(REFLECTIONS ON Psalm 127:1-5) For something to be done in vain means that no matter how much effort is put in, there are no results. Doing something in vain means that our efforts are pointless and without meaning, because in the end nothing will change. Interestingly, when we say someone is vain, which is related to […]
(REFLECTIONS ON Psalm 126:1-6) As the nations shout, “The Lord has done great things for them,” it is a testimony that the Lord’s work is not only internal, of the heart, but can be seen, experienced, and testified about. As the Israelites shout, “The Lord has done great things for us,” it reveals that those who […]
(REFLECTIONS ON Psalm 125:1-5) As I was reading today’s Psalm, it brought me back to the beginning, that is Psalm 1, 3 He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water… The one that meditates day and night on the law of the Lord will be firmly planted by streams of water. His […]
(REFLECTIONS ON Psalm 124:1-8) 8 Our help is in the name of the Lord, Who made heaven and earth. Interestingly, the psalmist doesn’t write, our help is in the Lord, but rather, it is in the name of the Lord. What is the difference between in the Lord, and in the name of the Lord? To […]
(REFLECTIONS ON Psalm 123:1-4) When we lift up our eyes, what do we see? When we lift up our eyes, what do we look for? When the psalmist lifts up his eyes, it is past his current circumstances, environment, surroundings, and past the clouds in the sky, and up to the heavens itself. That is why […]
(REFLECTIONS ON Psalm 122:1-9) Jerusalem was the place where the tribes of Israel met and gathered in unity to worship the Lord. It was a place of fellowship, a place of reunion, it was familiar, and it was their spiritual home. That is why the psalmist rejoiced with those who said, “Let us go to the […]
(REFLECTIONS ON Psalm 121:1-8) As worshipers make their ascent towards Jerusalem and the temple, their eyes will be lifted up to Mount Zion and the surrounding hills of Judea. It is when the eyes are lifted up, to where the Name of the Lord is, where the glory of God dwells with His people, that they […]
(REFLECTIONS ON Psalm 120:1-7) Psalm 120 to Psalm 134 has been categorized as “A Song of Ascents.” Jerusalem is geographically elevated, so the Israelites would literally “go up” when traveling there during their pilgrimages to worship during major feasts like Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles. Psalm 120 to Psalm 134 thus represents songs that pilgrims returning to […]
(REFLECTIONS ON Psalm 119:129-176) As the psalmist writes, “The unfolding of Your words gives light; It gives understanding to the simple,” what image comes to mind? A closed book, a scroll that is rolled up, or a letter that is folded up? What happens when we open the book, unroll the scrolls, or unfold the letter […]
(REFLECTIONS ON Psalm 119:89-128) 89 Forever, O Lord, Your word is settled (literally means stands firm) in heaven. 90 Your faithfulness continues throughout all generations; You established the earth, and it stands. 91 They stand this day according to your ordinances, for all things are Your servants. The Lord created the heavens and the earth by […]