Book IV
Book IV is a response to the despair of Book III. With only two psalms attributed to David, this section anchors the worshiper outside the reign of David, all the way back to creation, the exodus, and the early history of the nation of Israel.
Every summer, my church pauses its curriculum to study the book of Psalms, and I clearly remember one of our teaching pastors describing Psalm 103 as a sandwich. Psalm 103 begins with a call to worship and concludes with a call to worship. But the meat inside the sandwich is all the many ways God loves and cares for His people. The three different psalms from our reading struck me in this way: when I recount God’s enduring and saving love, my only response is to praise.
Unfortunately, we are more like Israel who “did not grasp the significance of [God’s] wondrous works or remember [His] many acts of faithful love” (Psalm 106:7).
We can talk easily about the things we love: a new beauty product, a movie we saw, or a podcast we listened to. Many of my conversations involve me excitedly recounting a recent episode of my favorite reality show or a book I have just finished. Yet, how often am I talking about God’s goodness? How often am I intentionally remembering and sharing the ways He cares for me?
Psalm 106 describes all of Israel’s forgetfulness and rebellion toward God. As I read through it, it doesn’t sound much different from how I rebel against God. Do you see it too? We exchange the glory of what God has given us for temporary satisfaction. We doubt His promises when things don’t go according to our plan. When we forget God, we fall prey to despising Him because we are blind to all the ways He protects and cares for us.
In Psalm 103, David recognizes this human frailty: “As for man, his days are like grass—he blooms like a flower of the field; when the wind passes over it, it vanishes, and its place is no longer known” (Psalm 103:15–16). Then gives credit to the only One who could save us from our flawed state. “But from eternity to eternity the LORD’s faithful love is toward those who fear him” (vv.17).
God’s faithfulness presses on. We couldn’t possibly count all His mercies. We deserve the crown of thorns but instead God gives us a crown of “faithful love and compassion” (v.4). There are so many reasons to praise the Lord.
When we are walking in relationship with God, seeing His wonder and works, then we will not fall into temptation to forget Him. We will see our sin and His holy works and find ourselves filled with praise. Instead of only talking about our favorite new trend, we will tell of His endless love for us.
Leave a Reply
48 thoughts on "God Cares for His People"
Takeaways from today’s reading:
• I loved reading Psalms 105 and 106 which reflects back on parts of Genesis and Exodus, especially since we just read Exodus together.
• Psalm 105: God is faithful to remember and keep His covenants (v8-11); God will test my character like He tested Joseph’s character, He doesn’t waste pain, there is hope in the suffering and trials we face (v19); God provides in ways we don’t always expect (v40)
• Psalm 106: How amazingly bold Moses was here, compared to when he first talked to God through the burning bush! He stepped in and pleaded with God for mercy for his people, when God had every right to be angry with the Israelites’ constant rebellion. (v23)
Our Bible study group started up again last night after a 6-week hiatus. How wonderful it was to be in fellowship with believers. Today’s reading reminded me of that, as we each shared with one another on the past 6 weeks and how God worked in each of our lives during that time. I long to reflect on God’s goodness constantly, not just within our circle and with you sisters in Christ, but also with my husband who is still searching, and other people I encounter during my days here on Earth. It brings me joy to “count it all joy” knowing that God uses our testimony, all of the struggles we face, not only to build our character but to show others His glory as we overcome and thrive through the challenges we encounter. As Christians, we are not immune to hardship. But knowing there is a purpose to our pain, and that God sees us through it all and is there to carry us through it in His strength, is incredibly comforting.
Krystle, thank you! Praise God. Will keep her in my prayers for a while. She’s had a rough start!
❤️
Loved reading an account of God’s faithfulness to Israel, despite their sin. Blessed be the name of the Lord!
The app isn’t showing a devo but it is on the website.
My study Bible has this highlighted in the margins “Hard hearts lead to judgment and unrest, but worship leads us to jot and eternal rest”!! Sisters I pray that we spend more time on gratitude than grumbling! Let’s remember how the Israelites were in Exodus and how God still delivered on His promises!!!
