Category Archives: Worship

Songs for Sunday, February 16, 2025 @ Christ Community Church

Sunday’s coming, and that’s good news!

Lord willing, we will gather together Sunday morning as a faith family and worship Him. We will lift our voices in song. We will submit our hearts to His Word preached. We will give Him our focus and praise. 

It’s good practice and preparation for when we stand around His throne and worship Him together one day.

It’s a beautiful shadow of the substance that is coming when we see our King face-to-face and pour out our hearts in grateful praise for who He is and all He has done. 

Sunday is good news for the believer because it points us back to that first resurrection Sunday when Jesus walked out of His borrowed tomb, risen just as He had promised. 

Sunday is good news because it points forward to the day (not necessarily a Sunday on the calendar) when He will return and gather His bride – His Church – to Him. 

Sunday gatherings are good news in the present because they represent His grace and mercy toward people who still have the opportunity to turn from their sin to Christ, confessing Him as their Lord and King. But there is coming a day when the opportunity to call on Him will be over. This is why the Scriptures urge us to be mindful of the time and call with urgency for people to repent and turn to Him. Look at how the prophet Isaiah put it:

“Seek the LORD while He may be found; call upon Him while He is near; let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the LORD, that He may have compassion on him, and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon.” (Isaiah 55:6-7)

Similarly, Paul said,

“Working together with Him, then, we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain. For He says, ‘In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you.’ Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” (2 Corinthians 6:1-2)

God will not wait around in His “divine forbearance”, passing over “former sins” (Romans 3:25) forever. He is coming. That’s what He said at the end of Revelation, isn’t it? “And behold, I am coming soon.” (Revelation 22:7). But look at the way He said it the final time in Revelation 22:12-13:

“Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.”

He’s coming and doing what? Could “bringing…recompense” mean what it says? Simply put: yes. 

So, the urgency of seeking the Lord while He may be found is underscored – underlined – highlighted and bolded for emphasis. Those who call upon the name of the Lord, those who confess faith in Him and submit to Him as Lord and Savior do not receive the just recompense for their sin because Jesus took that wrath and punishment on their behalf. But for those who have not, the full weight of the wrath of God awaits. It’s a startling prospect. I would definitely categorize that as not-good news.

It does not have to be though. There is grace enough for all who come to Him. 

Jesus doesn’t end His revelation with the bad news. He also offers an invitation. “Come” say the Spirit and the Bride. “Come” says those who have heard the Word of God and responded to Jesus in faith. Those who are thirsty can come and receive from Jesus the “water of life without price” (Revelation 22:17).

So, I echo that invitation to you, beloved: “Come”. Or as Philipp told Nathaniel, “Come and see” (John 1:46). Come, and meet with Jesus. Come, and lay your burdens down. Come, and call upon Him while He is near. Simply, come. 

This is not about coming to church but coming to Jesus. This is not about religion but extending an invitation for relationship. This is about the God of the universe, the King of kings and Lord of lords, extending an invitation for those who are weary and heavy laden to come to Him (Matthew 11:28). 

As I said earlier, Sunday is coming and there is an opportunity to gather and worship Jesus. Won’t you come and join us? Won’t you lift your voice with ours? There’s no time like the present.

Just know that YOU are invited. YOU are wanted. YOU are welcomed. 

Come on.

Here are our Scriptures and songs:

11Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. 12His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems, and he has a name written that no one knows but himself. 13He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God. 14And the armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, were following him on white horses. 15From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. 16On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords.

8And the four living creatures, each of them with six wings, are full of eyes all around and within, and day and night they never cease to say,

“Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!”

9And whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to him who is seated on the throne, who lives forever and ever, 10the twenty-four elders fall down before him who is seated on the throne and worship him who lives forever and ever. They cast their crowns before the throne, saying,

11“Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.”

8And when he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each holding a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. 9And they sang a new song, saying,

“Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, 10and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth.”

11Then I looked, and I heard around the throne and the living creatures and the elders the voice of many angels, numbering myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, 12saying with a loud voice,

“Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!”

13And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying,

“To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!”

14And the four living creatures said, “Amen!” and the elders fell down and worshiped.

“Preaching Truth to Yourself When Your Soul is Downcast” from Psalms 42 & 43 (#dailyPSALMSchallenge)

Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise Him, my salvation and my God.

Psalm 42:5-6a, 11; 43:5

Psalm 42 and Psalm 43 are deeply connected, forming a single lament that expresses the struggle of a soul longing for God in the midst of despair. 

