DEVOTION / 15 Days in the Psalms

15 Days in the Psalms

The book of Psalms has always been a treasured book of the church.  About it an ancient theologian once said, Under all the circumstances of life, we shall find that these divine songs suit ourselves and meet our own souls’ need at every turn. There is no situation or emotion a human being can experience that is not reflected somewhere in the Psalms.  

In this 15-day devotion series, we will look at some of the situations and emotions found there. Each devotion will pick out one aspect of each psalm and offer it to you as a meditation.  Try reading one psalm a day.  After you read the devotion read the psalm again and pray that God would speak to you through these ancient hymns and prayers.  When reading, try to look prayerfully for a word or phrase that stands out to you and meditate on it as the word of God.  At the end of each devotion are some questions to help you think and a prayer to help you pray. 

We hope that these devotions will help you enter into the book of Psalms and help you to pray the psalms as your own.  And thus, help you draw closer to God. 

Day 1 - Psalm 1 – You should be like a tree planted by streams of water.

How does one become truly happy? By getting more money?  By having a good job and a peaceful family? These things are good, but this psalm tells us that only those who meditate on the Lord's law day and night possess true blessing. The law spoken of in this psalm is what the entire Bible teaches, with the gospel at its core.

True blessing is the most fundamental blessing described in Scripture, not superficial or deceptive blessings. The third verse tells us that the blessed person is like a tree planted by streams of water. Trees are affected by the seasons; they do not remain evergreen and fruitful. They feel the heat of summer and the chill of winter. They do not always thrive. But this tree is different because it is planted by the water. Its roots continually absorb moisture. Its roots are in the stream; the water is within it, and it is within the water.

Through our faith in Christ, God has been planted in our hearts a new life; now we are like trees planted by steams of water.  In times of trouble or peaceful days, when we draw our happiness from this fact--that we are Children of God and that no storm can uproot us—we will continue to have true happiness.  Once we try to seek happiness from outside the stream we will be disappointed.  We will become like chaff: in the end any joy we find will wither and die. 

 As you read through the rest of these devotions remember that you are a tree planted by streams of water.  You are a child of God, filled with new life that will never fade. If you read and pray these psalms you can draw from the river of the living God, from him who is the fount of all blessings. 

·       How can you make your roots grow deeper in God’s word today?

·       What part of this psalm can you turn into your own prayer?

 Prayer: Lord, today help me to meditate on your word.  When I am tired remind me that you are my strength; when I’m lonely remind me that you have called me your friend.  Help me to draw my happiness from your gospel, help me to see all the blessings you have given.  Amen. 

 Day 2 - Psalm 8 – What is man that you take notice of him？

The universe, as far as we can see, is boundless.  When we survey the skies with our telescopes, we observe billions of galaxies within which reside billions of stars.  Between these enormous galaxies a dark and empty sea stretches into infinity. 

Among these billions of galaxies, in a tiny corner of the minor Milky Way, there is a minuscule blue planet.  In its size and place it is as if this planet is a mite spinning in a vast ocean. Despite its size, however, there is great importance to this lonely planet.  

For the one who created all the incalculability of space, the trillions of stars and billions of planets, created a special creature and placed him on this little planet.  Those creatures, of course, are us. 

When David, the writer of this Psalm looks up and sees how great the heavens are he is awed.  What inspires him most is the fact that the creator of the heavens cares for him.  That same creator cares for you and me. He cares so much that he became one of us and even died for us.  Truly, the LORD our God is a majestic and merciful God. He deserves both our thanks and praise. 

·       When you see how big the world is, how is it a comfort that God cares for you?

·       How can you turn this fact into a prayer today?

Prayer:  Lord God, when I think about the earth and the heavens I see how great you are.  When I remember that in your greatness you love me, watch out for me, I am so thankful.  God, as I go about my day today help me to remember that the creator of the universe cares for me.  Amen. 

Day  3 - Psalm 15 – He swore that even if it meant suffering a loss himself, he would not change his mind.

