June 18–Psalm 120-132

“Unless the Lord build the house, they labor in vain who build it; unless the Lord guards the city, the watchman keeps awake in vain”(127:1).

It is strangely sad to see Solomon’s name on this psalm. (See ascription in your Bible.) His later life was a tragic contrast to the wisdom of this psalm. The last years for this great king were marked with vanity, regret, and lack of fulfillment.

Warning! It is easy for us to know more than we live. Solomon could have prevented much heartache by heeding his own words. Same for us. “You who teach others, do you teach yourself?” says Romans 2.

Self-reliance is a mistake, says Solomon. When God is on the edges of life, rather than the center, efforts are in vain. The first task (and greatest wisdom) of every human is to know God and walk in partnership with Him. We are called into conscious cooperation with Him and His plans.

For years, I was blind to this truth. I thought submission was doing all that He told me, but ALSO setting and guarding “my own” goals. I viewed myself as, in some sense, independent of Him. I didn’t see that my highest privilege and deepest satisfaction was in “taking His yoke.”

Union! My life joined to His! His purposes, mine! Just as oneness is the goal of marriage, so in religion. I don’t need my own identity, I was included in His. “My father is working, and so am I,” said the Lord.

A century ago, a familiar plaque was often seen in English homes. It is the motto of Edinburgh, Scotland. “Nisi Dominus Frustra,” (Without the Lord, frustration).

Independent action is not true wisdom. Union with God is our best goal and highest success. His purpose and presence our only joy. His achievements our only glory. “Unless the Lord build the house. . .”

“If a sparrow cannot fall to the earth without His notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without His aid?”(Ben Franklin, in a speech to the Continental Congress).

“I pray that they may be one; even as You, Father are in Me and I in You, that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me” (John 17:21).

June 17–Psalm 119:57-176

“I rise before dawn and cry for help; I wait for Your words. My eyes anticipate the night watches, that I may meditate on Your word”(119:147-148).

In VBS, my grandchildren learn memory verses. I wonder why we don’t urge the same practice on adults.

In Psalm 119, the writer points to a beneficial use of memorized Biblical words. We are called to meditate on the ideas. To “chew” on them until they yield Spiritual nutrition.The Hebrew word in v. 148 is siyach (see’ akh), “to say or sing words as a means of deeper consideration or reflection.”

Similar idea in Joshua 1:8. “This book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it (hagah, “to utter, mutter or muse”) day and night.” The ancients knew that to say something out loud, to repeat it, to sing it, provides powerful help in concentration and deeper learning.

Friendship with God is not a pursuit that can be rushed. Those who want to walk with God must take time with His revelation and demands. Note how the writer looks forward to moments when life gets quiet, providing time to think and pray and meditate. See v. 148, above.

“If you continue in My word then you are truly disciples. You will know the truth and the truth will set you free,” said our Lord. Short bursts of Spiritual attention are insufficient. Continued pursuit is His plan.

Are you busy today, my friend? Too busy to wait on God’s word? “Those who love Thy law have great peace,” says v. 165. Will you choose one part of today’s reading? Say it out loud! Again and again until it seeps into your soul! Meditate and wait on His word!

“Slow and steady wins the race” (Aesop).

“Long-term consistency trumps short-term intensity” (Bruce Lee).

“Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God”(Matthew 4:4).

June 16—Psalm 116-119:56

“Open my eyes, that I may behold wonderful things from Your law. I am a stranger in the earth; do not hide Your commandments from me”(119:18-19).

It is a gradual shift for some. A dramatic crisis for others. In every salvation story, there comes a point where the soul turns. We are converted. (Greek, strepho, “to turn”).

Revolutionary. Life-giving moment. The soul turns away from self and the world to a focus on God.

Psalm 119 is a testimony of a converted (turned) person who happily lives and rests and serves in this new perspective. Please note the use of the first person in this Psalm. “I shall give thanks to you with uprightness of heart,” v. 7. “I wait for your word,” v. 114. He is not describing how all people live. He is giving us his unique testimony as a turned person.

The convert has a new identity. He is no longer validated by the approval of the world, or overly discouraged by its disapproval. His meaning and assignments come from Heaven. “You are not of this world,” said Jesus to His disciples.

The convert has a new focus. “Your word have I treasured in my heart,” says this person on a journey in v. 11. “I will meditate on your precepts” (v. 15). The steady message of Psalm 119 is the value and beauty of God’s word. Like Mary sitting at the feet of Jesus, converted people desire to hear and do God’s will.

