One of the things I miss most about childhood is the sheer excitement and anticipation I felt about so many things.
I remember the night before Christmas, trying to stay awake just to hear footsteps in the hallway. I miss the butterflies before a new school year or even the simple thrill of a friend coming over to play. I lived each day in joyful expectation—hearts full and eyes wide open.
But these days? That anticipation has been replaced with a lot of anxious waiting. I’ve become a lot more familiar with sleepless nights hoping for answers, the frustration of wanting change but not seeing it yet. The heaviness of wondering when, or if, God will move.
Maybe you know the feeling too? It’s the quiet ache of waiting, the weight of wondering and the whispered question: God…how long?
David prayed those same words in Psalm 13. “How long, LORD? Will you forget me forever?” (Psalm 13:1). It sounds dramatic—until you’ve lived it. Until you’ve pleaded for clarity, reached for peace, and still felt like heaven was quiet.
David knew what it was to wrestle with anxious thoughts in the dark, to carry burdens he couldn’t fix and feel pressed in by fear and still choose trust.
But I have trusted in your faithful love; my heart will rejoice in your deliverance.
—Psalm 13:5
David went through a lot in his life. But in his struggle, he remembered who God was: faithful, generous, always working even when the path felt hidden (v.6).
This is what Lent invites us into. It’s not only about remembering and celebrating our salvation, the best gift we could ever receive. It’s also about the practice of honest surrender, admitting our need, and anticipating our Savior who makes all things right again. Lent gently asks us to acknowledge the places where we’ve depended on ourselves, our control, our comfort, our plans—and return to the God who withholds nothing good from His children.
Psalm 13 gives us the opportunity to pause and ask, What am I trusting instead of His faithful love? What am I reaching for to quiet my anxious thoughts? Where am I fighting battles in my strength instead of His? Does my heart still rejoice in the good news of God’s deliverance?
As we remember the cross and look toward the empty tomb, we breathe again this truth: He is faithful. He is near. And because He is faithful, deliverance is coming.
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170 thoughts on "Psalms 11–16"
So good
Thank you Lord!
Thank you Lord
How real this struggle, to trust the Lord to calm anxiety. Praise God for these words I can take to heart, But I have trusted in Your faithful love; my heart will rejoice in Your deliverance.
Deliverance is coming because He is faithful. ❤️
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Im so grateful the Lord is our deliverer. And that it’s not a one and done experience. He continually delivers us and keeps us!
Love this!
Deliverance is coming. Hope is Jesus. Amen
Amen
Thank you Lord for deliverance!
Amen
Lent feels like learning to ask “how long?” while still saying “I trust You”
That’s definitely it, Alayna!
Amen ❤️
Amen
When reading Psalm 13, verse 3 really stuck out to me for some reason. The line “Restore brightness to my eyes” caught my attention. What did David mean when he asked God to restore brightness to his eyes? I looked at different translations of the verse.
– “Give light to my eyes” NIV
– “Enlighten my eyes” NKJV
– “Restore the sparkle to my eyes” NLT
David was asking God to give him clarity. But when in reading this verse, I also think that David was asking God “Bring back my joy!” He was praying that God would lift his spirits so that he wouldn’t get sucked into depression.
I found commentary by Spurgeon on this verse that hits on this as well: “Lighten mine eyes:” that is, let the eye of my faith be clear, that I may see my God in the dark; let my eye of watchfulness be wide open, lest I be entrapped, and let the eye of my understanding be illuminated to see the right way. Perhaps, too, here is an allusion to that cheering of the spirits so frequently called the enlightening of the eyes because it causes the face to brighten, and the eyes to sparkle. Well may we use the prayer, “Lighten our darkness, we beseech thee, O Lord!” for in many respects we need the Holy Spirit’s illuminating rays.
So now when we are facing times of trial or suffering, we can pray “restore brightness to my eyes” and ask the Lord to bring back our joy and lift our spirits, trusting in his unfailing love.
I also wanted to share that there is an amazing song by Shane & Shane where they turn Psalm 13 into a song. It’s a wonderful song and I encourage you to listen to it.
Thank you, Jackie for digging deeper and sharing your results. I will be praying for God to restore brightness to my eyes and to bring back my joy. I also love Shane and Shane❤️
This is so good Jackie!!
Oh Amy, thanks for sharing your struggle, and for the other She’s for your imput- what a hard, hard battle. adding prayers. Yes indeed, we reach the heavenly realm in such a powerful way when we cry out and pray fervently and often!!
We have been in a season of praying for rescue for our daughter, Eden for 4 years both physically and spiritually. She deals with a chronic illness was and also struggles with substance abuse. She just turned 18 and we had to set boundaries for her not to live at home any longer after her last rehab visit. All of my dreams for her feel like they’re failing. Everything I thought would happen this year, these last 4 years has been upturned. It’s felt like such a long hard road. I’ve been reading daily in the book, Every Moment Holy the liturgy, for those experiencing the death of a dream, “You are the King of my collapse” has been a resounding daily. Not my dreams but Your’s oh Lord. Be near to us all as we walk with Christ in this season of Lent.