              In the Analects Kongzi says, The gentleman is ashamed when his words exceed his actions.  In this and other passages, Confucius has much to say about what we say.  This is because he recognizes the power of human speech.  He sees that when we make a promise we are holding our future selves in our hand.  We say, I will be such-and-such and I will do this or that. When we do it, when we fulfill our vows, there is a continuity between our past selves and current selves, we are, as it were, a more whole, complete person. When fail to keep our word, however, we fail not only others, but we splinter our very selves.   

The Bible—which is the very word of God, not simply wises words of man—has much to say about what we say too.  This psalm in particular tells us that no matter how much it hurts we must keep our word.  In other places the Bible tells us to avoid gossip and that we must not boast in ourselves.  If we could do these things perfectly, never gossip, never boast, and never lie, we would be whole as God is whole. 

Yet if gossiping about others, if not keeping our word, and if boasting about ourselves are all keep us from God, we must ask, as verse one does, How can we dwell in God’s sanctuary? Or live on his holy hill?  For what person has always kept their word? Who has never insulted a friend or neighbor?  Who has never told a lie?  Certainly not us.     

Thankfully, however, God always keeps his word.  He promised to send a redeemer, one who would live a perfect life, one’s who’s words would be perfect.  Thank God for sending Jesus to live and speak perfectly for us.  Thank God for sending Jesus to die for us that we may have new life and be whole in him.  Now, though we sometimes fail in keeping our word, by the power of Christ let us strive to keep our word it even if it hurts. 

·       How can you be careful when you speak today?

·       Before speaking with others today say a prayer that God might give you words to say. 

Prayer: Lord God, my words are not always perfect. Please forgive me when I boast in myself, when I speak against my neighbor or when I fail to keep a promise.  Help me to remember that you are a trustworthy God who does not lie and always keep you promises.  Give me your Spirit that I might live more like you. Amen. 

Day  4 - Psalm 16 – You will guide me in the path of life.

              The great poet Qu Yuan once wrote that all familiar line, the road to save my country is long and arduous, but I have determined to press on.  While a noble goal, the road sadly proved too difficult for him. In the end, as the psalm says, Qu Yuan’s sorrow increased because he chased after other ‘gods.’ In this case his country was his ‘god.’  But we can learn from Qu Yuan.     

              By God’s grace we have been shown the path to life.  We are now on it.  The way to life is through faith in Jesus.  The book of Hebrews encourages us in our faith saying, since we have been shown the way of life let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.  Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. Therefore, we can say confidently, I shall search high and low knowing that the path God has shown us will not lead to death, as Qu Yuan’s did, but will lead to life eternal with our Father in heaven. 

·       How can you continue to walk on the path of life today? 

·       What sins entangle you as you run toward heaven?

Prayer:  Lord God, I declare with David that You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing.  Because you are the source of all goodness I will put you first, Lord.  Strengthen my faith in your Son by your Spirit.  And fill me with Joy as I run the race you have set out for me. Amen.  

 Day 5 - Psalm 19 – Who can know their own missed opportunities？

In this beautiful psalm David compares the word of God to the sun.  The sun shines on all things, and it is the source of all life. Like the sun, God’s word sustains all things; like the sun, there is nowhere one can go to escape it.   

When we think of God’s word like this it should be a comfort: Nowhere can we go where God is not; he will be with us always.  Sadly, however, this isn’t always a comfort, but a source of distress.  If God is everywhere and his law perfect demanding that I be perfect, how can I stand before him? I will be like grass that springs up in the morning and is scorched by the afternoon sun; under the weight of God’s law I cannot be perfect.

But there is hope, and David knows it.  God is a God of mercy, of love.  He has forgiven all our faults, even our hidden ones. So, when we make a mistake, when we say something hurtful or fail to help someone in need, we can ask God for forgiveness.  And we can pray with David that the words of our mouths and meditation of our hearts might be pleasing before God.   

·       What hidden faults do you have to confess before God?

·       What relief can your soul find today by confessing your sins? 

Prayer: Lord, your words are more precious than gold; they are sweater than honey.  Help me to store up your word in my heart, that I might see my hidden faults and confess them to you.  Thank God, for your forgiveness and mercy which comes to us through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen. 

