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
Read the Word in your Bible or online by clicking the link above.

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
Open up your Bible or open up the link above to read the Word.

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.