Songs of Praise: Psalm 39

Psalm 39
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The psalmist, David, expresses full awareness of life's brevity. He requests respite from life's blows sensed as God's punishment for sin, and makes supplication for divine mercy.

"Hear my prayer, O Lord, and give ear to my cry;

hold not your peace at my tears!

For I am a sojourner with you, a guest, like all my fathers.

Look away from me, that I may smile again,

before I depart and am no more!"

Psalm 39:12-13

David attributes his suffering to the wrath of God, brought on him by his own sin. Life is short; one's strength is like a shadow. He realizes efforts of his own are futile. He prays only to be delivered from the consequences of his sin.

From his own hopelessness the psalmist turns to the one ground of hope left to him. He sees only a wrathful God. He asks God to withdraw and leave him a brief period of happiness before he is finally cut off by death.

Father, I am only Your guest for a little while in this life.

I am grateful for all that You are, and all that You do.

Proclaim Your work in my life by the forgiveness of my sin.

May I experience Your joy more fully and share it with others

who are also willing to learn and live Your Word. Amen.

Songs of Praise: Psalm 38

Psalm 38
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Under divine discipline, David feels crushed and deserted. Friends and neighbors have turned away. Silence isolates the psalmist who pleads for God's attention. Prayer is the life-line for one feeling abandoned by all, even God.

O Lord, all my longing is before you;

my sighing is not hidden from you.

Psalm 38:9

Sin can give us dis-ease as David's psalm so aptly expresses. The guilt is a burden too heavy to bear. Worn out and utterly crushed, David confesses his sin. Thus filled with anxiety, he calls out for God's help, for his strength fails him: "Do not forsake me, O Lord; O God do not be far from me! Make haste to help me, O Lord, my salvation!"

Lord, my spirit needs shoring up at times. Guide my steps and thoughts. Keep me spiritually enlightened by Scripture. Keep my witness fresh and alive that I might glorify the Christ.

Songs of Praise: Psalm 37

Psalm 37
Read the psalm and then the words below. Click the link above to read online.

Don't worry. This instructional psalm is addressed to those suffering anxiety. God governs in ways that invite trust.

Trust in the Lord, and do good;

dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness.

Delight yourself in the Lord,

and he will give you the desires of your heart.

Psalm 37:3-4 ESV

The Lord will surely give one their heart's desire. I shall seek happiness in the Lord. I trust in Him. I will be patient and wait for the Lord to act.

I will not be worried about those who prosper or succeed in their evil ways. Worry or anger only lead to trouble. I know the Lord guides in the way one should go and protects those who please Him. I will seek my happiness in the Lord.

The Lord loves what is right and does not abandon the faithful. I will hope in the Lord and obey His commands.

Lord pressures abound. Help me to trust in You and not take hasty action. Move in my life so that faith in You will help me act in love. Thank You for the teaching ministry of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Songs of Praise: Psalm 36

Psalm 36
Be prepared to pray a song of praise, open up the Word in the Bible or online by clicking the reference above.

Psalm 36 confirms that life and light come from God. It speaks of absence of fear of God in the heart as the source of transgressions. And in His steadfast love, God saves both humans and animals alike.

Never forget, the Psalms are prayers. Let's pray this prayer of praise along with the psalmist today.

Lord, I pray for the blessing of Your love on all those who live in fellowship with You. May Your divine judgment be on those who reject You. The wicked seem to have no reverence for You, O God. They do not fear Your judgment. They devote themselves to mischief and deceit.

The depravity of humankind does not rule the universe, but only Your steadfast love, O God. From Your living Spirit all life flows. The light of Your presence shines on the people of God.

Blessed be the name of the Lord. How precious, O God, is Your constant love! Because of Your love we see the light.

Songs of Praise: Psalm 35

Psalm 35
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This is a petition for God's help against enemies, in what seems to be both social and legal difficulties. The psalmist complains about personal crises with an expression of innocence and vows to praise God.

We may not all have flesh and blood enemies we are facing, but we all have a spiritual enemy who longs to devour us (Ephesians 6:10-12). Satan wants us filled with fear, beat up, and paralyzed, spiritually and emotionally, to hinder us from working to bring God's Kingdom on earth.

Today, whatever your hurt, whatever your current battles, recognize the one behind the scenes working to do you harm. Join the psalmist in pouring out your wounded heart to God:

Wounded, I am suffering, with hurt feelings and bruised soul.

Yet, I will not be angry. Lord, take Your shield and armor

and come to my rescue, for evil surrounds me.

