Month: July 2024

Scripture Focus: Psalm 119.103-104
103 How sweet are your words to my taste,
    sweeter than honey to my mouth!
104 I gain understanding from your precepts;
    therefore I hate every wrong path.

Student Writers Month is here: The student writers featured from July 15 to August 9 have received free coaching, ministry training, and seminars by special guests in addition to this publishing opportunity, the ability to re-publish their work elsewhere, and a stipend/scholarship for their work. A portion of all donations during these dates will be applied to the students’ stipends/scholarships. Find out more about the students at this link or give a one-time or recurring gift at this link.

Reflection: Finding Delight
By David Z. Blackwell

As a father of young children, I frequently hear my kids exuberantly shouting superlatives. “This is the best day ever!” “That was amazing!” “That was the coolest!” Psalm 119 shares a similar childlike delight, only in the word of the Lord rather than childhood adventures.

The psalmist praises the law of the Lord not with mere platitudes but with jubilant gratitude. The psalmist exalts the law because it brought wisdom greater than his enemies, teachers, and elders (vv. 98–100). For the writer, the law is the means of relationship and source of connection to the Lord (v. 102). “I do not turn aside from your rules, for you have taught me.” God’s words are not secondhand instructions but come directly from the Lord. Scripture illuminates the path, gives life to the afflicted, and is an eternal heritage and refuge (vv. 105, 107, 111, 114–120). Don’t you wish to delight in God’s word like this?

The author meditates on God’s words because, in them, he finds safety and blessing. The psalmist is also saved from adversity to continue to meditate on the words of the Lord (Psalm 119.114,117). Meditating on God’s word is not only the means but also the end. He does not meditate just to get something. He continues to meditate because of how much he has received. Meditating on God’s word is relational. 

The New Testament also emphasizes the importance of God’s word and says that it is fulfilled in Jesus. In John 1, Jesus is the embodied word of God, and in Matthew 5.17–20, Jesus says he came to fulfill the law and the prophets and praises those who keep and teach these commands.

For the Psalmist and for us, meditating on God’s word is everything. God’s words are comfort, joy, motivation, hope, peace, and the way of life. Yet, I don’t always feel this way. The Psalm suggests the psalmist doesn’t either. Do you? This passage provides an opportunity to look inward and examine our relationship with God’s word.

Let us remember that spending time reading, praying, and meditating on God’s word is the remedy for our apathy and ask him to grant us that same joy. What brings you this childlike joy? What adversity and struggles do you need saving from? How has God protected and delivered you? And how can these needs and victories lead you to meditate further on his word?

Divine Hours Prayer: The Request for Presence
To you I lift up my eyes, to you  enthroned in the heavens. — Psalm123.1

– From The Divine Hours: Prayers for Summertime by Phyllis Tickle.


​Today’s Readings
Isaiah 53 (Listen 2:39)
Psalms 119.97-120 (Listen 15:24)

Read more about The Practice of Meditation :: Running
It is not God’s ability to speak that must grow, it is our ability to listen.

The Practice of Meditation :: Running

Read more about Supporting Our Work
Part of every donation during Student Writers Month goes to the students. Help fund stipends/scholarships for them. Donate today.

Supporting our Work

Scripture Focus: Psalm 119.81–83
81 My soul faints with longing for your salvation, 
but I have put my hope in your word. 
82 My eyes fail, looking for your promise; 
I say, “When will you comfort me?” 
83 Though I am like a wineskin in the smoke, 
I do not forget your decrees. 

Student Writers Month is here: The student writers featured from July 15 to August 9 have received free coaching, ministry training, and seminars by special guests in addition to this publishing opportunity, the ability to re-publish their work elsewhere, and a stipend/scholarship for their work. A portion of all donations during these dates will be applied to the students’ stipends/scholarships. Find out more about the students at this link or give a one-time or recurring gift at this link.

Reflection: Dry Times and God’s Good Word
By Andrew Crawford

Have you ever gotten to the place where your only hope was God and his word? Have you ever been in severe spiritual doldrums and the only place to turn was to God in prayer?

