John Piper

A Sheep’s Journey Through Psalms -45

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Embracing the Royal Wedding: A Devotion on Psalm 45

Dear friend, imagine stepping into a grand celebration, where the air is filled with joy, music, and the promise of eternal love. That’s the heart of Psalm 45—a beautiful wedding song penned for a king’s marriage, yet overflowing with deeper truths that point us straight to Jesus Christ, our glorious King, and His bride, the Church. As we journey through this psalm together, let’s allow its words to warm our souls and inspire us to live in the light of His unending love. This isn’t just ancient poetry; it’s a divine invitation to see ourselves as cherished and transformed by the King of Kings.

The psalm opens with the poet’s heart bubbling over with excitement: “My heart is stirred by a noble theme as I recite my verses for the king; my tongue is the pen of a ready writer” (Psalm 45:1, NIV). What a wonderful picture of inspiration! The focus quickly turns to the king, described in verses 2-9 as the most excellent of men, graced with lips full of kindness, riding forth in majesty to defend truth, humility, and justice. He’s a warrior for righteousness, his throne enduring forever. But here’s where it gets truly awe-inspiring: modern Christian thinkers remind us that this isn’t merely about an earthly ruler. As John Piper insightfully points out, Psalm 45:6-7 addresses the king as “God,” declaring, “Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever; a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom. You love righteousness and hate wickedness; therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of joy.” Piper emphasizes how this Old Testament passage demands the deity of Christ, as seen in Hebrews 1:8-9, where it’s applied directly to Jesus, the eternal Son superior even to angels. What encouragement—this King isn’t distant; He’s divine, and He’s fighting for us!

Shifting to the bride in verses 10-17, the psalm urges her to forget her past, honor her king, and enter the palace adorned in gold, surrounded by joy and honor. This imagery beautifully foreshadows the Church—you and me—as Christ’s beloved bride. One commentary from the Center for Excellence in Preaching highlights the romantic dimension of God’s love here: We’re not just redeemed; we’re desired and delighted in by our King, much like the wedding feast of the Lamb in Revelation 19. Tim Keller captures this grace so warmly in his teachings on marriage and faith: Jesus “doesn’t love us because we are lovely but in order to make us so, by grace.” Isn’t that comforting? No matter our flaws or past mistakes, His love transforms us, clothing us in righteousness and making us radiant for eternity.

Drawing from contemporary reflections, like those in Inspired Scripture, Psalm 45 reveals seven precious gifts Jesus offers His followers: His boundless love that draws us close, abundant grace poured out through His words, a reign of perfect justice, redemption that makes us new, intimate fellowship where He craves our presence, honor that lifts us up in humility, and eternal joy that fills our hearts even now through the Holy Spirit. Franciscan Media adds a modern touch, noting how the psalm exalts beauty—both inner and outer—as a reflection of God’s splendor, encouraging us to embrace our worth as beloved daughters and sons of the King. And for those in leadership roles, whether at work, home, or church, the Theology of Work project draws from verse 4 to inspire us: Ride forth in majesty, defending truth, humility, and justice, always seeking the good of others in God’s strength.

Beloved, let this psalm stir your heart today. You’re part of this royal story—not as a bystander, but as the cherished bride invited to the feast. Lean into Jesus’ love, let His grace make you lovely, and step out in joy to reflect His kingdom. As you go about your day, remember: Your King delights in you!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the beauty of Psalm 45, revealing Jesus as our majestic King. Help us to respond with wholehearted love, embracing Your grace that transforms us. May we live as Your honored bride, defending truth and justice with humble hearts. Fill us with eternal joy, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

A Sheep’s Journey Through Psalms -42

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A Thirst for God: A Devotional on Psalm 42

As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul longs for you, O God. Imagine a weary deer, its tongue parched, stumbling through a sun-scorched wilderness, desperate for a shimmering stream to quench its thirst. This is the vivid imagery of Psalm 42, a heartfelt cry from a soul yearning for God’s presence in the midst of despair. The psalmist, likely a Levite exiled far from Jerusalem, pours out his heart, wrestling with sorrow yet clinging to hope. His words resonate deeply with us today, as we, too, navigate seasons of spiritual drought and longing.

