvertently, it inflicts harm upon our souls. Without prompt attention, our souls may wither. As the soul becomes dormant, our impure thoughts can overpower us, resulting in a significant deterioration of our spiritual well-being. Judas failed to tend to his soul when his greed for money smothered…
-
David likely internalized this Psalm during his captivity by the Philistines in Gath. The circumstances may have prevented him from physically recording the Psalm at that time, but he later had the opportunity to do so. David found himself isolated in the court of Achish, the king of Gath. Despite seeking refuge, the situation took a turn as word spread of David’s triumphs against the Philistine army, altering the dynamics within the court.
-
Many of us can relate to this Psalm, as we too have experienced the pain of being hurt by the actions of friends and family we trusted. Scholars suggest that this Psalm was compiled during Absalom’s rebellion, with David’s trusted counsellor Ahithophel being involved. However, David’s plea to God to deal with his enemies may not necessarily be directly related to Absalom. David did not mention anyone by name, so it can be understood as a universal experience of facing betrayal from those we trust.
-
During the period in which this Psalm of David was composed, the Ziphites approached Saul, questioning, “Is not David hiding among us?” It is noteworthy that the Ziphites, who were descendants of Judah like David, ought to have been his allies, yet they betrayed him. The allocation of our tribal affiliation and lineage is completely orchestrated by God, a reality often overlooked as we are shaped by our surroundings and develop strong emotional ties to our kinsfolk. Even distant relatives hold significant sway, but when power and favour are at stake, they are quick to abandon us and align with…
-
The Psalmist expresses concern about atheists who deny the existence of God, as well as agnostics who choose not to engage with this topic. Neither the believers who claim the existence of God nor the non-believers who reject it can conclusively prove their positions. While the Psalmist attributes the corruption and vileness of people to their lack of belief, it is worth considering the hypocrisy of those who profess belief in God yet exhibit corrupt and immoral behavior. This suggests that only the true belief in the existence of God should naturally keep individuals away from corruption and sin.
-
Being a man close to the heart of God, David suddenly made a drastic decision and became afraid to reveal his true situation to the priest Ahimelek. He feared that if Ahimelek learned about the broken relationship between him and King Saul, the priest would refuse to help him. Fueled by this fear, David resorted to deception in front of Ahimelek. In Isaiah 28, God warns us that those who seek refuge in lies are essentially making a pact with death. Sadly, David had indeed made such a pact, resulting in the deaths of the entire families and inhabitants of…
-
Psalms 32 and 51 are frequently used by believers as a framework for expressing their contrition and confessing their sins. Many individuals turn to these Psalms to engage in penitence. It is important to note that only those who have been cleansed by the purifying blood of Jesus can truly embrace this template, whereas those who have not experienced the cleansing power of Jesus’ blood are unable to avail themselves of this opportunity.
-
This Psalm, attributed to the musician Asaph, emphasises the idea that engaging in the service of God enables personal growth and a deeper understanding of His holiness. This musician, who previously composed music for David’s verses, now conveys a message about God’s ways, illustrating that being solely a musician does not limit one’s capacity to […]
-
The Sons of Korah passionately extolled the greatness of God in their awe-inspiring Psalm 48. In this Psalm, they implored the people to embrace a firm understanding of God’s boundless love and unwavering grace. Humanity often succumbs to the temptation of placing their trust in worldly treasures, forsaking the life-giving power of our heavenly Father. […]
-
The psalm at hand, attributed to the sons of Korah, offers a unique perspective within the collection of Psalms. While typically characterized by petitions and acknowledgements of God’s response to prayers, this particular psalm deviates in its focus. From the very beginning, it is dedicated to glorifying the Almighty, earning it the title of “A […]
-
When the Psalmist was overwhelmed after witnessing a king’s epic victory, it inspired him to write this song of Praise. Now, there could be a bunch of theories about who this king was, but one thing is for sure – this Psalm is all about the ultimate ruler, the King of kings. It kicks off […]
-
When contemplating the character of God, we often associate it with blessings, abundance, and prosperity. Conversely, we tend to associate destitution and suffering with darkness, malevolent forces, or even the concept of evil. It is rare for anyone to link the Creator with destruction. Consequently, when faced with unexpected catastrophes, our pursuit of happiness is […]
