Scripture Focus: Psalm 142.1-2
1 I cry out to the Lord with my voice; 
   With my voice to the Lord I make my supplication.
2 I pour out my complaint before Him; 
    I declare before Him my trouble. 

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: Spiritual Caves 
By Vicente Quiñones-Aponte

Psalm headings convey an idea of what the psalm is about. In the case of Psalms 142 and 143, these headings indicate that David was praying in a cave and asking God for guidance and deliverance. For seven years, he was evading and hiding from King Saul. He did not find rest for his soul and opened his heart to the Lord in supplication. For David, in his anxiety, the cave was a place of temporary relief, but also represents the end of one’s possibilities of self-redemption.

As David realizes his condition, he turns to God in supplication and expresses his desperation: “Lord, hear my prayer, listen to my cry for mercy; in your faithfulness and righteousness come to my relief” (Ps 143.1)  and “I cry aloud to the Lord; I lift up my voice to the Lord for mercy. I pour out before him my complaint; before him I tell my trouble” (Ps 142.1-2).

Like David, most of us have experienced anxiety, despair, loneliness, and lack of rest for our inner being. These might represent an entrance to a “spiritual cave.” At this point, we are at the cave opening but still have some hope for a spontaneous solution. Inside the cave the hope is gone, and it feels like life is over.

For David, the cave was a place of testing. The Lord responded to David by placing his enemy, King Saul, at his disposal, seeming to say, “Do you want to end your problem here and solve it yourself, or would you wait a little longer and trust me?” David passed the test, realizing that if he killed Saul, he would not need to hide anymore; by doing this, he would distrust God.

The cave might represent depression, addictions, deep frustration, or a place of temporal refuge. But when you enter the cave, you do not know how to come out. But God is working for us all the time. Jesus said: “My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I too am working” (John 5.17).

Do you want to come out of your cave? Jesus can help you right now!

Divine Hours Prayer: The Request for Presence
Who is like the Lord our God, who sits enthroned on high, but stoops to behold the heavens and the earth. — Psalm 113.5

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


​Today’s Readings
Isaiah 65 (Listen 5:00)
Psalms 142-143 (Listen 2:35)

Read more about Prayer From the Cave
“Caves make good closets for prayer; their gloom and solitude are helpful…” — Charles Haddon Spurgeon

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Donations during Student Writers Month help our students. Support ad-free content that brings biblical devotionals to inboxes across the world.

Scripture Focus: Psalm 137.1
1 By the rivers of Babylon we sat and wept 
when we remembered Zion.

Psalm 138.6-8
6 Though the Lord is exalted, he looks kindly on the lowly; 
though lofty, he sees them from afar. 
7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble, 
you preserve my life. 
You stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes; 
with your right hand you save me. 
8 The Lord will vindicate me; 
your love, Lord, endures forever— 
do not abandon the works of your hands.

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: Out of Place Praise
By Rachel Schuck

Have you ever been far away from home, yearning to be surrounded by the familiar people and places you love? Life loses some of its sparkle in the grueling years of waiting to return. Even beloved hobbies and means of expression, such as music, fall out of practice at the seat of dejection. Psalm 137 is a sorrowful hymn that expresses the Jews’ longing for Jerusalem during the Babylonian exile.

Psalm 137 has inspired many songs across genres and cultures that give voice to the sorrow and aching of laboring as strangers in a foreign land. Listen to Marion William’s “Mean Old World” as an example.

As God’s sons and daughters living in a broken world, we experience daily encounters with our out-of-placeness. (Hebrews 13.14-15; 1 Chronicles 29.15; Psalms 119:19; Matthew 5.13-16) However, Jesus’s sacrifice provides a wholeness beyond our grasp. Our yearning for this wholeness comes from an understanding of the complete righteousness of God and the ways our experiences on this earth fall short (Revelation 21.5; Matthew 5.17).

Paul expresses this yearning poignantly at the end of his first letter to the Corinthian church as he signs “Maranatha,” meaning “the Lord comes,” or more imperatively, “Come, Lord!” (1 Corinthians 16.21-24).

From Neo-Babylonian exile, to the early Church, to the trials of today, we are each implicated in the expansive biblical narrative of God’s plan for creation. We are characters in God’s story of salvation that continually points to the cross. It is right to grieve separation from and yearn to be united with God. So how do we respond in a productive way to this grief and yearning?The Lord, through David’s song of praise in Psalm 138, provides an answer: worship and song! David voices the reason for the hope that we have—hope that transcends our status as outsiders in this broken world.

