Pockets of Love
Read: Psalm 15 He does not slander with his tongue, nor do evil to his neighbor, nor bring shame on his friend. (v. 3 NASB) In a recent sermon I heard, the preacher reminded us that Jesus’ earthly ministry was targeted and personal. Jesus did not travel broadly with hopes of achieving worldwide fame; he focused […]
Comforted and Comforting
Read: Psalm 91 He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler. (v. 4) Psalm 91 is such a beautiful reminder of God’s attentive care for us. We can calmly abide in his shadow (v. 1), rely on his deliverance (v. 7), and remember that […]
Broken, Not Bound
Read: Psalm 51 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. (v. 17) In 2004, the country music group Rascal Flatts released a recording of “Bless the Broken Road,” a song that chronicled the songwriter’s intent to get it right, but also the reality that […]
Lonely, but Not Alone
Read: Psalm 25 Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted. (v. 16) For many of us, full or partial isolation from those outside our household was a significant part of the Covid-19 pandemic. Lingering isolation has been found to contribute to higher rates of depression and anxiety for people […]
The Shepherd We Know
Read: Psalm 23 For the Lord God says this: “Behold, I Myself will search for My sheep and look after them.” (Ezekiel 34:11 NASB) While at a store with my family when I was a little girl, a well-meaning father of a child who closely resembled me picked me up thinking I was his. It […]
Heart Check
Read: Psalm 141:1-5 See if there be any hurtful way in me. (Ps. 139:24 NASB) Constructive criticism is intended to provide helpful insight that inspires the recipient towards development and success. While I may claim to appreciate constructive criticism as a tool for further growth, I will admit I don’t always receive it with a […]
Potholes
Read: Psalm 142 Give heed to my cry, for I am brought very low. (v. 6 NASB) In the Midwest of the United States, we enjoy the luxury of four distinct seasons, all with their own unique characteristics. The most extreme seasonal transition is often from the cold and dark of winter to the moisture and […]
Refreshed
Read: Psalm 107:1-9 Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever! (v. 1) A late summer look out my dining room window to the nearby corn field reveals an irrigation system at work. Lately the growing season has been especially warm and uncharacteristically dry, and the farmer has […]
Tears in the Dark
Read: Psalm 30 Weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning. (v. 5 NIV) It usually isn’t good for me to wake up in the middle of the night. I don’t know about you, but when I find myself staring at the ceiling wishing I was still deep in slumber, it’s not […]