Praying alongside you!
Praying for you and your daughter!
Praying for your daughter and your family
Praying for you and you family Amy
I have son with chronic illness’s, Crohns and Guillian Barre, and is also an addict. He is now 45 and we have dealt with these issues since he was in high school. Setting boundaries is so tough but necessary. He has been to rehab a few times and is now on a path that we hope will lead to sobriety. I’m going to check out the book as that was a hard part and still is- letting go of my dreams for him.
God bless you and your family and all those who have children struggling to find their way.
Amy – Posting a day later but hope you see responses and know you and Eden are being prayed for by many who did and didn’t hit reply. I have experienced a similar situation. I cannot speak outcomes into anyone else’s experience, but what I know to be universal is God’s intentionality towards all who are his. I remember spending extensive time, face down, calling down the power of all of Heaven and praying specific/authoritative prayers against the enemy and his influence over my loved one. At the time, she was the same age as Eden. Our prayers are a passport into the Spiritual realm — never believe for a moment they go unheard or forgotten. God holds them close. The enemy hears and is reminded of the limits he is held behind. Pray loud, pray bold and keep the heart and mind that Jesus is for Eden even more than you are. We are behind you praying for healing and the redemption only Jesus brings. The story you are watching unfold may differ from what you planned, but we know God is more in it than any of us can imagine. ❤️
♥️
During our daughter’s 6 year battle with ovarian cancer, I found myself asking the same question as David- “LORD, how long?
It has now been 3 years this month since she passed away and through the grief, I have been able to offer a sacrifice of praise in praying Psalm 16:11 many times as a beautiful reminder of where our sweet girl is-
Sometimes the “how long?” won’t end on this side of heaven but we have the promise of eternal life in Christ someday soon!
Mindy, I am so sorry for the loss of your precious daughter! Your ‘sacrifice of praise’ is an inspiration for us. ❤
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Mindy, your faithfulness is an encouragement to me. I’m so very sorry for the passing of your daughter.
I am so very sorry for your loss ❤️
Reading psalm 13 just spoke directly to my heart and how I have been feeling.. restless nights of wondering how long and God do you hear me. I am so thankful for these psalm because it reminds me how God does not turn away or reject our brokenness but walks toward it with open arms ready to rescue and redeem
He is faithful, He is near.❤️
Psalm 13:5 jumped off the screen at me today before I read the commentary where it was further highlighted. I’ve realised reading this that I am carrying a lot of fear. It is so helpful to name that feeling I have been aware off in the pit of my stomach. I will stand on psalm 13:5, giving this to God and leaning in to trust and peace
Psalm 13 took my breath away today and the devotional felt like it was written just for me. I have been in a season of recurrent pregnancy loss for well over a year now and I find myself anxiously clinging to every anecdote of success or medical protocol that gives me just an inkling of control. Searching for an explanation that I can use to fix it. Constantly researching and spiraling and full of anxiety – I know my God can move but will He? When? I cling to the promise of Psalm 16:5 today in my grief and uncertainty. I’m so thankful for today’s reading meeting me exactly where I am and reminding me of what is true.
Lauren, my heart goes kut to you! Praying God fills your heart with peace and that you will have success in the next pregnancy, God willing! ❤
God willing – Amen, thank you ❤️
Oh Lauren, thank you for sharing your heart, lifting you up in prayer. You are never forgotten, he sees you.
❤️
Lauren M I am sorry to hear this. I have also struggled with infertility in the past. One devotions that helped me immensely was “In Due Time”. I forget the author I will have to look and post tomorrow. I am praying for you !
I will look it up, thank you so much and I’m so relieved to hear the struggle with infertility is in your past ❤️ I hope to encourage others from the other side one day
Lauren, I am so sorry that you are walking through this! My husband and I have also walked this path for many years and I know how draining it is. Praying for peace for you and overwhelming hope when it seems impossible to hope anymore.
Thank you and I’m so sorry you know this pain ❤️
Lauren, Psalm 13 stood out to me today too as we just went through our first pregnancy loss. It was very early but still heartbreaking. Hearing that you hope in the Lord through this is so helpful as I’ve been praying for strength the last few days. Saying a prayer for you today
AG, wrapping you in a hug and praying for peace and comfort for you during this time. I’m so sorry for your loss. This season is the hardest thing I’ve ever endured but I continue to find immense comfort in my faith and knowing ultimately who holds my future ❤️
Lauren, I am so sorry that you have faced such heartache. May the faithfulness and presence of the Lord be near to you, His peace and hope refresh your heart.❤️
❤️
He is faithful❤️
“You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Ps 16:11
Lord, we enter into this Lenten season, would you make note to us the path of life in your fullness of joy? Let us delight as we exercise discipline and lay down the things which so easily entangle us.
