Monday, January 10, Psalm 61
- 2 – The Rock higher than we are is Jesus. By ourselves, we can’t reach Him. The Lord leads us to that tremendous security through the Holy Spirit. He brings us to that Rock and builds us on that Rock beginning with Baptism. Read Titus 3:5-7.
Tuesday, January 11, Psalm 62
- 9-10 – The Psalmist David describes us as nothing by nature, as far as God is concerned. Riches don’t change the situation for us. When weighed in God’s balance we are like a breath. What makes the scale balance is found in 23-24 of Romans 3: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”
Wednesday, January 12, Psalm 63
- 1 – The Psalmist in his prayer not only expresses a deep longing and thirst for God but also confesses that he does find satisfaction and refuge in God. See it in vv. 2-5.
- 3 – Why is God’s love or loving-kindness better than life? That’s because in God’s loving-kindness Christ is revealed to us. We receive eternal life through faith in Jesus.
- 5 – Isn’t it true-you can eat at the best of restaurants and still, a few hours later, feel hungry again? God’s food, the Bread of Life, the Gospel, alone quenches our spiritual hunger. It gives us hope, peace, joy, and happiness, not only for a few short hours but forever. Read Rom. 1:16, 17
Thursday, January 13, Psalm 64
- 10 – David, who trusted in the Lord, experienced God defeating his enemies many times during his lifetime (vv. 7-9). You also can read about that in II Samuel. He glorified God not only for that but especially for conquering his spiritual enemies, sin death, and hell. While humans can defeat an earthly foe, before our spiritual enemies, the worst in life, we are helpless. Only in Christ do we obtain the victory. (II Cor. 5:19-21)
Friday, January 14, Psalm 65
- 3-4, 9-11 – While this is a beautiful psalm for Thanksgiving, it would also be good to use it once a week as a closing prayer for a family devotion. In it we are reminded of God’s super generosity, not only as an earthly provider but also as the One who gives us our spiritual blessings, forgiveness of sins and eternal salvation.
Saturday, January 15, Psalm 66
- 8-12 – This is a picture of life for every Christian at times. We can still shout for joy in spite of the fact that men ride over our heads and we go through fire and water. However, God finally brings us to a place of abundance, a place of refreshment and hope. Read Romans 5:1-5; 8:18
- 10 – As silver is refined in a heated crucible to get out all the impurities, so God at times puts us in a crucible to refine us. The Bible speaks of that as trial and tribulation. Its purpose is to detach us from whatever is drawing us from Him. It’s to purify and strengthen our faith in Him. Read also Heb. 12:5, 6, 11.