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 […]

Psalm 114 – This Is Awesome

Theme parks and pleasure centres go out of their way to create thrilling experiences for the paying customers. Rides and attractions which go as far as safely possible to take your breath away and leave your senses heightened and frazzled at the audacious technical marvels. Other entertainment feats are put together to similarly dazzle, amuse, […]

Psalm 113 – In The Habit of Picking You Up

Like we needed more reasons to praise God, this Psalmist makes a big deal of praising the incomparable Creator of the Universe. The reason? As great as He is, He still looks at those in lowly conditions and picks them up. This is more than rags to riches, this is not about turning a pauper […]

Psalm 112 – The Blessed Brother

“What do you want to be when you grow up?” Familiar question, right? In many responses, underneath is the desire to be rich, secure and happy. For many parents it is the underlying desire for their children. Some even would go as far as to say they are reflecting the desire of our heavenly father […]