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A Sheep’s Journey Through Psalms -31

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A Devotional on Psalm 31: Trusting in God’s Unfailing Refuge

“In you, Lord, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; deliver me in your righteousness.” (Psalm 31:1, NIV) Psalm 31 is a heartfelt cry of David, a man who knew both the heights of God’s favor and the depths of human struggle. This psalm is a powerful reminder that, in every season, God is our refuge, our strength, and our deliverer. As Christians, we can find inspiration in David’s unwavering trust in God amid trials, and we can draw wisdom from early Christian leaders who echoed this trust in their own lives

.A Cry for Refuge

David begins with a declaration of trust: “In you, Lord, I have taken refuge.” He seeks God as his safe haven, a fortress against life’s storms. Whether facing enemies, personal failures, or overwhelming circumstances, David’s instinct is to run to God. This resonates deeply with the words of Clement of Alexandria, who wrote in the 2nd century, “The Christian’s refuge is not a place but a Person—God Himself, who shelters us in His love.” Like David, we are invited to make God our first response, not our last resort.When life feels chaotic—whether it’s a health crisis, a fractured relationship, or a season of doubt—Psalm 31 reminds us that God is near. He is not a distant deity but a loving Father who hears our cries. As Augustine of Hippo reflected, “Thou hast made us for Thyself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in Thee.” Take a moment to pause and consider: Where are you seeking refuge today? Is it in your own strength, or are you leaning into God’s unshakeable presence?

Trust Amid Suffering

David’s honesty in Psalm 31 is striking. He doesn’t shy away from expressing his anguish: “My life is consumed by anguish and my years by groaning” (v. 10). Yet, even in his pain, he affirms, “But I trust in you, Lord; I say, ‘You are my God’” (v. 14). This tension between suffering and trust is a hallmark of the Christian life. Early Christian martyr Ignatius of Antioch, facing death, wrote, “I am God’s wheat, ground by the teeth of beasts, that I may become the pure bread of Christ.” Like David, Ignatius found strength in surrendering to God’s sovereignty, even in the face of persecution.

When we encounter trials, Psalm 31 encourages us to trust that God holds our times in His hands (v. 15). This trust isn’t blind optimism but a deliberate choice to believe that God’s purposes prevail. Reflect on a challenge you’re facing. Can you echo David’s words, declaring, “You are my God,” even in the uncertainty?

God’s Goodness Prevails

The psalm crescendos with praise: “How abundant are the good things that you have stored up for those who fear you” (v. 19). David’s confidence in God’s goodness is not diminished by his trials but magnified through them. He sees God’s faithfulness as a treasure, a promise for all who seek Him. Early Christian writer Tertullian echoed this, saying, “The Lord’s mercy is not exhausted, nor has His compassion failed. It is new every morning, for His faithfulness is great.” God’s goodness is not a one-time gift but an overflowing storehouse, available to us daily.

As we meditate on Psalm 31, let’s remember that God’s love is our ultimate security. David concludes, “Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord” (v. 24). This is a call to courage, rooted in hope. Whether you’re in a season of joy or sorrow, God invites you to take refuge in Him, to trust His timing, and to rest in His abundant goodness.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, You are our rock and refuge. Like David, we bring our fears, our pain, and our hopes to You. Teach us to trust You in every season, knowing that Your love never fails. Strengthen our hearts to rest in Your goodness, and may we, like the early Christians, proclaim Your faithfulness in all circumstances. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Reflection Questions

  1. What “storms” in your life make it hard to trust God as your refuge? How can you surrender those to Him today?
  2. How does David’s example of honesty in suffering encourage you to approach God with your own struggles?
  3. Inspired by Psalm 31:19, take time to thank God for one specific way His goodness has been evident in your life.

May Psalm 31 inspire you to cling to God as your refuge, trusting that His love will carry you through every trial, just as it did for David and the early Christians who followed in his footsteps.

A Sheep’s Journey Through Psalms -16

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A Devotional on Psalm 16: A Tapestry of Trust and Triumph

Imagine standing on a windswept cliff, the sea roaring below, its waves crashing against jagged rocks. Above, the sky blazes with the golden hues of dawn, painting the world in hues of hope. This is the vivid scene Psalm 16 evokes—a soul anchored in God’s presence, unshaken by the storms of life, radiant with joy. David’s words in this psalm are a vibrant tapestry of trust, refuge, and unshakable delight in the Lord, offering us a path to walk in confidence and peace. Let us weave through its truths, drawing on the wisdom of Christian leaders from the distant past to illuminate our journey.