Psalm 42 opens with vivid imagery: “As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God” (v. 42:1). There is a beautiful hymn based on this image, but for those who are crying out to the Lord, it is often anything but beautiful. Picture a deer being hunted, running from a hunter or predator, panting and out of breath and seeking a cool stream to provide sustenance and relief. Such is the plight of the sons of Korah in these psalms. They are spiritually thirsty, longing for the presence of the living God (v. 42:2), yet instead of refreshment, they find themselves overwhelmed by sorrow, being fed by tears (v. 42:3) and haunted by the taunts of people mocking their faith by asking “Where is your God?” (vv. 42:3, 10)

This spiritual turmoil is compounded by distance from the place of worship or from the joy accompanying better times of leading God’s people in His praise and worship (v. 42:4). They remember what it was to joyously lead God’s people in worship at His tabernacle but now feel cut off and alone. The lament deepens as they describe being overwhelmed by waves of suffering, described a waves of the sea crashing over them (v. 42:7). Yet, even in their distress, they cling to this foundational truth: “By day the Lord commands His steadfast love, and at night His song is with me” (v. 42:8).

Psalm 43 continues their cry for deliverance, shifting from lament to pray to God for vindication. They plead for God to “send out [His] light and…truth” to lead them back to worship at His altar, where they may rejoice in Him again (vv. 43:3-4). But there is beautiful solace to be found in their refrain found in vv. 42:5, 11 and 43:5 that not only asks their own souls “why” they are “cast down” and “in turmoil” within themselves but points to the refreshment they know their panting souls will receive by saying, “Hope in God; for I shall again praise Him, my salvation and my God.”

This refrain teaches us the discipline of preaching the truth to ourselves in the face of despair. Instead of passively listening to their own troubled thoughts, they preach to their own souls, reminding themselves of who God is and where their hope must rest. This does not change their circumstances but points them to the God who provides hope in the midst of circumstances. He is faithful. He provides rest. He provides solace. He IS their hope.

Seeing Jesus in Psalms 42 & 43

These psalms find their fulfillment in Jesus, who fully experienced the anguish of a downcast soul. In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus echoed the sons of Korah when He said, “My soul is very sorrowful, even unto death” (Matthew 26:38). On the cross, He endured the mockery of His enemies jsut as they did (vv. 42:3, 10; Matthew 27:39-43). Yet, even in His suffering, Jesus fully entrusted Himself to His Father’s will and endured the full weight of God’s wrath against sin – our sin – that we might never be truly abandoned.

The sons of Korah longed for God’s presence, and through Jesus, that longing is ultimately fulfilled. Jesus Himself is the “light and truth” that leads us to God (v. 43:3; John 8:12, 14:6). He is Emmanuel, God with us, who will never leave nor forsake His people. And because of His resurrection and promised return, we can confidently hope in God, knowing that no matter our circumstances we too will “again praise Him” (v. 43:5).

Reflection

Can you identify with the sorrow and despair found in Psalms 42 and 43? If so, I hope you see the promise of hope and relief found in Jesus. He bore our shame and sin and adopts us into His family.

There is coming a day when the tears that flow ever so easily here in this fallen world will be wiped away for the last time by His nail-scarred hand when He comes to dwell with His people – where death will be nothing more than a fading memory – where there shall be no more “mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away” (Revelation 21:3-4).

In the meantime between that promise and its fulfillment, there is a lot of despair and downcast souls and pain and sorrow. There is a lot of panting for streams of relief. But, oh, there is so much hope to be found. May we not be left in the question of why our souls are downcast but let us preach the beautiful truth of the psalmists refrain: “Hope in God; for I shall again praise Him, my salvation and my God”!

Here’s a song inspired by Psalm 42:

The #dailyPSALMSchallenge gives us the opportunity to start 2025 in God’s Word by digging into a psalm a day. Each day will identify a key passage for us to meditate on as well as seeking to help us see Jesus in the psalm and reflect on what we have read.

Won’t you take the challenge?

“Responding to God’s Love and Faithfulness with Worship” from Psalm 33 (#dailyPSALMSchallenge)

The counsel of the LORD stands forever, the plans of His heart to all generations.