In this section of Psalm 119, the psalmist’s only remaining comfort is their trust in God’s word. We think of God’s word as 66 books, but this psalmist did not have access to the full canon of Scripture that we do today.

The psalmist had been looking for God for so long that their eyes were failing; they’re going blind waiting for God to show up. In one sense, this could be taken cynically: “I’ve been waiting for God for so long and he’s not shown himself, so God can’t exist.” But this author had quite another perspective on it; they trusted in God while giving full vent to their doubts. 

The metaphor of the wineskin in smoke evokes the author’s dryness from waiting on God’s promises. J. A. Motyer says that as this section is a prayer, it reminds us “that at the end of our tether there is a place called ‘Prayer’” to which we can turn to bring our needs to God. (New Bible Commentary)

Have you felt this way? I have. The betrayal, lostness, confusion, and sense of distance from God all contribute to the wandering feeling I have had recently. I can see God’s providence in places—that he’s there with me and for me. Even still, I feel lost in the wilderness, as dry and crackly as an old wineskin. Quite often, like Job, the only answer we get this side of eternity is that God is God, and we are not. I can place myself under the spiritual faucet, waiting for the water of God’s word to fill me. I have tried recently to preach truth to myself that there is refreshment for my soul in God’s word–to continually point myself to the promises of God in his word.

What are you placing your trust in at this moment? Confess that and run to Christ. Can you look back and see how God worked things out for your good? Give him thanks; he is good; he is with you.

Divine Hours Prayer: The Call to Prayer
Be joyful to the Lord, all you lands; serve the Lord with gladness and come before his presence with a song. — Psalm 100.1

– From The Divine Hours: Prayers for Summertime by Phyllis Tickle.

​Today’s Readings
Isaiah 52 (Listen 4:35)
Psalms 119.73-96 (Listen 15:24)

Read more about Echoing Voice of Hope
We hear the often repeated, echoing message that God cares for us. Our trouble and pain are known to God. He will end them and bring us comfort.

Echoing Voice of Hope

Read more about Supporting Our Work
Support our students this month. Part of every donation funds stipends/scholarships for them. Donate today.

Supporting our Work

Scripture Focus: Psalm 119.54-55
Your decrees are the theme of my song wherever I lodge. In the night, Lord, I remember your name, that I may keep your law.

Student Writers Month is here: The student writers featured from July 15 to August 9 have received free coaching, ministry training, and seminars by special guests in addition to this publishing opportunity, the ability to re-publish their work elsewhere, and a stipend/scholarship for their work. A portion of all donations during these dates will be applied to the students’ stipends/scholarships. Find out more about the students at this link or give a one-time or recurring gift at this link.

Reflection: My Theme, His Law
By Lauren Mulford

In Psalm 119:49–72, the psalmist says the law gives hope, comfort, joy, humility, contentment, and gratitude. He says God’s decrees are his theme. His theme is his purpose and highest delight, how he derives his essence. Is the theme of my life supposed to be “Christ” or “God’s law”?

I’m struck by how life-giving the law is for the psalmist. Can I be honest with myself? I wonder if I love the law of God like the author does. Does God’s law give me life? Or am I using New Testament passages to excuse my ignorance of the law of God? 

I want to pursue God’s heart like this psalmist. If I walk by the Spirit, I will produce spiritual fruit reflecting God’s heart. When I love the law of the Lord, I follow God. When I study the Old Testament, I meet God. I don’t need to force Christ or the Holy Spirit into passages because the Father is there, and Christ is his exact representation (Hebrews 1.3). The more I grow in knowledge of the Old Testament God, the more I grow in knowledge of Christ (see Luke 24.27). Once I realize that Christ is the theme of God’s law, my life’s theme unfolds. In uniting to his law of love, Christ becomes my theme. 

In verse 66, the psalmist writes, “Teach me knowledge and good judgment, for I trust your commands.” I can only trust what I know. 