People seem to pay me back evil for good.

You are righteous, O Lord, so declare me innocent. 

Don't let my enemies gloat, rather let them be defeated and confused.

Then I will proclaim Your righteousness

and I will praise You all day long. 

How great is the Lord! God's presence is the fountain of life. How great is the Lord!

Songs of Praise: Psalm 34

Psalm 34
Consider holding a Bible in your hands today as you read His Word. If that's not possible, read online by clicking the reference above.

Psalm 34 offers instruction that fear of the Lord leads to life for those who depart from evil and do good. It records God's reward of the righteous and punishment of evil doers.

The eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous

and his ears toward their cry.

Psalm 34:15

The angel of God guards those who hold reverence for our Heavenly Father. Surely those who obey the Lord lack nothing good. I will turn away from evil and do good; I strive for peace with all my heart. When the righteous call I know the Lord will listen.

The Lord is near those who are discouraged; He saves those who have lost all hope. "Taste and see that the Lord is good. Blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him." For the Lord is close to the brokenhearted. He will deliver them from all their fears.

Lord, transform me by Your grace.

Help me walk in Your light and saving power.

Forgive my sin and unbelief.

Songs of Praise: Psalm 32-33

Psalm 32-33
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Psalm 32 is a testimony to the joy that follows the witness of God's forgiveness, followed by a final exhortation to the congregation to pray, AND give up the foolish avoidance of the confession of sin. Psalm 33 is a summons to praise, enumerating the wonders of God's good Word. Be mindful of vain human might.

Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.

Blessed is the man against whom the Lord counts no iniquity,

and in whose spirit there is no deceit.

Psalm 32:1-2 ESV

What a blessing to trust in God's forgiveness. Through acknowledgement of my sins and confession of my transgressions, I receive deliverance. It brings the Lord's kindness to me with inner joy. Removing the guilt is witness of deliverance. I can rejoice that I no longer carry that bag of guilt.

The Word of the Lord is surely upright. His counsel stands forever, from generation to generation. Surely the eye of the Lord is on those who fear Him; He delivers the soul from death. I will wait upon the Lord for He is our help and shield. His constant love fills the earth. The Lord watches over those who have reverence for Him.

O God, confession brings release. Your forgiveness brings joy.

I will praise You for Your blessed fellowship,

and Your Spirit-led conviction of sins.

Songs of Praise: Psalm 31

Psalm 31
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This is a psalm of commitment. It encourages the Believer to surrender to God and rely completely on Him. It advises strength and courage in waiting for the Lord, and the sure expectation of divine help, salvation, and hope.

Join the psalmist in committing your life to Him:

Save me, O Lord, for You alone are my defense.

You are a faithful God; I place myself in Your care.

I am weakened from all my troubles. I trust in You.

Lord, You protect the faithful, but punish the proud.

Let me hope in You, Lord. I will be strong and courageous.

Into You hand I commit my spirit; for You have ransomed me.

How securely You protect those who trust You.

Lord, God of Truth, forgive my failure to remember

Your constant faithfulness. Amen.

Songs of Praise: Psalm 29-30

Psalm 29-30
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Psalm 29 is the portrayal of the Lord as majestic, giving strength and peace to His people. The Lord is portrayed also as King of the Cosmos. It is also categorized as an enthronement psalm, celebrating the theme of the Lord's Kingship. Other gods are subordinate to a supreme deity: God. Psalm 30 is expressed gratitude to God for healing. An invitation is given to the faithful to praise Him. It is followed by joyful thanks.

Powerful, majestic, glorious is the Holy One! The voice of the Lord is heard in all its might and brings forth praise. Glory to the Lord God! He rules as King forever. The Lord gives strength to His people and blesses them with peace.

O Lord, You have restored my life.

You are like a mountain fortress.

I proclaim Your unfailing goodness.

You healed me and brought me up from the grave.

You are merciful and I will forever give thanks.

I praise You Lord, because You have saved me.

Songs of Praise: Psalm 27-28

Psalm 27-28
Be prepared to praise Him today for all He is to you. Click the link above to praise Him online or open up His Word in your Bible.

In Psalm 27, David's whole being is concentrated on God. God is appealed to as Rock, Strength, and Shield. It reflects a request of assurance of security with God. Psalm 28 is a prayer of supplication, perhaps conducted in the Temple. It also is an individual lament and includes thanksgiving as well.

In confidence, David seeks God's gracious favor. Let us do the same:

God will make me secure on a high rock.

I will sing. I will praise the Lord.