Day 6 - Psalm 23 – The LORD is my shepherd.

God is your shepherd. Let him guide you today.   

God is your shepherd.  He makes you lie down in green pastures.  Do you have food today?  Clothes on your back? A roof over your head?  These are part of the green pastures.  When you see that other people’s pastures are “greener” than yours, do not envy. God is your shepherd, he has given you what is right for you.  Focus on the blessings God has given you. 

God is your shepherd. He will lead you to quite waters.  Are you tired? Pray to him for rest.  Come to Jesus now in prayer for he has promised us if we come to him he will give us rest (Mt. 11:28).

God is your shepherd.  He will protect and comfort you.  Are you afraid of the future? God will watch over you.  He will not even let death harm you.  You will be in its shadow, but he will guide you through it. 

God is your shepherd. If God will protect you in death, he will surely protect you in life.  So, do not worry about the future, let tomorrow worry about itself.  God will provide for you; your cup will overflow. Concentrate on today and know that goodness will follow you. 

·       What good things has God given you today? How can you thank him for these?

·       Do you fear some kind of evil? Disease or loss? How can you be comforted by verse 6?

Prayer: LORD, you are my shepherd. Thank you for providing for me today and for protecting me tomorrow.  Let you word today refresh my soul.  Amen. 

Day  7 - Psalm 42 - 43 - My heart, why are you so troubled？

Of all the people you talk to, you talk to yourself the most. And most of the time the things you say are not very positive. When you look in the mirror you may think why am I not more beautiful? Why can’t I be smarter? Why can’t I be a better person?

Of all the people you listen to, you listen to yourself the most.  So, when you say negative things to yourself, you begin to believe them.  If you tell yourself you are ugly or stupid, you may begin to believe it.  Telling yourself these negative things, never helps, it only brings you lower.  At times, you might be your worst enemy.

The Psalmist clearly understood this.  He is fighting depression.  His mind wants to tell him many negative things.  But what does he do? He reminds himself to put his hope in God.  We have to do this too.  As Paul said, we must try to take captive every thought and make it obedient to Christ (2 Cor. 10:5).   When we have a negative thought about ourselves, we must remind ourselves that we are Children of God. No matter how ugly we think ourselves, God has found us beautiful.  No matter how foolish we think we are, God does not think us stupid or worthless. 

Of course, when the Psalmist thinks about his relationship with God he isn’t instantly happy.  Three times he says to himself, why are you miserable? Three times he reminds himself to put his hope in God.  It’s a struggle to think positively, but with God’s help—by reading and praying his word—we can do it. 

·       What negative things have you been telling yourself recently?

·       What positive things from this psalm can replace those negative thoughts?

Prayer:  Lord God, my thoughts are not always positive.  Sometimes I think very negative things about myself and of others.  Please forgive me.  Please, give me a pure heart and renew a steadfast spirit within me.  In the light of your grace, help me to think positive things about myself and of others. Amen. 

Day  8 - Psalm 49 – When others prosper, do not be afraid.

Besides the emperor, do you know who the richest man in the Qing Dynasty was?  What about the Ming?  The Song or Tang? Me neither. 

Can you name some of the richest men in the world today? I bet you can.  I know I can.  Now, as always, riches awe.  We see a man grow rich and we are awed by his wealth. 

But wealth should not awe us, nor as the Psalm says should we fear when we see men grow rich. For no matter how much wealth you have, your life doesn’t last forever. Time is not money: each man’s days are already numbered. Because of sin we are all doomed to death.

Only one thing is payment enough for eternal life, and that is the blood of Jesus Christ.  When you see the riches of other men, do not fear; do not fear that you don’t have enough money, that disaster might overtake you because of your lack of wealth.  Remember that because of your faith in Christ, God has redeemed your life from the grave; he will surely take you to himself.

·       How do you feel when you see news of rich people? Do you envy them?

·       Money is a great temptation.  But Jesus tells us to store up treasures in heaven, not on earth (Mt. 6:19-21).  How can you store up treasures in heaven today?    

