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Psalm 115: You Become What You Worship

Psalm 115

This Psalm is part of a collection of Psalms known as "the Hallelujah Psalms" (Psalms 111 - 118). This Psalm, along with Psalms 116 -118 were read at the conclusion of the Passover meal each year. This Psalm is classified as a communal hymn and it emphasizes both the sovereignty and trustworthiness of God and contrasts it with the utter uselessness of idols. We will spend a couple of weeks reflecting on this Psalm because it has become a Psalm that I have often cited when teaching on Isaiah....

Psalm 23: A God Who Prepares

Psalm 23: A God Who Prepares

Psalm 23:5 - 6

"You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil, my cup overflows. 6 Surely goodness and steadfast love will hunt me down all my days, and I will return to the house of the LORD for forever."

These last two verses in the Psalm highlight God our shepherd as a generous host. He prepares and provides more than enough for us. This is seen by the fact that our cup "overflows." It is not merely half full, or even...

Psalm 23: Walking in Dark Valleys

PSALM 23: Walking in Dark Valleys

Ps 23:4 "Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil for you are with me..."

This Psalm is very personal. So far we have read about "MY shepherd," how he "leads ME," and he "restores MY life." It is almost as if we (a sheep) were bragging to other sheep about the awesomeness of "OUR shepherd." But now, it gets even more personal as we discuss how "I walk," and how "I will not fear" because "YOU are with me."

A Routine Trek

This verse in...

Psalm 23: The Presence of the Shepherd

Psalm 23: The Presence of the Shepherd

The more I read about Psalm 23, and sheep in particular, the more the realities of this Psalm hit home. Not only do I begin to see the tender care and effort of our good shepherd, but I also begin to see how apt a metaphor sheep are for humans and the way we behave.

One shepherd described her flock this way:

"Like us, sheep have faults. They can be destructive, rebellious, and greedy. Their fears overwhelm them. They're helpless on their own, yet fight to get...

Reflection on Psalm 23

PSALM 23

Throughout the month of September we will be reflecting on Psalm 23. I spoke on this Psalm a little while back and this month's reflections will serve to help us further reflect and chew on this beloved Psalm.

Psalm 23:1: The LORD is my shepherd

King David, the author of this psalm, spent a good portion of his life as a shepherd tending sheep. The lives, as well as the quality of those lives, were in his hands. He cared for them. He fed them, he led them, and he protected them (1 Samuel...