I will trust the Lord. The Lord is my light and my salvation.

Of whom shall I be afraid? My heart will not fear.

I will dwell in the house of the Lord and gaze upon the beauty of the Lord.

My heart is full of joy and I will give thanks to Him in song.

Lord, may Your name be exalted. When we are in darkness,

remind us that You are in charge. Amen.

Songs of Praise: Psalm 25-26

Psalm 25-26
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Psalm 25 is an individual seeking God's deliverance, guidance, and forgiveness. Concerns with the right path are given prominence and underscore the hope of the psalmist. Psalm 26 confirms that at the heart of the individual's prayer is God's judgment. Steadfast love and faithfulness, integrity and purpose is of certainty.

Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths.

Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God

of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long.

Psalm 25:4-5 ESV

A trusting obedient heart following the Lord will bring release from fear, anguish, and loneliness. It is the nature of God to lift up the soul. Divine aid comes to those who fear the Lord. Because the Lord is righteous and good, He teaches sinners the path they should follow. He leads with faithfulness and love.

The Lord is the friend of those who obey Him and He affirms His covenant with them. Take refuge in the Lord and trust His guiding hand. For in faithfulness and love He leads. In the assembly of His people, praise the Lord. Rituals in the house of the Lord lift the soul and give guidance to His followers.

O Lord, I love the habitation of your house and the place where your glory dwells.

Psalm 26:8 ESV

Lord Jesus, bless me with a teachable heart and a repentant spirit.

I long to bless You with my life, as You have blessed me.

Songs of Praise: Psalm 23-24

Psalm 23-24
Some psalms are just worth memorizing, Psalm 23 is one of those. Consider opening your Bible today and writing Psalm 23 on a note card and begin storing it in your heart. To read online, click the reference above.

Psalm 23 suggests a metaphorical closeness to God. God's care for people as sheep is frequently used. Psalm 24 is a liturgical hymn that opens with a profession that all the world belongs to God, the Sovereign Creator. Then a listing of moral, not ritual, qualifications for worshipers.

Who wouldn't wish for a host to guide us through life and shepherd us in the right paths -- that is the kind of God we have. He gives us new strength, blesses us and points the way to salvation. The Lord is my Shepherd that's all I want, for we are under His protection.

He is our anchor; the King of Glory whose power and authority are unlimited. He is the Lord strong and mighty. All the world belongs to God our Creator. Right relationship with God and with others is the instruction.

Lord, You are my Shepherd and my King. In Christ You've made the way for me to ascend Your holy hill. May I always follow Your lead and bless You in all I do, so I may know Your blessing too.

Songs of Praise: Psalm 22

Psalm 22
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Complaints alternate with expressions of trust. Descriptions of trouble are followed by petitions for God's deliverance.

O my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer, and by night, but I find no rest.

Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel.

Psalm 22:2-3 ESV

Medicine and nutrition are a real part of our life in America. Acts of healing are often not credited to God in Christ. Some of the extraordinary medical accomplishments arise out of the gifts of technology today. Science at the hands of gifted medics hold great blessings! The technology God has gifted us with is outstanding.

Many perils are averted with the triumphant affirmation of faith, not only by the patients, but through the gifted skills of the medical staff. The individual may have walked with radical despair, then turned to give thanks and praise to God. Relief from pain and agony can go full circle as one experiences deliverance through faith.

There is no fear of being abandoned by the Lord. Our ancestors put their trust in the Lord. The psalmist calls true worshipers to praise the Lord for His delivering power. Even the suffering of Christ prophesied in this psalm -- My God, My God, why have You forsaken me? (Matthew 26:46, Mark 15:34) -- is followed by exaltation -- I will tell of Your name to my brothers; in the midst of the congregation I will praise You.

In physical, emotional, and spiritual suffering, we can rejoice in the Lord and His strength.

Heavenly Father, remind us again that Your ways are not our ways. The suffering Christ seems so totally opposite of a loving God. You turn familiar order and power on their heads. Yet, you continually renew life through the least, as well as the least expected.

Songs of Praise: Psalm 21

Psalm 21
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Be exalted, O Lord, in your strength!

We will sing and praise your power.

Psalm 19:13 ESV

This psalm of petition for king and people is a confident communal prayer. The prayer emphatically declares that now God will grant the anointed mighty victories. Those who depend on God will rise and stand upright.

Let's sing His praise:

Your blessings, Lord, are with us forever!

Your presence fills us with joy and peace.

Your constant love gives us victory

and makes us secure in your deliverance.

We praise You, Lord, for your great strength

We sing and praise Your power and victory!

