Category: “Listening to God” Devotional

Read chapter in full: www.biblegateway.com/passage/?version=ESV&search=Psalms+125

Psalm 125

English Standard Version (ESV)

The Lord Surrounds His People

A Song of Ascents.

125 Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion,
  which cannot be moved, but abides forever.
2 As the mountains surround Jerusalem,
  so the Lord surrounds his people,
  from this time forth and forevermore.
3 For the scepter of wickedness shall not rest
  on the land allotted to the righteous,
lest the righteous stretch out
  their hands to do wrong.
4 Do good, O Lord, to those who are good,
  and to those who are upright in their hearts!
5 But those who turn aside to their crooked ways
  the Lord will lead away with evildoers!
  Peace be upon Israel!

 

 

Reflection

• The simile “like Mount Zion” offers a powerful image. Those who trust God enter into a towering security where evil neither has sway nor corrupts, where God’s goodness and peace prevail.
• Christians will also face many temptations and challenges as we live out our lives with God in this world. We should have such confidence and stability knowing that “the Lord surrounds his people from this time forth and forevermore” (v2).
• What worldly influences tempt you at home, at work, or in society? How do you stay “unmoved” (v1)?
• When is it hardest for you to trust the Lord? Why?

 

Prayer & Journaling:

Stay with God for a little longer. Continue to converse with God and listen to what he wants to tell me. Then write down any thought and/or prayer in the “Spiritual Journal” book.

 

Read chapter in full: www.biblegateway.com/passage/?version=ESV&search=Psalms+124

Psalm 124

English Standard Version (ESV)

Our Help Is in the Name of the Lord

A Song of Ascents. Of David.

124 If it had not been the Lord who was on our side—
  let Israel now say—
2 if it had not been the Lord who was on our side
  when people rose up against us,
3 then they would have swallowed us up alive,
  when their anger was kindled against us;
4 then the flood would have swept us away,
  the torrent would have gone over us;
5 then over us would have gone
  the raging waters.

6 Blessed be the Lord,
  who has not given us
  as prey to their teeth!
7 We have escaped like a bird
  from the snare of the fowlers;
the snare is broken,
  and we have escaped!

8 Our help is in the name of the Lord,
  who made heaven and earth.

 

 

Reflection

• David voiced praise to God for not allowing the pagan nations that surrounded Israel to defeat and assimilate God’s people. It’s only because God was on Israel’s side, that they had survived. So, all Israel praised the maker of heaven and earth, who has proven to be his people’s help.
• No one can fight evil alone. It is God who “was on our side” fighting for us. God has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrew 13:5). Jesus told his disciples, “I am with you always, to the end of the age.”(Matt 28:20)
• What external or internal enemy is God saving you from? Come before His mercy throne, for we know where we can have sure help.

 

Read chapter in full: www.biblegateway.com/passage/?version=ESV&search=Psalms+123

Psalm 123

English Standard Version (ESV)

Our Eyes Look to the Lord Our God

A Song of Ascents.

123 To you I lift up my eyes,
  O you who are enthroned in the heavens!
2 Behold, as the eyes of servants
  look to the hand of their master,
as the eyes of a maidservant
  to the hand of her mistress,
so our eyes look to the Lord our God,
  till he has mercy upon us.

3 Have mercy upon us, O Lord, have mercy upon us,
  for we have had more than enough of contempt.
4 Our soul has had more than enough
  of the scorn of those who are at ease,
  of the contempt of the proud.

 

Reflection

• Mercy (v3) is a much-admired quality in the Old Testament. It is compassion, and concern for a helpless person’s plight, which finds expression in reaching out with help.
• The person who needs mercy is completely dependent on the willingness of another to help. God’s people look to God for mercy as a slave, dependent on another’s kindness, looks expectantly to his or her master. How wonderful that as we depend on God, he does reach out to help us.
• Recall a time when you’ve said “I’ve had it” (or as in v3, “we have had more than enough of contempt”). How has God shown mercy then? Read this psalm over a couple of time and have a conversation with God.

