Month: December 2024

As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. Psalm 42:1 (Psalm 42, 43, 55,)

David, in his later years, organized a group of poetic Levites into a musical guild. This was part of his plan for worship in the temple Solomon would build. Psalm 42 and 43 are associated with this group called the Sons of Korah.

David moved in and out of success. His young years were spent tending his father’s sheep in the great outdoors. While given responsibilities and chores, no doubt this young artist packed a party in his pocket and found amusement in the mundane, and great beauty in the ordinary. When he first penned Psalm 42 and 43 he was hiding among heathen people who were not friendly, or kind, but they did not wish to kill him as King Saul did, they only mocked his faith. Safe in body, he was ill in soul as he gazed upon the carefree life of nature; deer, doves, babbling brooks, and envied their effortless existence.   

Back and forth from despair to confidence in God alone David conversed with himself, “When will this end?” “God will take care of me!” “Had it not been for the lessons in the wilderness I would never have become a Godly man.” Sooooo….. I will praise.

We are like David, we rise and fall, multiple times a day in this fast paced life. We observe people and things passing by and wonder, “What if?” David questioned the vanity of a waterfall plunging deep into a canyon, only to bubble up, surviving and continuing on. Why can’t life be that simple? IT IS! Cast your (my) cares on the LORD, and He will sustain you, He will never let the righteous fall. Psalm 55:22

Happy Winter’s Day,

Gretchen

Blessed is he who has regard for the weak; the LORD delivers him in times of trouble. Psalm 41:1 (Psalm 41 and 62)

Psalm 62 is a song of complete devotion and dependance on God, in all circumstances. Psalm 41 is thought to be from the time of Absalom’s, David’s son, attempted overthrow.

Absalom’s coup was incredibly well crafted and executed. David had to leave Jerusalem for a period of time, becoming a fugitive once again. This rebellion ended in Absalom’s death, and David’s grief was profound.

Although anointed as Israel’s leader at a very young age, David knew every economic and cultural status of his time. He lived every experience. From pauper to king, deranged lunatic to humble servant and noble ruler, David was there in living color. He knew that God was faithful, his only strength, salvation and hope.

The word ‘times’ is plural. We are all going to struggle and it will change you. Let it be for the good. David chose to chase after God’s heart, and he had no regrets.

Love,

Gretchen

He does not treat us as our sins deserve, or repay us according to our iniquities. Psalm 103:10  (Psalms 32, 38, 103)

Psalm 32 and 38 are two of the seven penitent Psalms David wrote in remorse for his sin with Bathsheba. David’s behavior with the beautiful woman he saw bathing and lusted for was a happenstance of weakness in contrast to a habitual, deliberate and willful violation of God’s law. Before this event, David avowed his righteousness. Shame, humiliation and bitter anguish drove him to repent and he returned to righteousness, a man after God’s own heart.

It is David’s testimony that confession relieves a heavy heart and great joy is found in forgiveness. Psalm 103, a very beloved passage, written in David’s adage, looks back on the history of a sinner, himself, saved by grace.

The Psalms are the living testimony of a man long gone, who knew that God is good, and hope is in God’s unchangeable love and mercy. For as high as the heavens are about the earth, so great is His love for those who fear Him, as far as the east is from the west so far has He removed our transgressions from us. Psalm 103:11-12

Love,

Gretchen

Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me and I will be whiter than snow. Psalm 51:7

The title of the Psalm gives its time and context. David committed adultery with Bathsheba and conceived a child. He tried to use his power, as commander in chief, to cover his iniquities, but ended with murder. God’s prophet Nathan went to confront David, who’s response was brokenness over his own behavior.

David loved God more than life itself, yet he fell into grievous sin that left a path of destruction. At times he saw the great man God designed him to be, but in this moment, as he looked through the lens God uses, he viewed a despicable sin, a multi faceted crisis, that only love and mercy could heal.  No excuses, David asked for forgiveness, and he received it.

Total transparency with God brings humility to the heart of man, and compassion from the heart of God. When the two meet, tragedy becomes triumph. It’s God’s specialty.

Happy Weekend,

Gretchen

Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. Psalm 20:7  (Psalm 20, 21)

David was a warrior king. He entered into battle often, and as a result, Israel became the strongest nation on earth, during his reign as king. It is significant that David never waged war without asking for God’s protection and responded to victory with thanksgiving before celebration. The act of worship, whether simple or elaborate, places God at the very center of every endeavor, granting peace, confidence and appropriate gratitude.

