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A Sheep’s Journey Through Psalms -68

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Psalm 68: Celebrating Our Triumphant God

Dear friend in Christ, as we open our hearts to Psalm 68, we’re invited into a vibrant song of praise penned by David. This psalm bursts with energy, painting God as the mighty Warrior, compassionate Father, and ultimate Savior. From a Christian perspective, it echoes the victory of Jesus Christ over sin and death, reminding us of His ascension and the gifts He pours out on His people (as Paul references in Ephesians 4:8). Let’s walk through this psalm, section by section, allowing its truths to warm our souls and draw us closer to the Lord. May it inspire you to rejoice in God’s unchanging character today.

God’s Triumphant Rise and Care for the Vulnerable (Verses 1-6)

The psalm opens with a powerful invocation: “May God arise, may his enemies be scattered; may his foes flee before him” (v. 1). Here, David calls upon God to act decisively against evil, likening the wicked to smoke blown away or wax melting in fire (v. 2). Yet, amid this judgment, the righteous are called to “be glad and rejoice before God” (v. 3), finding joy in His presence.

What a comforting picture! God isn’t distant—He rides on the clouds, worthy of our songs (v. 4). As Christians, we see this as a foreshadowing of Christ’s return in glory. But notice the tenderness: God is “a father to the fatherless, a defender of widows” (v. 5), placing the lonely in families and leading prisoners out with singing (v. 6). If you’re feeling isolated or burdened today, let this warm your heart—our Heavenly Father sees you and provides a spiritual family in the church. He turns rebellion’s barrenness into abundant life through Jesus.

God’s Faithful Provision in the Wilderness (Verses 7-10)

David recalls Israel’s history: “When you, God, went out before your people, when you marched through the wilderness” (v. 7), the earth shook, and heavens poured rain (v. 8). God refreshed His weary inheritance with showers and bounty, providing for the poor (vv. 9-10). This echoes the Exodus, where God led with a pillar of cloud and fire, sustaining His people. For us in Christ, it’s a reminder that Jesus is our Good Shepherd, guiding us through life’s deserts. When trials feel overwhelming, remember: God doesn’t just rescue; He refreshes and restores. Lean into His provision—He who gave manna in the wilderness gives us the Bread of Life (John 6:35).

Victory Proclaimed and Shared (Verses 11-14)

“The Lord announces the word, and the women who proclaim it are a mighty throng” (v. 11). Kings flee, and even at home, the spoils are divided (v. 12). Poetic imagery follows: doves with silver wings amid scattered kings like snow on Zalmon (vv. 13-14). This celebrates God’s conquests, where victory is so complete that even the resting share in it. In Christ, we proclaim the ultimate victory—the cross defeated sin, and the resurrection scattered death’s forces. What joy! Whether you’re in the fray or at rest, God’s triumph is yours to share. Let this encourage you to tell others of His goodness.

God’s Majestic Reign and Ascension (Verses 15-18)

Mount Bashan envies the mountain God chooses (vv. 15-16), but God’s chariots are countless as He comes from Sinai to His sanctuary (v. 17). “When you ascended on high, you took many captives; you received gifts from people, even from the rebellious” (v. 18).This verse is quoted in Ephesians 4:8 regarding Christ’s ascension, where He led captives (us from sin) and gave gifts to His church. How warming to know our Lord ascended victoriously, pouring out the Holy Spirit and spiritual gifts! No matter your struggles, God’s reign is eternal—He dwells with us forever.

God Our Burden-Bearer and Savior (Verses 19-23)

“Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens” (v. 19). He saves from death and crushes enemies (vv. 20-21), promising to bring foes low (vv. 22-23). In Jesus, this finds fulfillment—He bore our burdens on the cross, saving us from eternal death. If heaviness weighs on you, cast it on Him (1 Peter 5:7). Our God isn’t just powerful; He’s personal, daily sustaining us with grace.

The Joyful Procession of Worship (Verses 24-27)

David envisions a procession: singers, musicians, young women with timbrels, tribes like Benjamin and Judah praising in the assembly (vv. 24-27).This foreshadows the church’s worship, where all nations gather before the Lamb (Revelation 7:9). Join the parade! In your daily life, let praise flow—it’s a warm invitation to experience God’s presence collectively.