 

Prayer & Journaling:

Stay with God for a little longer. Continue to converse with God and listen to what he wants to tell me. Then write down any thought and/or prayer in the “Spiritual Journal” book.

Read chapter in full: www.biblegateway.com/passage/?version=ESV&search=Psalms+122

Psalm 122

English Standard Version (ESV)

Let Us Go to the House of the Lord

A Song of Ascents. Of David.

122 I was glad when they said to me,
  “Let us go to the house of the Lord!”
2 Our feet have been standing
  within your gates, O Jerusalem!

3 Jerusalem—built as a city
  that is bound firmly together,
4 to which the tribes go up,
  the tribes of the Lord,
as was decreed for Israel,
  to give thanks to the name of the Lord.
5 There thrones for judgment were set,
  the thrones of the house of David.

6 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem!
  “May they be secure who love you!
7 Peace be within your walls
  and security within your towers!”
8 For my brothers and companions’ sake
  I will say, “Peace be within you!”
9 For the sake of the house of the Lord our God,
  I will seek your good.

 

 

Reflection

• David wrote of his delight in going up to the temple to worship God in this short psalm. And the joy of finally arriving at Jerusalem where God’s people worships. Surely, this is a cause for celebration.
• Worship at Mount Zion was both a regular obligation (although a joyous event) and a bonding experience for temple-bound worshipers. What is “going to church” like for you?
• Psalm 122 also reminds us of how Jesus marveled and wept over Jerusalem (Lk 9:51; 13:31-35; 19:41-44). By comparison, what tears have you shed over your beloved city?
• Scan the city news section of your newspaper for events and people that need God’s “shalom” (peace and prosperity). Bring to God in prayer everyone you know in city hall and the key urban areas that need shalom.

 

Prayer & Journaling:

Stay with God for a little longer. Continue to converse with God and listen to what he wants to tell me. Then write down any thought and/or prayer in the “Spiritual Journal” book.

Read chapter in full: www.biblegateway.com/passage/?version=ESV&search=Psalms+121

Psalm 121

English Standard Version (ESV)

My Help Comes from the Lord

A Song of Ascents.

121 I lift up my eyes to the hills.
  From where does my help come?
2 My help comes from the Lord,
  who made heaven and earth.

3 He will not let your foot be moved;
  he who keeps you will not slumber.
4 Behold, he who keeps Israel
  will neither slumber nor sleep.

5 The Lord is your keeper;
  the Lord is your shade on your right hand.
6 The sun shall not strike you by day,
  nor the moon by night.

7 The Lord will keep you from all evil;
  he will keep your life.
8 The Lord will keep
  your going out and your coming in
  from this time forth and forevermore.

 

Reflection

• There is no help in the hills on which the pagans worship. However, for God’s children, our hope comes from the Lord himself.
• What can we expect from the God who watches over us at all times? Simply that he will “keep you from all harm — he will watch over your life”.
• Imagine you are an Israelite making this pilgrimage to Mount Zion and visual verbal journaling your way through this psalm of confession and assurance. What parts do you find most reassuring for yourself?
• What parts do you find most reassuring for a fellow pilgrim whom you know is struggling along the way?
• Consider using Psalm 121 as an appropriate prayer for all your comings and goings. Offer it at mealtimes, office breaks and bedtimes. Let it influence the prayers and counsel which you offer family, friends and work associates, especially anyone facing an uphill battle.

Prayer & Journaling:

Stay with God for a little longer. Continue to converse with God and listen to what he wants to tell me. Then write down any thought and/or prayer in the “Spiritual Journal” book.

Read chapter in full: www.biblegateway.com/passage/?version=ESV&search=Psalms+120

Psalm 120

English Standard Version (ESV)

Deliver Me, O Lord

A Song of Ascents.

120 In my distress I called to the Lord,
  and he answered me.
2 Deliver me, O Lord,
  from lying lips,
  from a deceitful tongue.