So thankful that God is faithful in all of his promises. He loves his people and never stops pursuing them. ❤️
Yesterday the Lord did something amazing for me. As I scrambled to print my son’s name on the sticker label for his school supply list, the printer stopped. Maybe the roller could not pick up paper from the tray, and the error light was on. And I am not a mechanic oriented person by any means. I did all I could, googling manual, trouble shooting advice from the printer’s website, none worked. I prayed and tried again. Nothing. It was a mini crisis. I was on my way to read about a new HP printer on sale on Staples website, calmed myself in the process as this name labels were required the next day, and here we were on Labour day, what to do, fast forward, an hour later, it suddenly worked again. So don’t give up if something does not work at first. It worked just like nothing happened, and that saved me a ton of legwork of running around alone with 3 kids. God came to my rescue. Glory be to the Lord. There are moments small or big that God comes to our rescue, because He cares about the quality of our day, He cares about the positive emotions His touch will bring, He cares about our mental health. Remember the Lord when you hit an obstacle. He cares. And even if it doesn’t work just yet (the way we want), He is still worthy. “It is well with my soul”. Be blessed dear sisters.
“My soul, bless the Lord, and all that is within me, bless His holy name. My soul, bless the Lord, and do not forget all His benefits.” May this be my prayer each day, all day! Amen.
Many of your comments as well as the the Scripture and devotion have really helped me today. I’m having to process a lot. I’m turning it all over to God, Christ and the Holy Spirit.
Sisters, be blessed and turn EVERYTHING over to God, Christ and the Holy Spirit.
Cristina, yes Elaine updated us on Saturday I believe and they were able to stabilize Amber and stop the bleeding thankfully!
In these psalms, we see how God cares for His people.
-Our King forgives His people because of His faithful love and compassion (Psalm 103).
-Our King is faithful to fulfill His promises (Psalm 105).
-Like Israel, we are unfaithful to our King even when our King continues to remain faithful to us, His people (Psalm 106).
Psalm 105-106 is like one big comparison. Psalm 105 shows how God made a covenant to Israel’s fathers and fulfilled that covenant through Joseph and the Exodus. Psalm 106 shows Israel’s response to God’s faithfulness. They were unfaithful to Him by rebelling against Him.
Book IV shows me that we must worship our Eternal King by being faithfully obedient to Him. Our loving obedience is in response to His faithful love and compassion toward us. However, when we disobey and stray from His ways, we can praise Him and thank Him for His merciful and gracious forgiveness.
❤️
Bless the Lord o my soul, and do not forget HIs benefits. Reminding myself today of all the things he has protected me from since I was a small child. He never leaves us. His love is everlasting. No performance needed on my part, HE just loves me❤️
Good morning . I have been traveling the last 2 weeks( it was a wonderful time) and have not kept up with the reading program. The last time I was in this space there was an inquiry about my recovery from Covid. I apologize. I didn’t not respond. My husband and I are both well and had a speedy recovery. I am committed to catching up on the reading and comments. I’ve missed this daily group and have continued to pray for prayer concerns. Love to you from Illinois ♥️
Has anyone heard from Elaine Morgan about her niece Amber? They were unable to get her bleeding to stop after delivery of twins?
“We can talk easily about the things we love: a new beauty product, a movie we saw, or a podcast we listened to. Many of my conversations involve me excitedly recounting a recent episode of my favorite reality show or a book I have just finished. Yet, how often am I talking about God’s goodness? How often am I intentionally remembering and sharing the ways He cares for me?”
This is so true for me. I can talk about what God is doing in my life with my church friends but struggle sharing that with my unbelieving friends. I have started sharing a little with my my family, so that’s a start. But I want to be able to share what God is doing with everyone, without any hesitation.
Lauren GW- Praying for you, your husband with his PTSD. I used to work with that population and know how difficult it can be. God has you both.
Taylor- praying that your stye heals by the time your beau comes to visit!
Sarah D- Prayers for a good day at work with little to no anxiety.
Abilgail – Praying for your family, specifically your mom that she gets the help that she needs.
Tricia C- Praying for you and your husbands faith.
Kim Z- Praying for you and your dad.
Marianne. I’m not seeing the devotional either. Same screen as you. But the time in thought is still good advice. Lots on my mind and plenty to process. Praying for the requests made today and yesterday!
I’ve marked all through Psalm 106 the sections of Israel’s sin and God mercy, followed by the consequences of the sin. And it’s shocking how he continues to show mercy and forgiveness, and it caused me to be humbled and praise him for it.
GM She’s!
I had to play the song “Great is Thy Faithfulness” after reading Psalm 105! These Psalms are so powerful. Then I played Dante Bowe’s “None Like You,” and followed it up with “I Believe” by Jonathon and Melissa Hesler!
What a beautiful flow of music to worship the Lord of Lords, King of Kings! And I DO BELIEVE, and I will SING of His Goodness!! Bailey had it so right in the devotional of how we talk with such enthusiasm of worldly stuff, but often only proclaim the goodness of God around our church friends. I often want to shout it at the top of my lungs how I love the Lord, but then stay quiet around unbelieving family members.