A Call for God’s Power and Global Submission (Verses 28-31)

“Summon your power, God; show us your strength” (v. 28). Kings bring gifts to the temple; beasts are rebuked, nations humbled (vv. 29-30). Egypt and Cush submit (v. 31). From a Christian lens, this points to the gospel’s spread—nations bowing to King Jesus. Pray for His kingdom to come, and find warmth in knowing His power works in you too, strengthening His people.

Universal Praise to the Awesome God (Verses 32-35)

“Sing to God, you kingdoms of the earth” (v. 32), to Him who rides the heavens and thunders (v. 33). “Proclaim the power of God… You, God, are awesome in your sanctuary” (vv. 34-35).The psalm crescendos in praise, affirming God’s majesty over Israel and strength to His people. As believers, we echo this: Praise be to God! In Christ, we’ve tasted this power through the Spirit.

Beloved, Psalm 68 isn’t just ancient poetry—it’s a living declaration of God’s heart for you. Let it warm your devotion, stirring gratitude for Jesus, our ascended King. May you rise today, scattering doubts, rejoicing in His care.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, arise in our lives! Thank You for being our Defender, Provider, and Savior through Christ. Help us proclaim Your victory and live in Your strength. Amen.

A Sheep’s Journey Through Psalms -19

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A Devotional on Psalm 19: The Glory of God’s Creation and Word

Psalm 19 is a radiant hymn that lifts our eyes to the heavens and our hearts to the holy Word of God. Penned by David, this psalm unfolds like a vibrant tapestry, weaving together the splendor of creation and the perfection of God’s law. Let us step into its vivid imagery and find inspiration for our souls, grounded in a perspective that holds fast to the authority of Scripture and the majesty of our Creator.

The Heavens Declare His Glory
David begins, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands” (Psalm 19:1). Picture a dawn breaking over a rugged mountain range, the first rays of sunlight painting the peaks in hues of gold and crimson. The vast expanse of the starry night, like a cathedral of light, preaches a sermon without words, testifying to the infinite power and artistry of God. Every sunrise, every constellation, every rolling thundercloud is a brushstroke on the canvas of creation, shouting, “There is a God, and He is glorious!” This is no accident, no cosmic fluke. As Christians, we affirm that the universe is the handiwork of a purposeful intelligent design, crafted by the One who spoke it into being (Genesis 1:1). The heavens don’t just whisper; they proclaim. Day after day, they pour forth speech (v. 2), inviting us to stand in awe of the Creator who set each star in its place. When we gaze at the night sky, sparkling like diamonds strewn across velvet, we are reminded that our God is not distant or detached—He is the sovereign Lord who sustains it all.

The Sun Rejoices in Its Course
David paints a vivid picture of the sun: “In the heavens God has pitched a tent for the sun… It rises at one end of the heavens and makes its circuit to the other” (vv. 4-6). Imagine the sun as a mighty champion, bursting forth like a bridegroom from his chamber, eager to run his race across the sky. Its golden rays pierce the morning mist, warming the earth, coaxing life from the soil. Nothing escapes its heat, just as nothing escapes the reach of God’s presence. This is a God who rules with power, whose creation obeys His command, and whose glory fills every corner of the earth.As believers, we see in this imagery a call to worship. The sun doesn’t stray from its path; it follows the course God has set. So too must we run our race with faithfulness, trusting the One who orders our steps (Hebrews 12:1-2). The world may tempt us to wander, but Psalm 19 reminds us to stay fixed on the path God has laid out, radiant with purpose and joy.