God is unswervingly loving, faithful, and true to his word. He answers our cries for deliverance and empowers us in his name. His glory is worthy of praise from his children and their enemies alike. While it is important to grieve our lostness, it is even more powerful to praise God in the midst of our exile and worship despite it all. How will you turn your cries of out-of-placeness into songs of praise?

Divine Hours Prayer: The Request for Presence
But as for me, I am poor and needy; come to me speedily, O God. — Psalm 70.5

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


​Today’s Readings
Isaiah 62 (Listen 2:09)
Psalms 137-138 (Listen 2:13)

​This Weekend’s Readings
Isaiah 63 (Listen 3:25), Psalms 139 (Listen 2:26)
Isaiah 64 (Listen 2:01), Psalms 140-141 (Listen 2:44)

Read more about An Undefiled Heart
I’ve never heard of an “Ezekiel fast” but “Daniel fasts” have massive popularity…we’d prefer Daniel’s struggle to Ezekiel’s.

Read more about Resisting in Faith
Whatever we would resist, and whatever we would wish to change in our culture, we cannot do it using the worldly strategies that surround us.

Scripture Focus: Psalm 135.13
Your name, Lord, endures forever, your renown, Lord, through all generations.

Psalm 136.1
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. 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: Does Forever Include Me?
By Parker Smith

How long is forever? That is a question often asked but rarely answered. The psalmist reminds us that the Lord endures forever. His name endures forever, His renown endures forever, and His love endures forever. That last phrase is repeated in all twenty-six verses of Psalm 136.

We often try to measure “forever” scientifically. For the psalmist, however, the enduring love of God is measured by His intervention on Earth. One would almost expect a description of God’s activity before creation or a prophetic revelation of what is to come. However, the psalmist uses specific events when describing God’s enduring love. He begins with creation (136.5-9) and works his way through several high points in Israel’s history. All of this culminates with God’s general remembrance of humanity (136.23-25). 

The endurance of God’s love is measured by God’s relation to humans. The question, “How long is forever?” can only be understood in terms of God’s loving protection, which never ends. God didn’t stop intervening in people’s lives any more than God stopped loving people. 

In the same way that God’s love for us will never end, our worship to God should never end. The psalmist urges us to praise God (135.1) and give thanks to God (136.1-3). The hard part, often, is remembering all of the ways He has intervened for us. God’s blessings on the Earth are still flowing today. “Forever” is measured by God’s enduring love for humanity, stretching from creation to the present.

God still “remembers us in our low estate” (136.23) when we cry out to Him. He still “frees us from our enemies” (136.24) when we ask in faith. He still “gives food to every creature” (136.25) big and small. In the same way, we should still “give thanks to the God of heaven,” (136.26). Why? Because his love endures forever. And forever includes yesterday, today, and tomorrow. 

We might not be any closer to figuring out how long eternity is, but we at least have a point of reference. God is still creating and God is still remembering. As long as there are humans to be loved, then “forever” isn’t finished yet. As God’s children, we can spread God’s enduring love. The next time that you pray in thanksgiving to God, remember to be thankful for what He’s still doing in your life today. Because, yes, forever includes you!

Divine Hours Prayer: The Greeting
O Lord, what are we that you should care for us? Mere mortals, that you should think of us?
We are like a puff of wind; our days are like a passing shadow. — Psalm 144.3-4

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


​Today’s Readings
Isaiah 61 (Listen 2:23)
Psalms 135-136 (Listen 4:23)

Read more about Supporting Our Work
Your donations support ad-free content that brings biblical devotionals to inboxes across the world and, during Student Writers Month, future ministers.

Read The Bible With Us
Follow our sustainably-paced, two-year Bible reading plan with friends and improve biblical literacy in your community.

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Scripture Focus: Psalm 130:7
O Israel, hope in the Lord! For with the Lord there is steadfast love, and with Him is plentiful redemption.

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: Anticipation and Hope
By Lisa Antonishek

One of my fondest childhood memories is filled with anticipation. Sitting with my sister and brother eagerly at the top of the stairs Christmas morning, we waited while Mom and Dad readied cameras and made coffee preparing for the day to begin. We cried out for permission to come and see. When the okay finally came, we bounded down the stairs greeted by a lit Christmas tree surrounded with many beautifully wrapped presents. 

