Read: Psalm 81-87.
In Psalm 85:2-4, we see an important moment when Israel starts returning to God. Earlier, the psalmist asked God to help Israel find their way back. It seems God answered these prayers because He started blessing Israel again. The psalms we’re looking at today are full of praise and thanks for God’s kindness and the good things He is doing.
Continue reading “Coming Back to God”
Psalms 78-80
As I read through Psalms 78 to 80 this week, I was reminded of how quickly we forget God’s goodness. In times of trouble, the people of Israel cried out to be saved and restored. They made promises to stay faithful from that point forward. But those promises faded as soon as life became easier. How often have we done the same? We cry out to God in desperation, but as soon as things settle down, we drift. Psalm 78:34-42 and 80:4 reveal this pattern. And if we’re honest, it’s still true in the church today. We’re quick to ask for God’s help but slow to remain faithful when life feels comfortable.
Continue reading “Turning Back to God”
Psalm 72-77.
Psalm 72 through Psalm 77 teach important lessons for anyone looking for comfort, especially when going through tough situations. In Psalm 72:20, David prays his final prayer, asking for good leadership and care of God’s people. David’s example reminds us that true spiritual leadership comes from humble prayer and sincere care for others, an example we can follow in our own roles and responsibilities. Even when situations feel overwhelming, God’s guidance is always present.
Continue reading “Anchored by Faith”
Psalm 67-71
Psalm 67:3–5 reminds us of a central calling for every believer: “Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you!” The psalmist highlights that praising God flows naturally from a heart that has experienced His goodness. Real praise isn’t forced—it springs from genuine gratitude. When we reflect on all the ways God has shown His love, protection, and care, worship pours out of us as naturally as breathing.
Continue reading “Ready to Praise.”
Psalm 60-66.
Life can feel like a wilderness sometimes, can’t it? Even though we may not be wandering literal deserts, we all experience seasons when we feel far from God and far from comfort. In Psalm 63, David knew that feeling well. He was separated from the hustle and bustle of the king’s courts and from the security of home, yet his heart still longed for the Lord. He didn’t waste time dwelling on how lonely or thirsty he felt; instead, he turned his gaze upward and prayed.
Continue reading “Seeking God in the Wilderness.”
Psalm 52–59, with a focus on Psalm 57:4, highlights a time in David’s life when he was surrounded by trouble. Sometimes we too face actual hardships, maybe at work, in the home, or even unexpected crises we never saw coming. David’s prayerful words remind us that it’s normal to feel frightened or stressed when circumstances seem overwhelming. But just like him, we can hold onto hope because God is bigger than whatever we face. Even in dangerous situations, David found the strength to praise God rather than dwell on his fear.
Continue reading “Standing Firm in Hard Times”
In Psalm 46–51, we see a powerful picture of God’s steadfast love and willingness to forgive. These chapters remind us that God is our refuge and strength (Psalm 46:1) and that we can call upon Him in times of trouble, just as David did in his prayers. When we pause to be still (Psalm 46:10), we discover that true rest comes from trusting God, acknowledging our sins, and receiving His forgiveness. David’s own cries for mercy (Psalm 51) assure us that no matter our past, we can approach God with humility and sincere repentance.
Continue reading “Finding Rest in God’s Forgiveness”
Read: Psalms 40-45
Today’s Passage: Psalm 40:2-3.
Many today feel that Psalms 42 and 43 are meant to be read as one cohesive unit because they share themes of longing for God, trust in His deliverance, and confidence in His rewards for godly living. These words should reflect the praise within the hearts of every believer. It could be the song on the lips of all who know Jesus Christ. These words sound like the heart-felt testimony of someone who was lost in sin and through faith saved by the grace of God.
Continue reading “Living Out God’s Deliverance.”
Read: Psalm 36-39.
Today’s Passage: Psalm 37:1-3.
The contrast between man’s wickedness and God’s perfections is clear. Lovingkindness, as seen in Psalm 36:7, parallels the concept of grace in the New Testament. Psalm 36:7 states, “How precious is your steadfast love, O God! The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings.” These passages also emphasize the contrast between the lifestyle of the wicked and deceitful versus the righteous and forgiven.
Continue reading “Trusting in God’s Eternal Promises”
As we step into a new year, it is natural to reflect on where we have been and where we are going. For some, the past year may have been filled with blessings and joy. For others, it might have been marked by challenges and hardships. Whatever the case, we can all agree that each year brings its share of uncertainties. That is why we need faith and courage as we enter 2025.
Continue reading “Stepping into 2025 with Faith and Courage.”
Recently, we’ve been looking at what the Bible says about God’s grace and salvation. We’ve considered how grace gives us assurance of our salvation. In today’s lesson, we’re going to consider receiving God’s grace in vain. In essence, we will deal with what the Bible says about giving up our salvation. This is not a comprehensive list of every passage that deals with this topic, but these will give you a great starting place. As you study and reflect on this topic add your own verses to the list.
Continue reading “Grace, Assurance, and Obedience.”
Read: Psalm 23–30
Today’s passage: Psalm 27:1
David knew what he was talking about. There were many times in David’s life that he had reasons to be afraid. He could have been afraid of Goliath like the rest of the army of Israel. Instead, he trusted in the Lord, declaring, “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?” (Psalm 27:1).
Continue reading “Fear vs. Faith”
Read: Job 38–40
Today’s passage: Job 38:4-5.
In these chapters, we see a profound shift in the narrative of Job. After the long discourse between Job and his friends, where they accuse him of hidden sin and suggest that his suffering is due to God’s judgment, God Himself finally speaks. The Lord’s response is both humbling and enlightening, not just for Job but for all readers of this ancient text.
Continue reading “When God speaks.”
Read: Job 34-37.
Today’s Passage: Job 34:21-22.
Elihu’s speech has continued for several chapters. He feels like he has insights they need to hear, and indeed, Elihu reveals some powerful and important truths for us. One of the important ones comes from today’s passage.
“For his eyes are on the ways of a man, and he sees all his steps. There is no gloom or deep darkness where evildoers may hide themselves.”
(Job 34:21-22).
Today’s reading: Job 30-33.
Today’s Passage: Job 32:7-9.
In this section we will encounter Elihu—a younger man who has been silently observing the heated exchanges between Job and his three friends. Elihu, in his respect for their age, initially refrains from speaking, as he believes it’s fitting to allow his elders the first opportunity to offer their wisdom. His restraint demonstrates a principle deeply embedded in the culture of the time and echoed throughout Scripture: respect for elders and an openness to their experience. However, Elihu’s respect does not imply blind acceptance of everything the elders say. This brings up a crucial balance between honoring those older than us and exercising discernment in what we accept from them.
Continue reading ““True Wisdom: Beyond Age and Anger””
Central Haywood Church of Christ 