A Refuge in the Storm
“Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge” (Psalm 16:1, ESV). David begins with a cry for protection, picturing God as a mighty fortress. Like a weary traveler seeking shelter from a tempest, David runs to the Lord, finding safety in His unyielding strength. Augustine of Hippo (354–430 AD), reflecting on this, wrote, “Thou hast made us for Thyself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in Thee.” Augustine reminds us that true refuge is found not in fleeting worldly securities but in the eternal embrace of God. When life’s gales howl—be it loss, fear, or uncertainty—visualize yourself dashing into the strong tower of God’s presence, where no storm can touch your soul.

The Portion of Our Inheritance
“I say to the Lord, ‘You are my Lord; I have no good apart from you’” (Psalm 16:2). David paints God as his ultimate treasure, a lush inheritance more precious than fields of gold or vineyards heavy with fruit. He continues, “The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot” (16:5). Picture a parched wanderer in a desert, discovering an oasis with a crystal-clear spring—God is that life-giving source. John Chrysostom (347–407 AD), the golden-mouthed preacher, taught that “he who possesses God lacks nothing; God alone suffices.” Chrysostom’s insight calls us to reframe our desires: when we chase wealth, status, or approval, we grasp at shadows. But in choosing God as our portion, we hold an inheritance that never fades, a cup that never runs dry.

Guidance Through Starlit Paths
“I bless the Lord who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me” (16:7). David envisions God as a wise guide, leading him through life’s wilderness like a shepherd guiding his flock under a starlit sky. Even in the darkness of night—those moments of doubt or despair—God’s counsel shines like constellations, pointing the way. Bernard of Clairvaux (1090–1153 AD), the medieval mystic, described God’s guidance as “a light in the darkness of our ignorance.” Bernard urges us to listen for God’s whisper in prayer and Scripture, especially when life’s path grows dim. Pause today and imagine God’s voice as a gentle star, piercing the night of your uncertainties, guiding you step by step.

Unshaken in His Presence
“I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken” (16:8). Here, David stands like an oak rooted deep in fertile soil, unmoved by howling winds. By keeping God ever in his sight, he finds stability. Athanasius of Alexandria (296–373 AD), defender of the faith, wrote, “To dwell in God’s presence is to stand on the rock that never crumbles.” Athanasius, who faced exile and persecution, knew that fixing our gaze on God steadies us amid life’s tremors. Try this: picture Jesus at your right hand, His presence a warm, unshakable strength. Whether facing trials or triumphs, let His nearness be your anchor.

Joy That Overflows
“You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore” (16:11). The psalm crescendos with a vision of exuberant life—a sun-drenched meadow where joy blooms like wildflowers, where every step pulses with divine delight. Gregory of Nyssa (335–395 AD), a Cappadocian Father, described this joy as “a foretaste of eternity, where the soul drinks from the river of God’s delights.” Gregory reminds us that God’s presence is not a distant promise but a present reality, a wellspring of gladness even now. When sorrow threatens to steal your joy, close your eyes and envision yourself wading into this river, letting God’s pleasures forevermore wash over you.

A Call to Trust and Rejoice
Psalm 16 is a vivid portrait of a life rooted in God—unshaken, guided, and overflowing with joy. Like David, find refuge in God’s fortress. Like Augustine, rest in Him alone. Like Chrysostom, choose God as your treasure. Like Bernard, follow His starlit counsel. Like Athanasius, stand firm in His presence. And like Gregory, drink deeply from His joy. Today, let this psalm be your heart’s anthem. Picture yourself walking beside you through life’s landscapes—cliffs, deserts, meadows—and trust that in God’s presence, you have everything you need for the journey.

Prayer
O Lord, our refuge and joy, we set You before us today. Be our fortress in storms, our portion in scarcity, our guide in darkness, and our delight in every moment. Teach us to dwell in Your presence, where we find life’s fullness, joy, and pleasures forevermore. Through Christ, our Savior, we pray. Amen.

A Sheep’s Journey Through Psalms-11

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Devotional on Psalm 11: The Lord is Our Refuge

Scripture Reading: Psalm 11 (ESV)
“In the Lord I take refuge; how can you say to my soul, ‘Flee like a bird to your mountain, for behold, the wicked bend the bow; they have fitted their arrow to the string to shoot in the dark at the upright in heart; if the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?’ The Lord is in his holy temple; the Lord’s throne is in heaven; his eyes see, his eyelids test the children of man. The Lord tests the righteous, but his soul hates the wicked and the one who loves violence. Let him rain coals on the wicked; fire and sulfur and a scorching wind shall be the portion of their cup. For the Lord is righteous; he loves righteous deeds; the upright shall behold his face.”

