Daily Reflections

from the Book of Psalms

May 27, Self-Denial

David was God’s chosen and anointed one. That did not exempt him, however, from some serious challenges and tribulation, some of it through his fault, but most of it opposition that helped develop and shape David into an even more effective leader. In today’s verse, the psalmist commended David to the Lord’s attention, reminding the Lord of...

May 26, Ask Forgiveness

God is in the sin-forgiveness business, which is of course good news for all mankind. Today’s verses imply several things. First, the Lord does not keep a record of sins. Once He forgives, He forgets as well, and does not keep a cumulative record. Second, if that is how the Lord keeps records, then you should do the same for your own mistakes and sins.

May 25, On Duty

God is always on duty, so to speak, and He never has to take a break to refresh or rest. That means you can be off duty and entrust things to Him while you are. That is easier said than done, however, for you cannot see God at work, so the temptation is to stay on duty, so to speak, through...

May 24, Discipline

God is your Father, and one thing that all fathers should do is discipline their children. In today’s verse, the psalmist indicated his discipline had been quite severe. This brings to mind the passage in Hebrews 12:8-11, which has this to say about discipline:

May 23, Transformed Through Worship

The them in this verse (Psalm 115:8) are idols, and the warning is a sobering one. Those who make idols will become just like them. What is an idol like? It depends on what that idol is, but the scary aspect of this truth is the transforming affect of the idol that comes through worship to the worshipper.

May 22, Response to Thirst

The reference in today’s passage is to the story in Exodus 17:1-7 when the people grumbled against the Lord and complained to Moses because they were thirsty. They demanded that Moses give them water because they wanted their leader to provide for all their needs.

May 21, What a Difference a Day Can Make

Israel had been in Egypt for 430 years, and they had been in slavery most of that time. Then one day, after Pharaoh had refused to release them, he relented and the people of God began the trek know as the Exodus, through the Red Sea to the Promised Land. When they came out of Egypt, the Egyptians were so glad to see them go after the Plagues that they gave the Jews silver and...

May 20, The Lord Reigns

As the psalmists grappled with the state of affairs in Israel and cried out for help and understanding, they always came to the same conclusion. Even though circumstances were not to their liking and were sometimes beyond comprehension, the Lord still ruled and reigned, and ultimately His promises would be fulfilled for His people.

May 19, No Condemnation

The psalmist made a confession that he was more than a little anxious on occasion. That anxiety did not disqualify him from God’s presence, but made God’s presence all the more important to him. What’s more, God was not offended by that most human of emotions and granted him help in his time of trouble.

May 18 Rejoice and Celebrate

Blessed, rejoice, light, celebrate are words I want you to notice as you read these verses today. You are a blessed person if you know the Lord, for God gives light to your way so you can know His will and understand His ways. Realizing that should cause you to rejoice and celebrate His righteousness and presence all day long. Do you?

May 17, Righteous and Faithful

While the psalmists often lamented their current state of affairs, they always ended their pleas for help with affirmations in God’s goodness. They also began to look forward to a king who was yet to come who would take up the cause of the righteous and establish justice. Of course we now know...

May 16, Faith Logic

In today’s reading of Psalms 76-80, it is impossible to find verses that speak of anything but grief and sorrow. The people of God were in exile and the psalmist was crying out to God for clarity and restoration. He was writhing in agony as he tried to make sense of how the people of God could be in such trouble when...

May 15, Is God Enough?

The psalmist in today’s passage was struggling with whether or not it was worth it to pursue righteousness and do right, for bad things seemed to be happening no matter how much good he did. As you have seen in this devotional study so far, this is a repeating theme in the book of Psalms.

May 14, The Big Difference

God just doesn’t bear your burdens — discouragements, failures, disappointments, sins, pain — every once in a while. He does so on a daily basis. He is always on watch and knows you inside and out, so He can give you just what you need when you need it.

Your Life Matters

$14.99

BUY NOW

For centuries, people have turned to the Book of Psalms to help make sense and to find comfort in times of trouble. They have also gone there to find words to express the praise in their hearts for the magnificence and glory of God. In Your Life Matters: Daily Reflections from the Book of Psalms, John Stanko adds his own insight into the Psalms and how they relate to your life matters such as suffering, prayer, the poor, mercy, grace and leadership. For every day of the year, John assigns a reading from Psalms, picks a verse or passage, makes some devotional comments, asks some pointed questions and adds a cross reference to another portion of the Bible. Your Life Matters is practical, inspirational, and helpful, and is certain to become your daily favorite to help you reflect on your life and God’s role in it.