The opening verse, “As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God” (Psalm 42:1), captures a raw, almost visceral need for God. Christian leader John Piper reflects on this, saying, “Our souls were made to thirst for God, and when we feel that ache, it’s a sign we’re alive to Him.” This thirst isn’t a casual want—it’s a deep, aching hunger for the living God, a craving that nothing else can satisfy. Picture yourself standing in a desert, the heat pressing down, your throat dry as dust. Then, you spot a clear, bubbling spring. That’s the soul’s pursuit of God—a desperate, life-giving quest.

Yet, the psalmist’s journey isn’t all hope. He admits his turmoil: “My tears have been my food day and night” (Psalm 42:3). He’s taunted by enemies asking, “Where is your God?” and even his own soul feels cast down. It’s a picture of a man drowning in sorrow, like waves crashing over him (v. 7). Pastor and Author Max Lucado writes, “God doesn’t promise the absence of storms, but He promises His presence in them.” The psalmist feels the weight of those waves, yet he doesn’t let despair have the final word. Instead, he preaches to his own soul: “Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God” (v. 5).

This self-talk is a powerful reminder for us. Life’s trials—whether loss, doubt, or isolation—can make God feel distant, like a mirage in the desert. But the psalmist doesn’t stay in the pit of despair. He remembers God’s past faithfulness, singing of His steadfast love that shines even in the darkest night (v. 8). Tim Keller, another influential voice, notes, “The psalmist fights despair by recalling God’s character. He doesn’t deny his pain but redirects his gaze to the One who never fails.” Like a weary traveler clinging to a compass, the psalmist anchors himself in God’s unchanging nature.

As you reflect on Psalm 42 today, consider your own soul. Are you panting for God, or have you been sipping from lesser streams—busyness, distraction, or fleeting pleasures? The psalm invites you to pour out your heart to God, to be honest about your struggles, and to trust that He hears you. Picture yourself by that life-giving stream, dipping your hands into its cool waters, letting God’s presence refresh your soul. As Charles Spurgeon once said, “The God who made the deer find water will lead you to Himself, for He is the fountain of living waters.”

Prayer: Heavenly Father, my soul thirsts for You. In my weariness, draw me to Your living waters. Help me to hope in You, to praise You even in the storm, and to trust that You are near. Be my Savior and my God today. Amen.

Reflection: Take a moment to journal or pray about what your soul is thirsting for. How can you turn your longings toward God today?

A Sheep’s Journey Through Psalms -39

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Silent Whispers of the Soul: A Reflection on Psalm 39

Oh, friends, have you ever felt that heavy weight in your chest, where words bubble up like a storm inside, but you know speaking them might lead you astray? I remember seasons in my own life when trials piled high—health scares, financial worries, and the sting of betrayal from those I trusted. In those moments, I turned to Psalm 39, David’s raw cry to God, and found a mirror to my soul. It’s a psalm that doesn’t sugarcoat the pain; instead, it invites us into honest communion with the Lord, reminding us that even in our frailty, His mercy is our anchor. Let’s journey through it together, drawing strength from its truths and the wisdom of fellow believers who’ve wrestled with these words before us.

Psalm 39 begins with David’s resolute vow: “I said, ‘I will watch my ways and keep my tongue from sin; I will put a muzzle on my mouth while in the company of the wicked‘” (verse 1, NIV). But as the psalm unfolds, his silence breaks under the pressure of suffering. He ponders the fleeting nature of life: “Show me, Lord, my life’s end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting my life is. You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Everyone is but a breath, even those who seem secure” (verses 4-5). David sees the vanity in worldly pursuits—”Surely everyone goes around like a mere phantom; in vain they rush about, heaping up wealth without knowing whose it will finally be” (verse 6)—and turns his gaze upward: “But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you” (verse 7). He pleads for deliverance from sin and God’s rebukes, acknowledging his status as a stranger and sojourner on earth, before ending with a poignant request: “Look away from me, that I may enjoy life again before I depart and am no more” (verse 13).