The convert experiences new energy. “Your word has revived me,” he says in v. 50. The common experience of every Christ-follower is to find correction and energy and encouragement in God’s word. “Were not our hearts burning within us as He spoke Scripture to us?” said the disciples in Luke 24.

Those who claim Christ without this inward turn deceive themselves. In our thoughts, in our affections, in our hopes and loyalties, a new direction is required. Friend, are you converted?

“Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven” (Jesus, Matthew 18:3).

“The Master has called us, in life’s early morning, with spirits as fresh as the dew on the sod: we turn from the world, with its smiles and its scorning, to cast in our lot with the people of God” (Sarah Doudney).

“Turn to Me and be saved, all the ends of the earth, for I am God and there is no other”(Isaiah 45:22).

June 15–Psalm 108-115

“The Lord says to my Lord, ‘Sit at my right hand until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet’ “(Psalm 110:1).

It was a supernatural event. A vision. One day, in the Spirit, David was allowed to “listen” to a conversation between God the Father and God the Son. Years later, Jesus quoted this psalm (see Matthew 22:44). It is another reminder of our Lord’s dedication to Scripture, His deep confidence in its truthfulness.

This Psalm prophesies the ascension of Jesus. After the resurrection, Jesus was lifted up to heaven to sit at the right hand of the Father in glory. David “heard”the Father invite the Son to sit in this place of honor.

This Psalm prophesies the eternal priesthood of Christ. Jesus is our High Priest. See v. 4. Like Melchizedek (Genesis 14), Jesus received this office by divine election. This being so, there is no term limit for Christ’s assignment! No beginning. No end. “He ever lives to make intercession, ” says Hebrews 7:22.

This Psalm predicts the resistance of the world. God and His Christ have many enemies. See Psalm 2. Men across the globe refuse the rule of Christ. True always. True in this present hour.

This Psalm predicts the happy, voluntary service of the church. See v. 3. Willing sons and soldiers. Like glistening drops of dew. We are small individually, but the aggregate army of God makes a HUGE impact on the dry, dusty world!

This Psalm prophesies the coming victory of Christ. God’s patience does not equal tolerance. Ultimately, in the wisdom and timing of the Father, the Lord, Himself, will return to judge the nations with great force and moral beauty. See v. 6. Every knee will bow. All resistance will be subdued.

At the end, Jesus will prop his feet on a stool. Vivid picture! The belligerence of men will be so completely conquered it will constitute a FOOTSTOOL for Christ. Sometimes I forget how calm the Father is. How unchallenged by the opposition of men. He is certain of coming victory. We should be, as well.

Dear one, what could you do, today, to take this hope more deeply into your own soul? What would life be if you could embrace this certain expectation of victory coming?

“We exult in the hope of the glory of God” (Romans 5:2).

June 14–Psalm 106-107

“Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His lovingkindness is everlasting. Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom He has redeemed from the hand of the adversary”(Psalm 107:1-2).

In God’s salvation plan, our WITNESS is an essential factor. Those who have experienced the help of God are obligated to TELL the story.

In Psalm 107, the Psalmist calls us to give thanks to the Lord. He has particular sensitivity to the witness value of public praise. God listens to our thanks. So do lost men.

In Acts 10, when Cornelius (a gentile) sought the Lord in prayer, an angel came and instructed Cornelius to send for Peter. Why didn’t the angel just tell the gospel to Cornelius? Wouldn’t it have been more efficient to skip the middle man? The answer is God has reserved the privilege of telling the gospel for us who have benefited from it. As we tell others, we become His partners in this gracious work.

“Let the redeemed of the Lord say so!” says v. 2. Those who have been lost, and then found, should give thanks. Vs. 4-8. Those who have been prisoners, and then set free, should give thanks. Vs. 10-16. Those who have been sick, now well, should tell His works. Vs. 17-22. Those who have been storm-tossed, now rescued, should praise Him. Vs. 23-32.

There are many ways to organize life. Many “foundations” upon which to build. The wise man builds his life on the goodness of God.

Believers make no claim that life is good, not now, not yet. We do claim, however, that God is good and that all things will eventually mirror and echo His excellence!

Friend, will you give thanks today? Will you settle in your own heart that He is good? He is pure, unmixed kindness and justice! Will you tell others?

“But how can they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without a preacher?”(Romans 10:14).

“I will tell the wondrous story, how my lost estate to save, in His boundless love and mercy, He the ransom freely gave. I will sing of my Redeemer and His wondrous love for me. On the cruel cross he suffered, from the curse to set me free” (Philip Bliss).