I too am in a hard boat @ Lori Lackey- And I am not one to be confrontational either, as a matter of fact I was physically shaking, but like you felt like it was time to take a stand. It is So, So hard, but God can turn the impossible around, and I just have to remember that! I am standing on prayer and know God is going to work His goodness. I will certainly pray for your situation and would ask the same. It is for my grandchildren in a toxic family environment that has gone on for years but is gaining momentum to implode.
Praying for all you teachers trying to do your best for our kids. I pray there is a teacher or counselor that can help my grandson in his hard situation. And I pray that you teachers here will be able to recognize struggling kids that have no one to turn to and be that Godly woman to hear them and love them. You have such an overwhelming but powerful position, God be with you all!
Have a great day.
I agree Churchmouse, so often it is not until after I see God’s faithfulness, yet He was there all along. May we see Him in the midst of it as well. God is always there I’m just not always looking.
Today we head back to our homeschool co op for a brand new year! I also teach a class, this year of sweet 8-10 year old girls, and one brave boy. Out motto is “To know God, and to make Him known!” How timely to be walking through Psalms as I have been preparing my heart and home for this new year of all new ways to know God, and to make Him known: to myself, my own family, and the sweet souls entrusted to me this year. It is an honor, and I am really looking forward to it! I love the newness of September, the hopes for new learning, new growing, and a season of structure and routine. I will be reading Psalm 105:1-4 to start our day together and would love prayers over the first day, and some new families joining in the fun this year!
Blessings of knowing God and making Him known, Friends!
I have been working on memorizing Psalm 103 for a long time- it is so good for helping me focus on God’s character when I pray. Michelle Patire- thank you so much for your comment and prayers for me yesterday. I don’t post often but it’s so encouraging to know that someone in the body of Christ that I have never met is willing to pray specifically for me. Lehua, thank you for your prayers as well. I will pray for your husband.
In the app, there was no devotional side for me to read after the verses. I was able to read it easily on the She Reads Truth website.
The Lord pardons, heals all diseases, redeems life from destruction; He pours out on you His faithful love and compassion. Nothing else provides the kind of fulfillment or satisfaction that comes with a right relationship with the Lord. ❤️
That is all I can see too.
Amen
Bless the Lord, oh my soul (Psalm 103:1). God truly cares for us. He blesses us in the very breath of our lungs as our life is supported by His power. Bless is from the Hebrew root “brk” meaning “health-creating power”. To bless is the act of making a binding verbal pronouncement of good (LBD). To bless the Lord is to declare He has the health-creating power we need and want. It is a declaration of confidence from my spiritual essence (my soul) that His health-creating power is the light that shines in me and gives me all I need. And, no darkness can overcome it (John 1:5). I carry this truth, and it sets me free from being bound by anything in this world. I can do all things by His health-creating power. He blesses me, us, with His loyal love from everlasting to everlasting (Psalm 103:17). When hard things rise against me, I can bow low to my Creator, quietly, in humility (not weakness), for this is where the light grows brighter and I become stronger. The darkness of hard things can do none other than retreat in the face of the light. One tiny flame of a candle is enough to give light to a room full of darkness. To a person filled with darkness. To my doubt. Father, bring your light to these hard things we face. Give us this day our daily bread (Jesus). Light dispels the darkness every time. To bless is to bring light and health-creating power through worship, praise, or prayer. So today, I bless the Lord with my soul. I open my hands and heart to receive His life giving power. I pray for blessings upon my heart and yours. Selah. Maranatha. Amen and amen.
Amen!
I look to the past and I see God’s faithfulness. It’s often only in hindsight that I can see His goodness in the very hard times.
I look at my present and I see God’s faithfulness. His provision and care surrounds me. The Lord is my Shepherd.
I look to the future and know He will be faithful. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. He delivers on all His promises. I look ahead to spending eternity with Him and all believers. The Lord is faithful and true. He is my peace and my hope.
Amen!!
I am in awe that even with all of my sin, God is faithful in love. I have been hovering around a family crisis, so much is going on… I don’t generally like to confront and definitely don’t like to rock the boat, but it is time to do just that. God has been so faithful, so why do I fear the hard stuff? Todays scripture is balm for my broken and weary soul.