-
The King mentioned in this Psalm does not align with any historical Israelite monarchy. However, the references to gifts from Tyre establish a connection between Solomon and the Psalm, as Hiram, the King of Tyre, provided materials for Solomon’s temple. With this in mind, some scholars associate this Psalm with Solomon’s wedding to an Egyptian […]
-
God’s love remains constant and eternal, unaffected by our shortcomings. However, it is crucial for us to pass on this everlasting love to future generations and ensure that they regard it as a valuable inheritance. In ancient times, the love of God was faithfully transmitted from one generation to another, serving as a source of […]
-
Psalm 43 is considered a continuation of Psalm 42 as it explores similar themes and uses a common chorus. However, unlike the preceding hymn, this Psalm does not have a note about the writer. It addresses the challenges faced by individuals who genuinely follow God but differ from the traditional religious practices of their peers. […]
-
Psalm 42 represents the introductory Psalm of the second book of the Psalms, which was co-authored by the sons of Korah. Despite the rebellion of Korah and his fellow leaders against the authority of Moses and Aaron, resulting in their demise, the lineage of Korah did not perish, as stated in Numbers 26:11. The sons […]
-
The first part of the book of Psalms ends with this Psalm. Here, the Psalmist was clear in His conscience to declare that his life pleased God. This Psalm teaches us that everyone around us might be traitors and encourages us to live according to the standards of God, despite the snares placed by the […]
-
This Psalm helps us reminisce about the days we lived without God to appreciate life after salvation.
-
Observing life expectancy emerged in the 19th century for the first time when human death rates attributed to the rise in diseases started increasing exponentially with time. The life expectancy data attributed various causes to the climbing death rate numbers, and people worked out scientific solutions to enhance the life span of people. Moses had a thought about this when people died in the wilderness, and he prayed to God to give him the wisdom to number his days, approximately during 1500 BC. He did not explore the cause of their death but asked God for awareness to understand the…
-
While everyone wishes to enjoy the blessings of God, only a few are ready to experience His wrath too. Many believe that exposing the outcome of the wrath of God is a shame. Or knowing that God is not on our side, people will bounce on us from every angle. Especially our enemies will use this opportunity to destroy our image in our societies. Satan used Job’s wife on one such occasion to destroy the integrity of Job, but Job said You are talking like a foolish woman. Shall we accept good from God and not trouble (Job 2:10)? During…
-
This Psalm deals with three phases of our lives. The first one is comparing our lives with others. By doing this, if we find ourselves above others then we feel proud else we feel sad. The second approach is comforting ourselves by assuming wicked people’s fall or the rewards awaiting us for doing good. The third phase is looking at God and rejoicing in His amazing grace.
-
While Bible scholars consider Psalm 18 as the Psalm during the old age of the Psalmist, scholars attribute Psalm 36 to the young David. David was introduced as “the servant of God” in these Psalms. Because in both of these Psalms, David stopped listening to the provoking noises and started listening to the soothing voice […]
-
This imprecatory Psalms of David motivates people to ask God to take revenge on their enemies. It persuades people to rejoice in the fall of their enemies more than they enjoy their salvation. While choosing an advocate, one should go by their experience because experience makes the advocate understand the client’s case and the opponent’s […]
-
The title of this Psalm suggests that David wrote this Psalm after he pretended to be insane and escaped from the kingdom of Achish (Abimelek). Whenever we face critical situations, we lie instead of facing the truth. God expresses His displeasure about our lies in the book of Isaiah (Isaiah 28:15, 18&19) and speaks about […]
-
During the period of this Psalm, there was hardly any written script to tell of the wondrous creation of God. Yet the Psalmist tries to capture the creative power of God by seeing all that has been created. The Psalmist unveils the creative hands of God in every visible object and attributes the power of […]
-
Confessing sin is the outcome of trust. If we confess our sins, it implies that we trust God. Trusting a person will give us the confidence to tell them everything. A genuine confession is the first step towards receiving forgiveness from God. Confession replaces our guilt with peace. But people hesitate to confess their sins […]
-
It is unclear as to when David wrote this Psalm because of his amalgamated expressions. David was a fugitive most of his life and even amidst his trouble, he often found peace in the presence of God. Jesus said to Martha, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory […]