3 What shall be given to you,
  and what more shall be done to you,
  you deceitful tongue?
4 A warrior’s sharp arrows,
  with glowing coals of the broom tree!

5 Woe to me, that I sojourn in Meshech,
  that I dwell among the tents of Kedar!
6 Too long have I had my dwelling
  among those who hate peace.
7 I am for peace,
  but when I speak, they are for war!

 

Reflection

• How do you feel when Sunday comes, and you approach the church where you worship? This group of psalms reminds us that worship is to be a joyous occasion, rich in meaning for the believer.
• These 15 “songs of ascents” (Psalms 120-134) on a variety of themes, were probably chanted by Hebrew pilgrims as they approached Jerusalem to attend one of the Old Testament’s annual worship festivals.
• Ps 120, the first psalm of ascents pictures a burdened person of God, far from his spiritual homeland. This land of strife is not his home: his homeland is a land of peace. In this psalm, the psalmist asked God for protection from people who wanted to stir up war. This psalm has been called an individual lament that anticipates thanksgiving.
• The Jews were called to turn in their hearts, if not possible to return physically, to Jerusalem at specified times during the year to join the believing community in worship at the temple of the Lord.
• This psalm pictures a person living among the ungodly, who realized afresh at this time of year that he was a man of peace, who lived among those who were for war.
• How important for us Christians to return to our roots, and with the community of faith, look to and call on the Lord.

 

Prayer & Journaling:

Stay with God for a little longer. Continue to converse with God and listen to what he wants to tell me. Then write down any thought and/or prayer in the “Spiritual Journal” book.

 

 

Read chapter in full: www.biblegateway.com/passage/?version=ESV&search=Psalms+119

Psalm 119-11 (vv161-176)

English Standard Version (ESV)

Sin and Shin – Joy in God’s Word­

161 Princes persecute me without cause,
  but my heart stands in awe of your words.
162 I rejoice at your word
  like one who finds great spoil.
163 I hate and abhor falsehood,
  but I love your law.
164 Seven times a day I praise you
  for your righteous rules.
165 Great peace have those who love your law;
  nothing can make them stumble.
166 I hope for your salvation, O Lord,
  and I do your commandments.
167 My soul keeps your testimonies;
  I love them exceedingly.
168 I keep your precepts and testimonies,
  for all my ways are before you.

Taw – Salvation in God’s Word­

169 Let my cry come before you, O Lord;
  give me understanding according to your word!
170 Let my plea come before you;
  deliver me according to your word.
171 My lips will pour forth praise,
  for you teach me your statutes.
172 My tongue will sing of your word,
  for all your commandments are right.
173 Let your hand be ready to help me,
  for I have chosen your precepts.
174 I long for your salvation, O Lord,
  and your law is my delight.
175 Let my soul live and praise you,
  and let your rules help me.
176 I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek your servant,
  for I do not forget your commandments.

 

Reflection

1. The psalmist wrote that powerful men, princes, were oppressing him without cause. Even though they made his life miserable, he resolved to stand in awe of God, rejoice in God’s Word, love God’s Word, praise God and to keep God’s commands.
2. In a world struggling for peace, Christians can find peace – a peace that comes from being in right relationship with Him. Like the psalmist, when we resolve ourselves to follow God regardless of the circumstances around us, we have the promise of God’s peace – an inner tranquility of spirit that defies circumstances and the ability of the human mind to create or understand.
3. Spend time re-read and meditate on v165. Where do you need God’s peace now? How does v165 help you in obtaining God’s peace in turmoil, tragedy or unexpected difficult times?
4. We’ve come to the final stanza of this psalm, vv169-176. With the conclusion of this section, the writer concludes the prayer he began in verse 17. He is still struggling with his oppression, still crying out to God. Yet, as followers of Christ, where else can we turn but to God in prayer and to his word.
5. Thank God for this psalm 119, for what it teaches us about God’s word, and about life, and the hope we have in God’s promises.