David knew well day to day survival depended on diligence to righteousness and faithfulness, but he was well aware of a greater purpose. His kingdom would bring a Messiah, and greater still, eternal life for all who believe. With life everlasting comes a perfected judgement that secures the holy from the wickedness of those who practice evil. There is nothing more we need, nothing more to be desired. Trust in the Name of the Lord our God begets the desires of the heart.

Have a lovely Thursday,

Gretchen

He who does these things will never be shaken. Psalm 15:5b (Psalms 15, 24, 97, 105)

David often ponders the magnificence of God. Everything from the majesty of heaven’s dome, to the Grace that covers sin, draws David to marvel at the incomprehensible, indefinable and infinite attributes of God’s righteousness and love.

God loves each one of us in a very intimate way, but to dwell with Him and enjoy His fellowship and peace requires a set of standards to live by. Psalm 15 lists these behaviors quite succinctly. They should be taken seriously. To be a citizen of Zion (Heaven) you must embrace the language and culture, which is integrity and love!

I have a passport I like to use. Each time I plan a trip I imagine myself NOT looking like a tourist. It doesn’t work because it takes a lifetime of acclamation to become indigenous. Heaven isn’t so tough. When you chose to obey and follow the King of kings, you’re move in ready!

Have a Super Day,

Gretchen

A battle cry turned hymn of praise, this song has been used through the ages to inspire and encourage people of God in their quest for righteous endeavors. It was a favorite of Oliver Cromwell, and used by the Crusaders, and the Huguenots. Its original purpose may have been to lead the Ark of the Covenant into Jerusalem.

God is faithful to His unbreakable promise. The plans and purposes God set in motion were designed to keep mankind from death by bringing a Savior/Redeemer from the tribe of Judah. Man is repeatedly rebellious and disobedient, but as consequences pile up, man sees God’s past love and provision and returns. God never says, “No, you have gone too far this time.” In response, He reveals Himself most beautifully as a provider and peace giver.

The warmth of human contact changes things. Man may have evolved in some unique ways, but we still need one another. We need to feel, see, hear and smell others so we know we are not alone in the battles of this life. Our God, the consummate comforter, sets the lonely in human families so that we will know His love and in turn, find strength to love others, and victoriously journey to the Throne of Heaven.

Merry Christmas,

Gretchen

Search me, O God and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139:23-24 (Psalms 124, 139)

Both of these Psalms are prayers of Thanksgiving. The first is a corporate prayer, one of the Psalms of Ascent, that people who were gathering for, or in the act or worship, sang together. Psalm 139 is a very personal and intimate Psalm acknowledging who God is. It is a thanksgiving for His all-knowing and ever present place in life.

The greatest comfort in all the world is to know that nothing surprises God!  He knows every breath, word, deed and thought and nothing catches Him off guard. I cannot unsettle Him and neither can you. No matter the ruckus, God’s got the answer.

Psalm 139 begins with a deep search of heart and mind and ends with a continuous invitation to light the dark, clean the soiled and fill the empty. My soul, just like my home, needs to be dusted out and straightened every once in a while. It doesn’t condemn my house, just makes it inhabitable for eternity.

Have a Great Day!

Gretchen

In my anguish I cried to the LORD, and He answered by setting me free. Psalm 118:5 (Psalm 118 is a must read!)

Psalms 113-118 are called the Praise (Hallel) Hymns. They were used by families during the celebration of Passover. Some were sung at the beginning of the remembrance of God’s rescue, this Psalm was sung at the end as the meal was concluding. It is very probable Jesus and His disciples sang this song on the eve of the Crucifixion. (Matthew 26:30)

This Psalm speaks of God’s constant faithfulness to man’s need and a future hope, totally unknown to any human, but a day of great anticipation for the God who loves us best and sent His Son to redeem all who will believe. It was Jesus’ strength on His walk to Gethsemane. It can certainly be our foundation for determined obedience and perseverance.

God hears your cries and He WILL set you free. Man’s rejection is NOT God’s, not even slightly! Give thanks to the LORD, for He is Good, His love endures forever! (verse 29) When you sing these words, you have echoed the voice of the Prince of Peace and Blessed Savior, and His closest friends! Awesome!

Rejoice and Sing,

Gretchen

Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth. Worship the LORD with gladness; come before Him with joyful songs. Psalm 100:1-2 (Psalms 93-101)

From shepherd boy to homeless king, David dwelled in the great outdoors. Under the great dome of Heaven David came to learn and depend on God’s sovereignty, goodness and the coming Messiah. From the loudest crash of thunder to the gentlest showers came a sense of majesty bringing peace, knowledge and confidence that all was not in vain. God is good, the wonders and glories of His creation reveal His love. He is worthy of our songs of faith and praise.

Have a great weekend,

Gretchen