Psalm 33:11

Psalm 33 is a call to worship by joyfully celebrating God’s sovereignty and trusting in His steadfast love. It begins with a command for the righteous to “shout for joy in the LORD” and a reminder that praise “befits the upright” (v. 1). Praise is a natural and appropriate response for those who trust in God. His worshipers are invited to sing a new song and play a plethora of instruments with skill (vv. 2-3), emphasizing that God is worthy of quality worship as an outpouring of gratitude.

Why worship? Psalm 33 gives three main reasons:

  1. God’s Word is Upright. Everything He speaks and does is faithful and true. He created the heavens by His Word and commands all things with authority (vv. 4-9). His Word is not only creatively powerful but also in sustaining and guiding His people.
  2. God’s Sovereignty is Unshakable. While nations make their own plans, “the counsel of the Lord stands forever” (v. 11). Governments rise and fall, but God’s purposes endure eternally. Those who belong to Him are truly blessed (v. 12), for He has chosen them as His heritage.
  3. God’s Steadfast Love Watches Over His People. Earthly power and strength can be deceptive – “the king is not saved by his great army, a warrior is not delivered by his great strength” (v. 16). The only true and faithful source of protection and provision is the Lord, whose eye “is on those who fear Him” and “hope in His steadfast love” (v. 18). 

Psalm 33 concludes with a declaration of trust: “Our soul waits for the Lord; He is our help and our shield” (v. 20). Worship is about more than singing; it is about placing our full confidence in God’s steadfast love and character. When we trust Him, our hearts rejoice (v. 21), and we find true hope in His faithfulness (v. 22).

Seeing Jesus in Psalm 33

Psalm 33 finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus. He is the Word through whom all things were made (John 1:3). The counsel of the Lord that stands forever is fully revealed in Him whose Kingdom will never end (Luke 1:33). 

As the psalmist calls us to place our hope in God’s steadfast love, we can recognize its greatest display in Jesus, who laid down His life to deliver us from sin and death (Romans 5:8).

Reflection

As Psalm 33 is a call to worship, the most appropriate response would be to, well, worship. Consider the following questions and ask the Lord to move your heart to worship Him.

Where do you place your confidence? Is it in your own strength, resources, or plans, or is it rooted in Jesus’s strength and plans?

How does remembering God’s unchanging and gracious plans bring you peace in times of uncertainty?

What song or hymn of praise can you sing today to worship the Lord by considering His steadfast love?

May our hearts be stirred to shout for joy and place our hope fully in the unshakable faithfulness of our God!

The #dailyPSALMSchallenge gives us the opportunity to start 2025 in God’s Word by digging into a psalm a day. Each day will identify a key passage for us to meditate on as well as seeking to help us see Jesus in the psalm and reflect on what we have read.

Won’t you take the challenge?

“Rejoicing in God’s Deliverance from Mourning to Dancing” from Psalm 30 (#dailyPSALMSchallenge)

For His anger is but for a moment, and His favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.

Psalm 30:5

Psalm 30 is a psalm of thanksgiving written for the dedication of the temple – a temple that would not be built until after his lifetime (1 Kings 8:63). The psalm is rich with imagery of deliverance, restoration, and eternal praise, offering both personal testimony from David about God’s faithfulness and invitation for everyone to worship the Lord.

David begins by praising the Lord for rescuing him from the brink of death, declaring, “O Lord my God, I cried to You for help, and You have healed me” (v. 2). This cry for deliverance illustrates God’s power to lift His people from the depths of despair – whether that be death or the grip of overwhelming circumstances. 

This psalm reveals the beautiful truth that God’s anger is not everlasting but that His favor is (v. 5). In this, David reminds us that God’s discipline is never without purpose but leading us to restoration and joy. Even when we endure hardship, we can trust in the hope of morning’s light – a symbol of God’s faithful presence and renewed mercies. 

David’s journey through pride and self-reliance is also highlighted (v. 6). Yet, when God hid His face, David was dismayed, recognizing his complete dependence on God’s sustaining hand and presence (v. 7). This moment of discipline humbled David, leading him to plead for mercy and restoration (vv. 8-10). Psalm 30 ends with a profound series of reversals: mourning turned into dancing, sackcloth exchanged for gladness, and silence replaced with eternal praise (vv. 11-12). 

Seeing Jesus in Psalm 30

Psalm 30 finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus. The imagery of the resurrection in vv. 3 and 5 anticipates Jesus’s resurrection, who was brought out of the grace and now lives eternally. He endured the momentary wrath of God on the cross, bearing the penalty for sin, so that we might experience God’s favor and eternal joy. As David wrote, “Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning” (v. 5) – a hope fully realized in Christ’s victory over death on Resurrection Sunday morning.