The Perfection of God’s Word
Then, David turns from the heavens to the law of the Lord, and the imagery grows even richer. “The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul” (v. 7). Picture a weary traveler in a parched desert, stumbling upon a crystal-clear spring. That first sip of cool water revives, restores, and renews. So it is with God’s Word—perfect, without flaw, and life-giving. In a world muddied by relativism and fleeting trends, Scripture stands as an unshakable rock, a beacon of truth that never fades. David piles on descriptors like treasures in a storehouse: the statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, the precepts are right, the commands are radiant, the fear of the Lord is pure, the decrees are firm (vv. 7-9). Each phrase sparkles like a polished gem, revealing the multifaceted beauty of God’s revelation. His Word is sweeter than honey dripping from the comb (v. 10), more precious than gold gleaming in the firelight. For the Christian, this is a clarion call to cherish Scripture as the inspired, inerrant Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16). It is not merely a guidebook but a divine compass, pointing us to righteousness and warning us of sin’s hidden snares (v. 11).

A Prayer for Purity
David closes with a heartfelt plea: “May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer” (v. 14). Imagine standing before a holy God, your heart laid bare like an open book. David longs for his thoughts and words to reflect the purity of the One who created the heavens and gave the law. This is our prayer too. In a culture that celebrates self-expression over submission, we are called to align our lives with God’s truth, trusting Him to cleanse us from hidden faults (v. 12) and keep us from willful sins (v. 13).

Inspiration for Today
Psalm 19 invites us to live with eyes wide open to God’s glory and hearts surrendered to His Word. When you step outside today, let the sunrise or the starlight remind you of His majesty. When you open your Bible, drink deeply from its truth, letting it refresh your soul. And when you face temptation or doubt, cling to the Rock and Redeemer who never fails. The God who painted the heavens and penned His perfect law is worthy of your trust, your worship, and your life.

Prayer
Heavenly Father, Your creation sings of Your glory, and Your Word lights our path. Help us to stand in awe of Your power and to treasure Your truth above all else. Cleanse our hearts, guide our steps, and make our lives a pleasing offering to You, our Rock and Redeemer. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

A Sheep’s Journey Through Psalms -3

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Devotional on Psalm 3: Trust in God Amidst Adversity
Scripture: Psalm 3 (ESV)
A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son.
1 O Lord, how many are my foes! Many are rising against me;
2 many are saying of my soul, “There is no salvation for him in God.” Selah
3 But you, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head.
4 I cried aloud to the Lord, and he answered me from his holy hill. Selah
5 I lay down and slept; I woke again, for the Lord sustained me.
6 I will not be afraid of many thousands of people who have set themselves against me all around.
7 Arise, O Lord! Save me, O my God!
For you strike all my enemies on the cheek; you break the teeth of the wicked.
8 Salvation belongs to the Lord; your blessing be on your people! Selah


Reflection: A Cry of Confidence in Crisis
Psalm 3, penned by King David during one of the darkest moments of his life, offers a timeless testimony of trust in God amidst overwhelming adversity. Historically, this psalm is rooted in the rebellion of David’s son Absalom, as recorded in 2 Samuel 15–18. Absalom’s betrayal, coupled with the loss of support from many of David’s people, left the king fleeing for his life, his heart heavy with sorrow. Yet, in this moment of despair, David’s faith shines as a beacon of hope, inspiring Christians throughout the centuries to cling to God when enemies—whether physical, spiritual, or emotional—surround them.
Historical Christian Perspective
Early church fathers like Augustine saw Psalm 3 as a profound expression of Christ’s own suffering and trust in the Father, especially during His passion. Augustine, in his Expositions on the Psalms, interpreted David’s cry as a foreshadowing of Christ’s victory over sin and death, noting that the “enemies” represent the forces of evil that Christ ultimately defeated. Similarly, John Calvin, in his Commentary on the Psalms, emphasized David’s unshakable confidence in God’s protection, viewing it as a model for believers facing persecution or trials. For Calvin, the psalm teaches that God’s deliverance is certain, even when circumstances seem hopeless.