Anticipation. For a child, anticipation is what’s coming next in life. For the Israelites, anticipation was the ascension to the temple to receive the mercy of God—calling out as the journey began, asking for God to hear, then acknowledging His sovereignty and His promise of forgiving sins. 

In our journeys we too cry out, release control, and wait with anticipation for God’s promises, finding hope in His Word. 

Hope in God’s Word is an anchor for our souls. Often, when calling on the Lord in prayer, we find it hard to wait. As a society, we seek immediate results, yet the Bible teaches us to hope in His promises. Abraham and Sarah hoped, waiting on God’s promise of a son; Abraham was 100 years old when Isaac was born. Nothing is too hard for God! 

In prison, Joseph held onto hope in God after revealing the dreams of the cupbearer and baker. God knew exactly when to bring things into place so that Joseph could be used to defray the coming famine. Joseph shared recognition of God’s plan with his brothers in Genesis 50:20, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.”

As children on Christmas morning, our hope in the waiting was that we had been “good enough” to be receivers of gifts. Little did we know that the greatest gift of all is readily available. 

Jesus’s blood shed for us on the cross is the ultimate gift of freedom. This freedom is never earned but given through His great love for us. As the psalmist wrote, “for with the Lord there is steadfast love, and with Him is plentiful redemption.” 

What emotions do you think anticipation brought for the Israelites as they ascended the stairs to the temple? What are some ways you have walked in anticipation and hope of God’s promises? 

Divine Hours Prayer: The Request for Presence
Show us the light of your countenance, O God, and come to us. — Psalm 67.1

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


​Today’s Readings
Isaiah 59 (Listen 3:54)
Psalms 129-131 (Listen 2:03)

Read more about Time Tested Devotion
Pray the Examen regularly and it will tutor you in practicing the presence of God.

Read more about Supporting Our Work
Donate today to help students. Part of every donation during this time goes to stipends/scholarships.

Scripture Focus: Psalm 126.5-6
      5 Those who sow with tears 
         will reap with songs of joy. 
      6 Those who go out weeping, 
         carrying seed to sow, 
         will return with songs of joy, 
         carrying sheaves with them.

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: Sowing Sorrow, Reaping Joy
By Andrew Crawford

Have you ever contemplated the connection between taking a risk for God’s kingdom and suffering? Have you looked for restoration from God only to find it on the other side of trials?

The author of Psalm 126 describes both sides of that struggle. The first three verses recount God’s restoration of Israel, later described in the image of the harvest. The psalmist links sowing to suffering, as we toil in the barrenness created by the curse of Adam. More than that, sowing requires a step of faith to put seed in the ground and trust that it will germinate, grow, and give a harvest. A farmer in the ancient world could either eat their seed, or they could plant their seed, trusting that they would receive more than they lost in planting.

The psalmist uses the metaphor of planting as an image of hope. Before the Lord restored Israel’s fortunes, sowing could have been a futile task. As the next psalm, Psalm 127, says, “Unless the LORD builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain.” (Psalm 127.1) The psalmists know that nothing good happens unless God is ultimately behind it. 

Similarly, I have felt the barrenness that comes with a season of waiting. I still trust that the same God who saved me is the same God who will carry me through this time. 

The psalmist writes in verse 4, “Restore our fortunes, LORD, like streams in the Negev.” Streambeds in the southern region of Israel are dry most of the year except during rainy seasons when they turn into rushing torrents. The psalmist makes a connection of God’s restoration to an overflow of his providence.

What was once futile and barren is now prospering and flourishing. 

What is God calling you to do that seems as daunting as sowing seeds on dry ground? Are you looking for restoration and refreshment from God as if you’re waiting for a dry riverbed to fill up? Remember what he said to Paul, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Seek him in his word, through prayer, through fellowship with other believers. He has given us these means of finding his comfort and restoration; humbly and prayerfully use them. 

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 58 (Listen 3:09)
Psalms 126-128 (Listen 1:58)

Read The Bible With Us
What will you hear in God’s word? Our reading plan follows a sustainable two-year pace and it’s never a bad time to start.

https://mailchi.mp/theparkforum/m-f-daily-email-devotional

Read more about Supporting Our Work
Part of every donation in this time goes to stipends/scholarships for the students. Help students during Student Writers Month by donating today.