Moreover, Jesus described His own body as a temple (John 2:19-21), making His death and resurrection the ultimate act of dedication. His suffering and exaltation enable us to approach God with boldness, clothed not in mourning, but in the gladness of salvation.

Reflection

Psalm 30 reminds us to praise God in every season – through grief and joy, discipline and restoration. How has God turned your mourning into dancing? In what ways can you use your own personal story of deliverance to encourage others to join in the praise of God’s holy name?

Take time today to reflect on the promise that “joy comes with the morning” (v. 5) and meditate on how the hope of Jesus’s resurrection shapes your perspective on suffering and the trials that you face.

The #dailyPSALMSchallenge gives us the opportunity to start 2025 in God’s Word by digging into a psalm a day. Each day will identify a key passage for us to meditate on as well as seeking to help us see Jesus in the psalm and reflect on what we have read.

Won’t you take the challenge?

“The Thundering Power of God’s Voice” from Psalm 29 (#dailyPSALMSchallenge)

The LORD sits enthroned over the flood; the LORD sits enthroned as King forever.

Psalm 29:10

Psalm 29 is a majestic hymn that calls us to worship God for His unrivaled power and glory. Using the imagery of a powerful thunderstorm, David declares the might of the Lord’s voice, His sovereign rule over creation, and His eternal kingship.

David opens with a call to worship for the “heavenly beings” to “ascribe to the LORD glory and strength” (v. 1). Whether this is a reference to angels or to false gods, David is compelling them to acknowledge the Lord’s supremacy and preeminence. The repeated call to “ascribe to the Lord” emphasizes God’s inherent glory, strength, and holiness. As worshipers, we are invited to recognize His matchless greatness and bow in reverence before Him (vv. 1-2).

The middle portion of the psalm (vv. 3-9) describes the “voice of the Lord” as it moves across creation, bring both destruction and awe. From the “mighty waters” of the sea (v. 3) to the forests of Lebanon and the wilderness of Kadesh (vv. 5-8), God’s voice shakes the earth and demonstrates His unrivaled power. Even the majestic cedars of Lebanon, symbols of strength and stability, are shattered at His command (v. 5). This vivid imagery reminds us that no force – indeed nothing in creation – is beyond God’s reach or control. 

Psalm 29 culminates with a declaration of God’s eternal rule: “The LORD sits enthroned as King forever” (v. 10). The reverence to the “flood” in v. 10 recalls the great flood in Noah’s time, a powerful reminder of God’s sovereignty over creation as well as His might in judgment. Yet, alongside this display of power is the promise of peace for God’s people (v. 11).

Psalm 29 is the revelation of the dual reality of God’s greatness and goodness – His fearsome power contrasted with His blessing and protective care for His people.

Seeing Jesus in Psalm 29

Psalm 29 points to Jesus as the ultimate Word of God (John 1:1-3), describing the voice of the Lord as powerful and majestic. As God incarnate, Jesus spoke with authority over creation, calming storms with a word (Mark 4:39) and demonstrating His sovereignty as King of kings (Revelation 19:11-16).

The imagery of a storm also reminds us of the judgment and salvation accomplished through Jesus. At the cross, the earth trembled (Matthew 27:51) as Jesus bore God’s wrath against sin. Through His resurrection, He conquered death and now reigns eternally as King. Psalm 29 concludes with a prayer for strength and peace, which are both fully realized in Jesus, who offers peace with God through His sacrifice (Romans 5:1).

Reflection

Psalm 29 invites us to worship the Lord for His power, holiness, and eternal reign. Consider these following questions to help you reflect. 

When you see displays of God’s power in nature, are you reminded of God’s power and majesty? How can those moments move you to praise?

In what areas of your life do you need to remember God’s sovereignty and trust in His control?


Take time today to marvel at God’s power and glory, expressed both in creation and in the person of Jesus. Let your heart respond with the same cry as the worshipers in the temple: Glory! (v. 9)

The #dailyPSALMSchallenge gives us the opportunity to start 2025 in God’s Word by digging into a psalm a day. Each day will identify a key passage for us to meditate on as well as seeking to help us see Jesus in the psalm and reflect on what we have read.

Won’t you take the challenge?