Psalm 119 was styled to be easy to memorize by the early readers. Similarly, I like to set verses to catchy tunes to memorize and meditate on throughout the day and especially when “night” comes, that is, any time in my life that I can’t see clearly. I remember his law and his word. Having God always on my mind helps prevent falling back into my old sinful ways. 

To make Christ my life’s theme, I must internalize his law. God’s law and Christ’s law are the same. Christ completed the law and summarized it as loving God and loving people. 

The more we study the Old Testament, the more we see God’s love for mankind. The more we reflect on his love for us, the more loving we become. As we grow in love, the more practical and self-sacrificing we become just as Christ’s life was sacrificed. Our offerings are tiny compared to what was given for us!

Divine Hours Prayer: The Greeting
Whom have I in heaven but you? And having you I desire nothing upon earth. — Psalm 73.25

– From The Divine Hours: Prayers for Summertime by Phyllis Tickle.

​Today’s Readings
Isaiah 51 (Listen 4:35)
Psalms 119.49-72 (Listen 15:24)

Read more about Law of Freedom
The freedom we have in Christ is that sins can no longer hold us back from what God calls us to do.

Law of Freedom

Read more about Supporting Our Work
Part of every donation during Student Writers Month funds stipends/scholarships for students. Donate today.

Supporting our Work

Scripture Focus: Psalm 117.1-2
1 Praise the Lord, all you nations;
    extol him, all you peoples.
2 For great is his love toward us,
    and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever.
    Praise the Lord.

Psalm 118.4
1 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
    his love endures forever.
2 Let Israel say:
    “His love endures forever.”
3 Let the house of Aaron say:
    “His love endures forever.”
4 Let those who fear the Lord say:
    “His love endures forever.

Student Writers Month is here: The student writers featured from July 15 to August 9 have received free coaching, ministry training, and seminars by special guests in addition to this publishing opportunity, the ability to re-publish their work elsewhere, and a stipend/scholarship for their work. A portion of all donations during these dates will be applied to the students’ stipends/scholarships. Find out more about the students at this link or give a one-time or recurring gift at this link.

Reflection: Praise God? But Why?
By Annette Kendall

Psalm 117 is the shortest psalm in our Bible, and this author did not mince words! It was kept short and simple. What are we to do? Praise God. Why are we to do it? Because he is ever faithful, and his love ever enduring. 

Psalm 118 continues this theme and further elaborates how God has been faithful. But before outlining the how, the psalm takes pains to emphasize the why, and to call out the who. As the proclamation is made, a triple repetition (which is the Old Testament’s way of creating emphasis and expressing the superlative) addresses three groups—encompassing everyone! (See also 117.1). Thus, all people are exhorted to reiterate the why—because he is faithful and his love endures—thereby ensuring that they understand it and do not forget. 

Similarly, in our day, there are many admonitions to praise God. We encounter them throughout the Bible. If we are involved in church or hang around Bible-believing people, we are sure to hear it. We sing numerous songs of praise to God and urge listeners to do so as well. But why? If I must praise God, then please tell me why!

Various reasons are given for the call to praise God. He deserves it. Things he has done merit it. It is our duty. Perhaps you have even heard that you ought to take inventory to fully realize why you must regularly praise God. All of these are valid reasons. 

God granted the psalmist victory over enemies that seemed insurmountable. Victory seemed out of reach, yet the hand of the Lord prevailed. Today “enemies” may not be armies, but rather domineering bosses, impossible in-laws, abusive partners, obnoxious coworkers, or toxic relatives. Even extenuating circumstances can seem like an enemy. Like the psalmist, we may feel overwhelmed and see no escape. Will we praise God nevertheless?

Following the example of the psalmist, may we prioritize one reason for praising God above all others: because he is faithful and his love is enduring. It is from this reality that all other reasons for praise flow—victories, protection, provision, and other blessings. When we praise him for his faithfulness and enduring love, we can even more clearly see them as the source from which other blessings flow. And for this, we can continue to praise him.  