-
Our church services begin with the Praise and Worship session wherein we enthusiastically praise God with meaningful songs and vibrant music. The worship team motivates others to worship actively. People also are inspired by the worship team and look for churches where worship is active and attractive. People believe that worshipping creates an atmosphere to […]
-
Most of David’s Psalm has three parts. The first part describes his helpless situation, the second talks about his approach to God, and the third is all about praising God because of the answers he received. Praising God comes out of our hearts when we enjoy His presence and protection. Unlike other Psalms, this Psalm […]
-
The Psalmist compared the sturdy character of God with a rock in some Psalms. The Old Testament writers also perceived God as Rock, as they enjoyed His protection all through their journey. People compare the sturdiness of God to a rock, but God compared the unshakable faith of Abraham to a rock (Isaiah 51:1-2). People […]
-
When looking at our appearance in the mirror, we ask ourselves if we look good. If not, we try to make ourselves more presentable by making a few adjustments to our hair or clothes. The scripture reminds us of our negligence in complying with the truth, compared to the promptness of correcting our untidy hair […]
-
The tone of this Psalm reveals that it was a prayer during a hostile condition. The authors of the Old Testament used the term deliverance to describe how God saved them from the hands of their enemies. After the enemies of Israelites drowned in the Red Sea, Moses and Israelites sang how God became their salvation. […]
-
Learning is a lifelong process. A famous and universally accepted quote says, “What one knows is only a handful, whereas the unknown is the size of the world.” How much you learn is like a handful of sand in the world, and you still have a whole world to study. We should not stop learning, […]
-
We are aware of the truth that the glory belongs to the Lord. Even after knowing this, do we attribute the glory to God or give it to something else that dominates our lives. In the days of David, Kings were the glorious people on the earth, and David was also one of them. Despite […]
-
This is probably one of the few chapters from the Bible that we know by heart. But do we actually know what it means or is it just part of our Sunday school memories? I am not sure that even King David understood it completely as he was simply writing about his life experiences. But unbeknownst to him, God was using David to give us the greatest assurance that we would ever need that He is our Shepherd.
-
This Psalm portrays the crucifixion of Jesus that occurred centuries after its writing. It is bewildering how David, a Jew by birth, foresaw the Roman practice of killing the criminals by hanging them on a tree. The capital punishment of crucifixion had come to vogue in Rome long after the death of David. Yet this […]
-
The author captures the responses to the prayers that people had lifted up in the previous Psalm for their King. Are we aware of the changes that God made in the lives of the people for whom we prayed? Often, we do not even remember what we prayed and for whom we prayed. Even if […]
-
Do we trust God? When we say we trust God, inadvertently, our priorities override our trust in God. When we face catastrophes or unpredictable situations, we wonder why bad things happen to us. And when diagnosed with some terminal disease, we question God did this happen to us. Asking such questions seems natural but in […]
-
While people are desperately searching for God, they do not realise that His every creation reflects His power. But with modern innovation, people do not find the time to admire the beauty of nature. Innovations are the outcome of one’s inspiration from nature. However, people do not give any regard to nature but are crazy […]
-
Often, we are tired of our lives and are drained of all our energy to fight our battles. If metabolism is the chemical reaction in the body’s cells that change food into energy, worshipping God is the spiritual reaction in our soul that changes the word of God into energy. Glorifying God does not mean […]
-
Transparency at every step is imposed by many Government Departments especially, with the law-enforcing departments to curb corruption and injustice. Moreover, the adoption of automation in departments dealing with civil welfare has restricted Government officials from showing favour to someone out of turn because of political pressure or bribery. At the same time, people have […]
-
This idiom, “a contented mind is a perpetual feast”, tells us the benefit of contentment. King Solomon recorded a similar theme in a different way saying that the cheerful heart has a continual feast (Proverbs 15:15). The cheerfulness of our heart depends on the fulfilment of our heart’s desires. If our cheerfulness is the outcome […]
-