June 13–Psalm 103-105

“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name”(103:1).

Is there anything in the world sweeter than a grateful child? Anything less lovely than an ungrateful one? Parents delight to give, and the joy is ten times greater when the receiving child is grateful.

I listened recently to Holly (my wife) as she coached Elliot (our first granddaughter) to say “thank you”. She repeated the lesson many times during our day together. A stranger’s compliment. A gift from her parents. At several moments, with great patience, Mimi helped Elliot recognize when a “thank you” was both necessary and lovely.

More than etiquette. David knew gratitude as a gift to God and a safeguard for his soul. In Psalm 103, he coached himself toward gratitude and praise. It is not something that comes naturally to the carnal man.

In honest self-talk, David roused his soul to shake off apathy and gloom and entitlement. The Hebrew word for bless is barak. It means, “to kneel in worship and affection and loyalty.”

Will you kneel, today, friend? Will you acknowledge your great and good God? Will you give thanks for His salvation mercies? Will you declare your love for His patience and generosity? Will you bless the Lord?

“When you’re up against a struggle that shatters all your dreams, and your hopes have been cruelly crushed by Satan’s manifested schemes; and you feel the urge within you to submit to earthly fears, don’t let the faith you’re standing in seem to disappear. Praise the Lord! He will work through those who praise Him. Praise the Lord, for our God inhabits praise. Praise the Lord, for the chains that seem to bind you, serve only to remind you, that they drop powerless behind you, when you praise”(Russ Taff).

“For they are without excuse, for even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks” (Romans 1:20-21).

June 12–Psalm 95-102

“O come, let us sing for joy to the Lord, let us shout joyfully to the rock of our salvation”(95:1).

In ancient Israel, Psalm 95 was used as a call to worship. Note the word “come” in v. 1 and 6. Faith is inclusive, ever-reaching out.

People need to be invited. Need to be encouraged to gather before the Lord. Just as we are called to come, we are also called to call others to come! This Psalm is a beautiful example.

Come and sing! “Sing joyfully,” urges v. 1. Fix your eyes on a glorious, invisible reality! Don’t concentrate on yourself or your sin. No joy there! “Our Father which art in Heaven.” “Lift up your heads, O ancient gates. . .and the King of Glory will come in.” The upward look is the biblical norm for worship. Lift your eyes! Do it with enthusiasm and joy. Challenge the downward drag of your own inwardness and fears, reject the false urgency of the material world.

Come and bow! See v. 6. At some point, we must do more than sing. We must also surrender. In fresh public confession, we call others (and ourselves) to bow and declare Jesus Lord. His will is our priority. The Old Testament word barack, meant “to kneel”. It also is translated as “blessing”, i.e. the blessings that come from a generous God to those who honor Him.

Good news! The law-giver is also the care-giver. Those who bow before God are not harmed in doing so. His law and His love rise from the same heart.

Come and rest! See v. 8. Some scholars believe that Psalm 95 was used in the Feast of Tabernacles. It was an annual occasion to reflect on God’s goodness in providing rest for His people. For Israel, part of God’s rest was a land to live in. For us, it is union with Himself and a prepared place in His coming kingdom. Those who “put God to the test” (refuse to take Him at His word) will never enjoy this blessing.

Dear friend, do you call out to others with an invitation to worship and surrender and rest? Will you? At the end, it will prove to be the greatest kindness of all!

“O come let us adore Him, Christ the Lord”(Adeste Fideles, traditional Christmas carol).

“I was glad when they said unto me, ‘Let us go to the house of the Lord’ “(Psalm 122:1).

June 11–Psalm 90-94

“Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations, before the mountains were born or You gave birth to the earth. . .even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God”(90:1-2).

It is a song of Moses. His prayer. The only one included in the book of Psalms.

Psalm 90 is a confession/reflection of two thoughts. Life is brief, but God is eternal.

We do not know when Moses wrote these words. The mood suggests he did so in his later years. He is older. Wiser. More honest.

Three facts are certain in his mind.

1) God is eternal. Generations of humans have found refuge in Him. He is our dwelling place. Our permanent address.

Moses knows a God who is larger than time. “From everlasting to everlasting, You are God.” Before the infinite past, beyond the infinite future, God is the fixed point, the steady constant.

2)Human life (in its present form) is brief and temporary. “You turn man back to dust.” “As for the days of our lives they contain seventy years or, if due to strength, eighty years.”