Reflection: Trusting in God’s Sovereign Refuge
Psalm 11 is a powerful declaration of trust in God amid a world filled with fear, chaos, and evil. Imagine a stormy night, the sky torn by jagged lightning, the wind howling like a pack of wolves. In this chaos, the wicked lurk, their bows drawn taut, arrows gleaming with malicious intent, aimed at the hearts of the upright. The ground trembles as the foundations of order—justice, truth, hope—seem to crack and crumble. Voices whisper urgently, “Flee! Escape like a sparrow to the fleeting safety of the mountains!” Yet, in this vivid scene of peril, David stands unmoved, his heart anchored in a fortress far greater than any earthly refuge. “In the Lord I take refuge,” he declares, his voice steady against the gale.

This Psalm paints a dramatic picture of faith under fire. David’s world is no less turbulent than ours—where cultural decay, personal trials, or unseen enemies threaten to overwhelm. The temptation to flee to temporary shelters—fear, distraction, or self-made solutions—looms large. But David’s eyes are fixed upward, to the Lord enthroned in His radiant temple, seated on a throne that no storm can shake. God’s piercing gaze cuts through the darkness, seeing every hidden arrow, every scheming heart. His justice is a blazing fire, ready to rain coals and sulfur on the wicked, while His love is a sheltering wing, enfolding the righteous in unshakable safety.

Historic Christian voices, like Augustine and Calvin, saw this psalm as a vibrant tapestry of God’s providence. Augustine marveled at God’s all-seeing eye, which no darkness can obscure, urging believers to trust in divine protection. Calvin saw David’s resolve as a beacon of hope, pointing to God’s ultimate triumph over evil. This psalm also whispers of Christ, the Righteous One, who faced the cross’s arrows yet trusted the Father’s plan, securing a refuge for all who run to Him. The promise that the upright will “behold his face” is a radiant vision of eternal glory, where we’ll stand in the light of God’s presence, forever safe. David, the psalmist, faces a dire situation: the wicked are poised to attack, and his advisors urge him to flee, to escape the danger like a bird flying to the safety of a mountain. Yet David’s response is resolute: “In the Lord I take refuge.” His confidence is not in earthly strongholds but in the unshakeable sovereignty of God.

This psalm speaks to us today when life feels unsteady—when the “foundations” of society, morality, or even personal security seem to crumble. The temptation to flee, to seek safety in our own strength or worldly solutions, is strong. But David reminds us that our true refuge is the Lord. He is not distant or detached; He reigns from His holy temple, His throne in heaven. His eyes see every injustice, and His justice is perfect. The wicked may seem to have the upper hand, but God’s judgment is sure, and His love for the righteous is unwavering.

Application: Standing Firm in Faith

Picture yourself in the storm of your own trials—perhaps a biting betrayal, a crushing fear, or a world that mocks what is good. Instead of fleeing to fragile shelters, plant your feet in the fortress of God’s righteousness. His throne is unshaken, His eyes miss nothing, and His love for you burns brighter than the fiercest tempest. Let this truth embolden you to live boldly for Him, performing deeds of righteousness that shine like stars in the night.
When the world pressures you to despair or flee from trials, remember that your refuge is in the Lord. He sees your struggles, tests your faith to refine it, and promises that the upright will one day behold His face—a glorious hope of eternal communion with Him. Instead of running to temporary shelters—whether fear, distraction, or self-reliance—anchor your soul in God’s unchanging character. He is righteous, He loves righteous deeds, and He is your protector.

Prayer
Lord, my Refuge, when storms rage and arrows fly, anchor my soul in Your unshakable throne. Let me see Your radiant temple above the chaos, Your eyes watching over me with fierce love. Burn away my fears with Your justice and warm my heart with Your promise that I will one day behold Your glorious face. Through Christ, my Savior, embolden me to stand firm and live righteously. Heavenly Father, in this world that often feels chaotic and threatening, help me to take refuge in You alone. Strengthen my faith to trust Your sovereign care, even when the foundations seem to shake. Thank You for Your perfect justice and steadfast love. May I live righteously, reflecting Your character, and rest in the hope of one day beholding Your face through Christ my Savior. Amen.

Challenge
Today, identify one area where fear or pressure tempts you to “flee” from trusting God. Paint a mental picture of God’s throne above it, unshaken and radiant. In prayer, surrender this trial to Him, and take one vivid step of faith—a kind word, a bold stand, or a righteous deed—to reflect His light in the darkness and take one practical step to live out a righteous deed that honors Him.