Prayer: Heavenly Father, it is so tempting to rely on money to save me.  When I see that others are rich and comfortable, sometimes I wish I had more wealth that I might never worry.  Help me to see that all wealth fades, that my life itself will not last and money cannot save me.  Only your son Jesus Christ can save me.  Amen. 

Day  9 - Psalm 51 – O God, create in me a pure heart.

So much in this life is unclean.  The streets are often dirty, sometimes garbage crowds the sidewalks. Our houses become dirty and dusty days after we clean. Even the water from our sinks and even the air we breathe isn’t clean.   

All around us the world is dirty.  And people don’t naturally like things to be dirty.  We spend hours a week cleaning our houses, our clothes, our vegetables.  But nothing ever stays clean for long. 

This is true of our hearts.  And this is why it’s good to confess our sin to God on a daily basis, why it’s good to pray this prayer everyday: Create a pure heart in me, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. 

Each day brings new challenges with old sins.  Every day we can’t help dirtying our hearts with greed, jealousy or lust.  Thankfully God is merciful, and he has washed away our impurities. Try then to live today with a clean heart, and don’t hesitate to ask God for a clean one when we make ours dirty. 

·       What sins can you avoid today that make you heart unclean?

·       How can you find joy in your salvation today?

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for creating in me a pure heart.  Give me the strength to keep it pure today and every day.  Give me a steadfast spirit to life the life you’ve called me to.  Amen. 

Day  10 - Psalm 73 – When I entered God's sanctuary, I contemplated their fate.

The other day I met my friend for dinner. While discussing work the conversation became somewhat serious. Knowing I’m a Christian, my friend sighed asking, You know I work so hard every day. But around me and on the news, I see those rich, crooked business man who seem to have no worries.  When I see them, I become incredibly angry and even jealous. How do you feel when you see these kinds of people?

When he asked this question I immediately thought of this Psalm as it had just been in my devotion.  I told him, such people do make me anger.  And sometimes I even envy their easy lives.  Sometimes I do ask how it is that the wicked so often prosper, while the godly suffer so much?

But, I told him, God has given me an answer to this.  The Bible says that those who do evil will eventually meet their doom.  But those who trust in God will be rewarded forever.  This, my faith in God, especially my faith in Jesus Christ as my savior, helps me realize that I shouldn’t envy the rich, especially those who become rich through dishonesty.  Instead, I should remember that you can’t take money with you when you die, but God is my portion forever.

·       How do you feel when you see people with easy lives? Do you envy them?

·       It is good to be near God.  How does nearness to God help us cope with evil in the world?

Prayer: Lord God, when I see wicked men succeed in their schemes remind me of their final situation.  Strengthen me in my walk with you, help me to not envy such people, but to pity them.  Amen. 

Day 11 - Psalm 103 - O my soul, praise the Lord; don’t forget all his benefits.

Recently I spent some ti- me at home. It's been over a year since I've been home, so while I was there I enjoyed many things I had missed. I got together with cousins and uncles and some distant relatives, some I haven't seen in years. I met with old friends and we stayed up late into the night reacquainting ourselves. I had food, lots of homemade food; my dad’s cooking and my mother’s soup were just as good as I remember.

 While thinking about my time home, I’m reminded of this verse. I cannot forget that all good things in life are part of God’s grace. Grace is something we receive that is undeserved.  And I didn’t deserve a good family, God brought me into one; I didn’t deserve the friendships I have, God put my friends in my life; and I certainly didn’t do anything to deserve my mother’s soup, it was something she made for me out of love.  The greatest grace God has given us is, of course, found in the forgiveness given by his son Jesus. This is also the greatest good we can imagine. 

 I wonder how much happier our lives would be if we meditated on that God’s grace daily? Paul extols us to Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice (Philippians 4:4).  How can we do this?  Let us daily search for God’s grace: Every time you meet family or friends, rejoice; every time you eat a delicious meal, rejoice.  For all these things are grace from God. 

 ·       What good thing have I seen today?

·       How can I remind myself today to remember God’s grace?

 Prayer: Dear Lord, help me today and every day to seek good and pleasant things.  Too often I dwell on the painful and difficult things in life.  Help me to see all the good around me. Most especially, help me remember the grace you showed me by sending your son to be my savior.  Amen. 