For You bless us with good things.

Loving God, Your grace is better than life itself.

You have sustained us through the darkness;

and You bless us with life in this new day.

In the shadow of Your wings we sing for joy

and bless Your holy name. We praise You Lord,

for Your great strength and wisdom.

Songs of Praise: Psalm 19-20

Psalm 19-20
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The heavens declare the glory of God,

and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.

Psalm 19:1 ESV

We can see God's craftsmanship which witnesses to His glory. The laws of nature have their own majesty of how they were created. They are God's self witness to His will.

The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul;

the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple...

Psalm 19:7 ESV

The law is the fountain from which flows everything of supreme value to humankind. The reward of keeping the law is not of material prosperity, but to the worshiper a kind of life-giving dedication and sustaining power from God.

Oh, how we need the Lord's grace to keep the law. It is a living expression of the totality of God's will. Even Jesus said that he came to fulfill the law. It is perfect and enduring. It is expressive of the total dedication (mouth and heart) of the worshiper to their God. The law of the Lord is perfect. Those who obey are happy. They are victorious.

Oh God, enable us to grasp more completely who You are. Open our eyes to see You in nature and the written Word. May we be filled with a deep abiding joy in Your handiwork and Your holy presence.

Songs of Praise: Psalm 18:25-50

Psalm 18:25-50
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This God -- his way is perfect; the word of the Lord proves true;

he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him.

Psalm 18:30 ESV

The second half of Psalm 18 accords universal influence to both God and king, since the Lord is sovereign over all. God's way is perfect. The promise of the Lord rings true; He is a shield for all who take refuge in Him. The Lord is sovereign over all the world. Happiness and prosperity are derived from God's sovereignty. The Lord lives!

Blessed be the Rock, and exalted be the God of salvation. Let's live with David's words on our heart, singing praise to His name. Remembering Him as our Protector. Proclaiming His greatness. Exalting Him as our Savior.

Our help and our God, may we base our authority on You and Your grace.

God we thank you for being our strength. Give us wise leaders

who have compassion for people who need help.

Fill our hearts with praise no matter what comes,

because we remember You are Lord of all the earth.

Songs of Praise: Psalm 18:1-24

Psalm 18:1-24
Read online by clicking the reference above.

The lesson is that God keeps promises and delivers the just, both ruler and people alike.

In my distress I called upon the Lord; to my God I cried for help.

From his temple he heard my voice, and my cry to him reached his ears.

Psalm 18:6 ESV

David in his trouble called for help. The Lord heard his plea. The Lord listened. The Lord reached down and pulled him up out of the deep waters. He rescued him from his powerful enemies. He protected him.

In graphic language David portrays God coming to aid His trusting servant. God worked through earthquakes, hail, and thunderstorms giving evidence of Himself in nature (Psalm 19). David's public prayer for Israel's leader expressed trust in the Lord. There is a witness to God's authority over all creation.

David strove to follow God's ways in every way. The outcome of his obedience shows the law is not lifeless ordinances, but a living expression of the totality of God's will. To obey it is to have one's life renewed and rewarded.

I was blameless before him, and I kept myself from my guilt.

So the Lord has rewarded me according to my righteousness,

according to the cleanness of my hands in his sight.

Psalm 18:23-24 ESV

Father God, thank You for hearing my prayers when I cry out

in faithfulness and trust.

Songs of Praise: Psalm 17

Psalm 17
Click the reference above to read online at BibleGateway.com.

In this psalm, an innocent individual asks God for attention and protection from threatening enemies. The psalmist's steps have held fast to God's paths and he is certain of deliverance. It is a petition for personal protection.

Make this psalm your prayer today:

Heavenly Father, You know what is right and you know my heart. You have completely examined me. I have obeyed your command and walked in Your way. Save me and reveal Your wonderful love. Wherever I turn there are those who would pull me down. Defeat my enemies and save me from the wicked. 

This is my prayer of deliverance. Give ear to my prayer. It is not from deceitful lips. Show me Your loving kindness and keep me as the "apple of Your eye." I shall behold Your face in righteousness.

Loving God, thank You for Your incredible grace. May the life I lead reflect the grace You offer every day. Amen.

Songs of Praise: Psalms 14-16

Psalms 14-16
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Psalm 14 is a prayer of an individual who combines elements of instruction and petition with hope in the Lord's deliverance. And it is a denunciation of godlessness. Psalm 15 identifies who might be saved by God and the ability to stand firm. Psalm 16 focuses on the deeds of the one who dwells with God, a ready refuge, giving joy in the Lord.