Meditation: God, Our Shield and Sustainer
David begins with raw honesty: “O Lord, how many are my foes!” (v. 1). His enemies are not just numerous but vocal, mocking his faith by declaring, “There is no salvation for him in God” (v. 2). These words echo the taunts faced by early Christians under Roman persecution and resonate with believers today when the world questions the power of God in their struggles. Yet, David’s response is not despair but a bold declaration: “But you, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head” (v. 3). Here, David recalls God’s covenant faithfulness, a truth that sustained the early church and reformers like Luther, who faced their own “Absaloms” in the form of opposition to the gospel.
The image of God as a shield evokes the protective armor of a warrior, surrounding David on all sides. For Christians, this points to God’s providence, which guards us not only from physical harm but also from the spiritual assaults of doubt and fear. The phrase “lifter of my head” suggests God’s tender care, lifting the downcast soul to look to Him in hope. As the 4th-century bishop Ambrose wrote, God lifts our heads to behold His glory, reminding us of our dignity as His redeemed people.
David’s confidence is further displayed in verses 4–5: “I cried aloud to the Lord, and he answered me… I lay down and slept; I woke again, for the Lord sustained me.” In the midst of danger, David finds peace enough to sleep, trusting God’s sustaining power. This resonates with the testimony of martyrs like Polycarp, who, facing death, rested in God’s faithfulness. For us, it’s a reminder that true peace comes not from the absence of trials but from the presence of God.
Finally, David’s plea, “Arise, O Lord! Save me, O my God!” (v. 7), is both a cry for deliverance and a statement of faith in God’s justice. The early church saw this as a prayer fulfilled in Christ’s resurrection, where God “struck” the enemies of sin and death. Verse 8, “Salvation belongs to the Lord,” became a cornerstone for theologians like Aquinas, who taught that salvation is wholly God’s work, not ours. This truth liberates us to trust God fully, knowing His blessing rests on His people.


Application: Trusting God Today
Like David, we may face moments when enemies—whether external opposition, internal doubts, or spiritual battles—seem overwhelming. Psalm 3 invites us to follow David’s example: acknowledge the reality of our struggles, yet turn our eyes to God, our shield and sustainer. Reflect on a current challenge in your life. Can you, like David, cry out to God and rest in His care, trusting that He will lift your head? Take time to pray, thanking God for His protection and asking for courage to face your “foes” with confidence in His salvation.


Prayer
Heavenly Father, You are our shield and the lifter of our heads. When enemies surround us and doubts assail us, help us to trust in Your unfailing love. Like David, may we find peace in Your presence and courage in Your promises. Thank You for the salvation that belongs to You alone. Bless Your people with hope and strength today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.


Closing Thought
As the Puritan Thomas Watson once wrote, “God is a shield to His people, not only keeping off the enemy’s darts but also giving strength to bear them.” Let Psalm 3 remind you that no matter how many rise against you, God is greater, and His salvation is sure. 

A Foundational Truth

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Foundational Truths

Many times, whenever I preach or write on various subjects, someone will invariably say, “why don’t you just preach Jesus? No Old Testament stuff, just preach Jesus.” My answer to them? No one can know Jesus Christ as He really is if you only know Him as the Redeemer of the New Testament. We must preach Jesus as He truly is – all of Him – or we preach another Jesus than the Bible speaks of.

Jesus was Creator before He became Redeemer or Savior. He became our Savior dying on the cross and rising from the grave on the third day because of mankind’s sin. Much, if not all, of that sin is mankind’s rejection of God’s Word, the denial of Him being the Creator. One truly “preaches Christ” when he first of all preaches Him as Creator.

The great message of Christianity is that the just shall live by faith, speaking of them that believe, to the saving of the soul. But what is this saving, living faith? The faith of which Hebrews speaks of is outlined in chapter 11. It is the faith of Abel, offering an acceptable sacrifice. It is Enoch’s faith, pleasing God in obedience. It is Noah’s faith, believing and acting on God’s Word. It is the faith of Abraham, stepping out on God’s promises. But, first of all, it is foundational faith. It is the faith by which “we understand that the worlds were framed by the Word of God so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear”, Hebrews 11:3.

Any meaningful faith for salvation must be founded on God’s special creation of all things. The saving gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ is founded on creation. The very last reference to the gospel in the Bible is found in Revelation 14: 6-7: “And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,  Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.”