3) Death is God’s judgement on sin. A consequence of the rebellion of the human race. “We are consumed by your anger.”

Given these certainties, Moses prays three prayers.

1)”Teach us to number our days.” Shake us out of our denial. Remind us that life is short, valuable only as it connects to God. Humans have derivative value. Only.

2) “Return, O Lord.” Visit us with Your truth AND Your presence. “Even so, Lord Jesus, come!”

3) “Let YOUR work appear to YOUR servants.” Open our eyes to see what You are doing. Give us an assignment in Your eternal plan and let us participate in it with joy.

Friend, as you lift your eyes to an eternal God, do you find resolve and refuge? Can you trust the plans of the Great One who is from everlasting to everlasting?

“O God, our help in ages past, our hope for years to come, our shelter from the stormy blast, and our eternal home” (Isaac Watts).

“If you read history you will find that the Christians who did most for the present world were precisely those who thought most of the next. It is since Christians have largely ceased to think of the other world that they have become so ineffective in this. Aim at Heaven and you’ll get earth “thrown in”; aim at earth and you’ll get neither” (C. S. Lewis).

June 10–Psalm 84-89

“Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in You?”(85:6).

It is a prayer. Simple. Profound. Will you pray it with the Psalmist?

No student of history can deny God’s gracious pattern in revival. The Psalmist recalls previous days of powerful Spiritual activity among His people. He asks for God to do it again, to pour out conviction and power on His people, to call people to repentance and faith and joy.

The present hour is evil. The forces of decay are rapidly eroding truth. The people of God are discouraged and lukewarm. Friend, does your heart hope for revival? Will you cry out to God for His help?

Nature, itself, proves the possibility! The harshest winter cannot prevent spring from coming. In the same way, evil’s darkness cannot stop the forward movement of God’s grace. The Father holds sufficient strength. He is the source of life, able to help us!

Revival is a free gift with a set price. We must turn to God. We must hear Him again. See v. 8. Our lives (so busy with the pursuit of other things) must be repented. We must pursue God as our ONLY value. An ease-loving, complacent church will never walk through the door of God’s offered grace. “Break up your fallow ground, for it is time to seek the Lord,” says Hosea 10:12.

Friend, will you pray for the good GIFT whereby God restores vision and strength and boldness and blessing to His people? See Proverbs 29:18.

“There has never been a revival in any country that has not begun in united prayer and no revival has continued beyond the duration of those prayer meetings” (A. T. Pierson).

“Gathering them together, He commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait on what the Father had promised. . .And they returned to Jerusalem. . .These all with one mind were continually devoting themselves to prayer” (Acts 1:4, 12, 14).

June 9–Psalm 79-83

“Sing for joy to God our strength; shout joyfully to the God of Jacob”(81:1).

Asaph had a difficult assignment. He was a worship leader in Israel in the days after Jerusalem was conquered and destroyed. See Psalm 79. It was a time of great grief.

Knowing this, are you amazed that Asaph calls the people to joyful song? What?! How could anyone possibly expect them to shout joyfully in the midst of such disappointment and loss? How insensitive and tone-deaf!

Without apology, Scripture teaches us “REJOICE IN THE LORD”. True joy does not rise from ease or success or personal safety. It does not rise from material or emotional circumstance. Ours is a confidence fueled by an insight into Spiritual truth, Spiritual reality. God is good. God is glorious. Note Asaph’s confidence that “even now” if Israel repented, God would rescue them (v 13-14). His eyes are focused on the infinite possibilities of the Spirit! Can these bones live? Yes! Yes, they can!

Recently, during a particularly hard time, my wife Holly heard a song that filled her heart with hope. “Even when it feels like my world is shaken, even when I’ve had all that I can take, I know, You’ll never let me go. Even when the waters won’t stop rising, even when I’m caught in dead of night, I know, no matter how it feels, You’re with me even then”(Micah Tyler).

When Holly hears this song, she often dances. The trouble is that she wants me to dance with her! Scriptural duty, I think. Asaph would want me to dance, too!

As you read Psalm 81 today, will you reflect on a God who is eternally and essentially good? “I know the plans I have for you,” whispers the Great One. Even when disaster comes, He has infinite possibilities for blessing you. Even when our lives and hopes collapse, He calls us to faithful, joyful praise. It is our statement of faith, even when. . .

“Joy is a decision, a really brave one, about how you will respond to life” (Wess Stafford).

“Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things again is no trouble to me, and it is a safeguard for you” (Philippians 3:1).