Divine Hours Prayer: The Call to Prayer
The Lord is King; let the people tremble; he is enthroned upon the cherubim; let the earth shake. — Psalm 99.1

– From The Divine Hours: Prayers for Summertime by Phyllis Tickle.

​Today’s Readings
Isaiah 48 (Listen 2:52)
Psalms 117-118 (Listen 1:34)

​This Weekend’s Readings
Isaiah 49 (Listen 4:55), Psalms 119.1-24 (Listen 15:14)
Isaiah 50 (Listen 2:09), Psalms 119.25-48 (Listen 15:24)

Read more about Supporting Our Work
Support our students this month. Part of every donation funds stipends/scholarships for them. Donate today.

Supporting our Work

Listen to our new podcast episode, All That Has Breath
Let everything that has breath praise the one who surrendered his breath on the cross, yet lives and breathes again.

Scripture Focus: Psalm 116:1-2
1 I love the Lord, for he heard my voice; 
he heard my cry for mercy. 
2 Because he turned his ear to me, 
I will call on him as long as I live. 

Student Writers Month is here: The student writers featured from July 15 to August 9 have received free coaching, ministry training, and seminars by special guests in addition to this publishing opportunity, the ability to re-publish their work elsewhere, and a stipend/scholarship for their work. A portion of all donations during these dates will be applied to the students’ stipends/scholarships. Find out more about the students at this link or give a one-time or recurring gift at this link.

Reflection: Not a Genie, But…
By Laura Hamilton Hui

You’ve probably heard some preachers say we shouldn’t praise God for what he does for us but for who he is. And it’s true. We shouldn’t treat God like a magical power that gives us what we want—like Santa Claus or a genie. Yet sometimes we overcorrect our theology and imagine God as a distant, cosmic collection of attributes. But that’s not the God the Bible describes.

What strikes me about Psalm 116 is how personal it is. The author praises God because God came through for him. Verse 1 is clear: “I love the Lord, for (or because) he heard my voice.” In verse 5, the author names important characteristics of God—gracious, righteous, full of compassion—but he knows them because he has experienced them. 

Do you know someone who has experienced God like this? They often can’t help but share how God saved them from their dire situation. But a crisis doesn’t have to be life-threatening for this psalm to resonate with you.

Individual Israelites often sang this psalm while giving a thank offering to God for delivering them from an “overwhelming crisis” and declared their loyalty to Him through ceremonial vows and sacrifices (Word Biblical Commentary Vol 21). 

In the same way, we can use this psalm to share our own stories of God’s goodness and declare our loyalty to Him in response. Consider how the words of Psalm 116 ring true in your life. How has God heard your voice, protected you, or delivered you from distress and sorrow?

Whatever your crisis, you have a personal God who sees you. He hears you when you cry out to Him (v. 1). He has grace and compassion for you and will always do what’s right (v. 5). In return, follow the psalmist’s example of praising God for what He’s done for you and honoring Him in the way you live (vv. 12-19). Since our lives are now our sacrifice of worship (Romans 12.1), our most honorable response to God’s goodness is to let Him transform us (Romans 12.2). 

God is not a far-off deity but an up-close, personal God who cares about the crises of your life. There’s no one more deserving of our daily allegiance than Him. What transformations do you need to make in your heart, soul, or mind in response to God’s goodness to you? 

Divine Hours Prayer: The Request for Presence
May God give his blessing, and may all the ends of the earth stand in awe of him. — Psalm 67.7

– From The Divine Hours: Prayers for Summertime by Phyllis Tickle.

​Today’s Readings
Isaiah 47 (Listen 2:52)
Psalms 116 (Listen 1:34)

Read more about Supporting Our Work
Part of every donation during Student Writers Month funds stipends/scholarships for these students. Donate today.

Supporting our Work

Read more about What to Expect when Suffering
Don’t be surprised or ashamed of the emotions that come in times of struggle and pain. 

What to Expect when Suffering :: A Guided Prayer