The Lord looks down from heaven on the children of man,

to see if there are any who understand, who seek after God.

Psalm 14:2 ESV

Surely depravity follows rejection or denial of the existence of the Lord. Only a fool would say, "There is no God." Those who deny God do so not only by their intellectual arguments, but by their actions as well. There is a radical display of independence. Are there any who understand, any who seek God?

The evil doers feed off His people, but not forever. The poor find refuge in the Lord. God is with those who obey Him, no matter how much it may cost them. He will one day restore the fortunes of the righteous, and terrorize the wicked.

Our future is in God's hands. Those who believe feel completely secure in the path that leads to life. His presence fills us with joy forever. But for those who don't believe, who presume to walk securely, they will come to a very different end.

Sovereign God, You have been our help during the day and the night.

We choose to trust Your wisdom. Guide us in Your ways.

We belong to You. In the power of Your name,

our Lord and Savior. Amen.

Songs of Praise: Psalms 11-13

Today's songs: Psalms 11-13

Open up your Bible or open up the link to read the psalmists' words.

The heart of Psalm 11 testifies that God is in control. God is affirmed as keeping an eye on humankind from an earthly holy temple and from a heavenly throne. In Psalm 12 an unidentified individual asks for God's help against those who lie, flatter, and think the mastery of their words will prevail. The Lord promises to arise and bring the needy to safety. Psalm 13 The psalmist models how to speak to God about panic and desolation. It gives expression of trust and joyful confidence.

But I have trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation.

I will sing to the Lord, because he has dealt bountifully with me.

Psalm 13:5-6 ESV

Understanding the nature of God, these psalmists place their trust in the Lord who is present in the temple with His people. Communion with God brings a consciousness of being accepted by the Lord and a sense of confidence of "sanctuary" in the temple. We can rely on God's constant love. The manifestation and revelation of the Lord will be in fellowship with us, providing a refuge and defense. The Lord is righteous and loves justice. This very personal expression of confidence in God comes when life's foundations seem to begin to be destroyed and fall apart.

Lord, when my world feels like it's falling apart and evil seems

to rule the day, let me not forget Your steadfast love

and put my trust in You.

Songs of Praise: Psalm10

Today's Song of Praise: Psalm 10
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Psalm 10 petitions God's help against wicked people. It is a prayer for the overthrow of the wicked and for deliverance from enemies. This psalm assures us the Lord is a doer of justice.

O Lord, you hear the desire of the afflicted; you will strengthen their heart;

you will incline your ear to do justice to the fatherless and the oppressed,

so that man who is of the earth may strike terror no more.

Psalm 10:17-18 ESV

In their arrogance, those who are wicked do not make room for God. They hold a haughty attitude toward others as well, thinking they will always prosper and never have troubles. The laws of God seem far from their reasoning. Curses, lies, and threats reveal their blatant immorality. They deny God is in control. Self-deification makes them forget their humanity, as they continue to spurn God.

Yet, the Lord hears the desire of the humble. The oppressed do not go unheard, God will strengthen their heart. He will call the wicked to account. The Eternal King of kings and Lord of lords opposes the powerful and gives aid to the poor, helpless, and oppressed.

God, I thank You for being our strength. Give us wise leaders who have compassion for people who need protection and help from the wicked. Amen.

Songs of Praise: Psalms 8-9

Today's songs of praise: Psalm 8-9
[Open up your Bible or open up the link to read the Word.]

Psalm 8 is a song of praise addressed to God only, celebrating the majestic nature of God's name in all the earth, and the dignity and distinctive role of human beings. Psalm 9 is a song of thanksgiving for God's justice and gives prominence to His judgment against wicked nations.

How does one express emotion in relation to our Creator? Without a doubt the Psalms teach us not only how to express our feelings but more importantly, how to be honest before God, whatever those feelings. Revelation 7:12 helps to put wise words of worship in an expression of praise:

"Praise and glory and wisdom and thanks and honor 

and power and strength be to our God forever and ever."

These strong words seem to cut right to the significant role the Lord has in our life -- leaving no question of how and who we are to worship. The Lord does not ignore our afflictions, our needs, or our moods. Rather, the Lord delights in our every effort to seek Him as our refuge and strength. Even though we are only mortal beings.

And those who know your name put their trust in you,

for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you.

Psalm 9:10 ESV

Lord, thank You for the blessing of being able to seek You with my whole heart. I have no need to hide any part of me from You, because You already see me fully and love me deeply.