In these verses, I see David’s heart laid bare—a man grappling with the brevity of life, the temptation to complain, and the deep need for God’s grace. It’s inspiring how he doesn’t wallow in despair but pivots to hope. Charles Spurgeon, that great preacher of old, captures this tension beautifully in his commentary. He notes that David’s decision to muzzle his mouth was a wise guard against sin, for “tongue sins are great sins: like sparks of fire, ill-words spread, and do great damage.”

Spurgeon encourages us to watch our words, especially in trials, as a act of faith, turning potential murmurs into silent prayers that draw us closer to God. Oh, how I’ve needed that reminder—when bitterness threatened to spill from my lips, choosing silence opened space for the Holy Spirit to whisper peace.

Matthew Henry, another faithful expositor, echoes this by likening watchfulness to a bridle on the head and a hand on the reins, urging us to balance silence with edifying speech. But Henry doesn’t stop at self-control; he dives into the psalm’s core theme of vanity, declaring, “In our greatest health and prosperity, every man is altogether vanity, he cannot live long; he may die soon. This is an undoubted truth, but we are very unwilling to believe it.“

What an inspirational call to humility! In my own reflections, this has pushed me to loosen my grip on earthly ambitions, realizing that true security isn’t in wealth or status, but in surrendering to the Eternal One. Life’s handbreadth span isn’t meant to depress us, but to awaken us to live purposefully, investing in what lasts forever.

John Calvin, the reformer whose insights pierce the heart, sees in David’s outburst a confession of human infirmity. He writes that David, overwhelmed by sorrow, “rather confesses the sin of his infirmity in bursting forth into immoderate sorrow, and in being led by the vehemence of this affection to indulge in sinful complaints.” Yet, Calvin finds hope here: this honesty models humility and dependence on God, teaching us that even our failures can lead to deeper devotion. It’s comforting to know that saints like David stumbled too, yet God used their pleas for mercy to draw them nearer. In my struggles, this has inspired me to bring my unfiltered pain to the throne, trusting He’ll refine it into praise.

And then there’s John Piper, whose modern voice resonates with eternal truth. Reflecting on the psalm’s brevity theme, he quotes verse 4: “O Lord, make me know my end and what is the measure of my days; let me know how fleeting I am!” Piper sees this not as morbid, but as a path to wisdom: “Teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom” (from Psalm 90:12, but tied to 39).

He inspires us by pointing out that our mist-like existence highlights our marvel—created for eternity through Christ. “God has reopened for us the way to the tree of life, to eternal life, and that way is through his Son, Jesus.”

What hope! In my darkest days, this truth has lifted me: our fleeting lives are invitations to anchor in the unchanging Savior, where true joy awaits.

Reflection:

Dear reader, Psalm 39 calls us to action today. When life feels vain and short, guard your words, confess your sins, and fix your hope on God. Let the brevity inspire urgency—love deeply, serve boldly, and pursue holiness. Remember, you’re a sojourner here, but heaven’s your home. As I apply this, I’ve started to become more deliberate in thanking God for each breath and seeking His wisdom to number my days aright.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, like David, we confess our frailty and the vanity of our pursuits. Teach us to guard our tongues, to embrace life’s brevity as a gift that draws us to You. Forgive our sins, deliver us from despair, and fill us with hope in Christ. Look upon us with mercy, that we might rejoice in Your presence now and forever. Amen.

A Sheep’s Journey Through Psalms -29

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A Devotional on Psalm 29: The Voice of the Lord

As I sit with Psalm 29, I’m struck by its vivid imagery and the way it calls me to pause and marvel at the power and majesty of God. This psalm, written by David, paints a picture of God’s voice thundering over creation, commanding awe and worship. It’s a reminder that the same God who speaks with earth-shaking authority is the One who knows me personally and invites me into His presence. Let’s dive into this beautiful psalm and let its truth anchor our hearts today.