While reading this Psalm, we should go back to the Old Testament times where people were afraid of God, and they did not even pronounce the word Yahweh, but only wrote it down to express His name. When the chief priests entered into the inner room with the blood he offered for himself and for […]
-
This Psalm focuses on the unceasing surveillance of God on each one of us, whoever we may be or wherever we are. In public places, we often find stickers informing us that we are under surveillance. Surveillance cameras are used to deter people from anti-social elements such as shoplifting or attempting to escape from prison. […]
-
Moses was a hundred and twenty years old when he died, yet his eyes were not weak nor his strength gone (Deuteronomy 34:7). The Vision Council of America claims that about 75 percent of the adult population worldwide uses vision correction products, and 64 percent wear glasses. It means that 75 percent of the adult […]
-
Can we say that our words are flawless? Flawless not with respect to our grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, or even correct usage but about what is in our hearts. Our mouth speaks what we have in our heart, and that is why Bible says that for a fool, it is better not to open his mouth, […]
-
Usually, we ask this kind of question, “how then can you say to me?” to a person who has levied some wild accusation against us. It is not a question but an answer to a baseless argument. The aggressive form of this question is “How dare you say that to me”. It conveys the meaning that the other person knows nothing about us. When Jesus prayed to His Father to forgive His killers, He prayed that they do not know what they were doing because they neither know me nor my authority. In a situation like a betrayal, we ask…
-
While we pray for our protection and blessings, we often forget to pray for the oppressed in our society. While we are ignorant of other’s sufferings, our suffering appears as a big mountain. We might be thinking that people who do not have any problem can only address the issues found in another’s life. For […]
-
Thanking each other is the best etiquette in our society, and it encourages a person to give their best. It is an act of showing the person who helped us that we have identified or realized their kindness.
-
Nature reveals the wondrous work of God, but unfortunately, we do not have the time to admire His creations. The wise of the earth are known for their inventions and their masterpieces, while the creator of heaven and earth is an unsung hero.
-
Taking refuge in God is a unique experience. In a worldly context, taking refuge is about staying in the refugee camps or a rehabilitation centre. People staying at a rehabilitation centre do not need to carry a shield, but the people at the battlefield need to have a shield.
-
We instinctively look for the approval of others but do not like their disapproval or corrections. Criticisms, though intended to be constructive, often discourages us and even pushes us to the extreme of withdrawing from our missions. Till the time we do not realize our mistakes, we won’t be ready for corrections.
-
People live in vanity, and they want to show off things that they do not have and do not want to disclose the things they have. A poor person tries to present himself as a rich person, whereas a rich one does not care for such a presentation. A coward speaks much of his imaginary brave acts, while the brave keep quiet. A self-righteous person behaves like a righteous one, while the righteous do not reveal their spiritual standard. People build up false images and hide behind these lies to make a convent with death.
-
The opening words of this Psalm highlights the confidence that David has in his relationship with God. To attract the attention of a person who is listening to many, we say “Listen to me.” Children use the technique of crying to attract their parent’s attention. The opening words of this Psalm also resemble the action of an adamant grown-up child persistently irritating his parent by repeatedly asking them to grant permission.
-
In today’s context, this Psalm reminds me of a telephonic conversation with our friends and relatives. After changing our phone numbers, many would not recognize us, as the number does not appear on their phone-book.
-
In the Bible we see people like Cain, Jacob and Martha getting diverted by their family members. People who are close to our heart can hurt us more than strangers. We won’t remember the abusive language used against us in yesterday’s traffic jam but we won’t be able to forget a simple statement given against us by our kith. Satan knows how to use the people around us to dishearten us.
-
The Psalmist asks the offenders to take refuge in God and says that if the rulers of the earth will turn faithful to the incredible love of God, then righteousness will come upon them from heaven.
-
Our society has both wicked and righteous people. Both of them share the same arena to earn their livelihood. The wicked will always be with us in the form of our neighbours, colleagues, friends and relatives who distort us from fulfilling the purpose of God in our lives.
The Jordan Valley 