Psalm 124 – If It Had Not Been …

This Psalm right here is a great song to remember that you are not as self-reliant, independent, self-sufficient and all that which you like to believe from time to time. Indeed this Psalm right here blatantly acknowledges that bad though things might appear, not only could it be a lot worse but it would have […]

Psalm 123 – Mercy From Contempt

The collection of Psalms would have informed you by now that there are plenty of good reasons for praise and worship. This particular Psalm gives another reason for worship and it is a tough reason to take. Worship from the pain of contempt. Enduring the pain of active insults and bitterness that’s experienced. It is […]

Psalm 122 – Praying for the Peace

They called it the City of David. Were there an advisor at the time there might have been a suggestion to change its name to something glamorous like Davidopolis or Davidtown. You might think that’s a little silly, but why do you think there are places called Alexandria or Jamestown? Nope, they didn’t change its […]

Psalm 121 – What A Comfort

When I was a child, sometimes I would get scared before going to bed. It would take my Mum or Dad to sit with me and calm me down. They weren’t the storytelling types, but they did the best they could and knowing they were there for me like that was a great reassurance in […]

Psalm 120 – Dear God, Deal With The Liars

This Psalm is intensely personal. Here is a Psalmist dealing with some nasty pieces of work who make matters worse for him through their lying. Few things in life are more despicable than deceitful people in your space. Sounding sweet in one breath to your face whilst sowing discord behind your back. Talking tough and […]

Psalm 119 – Life in the Law of the Lord

Law, Word, Statutes, Precepts, Decrees, Commands and Promises. Seven words used often in NIV in this Psalm to express what had been stated in the first Psalm. That the man is blessed who delights in the Law of the Lord and meditates on it day and night. That blessing is expressed in suffering and hardship, […]

Psalm 118 – You Have Become My Salvation

To be honest with you, different Psalms bring out different responses in me. Some are interesting, some are challenging, some take a while to grab my interest, some are heart-wrenching. This Psalm, however, evoked such a wild reaction in me I could not hold back the tears of adoration and acclamation to the Lord who […]

Psalm 117 – Global Invitation to Praise

Sometimes the brief ones says it all. For His Name’s Sake Shalom C. L. J. Dryden

Psalm 116 – A Very Good Reason to Love Him

It is very difficult for me to read this Psalm. Very difficult. It’s difficult because to read of someone who knows what it is to be rescued and so express this great love for God reminds me of what God has rescued me from. The darkness of depression, the despair of feeling worthless, the delusion […]

Psalm 115 – Dead vs the Living

The collection of Psalms has many reasons why it makes sense to spend life praising God. This particular Psalm highlights a reason by exercising comparison. Man-made idols for worship is a ridiculous notion for two reasons. Firstly, man worshipping something he made really is daft in itself. Secondly, as the Psalmist astutely notes, so much […]