The Power of God’s Voice
Psalm 29 begins with a call to worship: “Ascribe to the Lord, you heavenly beings, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength. Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness” (Psalm 29:1-2, NIV). David urges us to give God the honor He deserves, not because He needs it, but because it’s the only fitting response to His greatness. I love how C.S. Lewis reflects on worship, saying it’s not about God needing our praise but about us stepping into the joy of recognizing His worth. When I read these verses, I’m reminded to lift my eyes from my daily grind and fix them on the One who is infinitely worthy.

Then comes the heart of the psalm: the voice of the Lord. Seven times, David repeats this phrase, describing God’s voice as powerful, majestic, breaking cedars, shaking the desert, and twisting oaks (Psalm 29:3-9). It’s a poetic way of saying that God’s voice is unstoppable. It’s not just loud—it’s creative, authoritative, and transformative. I think of how Charles Spurgeon, the great preacher, described God’s voice as “the very essence of divine power.” When God speaks, things happen. The same voice that spoke the universe into existence (Genesis 1) speaks into my life, calling me to trust, to obey, to rest.

A Personal Connection
As I reflect on this, I’m humbled by the thought that this mighty God, whose voice can shatter the strongest trees, cares about the details of my life. There’s a moment in the psalm where David says, “The voice of the Lord makes the deer give birth” (Psalm 29:9). It’s such a tender image amidst the storm and thunder—a reminder that God’s power isn’t just destructive or grand; it’s also gentle, bringing life and care to His creation. I’ve felt this in my own life. There are days when I’m overwhelmed, when the storms of life feel like they’ll break me. But then I sense God’s voice—not as a distant roar, but as a quiet whisper, reminding me that He’s near, that He’s enough.

John Piper once said that God’s glory and our joy are not at odds; they’re intertwined. Psalm 29 shows this so clearly. When I stand in awe of God’s power, I find peace. When I recognize His majesty, I’m reminded that He’s in control, even when my world feels chaotic. The psalm ends with a promise that resonates deeply: “The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace” (Psalm 29:11). This isn’t just a nice thought—it’s a lifeline. God doesn’t just display His power; He shares it with us, giving us strength to face our challenges and peace to rest in His sovereignty.

Applying Psalm 29 Today
So, what does this mean for you and me? First, let’s take time to worship. Maybe it’s through a song, a prayer, or simply sitting in silence, marveling at who God is. Let’s ascribe to Him the glory due His name, as David urges. Second, let’s listen for His voice. In a world full of noise—social media, news, our own anxieties—God’s voice is still speaking. Maybe it’s through Scripture, a gentle nudge in prayer, or the encouragement of a friend. His voice is powerful enough to calm the storms in our hearts.

Finally, let’s trust the promise of verse 11. I know life can feel like a wilderness sometimes, shaken by trials or uncertainties. But the God who shakes the desert and breaks the cedars is the same God who gives us strength and peace. As A.W. Tozer once wrote, “With the goodness of God to desire our highest welfare, the wisdom of God to plan it, and the power of God to achieve it, what do we lack?”

Prayer
Lord, Your voice is mighty, yet You speak to me with love and care. Help me to worship You in the splendor of Your holiness, to listen for Your voice above the noise, and to trust in Your strength and peace. Thank You for being both powerful and personal. May my life reflect Your glory today. Amen.

As you go through your day, may you hear the voice of the Lord—powerful, majestic, and full of love for you. Let it draw you into worship and fill you with His peace.

New Resources — Farsi Language

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We are pleased to announce a new resource in the Farsi (Persian) language. Finally Alive by John Piper is available on the Free Resources page:  https://taethne.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/finally-alive-farsi.pdf

This book details what the new birth in Jesus Christ is in plain language. For this to be available in Farsi is a treasure. Farsi is spoken by some almost 60 million people in Iran, Iraq and neighboring Gulf states.

If you know of someone who can benefit from this please share freely.