The angel has the everlasting gospel and its message is for people to worship the One who made heaven and earth and the sea and the fountains of water. The gospel is much more than the cross and the resurrection, it also includes the coming kingdom and God’s great creation. Without creation, the gospel has no foundation and no logical end. The gospel is the good news that Jesus came to save who? Those who were made in God’s image on the earth and who are now marred by sin. What is the end purpose? So that mankind will live with God and enjoy Him forever in His Kingdom. Death first entered God’s finished creation when Adam sinned. Now that Christ is risen, the last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.

In 1 Corinthians 15, Paul is seeking to assure young Christians at Corinth of the validity of the gospel. He preached to them that which they had believed. In verses 3-11 Paul stresses the witnesses to the resurrection of Jesus. In verses 12-19, Paul says, because Jesus rose from the grave it guarantees a future resurrection to all who have hope in Christ. But then, Paul goes further, In verses 20-28 he says that Jesus’ resurrection restores man’s lost estate, reverses the consequences of Adam’s sin, conquers all enemies of God and destroys death itself. In verses 29-34 Paul says this promise not only gives assurance of eternal life, but strength for godly living and triumph over persecutions and opposition. And then, in verses 35-49, Paul ties it all back to creation.

Everything is tied back to creation. Biological, physical, human – all aspects are discussed. Every individual creation of God has been designed with its own marvelous structure for its own divine purpose, as it pleased God to make it like He did. Since each individual creation is distinct it could not have “evolved” from any other.

I am so amazed at so-called Christians who accept as fact Christ’s resurrection from the dead but not the Genesis record of creation in 6 days. Jesus said, “from the beginning of creation God made them male and female,” speaking of mankind. Not after 18 billion years of cosmic history or 4 ½ billion years of earth’s evolution but on day 6.

Psalm 115:16 tells us the very purpose of earth’s creation was that it should be a home for the children of men. A person cannot believe Christ’s words and reject Moses’. Listen to Jesus in John 5:46-47, “For had you believed Moses, you would have believed Me, because He wrote of Me. But if you believe not his writings, how will you believe My words?” In the book of Revelation, Jesus says, “I am the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end.”

The Apostle Peter, not too long before his martyrdom, wrote a remarkably prophetic passage about the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries. Listen to the words of 2 Peter 3:3-6,

“Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers walking after their own lusts saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? Since the fathers fell asleep all things glorifying God continue as they are from the beginning of creation.” For this they willingly are ignorant of – that by the Word of God the heavens were of old and the earth standing out and in the water; whereby the world that was then being overflowed by water perished.”

Scoffers arise, those who dismiss the Bible as fairy tales or myths, denying special creation. They replace sudden, special creation by God with uniformity and evolution. They willingly deny a universal flood. Anotherwords, they will deny the Genesis account of creation and the flood and in doing so deny the truth of John 1:3, 1:10 and Hebrews 1:2 which state that God created the world through Jesus Christ.

Creation is a non-negotiable doctrine. What a person believes about creation, about the origins of the earth and mankind, will influence what they believe about the meaning and purpose of life. So many of the great founding fathers of science knew this. Kepler, Galileo, Pascal, Newton, Boyle, Breuster, Faraday, Kelvin and others believed that they were glorifying God as they probed and discovered His marvelous works.

Understand this, belief in the Genesis account of creation is necessary for a correct understanding of who Jesus is as the Bible presents Him. To believe in another Jesus, one who did not create the world in 6 days, one who did not create man in His image, one who is not Lord over creation because you believe He was not the Creator, is to send yourself to hell.

Salvation is found in the Jesus of Holy Scripture, not the Jesus of one’s imagination. Salvation is found in believing in Jesus as He is presented in the Bible, not as we wish He was presented. He is either the Creator Lord or He isn’t. You cannot straddle the fence on this issue. The New Testament simply will not allow it. From the Gospels to the letters of Peter, Paul, and John, Jesus is clearly presented as the Creator Lord.

At the beginning, I said that many times I am asked, “Why don’t you just preach Jesus?” I do. I do preach Jesus. I preach Him creating the world in Genesis as part of the Godhead. I preach Him throughout the Old Testament sustaining the world He created. I preach Him in the New Testament redeeming the world He created. I preach Him in Revelation coming back to claim the world He created. What Jesus are you preaching?