“Finding Refuge in the Arms of the Good Shepherd” from Psalm 28 (#dailyPSALMSchallenge)

The LORD is my strength and my shield; in Him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to Him.

Psalm 28:7

Psalm 28 begins with a cry for help and ends as a song of praise. David again finds himself in a desperate situation, pleading with God to hear, deliver, and protect him from the wicked people. His journey from lament to joy is an example for believers to be able to bring their burdens to God with confidence in His faithful provision.

David starts out by crying out to God: “To You, O LORD, I call; my rock, be not deaf to me” (v. 1). His plea is urgent – he lifts his hands toward God’s sanctuary, pleading for mercy and divine intervention (v. 2). He fears being counted among the wicked, whose outwards show of peace is meant to mask the evil in their hearts (v. 3). These workers of iniquity disregard God’s works and will ultimately stand under His judgment (vv. 4-5).

In v. 6, David shifts from lament to praise, declaring, “Blessed be the LORD! For He has heard the voice of my pleas for mercy”. David  proclaims that the Lord is his strength and shield, the source of his help and joy. Trusting in God brings him peace, and his gratitude moves him to song (v. 7).

As king, David concludes Psalm 28 with a prayer for his people: “Oh, save your people and bless Your heritage! Be their shepherd and carry them forever” (v. 9). This prayer reflects his role as a representative of the nation of Israel as well as his dependence on God as his faithful Shepherd who guides and protects His people.

Seeing Jesus in Psalm 28

Psalm 28 points to Jesus as the ultimate fulfillment of David’s prayer. Jesus is the Good Shepherd who carries His people in His arms (John 10:11-18). He is our strength and shield, providing eternal salvation and protection for those who trust in Him.

The cry for justice in vv. 3-5 finds its resolution in Jesus, who perfectly executes righteousness and will one day judge the wicked (2 Timothy 4:1). The final prayer in v. 9 echoes Jesus’s role as the Shepherd-King who leads His people. Through Him, God’s people are not only saved but also blessed and carried into eternal joy and rest in Him (Revelation 7:17).

Reflection

Psalm 28 teaches us to bring our desperation, pleas, and fears to God, trusting that He hears us and will respond. Reflect on the following questions.

What burdens or fears are you carrying today? How can you bring them to God in prayer?

How has God demonstrated His faithfulness in your life in times of difficulty?

In what ways should you respond to God in gratitude and worship?

Take some time today to cry out to God with your needs and concerns, trusting in His strength and protection. Let David’s prayer here remind you that God is faithful to hear, help, and carry us through every trial. As you reflect on His goodness, allow your heart to overflow with thanksgiving and song!

The #dailyPSALMSchallenge gives us the opportunity to start 2025 in God’s Word by digging into a psalm a day. Each day will identify a key passage for us to meditate on as well as seeking to help us see Jesus in the psalm and reflect on what we have read.

Won’t you take the challenge?

“Whom Shall I Fear If the Lord is My Stronghold?” from Psalm 27 (#dailyPSALMSchallenge)

The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

Psalm 27:1

Psalm 27 reflects confident trust in the Lord, even in the face of fear, opposition, and uncertainty. David declares that God is his light, salvation, and stronghold, assuring him ultimate safety and peace. This psalm is a beautiful and powerful tapestry of praise, prayer, and hope.

David begins by proclaiming unshakable confidence in God (vv. 1-3). He asks twice, “whom shall I fear?” (v. 1). He describes God as his light and salvation but also as his stronghold – a fortress in whom he can find refuge when his enemies rise up against him. He trusts God to protect him as well as causing his enemies to stumble and fall. 

David’s heart’s desire is revealed in v. 4: “One thing I have asked of the Lord…that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life.” He longs for uninterrupted communion with God – eternally dwelling with him rather than seeking temporary shelter. For him, being in God’s presence – gazing upon His beauty and inquiring of His temple – is the ultimate source of joy and security.

David rejoices in the protective care of God who hides him in His shelter and also lifts him high upon a rock (vv. 5-6). David’s response to God’s care is to praise Him with shouts of joy and songs. 

In vv. 7-12, the psalm takes an intimate turn as David cries out to God for continued grace and deliverance. He pleads with Him not to hide His face or abandon Him, expressing a deep dependence on God as his help and salvation. Even when forsaken by all others, David has confidence that “The Lord will take [him] in” (v. 10).

