Daily Reflections

from the Book of Psalms

June 25, Go Where God Is

This psalm is one of a collection or series known as the psalms of ascent (Psalms 120-134). Many believe these psalms were recited by pilgrims while they made their way to Jerusalem as the Lord had commanded them to do three times every year. God did not seem to mind putting the people through...

June 24, Addictions

The psalmist had a family heritage of serving the Lord, yet the psalmist also had a testimony that he had been in bondage or chains at some point in time, perhaps even while he was serving the Lord. It is possible to love and serve the Lord and still become...

June 23, Light in Darkness

God is able to protect His own flock no matter what the circumstances are. God preserved Noah and his family during the Flood. He protected the Jews when the plagues were tormenting Egypt. The Lord protected Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in the fiery furnace. He also protected Daniel in the lions’ den:

June 22, The Words of God

While Jesus was teaching in the temple courts, he asked, “Why do the teachers of the law say that the Messiah is the son of David? David himself, speaking by the Holy Spirit, declared: ‘The Lord said to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand until I put your enemies under your feet.”

June 21, Another Way to Rejoice

Yesterday we looked at the concept of rejoicing, which is making your joy evident through words, demeanor, and song. Today’s passage also mentions rejoicing, ordering those who seek the Lord to rejoice while adding another way to rejoice, and that is to share your testimony to as much of your world as possible.

June 20, Decide to Rejoice

We return once again to the topic of joy. In these verses, we see that joy shines on the righteous, coming from an source outside of the recipient. It is not dependent on circumstances and is not a decision on the part of the joyful. It is a decision, however, to rejoice — to allow...

June 19, Your Father’s Discipline

God is always teaching and disciplining His people, and here the psalmist indicated why He is doing that. He does it to prevent us from getting into trouble down the road. He also does it so that the righteous will be protected and preserved, set apart is the exact phrase, until such time as God is ready to...

June 18, Anointing of Joy

There are some people who don’t trust joy. They claim it is an emotion and cannot be trusted as a reliable source of guidance or confirmation. If joy comes, that’s all well and good, but duty, rationality, and freedom from emotions are preferable when worshiping, making decisions, and walking out discipleship.

June 17, In Jesus

The Psalms are about Jesus, even though David and others wrote them out of the reality of their own experience and need. In Jesus, we have a God who understands the human dilemma and the frailty of mankind. In Jesus, we have a man who became like you and me in all things except sin, and...

June 16, Bible Hope

The psalmist was in a tough place, (Psalm 77:11) as they often were, and he determined to take solace and encouragement from the miracles God performed for Israel in ages past. In other words, the psalmist went to the Scriptures to find help in time of trouble.

June 15, Mourning

The psalmist made an honest confession of an emotional breakdown over some issue that caused him to mourn and grieve. Some people do not allow themselves to mourn or fail to understand the importance of role of mourning. They also may not realize mourning isn’t just...

June 14, Your Burden-Bearer

David broke into praise when he realized that God is both a long-term Savior as well as a short-term Helper who bore his burdens, not just every once in a while, but daily! What does it mean that God bears burdens? It means that He carries something so you don’t have to.

June 13, Scheming or Planning?

God put the ability in people to plan, but of course the Fall caused mankind to plan and scheme how to take care of themselves. This planning branched out into people’s desire to reach God on their own terms instead of God’s. This is exemplified by the story known as the Tower of Babel in Genesis 11.

June 12, Private Devotions

David understood the importance of establishing a rhythm for his day, and that rhythm began with a time of worship or devotions. Many have insisted that this is the only pattern to follow, but I do not agree. It’s important that you establish a daily pattern or...

Your Life Matters

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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.