 Day 12 - Psalm 130 – My soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the dawn.

The last job I worked at I remember just before 5:30 use workers would begin staring at the clock and wait.  The boss used to leave around that time and when he left we could leave too. I remember too as a kid towards the end of spring I would count down days on the calendar waiting for summer break to come.  Then we’d have no more school and, in my younger days, no homework. 

As a worker waiting for the day’s end, as a kid waiting for summer, this Psalm says we should wait for the Lord.  Now In this life we will have trials and pain—like working long days at work—we will have lots of work to do to live a Christian life—like homework for a student—but soon Christ will bring us home and we will have rest.  Jesus will soon come in glory (Rev. 20:12).

Whenever we encounter pain, suffering, loneliness, we can cry out saying, Amen, come Lord Jesus! And wait for the Lord more than the watchman waits for morning. 

·       How can knowing that Jesus will come soon change my thinking today?

·       How can this fact help me be a more patient Child of God?

Day 13 - Psalm 131 - My heart is calm.

Am I content with my position in life? Do I want more stuff? Working hard to improve my position in life is good, but who am I working so hard for? Is it for my own glory or for Gods? Why do I strive so hard for earthly things?

The psalmist here is as humble as a little child and aims for no higher things than that of a child.  As a child is completely content in its mother’s arms, so is he with what God has given him.  We must become like children, (Matt. 18:3). Our hearts desire many worldly things, cry for them.  But, by the grace of God, a soul that is made holy, is weaned from these things.  The child is cross and fretful while in the weaning; but soon it cares no longer for milk, and it can bear more solid food. 

Thus, does a new born child of God quiet itself. If what we have is not what we hoped for then we change our hope.  Then we can find peace with what we have and where we are in life; then our souls are like a weaned child. 

Day  14 - Psalm 139 – You surround me in front and in back.

When was the last time you thought about breathing? Typically, we don’t think about breathing until we have a problem with it.  The same goes for air.  Most people don’t ever think about air until there’s something wrong with it. 

Yet air is all around us, all the time.  During the day, during your walks or meals or work, when was the last time you thought about God? Yet he is all around us, as Paul says, For in him we live and move and have our being.

It doesn’t matter what you do, God will be there; it doesn’t matter where you go, he is with you. This news is meant to be a comfort: No matter what sin you’ve committed in the past and matter how scary the future looks, God is there.  He was with you and he will be with you.  Our friend, our Lord and our savior is always with us.  Amen. 

·       Do you only “notice” God when there are problems in your life?

·       How can you pay attention to him today?

Prayer: Lord God, as I think about my past I see your hand.  Thank you for guiding me. Even in my sin, Oh Lord, you did not abandon me.  As I look to the future, help me to remember you’ll be there too.  Therefore, there is no need to worry.  Amen. 

Day  15 - Psalm 150 – Praise the Lord!

The last psalm in the book of Psalms is fitting for the last psalm of this devotion series. The author of this psalm extols us to praise the LORD. In six verse we are told to praise the LORD 13 times.  We are to do it with all kinds of instruments, in every place, indeed, he says all things with breath should praise the LORD. 

This reminds me of what Paul says in 1 Cor. 10:31, Whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all things to the glory of God. As this psalm reminds us we should be praising God all the time and everywhere, so Paul reminds us that we should do all things to God’s glory.

As the Psalms tell us, God has created the heavens and the earth, he has knit us together in our mother’s womb, and most importantly by through Jesus Christ his son he has redeemed us from the grave.  Because our God is so great and merciful, let us praise him!

·       Now that you have gone through all 15 of these psalms, how can you go the LORD today?

·       After reading these psalms, how can you continue to stay in God’s work this week?  The next week?

Prayer: Lord God, I just want to praise you now for all the awesome things you have done. In the beginning you created the entire universe.  You then created man as the crown of creation. Man, because of sin, betrayed you. Yet you still loved him.  You choose a people, the Israelites, and through them you gave us our savior Jesus Christ.  Through him we have life evermore.  Thank you, God!