Psalm 27 concludes with a bold statement and encouragement to wait on the Lord: “I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living!” (v. 13). The way the KJV translates v. 13 is helpful: “I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living”, meaning that David knew that he would have despaired and been hopeless without his belief and faith in God, faith that knew and trusted that he would see God’s goodness in the world and not as something he would have to wait on in heaven. Because of that he could encourage people to “Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage” (v. 14).

Seeing Jesus in Psalm 27

Psalm 27 points to Jesus as the ultimate fulfillment of David’s longing for light, salvation, and communion with God. Jesus declared that He was “the Light of the World” (John 8:12). He is the true light who dispels the darkness of sin and death, bringing salvation to all who believe in Him. Jesus is also our stronghold, the One who secures our place in the presence of God. Through His death and resurrection, He opened the way to His heavenly sanctuary, where we can dwell with God forever (Hebrews 10:19-22).

David’s desire to “dwell in the house of the Lord” (v. 4) finds its fulfillment in Jesus, who enables believers to experience God’s presence through His Holy Spirit. In eternity, we will gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and worship Him face-to-face (Revelation 22:4).

When David cries, “My father and my mother have forsaken me, but the Lord will take me in” (v. 10), we are reminded of Jesus’s promise to never leave or forsake His people (Matthew 28:20, Hebrews 13:5). He is the faithful Savior who sustains us through every trial and assures us of eternal life in His presence. 

Reflection

Psalm 27 invites us to trust God in every circumstance, finding confidence, joy, and peace in His presence. Consider the following questions to help you reflect on what you’ve read.

How can you remind yourself of God’s light and salvation in times of fear and certainty?

Do you, like David, have a desire to dwell in the presence of God? What steps can you take to cultivate this desire?

In what ways has God demonstrated His faithfulness to you, even when others have let you down?

Take time today to praise God for being your light and salvation. Ask Him to increase your confidence in His care and help you wait patiently for His perfect will to unfold. Let the truth of this psalm strengthen your heart and encourage your soul as you continue to trust in Him!

The #dailyPSALMSchallenge gives us the opportunity to start 2025 in God’s Word by digging into a psalm a day. Each day will identify a key passage for us to meditate on as well as seeking to help us see Jesus in the psalm and reflect on what we have read.

Won’t you take the challenge?

“Walking Faithfully in a Wicked World” from Psalm 26 (#dailyPSALMSchallenge)

But as for me, I shall walk in my integrity; redeem me, and be gracious to me. My foot stands on level ground; in the great assembly I will bless the LORD.

Psalm 26:11-12

Psalm 26 is a prayer of confidence and commitment to walking in integrity before God. David appeals to God for vindication, affirming his trust and faithfulness in the midst of a corrupt world. His prayer reflects a heart committed to holiness, worship, and reliance on God’s steadfast love and faithfulness (without which neither David nor us would be able to be holy or stand before God).

David begins with a declaration of his integrity and trust (v. 1). His pleas that follow are not self-righteous boasting but again a plea to God based on God’s consistent character and faithfulness. David knows God and understands how God had worked and was currently working in his life. This is why David openly invited God to test his heart and mind, knowing that God’s steadfast love and faithfulness are ever before him (vv. 2-3).

In vv. 4-5, Psalm 26 transitions to a rejection of worldly wickedness and hypocrisy (similar to the contrast in Psalm 1). He refuses to associate with evildoers and hypocrites, distancing himself from their schemes. His separation of sin is paired with his love for worshiping the Lord. His heart is set on the “habitation of God’s house” and the glory of God’s presence (vv. 6-8). He declares his innocence symbolically through the washing of his hands and offering thanksgiving to God.

David also expresses his confidence in God’s justice, asking to be separated from sinners in judgment (vv. 9-10). His trust in God leads him to reaffirm his commitment to walk in integrity. He concludes with further confidence that his feet stand on level ground and that he will bless the Lord in the great assembly (vv. 11-12).

Seeing Jesus in Psalm 26

Psalm 26 ultimately points to Jesus as the true Man of integrity. While David’s integrity was obviously imperfect, Jesus perfectly fulfilled God’s standard of holiness and righteousness. He lived without sin, fully trusting in His Father and walking blamelessly.

Jesus also fulfills David’s longing for the “habituation of God’s house” and the “place where [His] glory dwells” (v. 8). In Christ – Emmanuel (God with us), we have access to the presence of God, believers becoming the temple where His Spirit dwells (Ephesians 2:22). 