 

Prayer & Journaling:

Stay with God for a little longer. Continue to converse with God and listen to what he wants to tell me. Then write down any thought and/or prayer in the “Spiritual Journal” book.

• Subtitle of each paragraph is from www.soniclight.com/constable/notes/htm/OT/Psalms/Psalms.htm

Read chapter in full: www.biblegateway.com/passage/?version=ESV&search=Psalms+119

Psalm 119-10 (vv145-160)

English Standard Version (ESV)

Qoph – The truth of God’s Word­

145 With my whole heart I cry; answer me, O Lord!
  I will keep your statutes.
146 I call to you; save me,
  that I may observe your testimonies.
147 I rise before dawn and cry for help;
  I hope in your words.
148 My eyes are awake before the watches of the night,
  that I may meditate on your promise.
149 Hear my voice according to your steadfast love;
  O Lord, according to your justice give me life.
150 They draw near who persecute me with evil purpose;
  they are far from your law.
151 But you are near, O Lord,
  and all your commandments are true.
152 Long have I known from your testimonies
  that you have founded them forever.

Resh – Love for God’s Word­

153 Look on my affliction and deliver me,
  for I do not forget your law.
154 Plead my cause and redeem me;
  give me life according to your promise!
155 Salvation is far from the wicked,
  for they do not seek your statutes.
156 Great is your mercy, O Lord;
  give me life according to your rules.
157 Many are my persecutors and my adversaries,
  but I do not swerve from your testimonies.
158 I look at the faithless with disgust,
  because they do not keep your commands.
159 Consider how I love your precepts!
  Give me life according to your steadfast love.
160 The sum of your word is truth,
  and every one of your righteous rules endures forever.

 

Reflection

• “I rise before dawn” (v147). Christians throughout history have been practicing this discipline of dedicating our first word, thought, and time of each day to our God of creation.
• How would such discipline help you face the challenges and excitement of everyday life?
• The phrase “Plead my cause” in v154 is a legal term. The writer is asking God to be his advocate – essentially, he is asking God to represent him as his attorney. As followers of Christ, we have the promise of a divine attorney that represents us in God’s courtroom. His name is Jesus (ref 1 John 2:1-2).
• “All your words are true” (v160, NV). The psalmist continued the theme in v152 and affirmed again his belief that God’s Word has endured and will endure forever.
• Continue praying for the personal struggles you are facing or for someone else who is struggling. Remember, we have an advocate in heaven (1 John 2:1-2) who intercedes with God on our behalf (Romans 8:34-39).

 

 

Prayer & Journaling:

Stay with God for a little longer. Continue to converse with God and listen to what he wants to tell me. Then write down any thought and/or prayer in the “Spiritual Journal” book.

Subtitle of each paragraph is from www.soniclight.com/constable/notes/htm/OT/Psalms/Psalms.htm

Read chapter in full: www.biblegateway.com/passage/?version=ESV&search=Psalms+119

Psalm 119-9 (vv129-144)

English Standard Version (ESV)

Pe – The Wonder of God’s Word­

129 Your testimonies are wonderful;
  therefore my soul keeps them.
130 The unfolding of your words gives light;
  it imparts understanding to the simple.
131 I open my mouth and pant,
  because I long for your commandments.
132 Turn to me and be gracious to me,
  as is your way with those who love your name.
133 Keep steady my steps according to your promise,
  and let no iniquity get dominion over me.
134 Redeem me from man’s oppression,
  that I may keep your precepts.
135 Make your face shine upon your servant,
  and teach me your statutes.
136 My eyes shed streams of tears,
  because people do not keep your law.

Tsadhe – The Righteous Character of God’s Word­

137 Righteous are you, O Lord,
  and right are your rules.
138 You have appointed your testimonies in righteousness
  and in all faithfulness.
139 My zeal consumes me,
  because my foes forget your words.
140 Your promise is well tried,
  and your servant loves it.
141 I am small and despised,
  yet I do not forget your precepts.
142 Your righteousness is righteous forever,
  and your law is true.
143 Trouble and anguish have found me out,
  but your commandments are my delight.
144 Your testimonies are righteous forever;
  give me understanding that I may live.

