For a full description of the (Y3) reading plan, see the “About” page.
- What attributes of God’s character does this passage reveal?
- How does the passage point to Jesus?
- How should the truth of this passage change me?
- How do the events of today’s reading help you better understand the grand narrative of Scripture?
Ps. 25
Verse 15 caught my attention this morning. “My eyes are always on the LORD, for He will pull my feet out of the net.” I don’t know about you, but if my feet were caught in a net, I would be looking at my feet, trying to get them untangled. David didn’t do that. He realized that he was not able to save himself and instead trusted God for that. This truth applies specifically to our salvation. Our feet are caught in sin’s net and we can’t escape. Thus, we need to take our focus off our problem and our efforts to resolve it. Instead, we need to look to God, who is the only One who can save. Thankfully, He not only can, but when we look to Him in humble acknowledgement of our need, He always will.
Ps. 29
What an awesome picture of God David paints in this Psalm! I think it’s important for us to remember God’s might this way. We need to fear the awesome power of God. I read something the other day on what it means to fear God. What I came away with is that fearing God means understanding the consequences of not being in His presence. God is like a hurricane. His righteous judgments are the storm; His merciful presence is the eye. There is peace only in His presence. Outside of that, however, we face the God depicted in this Psalm.
Ps. 33
God is worthy of praise. His word is right; His work trustworthy. He spoke all of creation into being. His counsel stands forever. It is God, and God alone who saves. He is our hope.
Ps. 36
In this Psalm, David says, “Dread of God has no effect on [the wicked person].” (Ps. 36:1b). The consequences of rejecting God simply don’t sink in. They are too full of themselves to either appropriately fear God or to recognize His goodness. The result? “There! The evildoers have fallen. They have been thrown down and cannot rise.” (Ps. 36:12).
Ps. 39
“Yes, a person goes about like a mere shadow. Indeed, they rush around in vain, gathering possessions without knowing who will get them.” (Ps. 39:6). Guilty as charged!! I know this life is temporary; that nothing here can satisfy. I recognize that I need to live my life for God, keeping Him my priority and storing up treasures with Him rather than on this earth. Yet I struggle with understanding how to live in light of these truths. I believe that God wants us to enjoy this life and the things He offers in it. But too many things too easily take hold of our hearts. We also have a responsibility of stewardship which, among other things, includes taking care of others and not expecting others to take care of us.
How do we balance all of that? I wish I knew. But for me, I think I know a few good places to start. First, spend time with God, whatever that may look like. That’s why I do these musings. God has blessed me with the time to do this, so I make it a priority. Second, stop pursuing wealth, or making money. Even though I think my motives in desiring to make money are good, it isn’t the right pursuit. God knows my needs and my desires and He will provide the right opportunities if and when I truly need them. This is something I am slowly coming to grips with. And third, stop clinging to stuff. Again, however ‘good’ my reasons for gathering those possessions, there’s a problem when I can’t let go. “Hear my prayer, LORD, and listen to my cry for help” (Ps. 39:12a).