Reflection

As followers of Jesus, we are called to live lives of integrity, not on our own merits or abilities but empowered by His Spirit. Our confidence is not in our own righteousness but in the perfect righteousness of Christ, who enables us to walk faithfully before God.

Psalm 26 challenges us to live that life of integrity. Ask yourself the following questions and reflect on them.

Are you willing to invite God to examine your heart and mind as David did?

Do you distance yourself from sin while pursuing the joy of worship and fellowship with God’s people?

How does the integrity of Jesus encourage and empower you to walk faithfully before God?

Take time to pray, asking God to test your heart, deepen your love for Him, and guide you in integrity. Rejoice in Jesus’s righteousness, which covers and sustains you as you bless the Lord in the assembly of His people.

The #dailyPSALMSchallenge gives us the opportunity to start 2025 in God’s Word by digging into a psalm a day. Each day will identify a key passage for us to meditate on as well as seeking to help us see Jesus in the psalm and reflect on what we have read.

Won’t you take the challenge?

“His Name is Jesus” from Psalm 24 (#dailyPSALMSchallenge)

Lift up your heads, O gates! And be lifted up, O ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is this King of glory? The LORD, strong and mighty, the LORD, mighty in battle!

Psalm 24:7-8

Psalm 24 is a majestic declaration of God’s greatness, His rightful place as ruler over all creation, and the glory of His presence. Traditionally, this psalm is connected to the Ark of the Covenant arriving in Jerusalem in 2 Samuel 6. The Ark of the Covenant symbolized God’s presence among His people (especially the Mercy Seat on its top), but this psalm transcends the Ark and Israel because we know the answer to Psalm 24’s question of “Who is this King of Glory?” – His name is Jesus!

David begins Psalm 24 by asserting that the earth and everything in it belongs to the Lord because He founded and established it (vv. 1-2). He is the Creator and therefore the rightful owner of everything that is, including every person. This foundational truth reminds us that our lives are not our own; we belong to God who made us for His purposes.

In vv. 3-6, David asks an important question: “Who shall ascend the hill of the LORD? And who shall stand in His holy presence?” (v. 3). Then, David promptly answers by saying that only those with “clean hands” and a “pure heart” may enter into God’s holy presence (v. 4). These qualifications reveal two things: 1)God is immensely holy, pure, and perfect, and 2)humanity is immensely, well, not. It is impossible for sinful humanity to stand before God on our own merit. Clean hands refers to righteous actions and deeds, and a pure heart references cleanliness in our motives and minds. Religion cannot produce this; only a life fully devoted to God in truth and righteousness.

Psalm 24 then crescendos in vv. 7-10 with a triumphant call to open the gates for the King of Glory. The repetition of the question referenced above – “Who is this King of Glory?” – underscores His unmatched majesty. He is “the LORD, strong and mighty, the LORD, mighty in battle” (v. 8). This imagery celebrates God as the victorious Warrior-King who reigns supreme over all creation. Ultimately, this points to Jesus, the King of Glory.

Seeing Jesus in Psalm 24

As stated multiple times above, this psalm very clearly points to Jesus. He is the Creator through whom all things were made (John 1:1-3). He is the sinless Son of God who alone has clean hands and a pure heart. He not only can ascend the hill of the Lord but descended down to where we are, making Himself like us so that He can carry us up the hill – which is essential for us to understand because He is the only Way we will make it (John 1:14, 14:6)!

Potentially the most important connection in Psalm 24 is its ties to the Ark of the Covenant entering the city. The Ark was never meant to be more than a representation of God’s presence going before them and being among them. Jesus is the better Ark. After His victory over sin, Jesus entered the heavenly sanctuary – ascended the holy hill – as the victorious King (Hebrews 9:24). More than that, Jesus Himself IS the mercy seat!

The mercy seat was where the priest sprinkled the blood on Yom Kippur, the day of atonement. The word the author of Hebrews used in Hebrews 9:5 for mercy seat is the exact same word Paul used in Romans 3:25 for propitiation – atoning sacrifice. Jesus is the better Ark because He is not a shadow or symbol but the substance; His sacrifice was once for all (Hebrews 7:27, 10:10). He is the King of Glory! He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins! He is God! And He is good!

The gates of heaven open wide for Him, and He now reigns as the exalted Lord. Revelation 19:11-16 vividly portrays Jesus as the rider on the white horse, leading the armies of heaven in final victory. When He returns, the King of Glory will bring the fullness of His kingdom to earth, and every knee will bow before Him!