A Sheep’s Journey Through Psalms – 7

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Devotional on Psalm 7: A Cry for Justice and Refuge

Psalm 7, a psalm of David, is a heartfelt cry for divine justice and protection in the face of persecution. Traditionally understood as written during David’s flight from Saul or another enemy (possibly Cush, a Benjamite), this psalm resonates with Christians across centuries who have faced trials, slander, or injustice. From a historical Christian perspective, Psalm 7 offers timeless truths about God’s righteousness, human integrity, and the hope of divine deliverance, themes that have inspired believers from the early church to the Reformation and beyond.


Seeking Refuge in God (Psalm 7:1-2)
David begins, “O Lord my God, in you do I take refuge; save me from all my pursuers and deliver me.” This opening plea echoes the heart of Christian trust in God as the ultimate protector. Early church fathers like Augustine saw in David’s cry a foreshadowing of Christ’s reliance on the Father during His earthly trials. Augustine wrote that believers, like David, must flee to God as their stronghold, trusting Him amid life’s storms. When we face false accusations or overwhelming opposition, Psalm 7 reminds us to turn to God, who is both our shield and our advocate.


Reflection: Where do you seek refuge when life feels unjust? Take a moment to surrender your burdens to God, trusting Him as your fortress.


A Plea for Righteous Judgment (Psalm 7:3-9)
David boldly appeals to God’s justice, declaring his innocence and inviting divine scrutiny: “If I have done this, if there is wrong in my hands… let the enemy pursue my soul and overtake it.” This confidence in personal integrity was not arrogance but a deep trust in God’s righteous judgment. Christian thinkers like John Calvin emphasized that David’s plea reflects a heart purified by faith, not perfection. Calvin noted that Christians, justified by Christ’s righteousness, can approach God’s throne with confidence, not in their own merit but in Christ’s redemptive work.


David’s call for God to “judge the peoples” and “establish the righteous” also points to the eschatological hope central to Christian theology. The early church, facing Roman persecution, found comfort in this assurance that God would one day judge all nations with equity. As believers, we are reminded that God sees every heart and will right every wrong in His perfect time.


Reflection: Are you trusting God to judge justly in your circumstances? Pray for a heart aligned with His truth and justice.


God as Righteous Judge and Defender (Psalm 7:10-13)
David declares, “My shield is with God, who saves the upright in heart. God is a righteous judge.” This imagery of God as both shield and judge would have resonated deeply with Christians like the martyrs of the early church, who faced death for their faith. Tertullian, a second-century Christian, wrote that God’s justice is both a terror to the wicked and a comfort to the faithful. The psalm’s vivid description of God preparing His “weapons of war” against the unrepentant underscores His holy intolerance of evil, a theme echoed in Revelation’s depiction of Christ as the victorious judge.


Yet, for believers, God’s justice is tempered with mercy. The medieval theologian Thomas Aquinas reflected on Psalm 7, noting that God’s judgment is not only punitive but redemptive, calling sinners to repentance before it is too late. This balance of justice and mercy points us to the cross, where Christ bore God’s judgment to offer us salvation.


Reflection: How does God’s dual role as judge and defender shape your view of Him? Thank Him for His mercy that invites repentance.


The Self-Destruction of Evil (Psalm 7:14-16)
David observes that the wicked “conceive evil” and “fall into the pit that they have made.” This principle of divine retribution—where evil recoils on itself—was a source of hope for Christians like Martin Luther, who faced opposition during the Reformation. Luther saw in Psalm 7 a reminder that God’s justice prevails, even when human schemes seem triumphant. The apostle Paul echoed this in Galatians 6:7, “Whatever one sows, that will he also reap.” For believers, this is a call to trust God’s providence rather than seek vengeance ourselves.


Reflection: Are you tempted to take justice into your own hands? Entrust your cause to God, who works all things for His glory.


A Song of Praise (Psalm 7:17)
The psalm concludes with David’s vow: “I will give to the Lord the thanks due to his righteousness, and I will sing praise to the name of the Lord, the Most High.” This shift from lament to worship models the Christian response to trials. Historical figures like the Puritans, who endured persecution, often turned to psalms like this to fuel their worship. They saw praise as an act of faith, trusting God’s character even in suffering. Today, we join this ancient chorus, praising God for His unchanging righteousness and sovereignty.


Reflection: How can you cultivate a heart of praise, even in hardship? Offer a prayer or song of thanksgiving for God’s faithful justice.