 

Reflection

1. The testimonies of the Lord are wonderful because they illuminate the understanding of the simple. The psalmist, realizing his total ignorance of God, felt a great hunger for his word as he eagerly devoured and learned from it.
2. The psalmist claimed that God’s word is so wonderful that he wanted to obey it. The Bible can illuminate our lives, show us where we are spiritually and point us in the direction we need to go and how to live.
3. If we read the Bible and keep it and let it transform our life, we will glorify God. We will be drawn to Him and He will draw near to us.
4. When we look at the people around us ignoring God and doing things against God’s will, we feel a deep pain and agony. For they are against the word of God that we treasure and the Lord that loves us all, including these rebellious people.
5. The world may look upon God’s people as “small and despised”, but when you stand on God’s promises, you are a giant.
6. Pray for your friends and relatives, those that don’t care for God’s word, and reject God’s love. God has been extending his invitation to them, directing and loving them. Pray that they will return and repent of their rebellion and receive the Lord as their Saviour and Lord, too.

 

Prayer & Journaling:

Stay with God for a little longer. Continue to converse with God and listen to what he wants to tell me. Then write down any thought and/or prayer in the “Spiritual Journal” book.

Read chapter in full: www.biblegateway.com/passage/?version=ESV&search=Psalms+119

Psalm 119-8 (vv113-128)

English Standard Version (ESV)

Samekh – The Reverence God’s Word Inspires­

113 I hate the double-minded,
  but I love your law.
114 You are my hiding place and my shield;
  I hope in your word.
115 Depart from me, you evildoers,
  that I may keep the commandments of my God.
116 Uphold me according to your promise, that I may live,
  and let me not be put to shame in my hope!
117 Hold me up, that I may be safe
  and have regard for your statutes continually!
118 You spurn all who go astray from your statutes,
  for their cunning is in vain.
119 All the wicked of the earth you discard like dross,
  therefore I love your testimonies.
120 My flesh trembles for fear of you,
  and I am afraid of your judgments.

Ayin – The Vindication of Those Who Keep God’s Word­

121 I have done what is just and right;
  do not leave me to my oppressors.
122 Give your servant a pledge of good;
  let not the insolent oppress me.
123 My eyes long for your salvation
  and for the fulfillment of your righteous promise.
124 Deal with your servant according to your steadfast love,
  and teach me your statutes.
125 I am your servant; give me understanding,
  that I may know your testimonies!
126 It is time for the Lord to act,
  for your law has been broken.
127 Therefore I love your commandments
  above gold, above fine gold.
128 Therefore I consider all your precepts to be right;
  I hate every false way.

 

Reflection

1. We all experience pressure to take unnecessary risks, tell lies, cheat, steal, compromise our values and ethics and the list goes on and on. The psalmist dealt with it too. Even though he made it abundantly clear that he intended to live by God’s Word, but the pressure to compromise was strong. He prayed for the evildoers to depart from him and for God to uphold him. For he wanted to keep obeying God’s Word and not be put to shame (vv115-116).
2. We need to be focused and immersed in God’s word so that we may live our lives with meaning and bearing witnesses for the Lord.
3. God’s word has been given to us free – we can’t buy it nor sell it. And it’s way more valuable than gold or any other precious stones (v127). Though it’s priceless, it can nonetheless change all other values.
4. We are too easily influenced by the worldly value. We measure and compare by people’s income, or the price of an item. Pray and ask God to cleanse your inner being. And help you to see and treat all with Christ’s love.

 

Prayer & Journaling:

Stay with God for a little longer. Continue to converse with God and listen to what he wants to tell me. Then write down any thought and/or prayer in the “Spiritual Journal” book.

• Subtitle of each paragraph is from www.soniclight.com/constable/notes/htm/OT/Psalms/Psalms.htm