Reflection

Psalm 24 challenges us to examine our hearts and lives. Are our hands clean and our hearts pure before God? On our own, we fall short of His holy standard. But the gospel assures us that through Jesus, we can be washed clean and made new.

As you reflect on this psalm, consider these question. Are you living as though your life belongs to God? Are you seeking His presence daily with a heart devoted to Him?

Take time to marvel at Jesus’s majesty, the King of Glory who reigns in power and grace. Lift up your heart in worship, for He is worthy. Let the gates of your life be opened wide to welcome Him in.

The King of Glory has come, and He is coming again. Are you ready to meet Him?

Here’s a good song to help you meditate on Jesus, the “King of Glory”:

“Trusting the Good Shepherd in Green Pastures and Dark Valleys” from Psalm 23 (#dailyPSALMSchallenge)

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want…. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

Psalm 23:1, 6

Psalm 23 is among the most beloved and often quoted passages of Scripture, offering profound comfort and hope. It uses two main illustrations: the Lord as Shepherd (vv. 1-4) and the Lord as Host (vv. 5-6). These metaphors vividly illustrate God’s care, guidance, protection, and provision for His people.

David begins with the declaration that “The Lord is [his] shepherd” and that because He is he “shall not want” (v. 1). This is not just a statement of confidence but more of a deep personal affirmation of David’s trust in his Lord. In the ancient world, kings were often compared to shepherds, tasked with providing for and protecting their people. Here, David, Israel’s literal shepherd-king, acknowledges that he himself is a sheep under the care of the Chief Shepherd.

God provides abundantly for His flock. The “green pastures” and “still waters” (v. 2) symbolize rest, nourishment, and peace. The Shepherd knows what His sheep need and leads them accordingly. Even in “the valley of the shadow of death” (v. 4), the darkest and most dangerous of places, the sheep are secure. Why? Because the Shepherd is there. His rod (used for protection) and His staff (used for guidance) bring comfort and assurance.

Psalm 23 then shifts from the image of a shepherd to that of a host preparing a large and lavish banquet. The phrase “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies” (v. 5) speaks of victory, provision, and honor. In the face of opposition and perceived danger, God sustains and blesses His people. Anointing the head with oil was a sign of hospitality and joy, and the overflowing cup reflects the abundance of God’s blessings.

It concludes with the confidence that God’s goodness and mercy (His steadfast love, His chesed) will pursue His people all the days of their lives, culminating in their dwelling with Him forever (v. 6), when He will no longer pursue because we will be safe in His presence. 

Seeing Jesus in Psalm 23

Jesus is the fulfillment of Psalm 23. He is the Good Shepherd who laid down His life for His sheep (John 10:11). Just as David declared, “He restores my soul” (v. 3), Jesus restores the lives of those He saves, leading them on paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.

In the New Testament, Jesus embodies both Shepherd and Host. He leads His followers through the trials and dangers of life, offering His constant presence and peace as Emmanuel (God with us). Through His death and resurrection, He conquered the ultimate valley of death, not merely its shadow (v. 4), ensuring that His sheep will never be abandoned or forsaken.

The table prepared “in the presence of…enemies” (v. 5) points forward to the victory banquet (marriage supper) of the Lamb (Revelation 19:9), where Jesus invites His people to eternal fellowship with Him, dwelling in His house forever and His goodness and mercy will no longer follow but be the ambiance of God’s glory in His house forevermore (v. 6)!

Reflection

Psalm 23 invites us to rest in the care of the Good Shepherd. Are you weary, burdened, or fearful? Remember that Jesus not only walks you through life’s green pastures but also through its darkest valleys. His presence and protection are enough.

Take time today to reflect on God’s abundant provision and steadfast love in your life. Trust Him to lead, sustain, and guide you – even when the path ahead seems uncertain or fraught with danger or death. He is a Shepherd who never leaves His sheep, a Host who welcomes His people with joy, and a King who reigns with goodness and mercy.

Are you following the Shepherd’s voice today? Rest in the assurance that you are His, and He will guide you safely home.

The #dailyPSALMSchallenge gives us the opportunity to start 2025 in God’s Word by digging into a psalm a day. Each day will identify a key passage for us to meditate on as well as seeking to help us see Jesus in the psalm and reflect on what we have read.

Won’t you take the challenge?