I can only see the tip of the iceberg of God’s goodness. My 16 year old daughter has been experiencing a lot of health problems for the last few years. We have seen many doctors with just a little improvement. We are seeing a rhunatologist for the first time this Thursday. I’m praying God will continue to work our His plan, but not just for her health, but for her to see God at work. There are so many things she has faced the last few years that have been heartbreaking and frustrating, but I’m praying its Gods plan unfolding. He certainly plays the long game. When I get frustrated or feel hopeless, I have to look back on the amazing things he has done in my life to love me, build a relationship with me, and show me he is always there.
Back to work today! Prayers appreciated for peace, and for God to open doors to new jobs. Prayers for perseverance as anxiety tries to overwhelm me. Remembering that God is with me and that he defines me.
I feel like this season is drawing me into deeper dependence of God for His strength to get through each day. Clinging to the truth that God protects and cares for me and will not give me more than I can handle. I will praise His name for bringing me through each day’s hurdles and for providing in the daily.
If I could ask for more prayer, I’m developing a stye above my R eyelid and I’m praying it goes away before the guy I’m talking to flies in on Thursday. I’m trying to hot compress it as much as I can when I’m not working. Thank you sisters and have a blessed day <3
There are endless reasons to praise the lord!
Psalm 105:4 Seek the Lord and His strength, seek His face always. There are times where I decide to seek everything else except for the only One that I need to. I go to the world, instead of my Savior. I am (slowly) learning that my Father in Heaven wants all of me-the good, the bad and the ugly.
So well stated. Amen
Psalm 105:4 Seek the Lord and His strength, seek His face always.
Rejoicing with you!
Thank You Father for the grace provided through the Blood of Jesus! YOUR faithful love endures FOREVER! Amen
“Our fathers, when they were in Egypt,
did not consider your wondrous works;
they did not remember the abundance of your steadfast love,
but rebelled by the sea, at the Red Sea.” Psalm 106:7
When I come to an obstacle in my life, do I fret? Or do I approach God, asking him for his aid and trusting him to care for my needs? Do I wait for him to open up a path, or do I rush ahead according to my own wisdom?
Great insight!!
“The Lord is faithful yesterday, now, and always.” He is so worthy of the praise due His name. May we never forget all that He has done, but when we do, may we turn back here, to Scripture and to this moment, to see all the great things He has done. May we turn here to be reminded of His enduring faithfulness and His promises of faithfulness yet to come. He is good. He is gracious. He is faithful. Father, help us to never forget.
I must share with you how good and gracious God has been just in the last week. There is a little bit of a back story. My youngest daughter had her first child on April 8, 2020, which was right at the beginning of the lockdown in Georgia. The baby was fine and is now a healthy 2-year-old, but his birth was a horrendous experience for all of us. She was in labor for almost 36 hours and then had to have a c-section. Wyatt ended up in the NICU for 5 days and Sara had to come home without him. When she got pregnant again there was a lot of fear and anxiety.
But God… y’all, He answered every prayer I prayed with a resounding “Yes!”. We prayed that Sara wouldn’t have to have a c-section. She was able to deliver the baby. We prayed for a short, uneventful labor. She was only in labor for about 8 hours. We prayed for a strong, healthy baby and Marjorie Jane was born at 2:04 am Sunday, August 28 with a headful of black hair and weighed in at 8 lbs. 4 oz. Mom and baby got to come home Monday afternoon. My husband and I got to be there to help with Wyatt and the baby for the first week of her life.
I am so thankful to God for His goodness and gracious to me and my family. I will not stop singing His praises!
Have a blessed day, sisters.
Like Israel we are so easily distracted from looking to our faithful, longsuffering Lord. My we be quick to repent and return to Him with praise on our lips.
LAUREN GW – thankful for your husband’s service. I’m sorry for his ongoing battles. PTSD is so difficult to manage. Praying the Lord will give you His strength to persevere. Praying your husband will have a breakthrough and begin moving toward healing and a sound mind.
K SWENSON – praying that your PTSD has become more manageable too.
JULIE ROBERSON – praying for your daughter’s battle with PTSD as well.
LAUREN GANNON – praying your husband has found ways to cope too.
Talk about seeing God’s wonders and works…today is the first day our kids come back to school! What an amazing place to be; to see the kids, feel their excitement and their fears, to see how they have grown over the summer-it surely is a privilege and blessing to work in the school. Please keep us all in your prayers, dear sisters. Prayers for the staff, the parents, and most certainly the students! ❤️ Have a blessed day!
Daily I fall down but I am so thankful that God knows my heart and does not deal with me as I deserve. “He rescued them many times…..relented according to the abundance of His faithful love” Psalm 106:43. So should I be with others, who am I to judge? Lord, please help me to have more of Your compassion and forgiveness to others.
Have a blessed day everyone ❤️