Application for Today
Psalm 7 invites us to trust God as our refuge and righteous judge, especially when life feels unfair. From the early church’s martyrs to Reformation saints, Christians have clung to this psalm’s assurance that God sees, judges, and delivers. Let David’s example inspire you to examine your heart, trust God’s justice, and praise Him for His faithfulness. As you face trials, remember the words of Charles Spurgeon: “God is too good to be unkind and too wise to be mistaken. When we cannot trace His hand, we must trust His heart.”


Prayer
O Lord, our refuge and righteous judge, we come to You amid life’s injustices. Search our hearts, align us with Your truth, and deliver us from evil. Help us trust Your perfect justice and sing Your praise, knowing You are our shield and salvation. Through Christ, our righteous advocate, we pray. Amen. 

Watching the Flock

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While attending a church service this week, the speaker made a very good point. His sermon was on being a good shepherd to the flock God has entrusted to us as pastors, just as He is a Good Shepherd to His flock. During the speaker’s message, he made this observation; while we are watching our flock, so are spiritual predators. We must be constantly vigilant in overseeing the safety of those God has entrusted to us. The shepherd has the responsibility for more than just feeding the sheep, he must also protect them. As King David fought off lions and bears that attacked his father’s sheep when he was just a shepherd boy, we, too must fight off those who would devour our Father’s  sheep.

It is our job to warn the sheep of danger. It is our job to point out theological errors they may encounter, dangerous cults, erroneous worldviews, and false teachers. We must point out these things because if we do not, our sheep will wander off and become mired in a quagmire of false doctrines that will render them useless to the Kingdom of God. Yes, we must feed our sheep solid food, great teaching from God’s Word. Yes, we must lead them to Christ, the Living Water so they can drink deep of His presence. We must also protect and defend them from dangers or we are not doing all our job requires of us. The staff has two ends – a crook to lift sheep to safety and a club to defend them with and drive off predators. Who is looking over your flock?

Hymn Devotions Day 1 – Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus

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Day 1

STAND UP, STAND UP FOR JESUS

When I was a child, I did not understand this hymn. Well, to be honest, I understood all but one line of it. In the fourth stanza, at the end, the poem goes, “where duty calls or danger, be never wanting there.”

In my young mind I took this phrase to mean “never be wanting to go wherever danger might be.” I knew, though, that while this made sense to my child’s mind, it didn’t make sense in a song about fighting for God, and being willing to put all on the line for the Lord.

Finally, it was explained to me. To be found wanting is to be found missing from where one needs to be. You are wanted, needed somewhere. You need to be somewhere that duty is calling, but you have gone AWOL. You have gone astray. The writer of this song is encouraging us to always be where we are needed, and to never let cowardice keep us from standing up for the Lord.

What a powerful song. Based on Ephesians 6:14 and written as a tribute to the Reverend Dudley Tyng (one of America’s great preachers) this song has inspired many to look to Jesus and not at the world. It is Jesus alone we look to, Jesus alone we are called to serve. Let us, therefore, be found true and faithful to the One who gave His life for us. Let us stand up for Jesus at home, school and play. Let us never be found wanting where we are needed.

Lord, help me be unashamed of You. Help me to witness clearly, speak boldly and oppose evil mightily. Give to me, the strength and protection I need.  

Stand Up, Stand for Jesus by George Duffield, Jr.

Stand up, stand up for Jesus   Ye soldiers of the cross

Lift high His royal banner                   It must not suffer loss

From victory, unto victory                 His army shall He lead

Till every foe is vanquished     And Christ is Lord indeed

 

Stand up, stand up for Jesus   The solemn watchword hear

If while ye sleep He suffers     Away with shame and fear

Wherever ye meet with evil     Within you or without

Charge for the God of battles            And put the foe to rout

 

Stand up, stand up for Jesus   The trumpet call obey

Forth to the mighty conflict    In this His glorious day

Ye that are brave now serve Him        Against unnumbered foes

Let courage rise with danger   And strength to strength oppose

 

Stand up, stand up for Jesus   Stand in His strength alone

The arm of flesh will fail you  Ye dare not trust your own

Put on the Gospel armor                   Each piece put on with prayer

Where duty calls or danger                 Be never wanting there

 

Stand up, stand up for Jesus   Each soldier to his post

Close up the broken column  And shout through all the host

Make good the loss so heavy  In those that shall remain

And praise to all around you  That death itself is gain

 

Stand up, stand up for Jesus   The strife will not be long

This day the noise of battle     The next the victor’s song

To him who overcometh                   A crown of life shall be

They with the King of Glory  Shall reign eternally