“Because the poor are plundered, because the needy groan, “I will now arise”, says the Lord; “I will place him in the safety for which he longs” Psalm 12:5. I just love this promise. What safety do you long for? What does a human heart yearn for when it is weary? Emotional safety (to be heard, to be understood), physical safety (a place to rest without fear), relational and social safety (not being silenced, exploited, or abandoned), peace, joy and spiritual safety (the assurance that our lives are held in God’s hands), and maybe some more. God says He will NOW arise. The NOW stood out, and this is a promise from the mouth of GOD. It’s not delayed. Delayed hope makes the heart sick. He will now rise. Such hope and such timing. I also realized how wrongly I understood peace. Peace is not the absence of storm, but peace is steadiness (through HIM) right in the center of the storm. Sometimes safety is not the absence of civil unrest or danger, but a confidence in knowing that “even though a thousand will fall at your side, ten thousands on your right side, but it will not come near you. You will only look with your eyes and see…” (Psalm 91:7). I misunderstood God’s provision in the same way. I thought provision meant the absence of recession, scarcity, or rising prices. But God’s provision often appears within lack, not outside of it, when the flour and the oil do not run out, even when what remains seems so small. This is the safety He promises. I have a prayer request: Please pray for Canada—for wisdom among leaders and for the preservation of freedom of speech. They are planning to take it away. Pray for unity in the midst of growing divisions, and that policies meant to maintain peace would not silence God’s Truth or conscience. And faith comes by hearing and hearing the Word of God, when the freedom to speak the Word of God is taken away, the very means by which faith is awakened and sustained is taken. A nation that silences truth does not merely lose its voice, it loses its moral compass. Spiritual decline soon gives way to a sure cultural decay, injustice, and fear. If the life-giving words are restrained and forbidden, a down fall is sure. Thank you for praying. Be blessed dear sisters.
“Peace is not the absence of storm, but peace is steadiness (through HIM) right in the center of the storm.”
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“…God’s provision often appears within lack, not outside of it, when the flour and the oil do not run out, even when what remains seems so small.”
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Such true statements; I have seen those truths played out in my own life as well. I have thanked Him on many occasions when my supply appeared to be running out before I could replenish, but lasted until I could buy more.
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Thank you for sharing this wisdom, Mercy! I will be praying for continued freedom of speech for Canada!
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I also thank you for what you said about your hubby/drama, etc., in reply to my study post. I need to consider that angle as well! ❤
As I was thinking of the things I run to instead of God, I thought about what I should fast from this lent season. I usually fast from social media, but I’m praying to see if I should fast from something else.
But I have trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation.
I will sing to the Lord, because he has dealt bountifully with me. – Psalm 13:5-6
Ps 13- how long will you forget me forever… THIS has been a consistent current of thought/emotion for a little while now. Just yesterday I was out-loud asking a similar question to God. The logic and belief of who he is in my mind kind of goes to battle with the emotional confusion that interacts in my heart. A bit of the “I believe in you, so help me with my unbelief”. I have felt just on the outskirts of a lot that God is doing with and through some of the circles of people around me. For some reason, He seems to be leaving me out and I can’t grasp the why. Through scripture and meditation I recenter and feel grounded back in the belief he is up to something, I’m not forgotten, but give it an embarrassingly short amount of time and I’m right back into the “why do you forget me” spiral. But a lot of it boils down to the question I hear in my heart, “do you want my plan, or do you want me?” and if I’m being honest, often times my actions and thoughts indicate I’d rather just have the plan. It is especially tough because my personality is very action-oriented. Which also makes sense why God often doesn’t let me see instruction/plans until they are very close because I am prone to jumping ahead, joyfully yelling, “thanks for the insight! You’re the best!! I’ve got it from here!!” But this wilderness-esque day to day I’m in can be so discouraging. I’m grateful for these Psalms and the great depth of emotion behind them. It just reminds me that from the beginning of time, regardless of how different our lives are lived out generation to generation, we all are living the same human existence that without the love of God and gift of salvation, would be utterly meaningless. Praying for the consistent return of the joy of my salvation and hope that overflows regardless of circumstances and lack of understanding…
Heidi I feel what you are going through. I have been asking the same “why” and “when” questions for so long. It is so hard to be in God’s “waiting room” waiting for your name to be called. But like you, I always fall back on who God is and that helps to change my perspective…until the next time.
Praying for you as you go through this challenging season. ❤️
“…God often doesn’t let me see instruction/plans until they are very close because I am prone to jumping ahead, joyfully yelling, “thanks for the insight! You’re the best!! I’ve got it from here!!”
~
I hadn’t made that connection before, but it’s so true in my life, too. Thanks for sharing your insights.
Same!
Heidi…I do appreciate your vulnerable honesty and your questions that are so relatable. May assuranceed of the Lord’s nearness and presence be close and minister to your heart❤️
“Praying for the consistent return of the joy of my salvation and hope that overflows regardless of circumstances and lack of understanding…”
Praying that for you, too!
HEIDI, I went through my own wilderness several years ago.
“It reminds me that from the beginning of time, regardless of how different our lives … we all are living the same human existence that without the love of God and gift of salvation, would be utterly meaningless.” Keeo clunging to that truth and you will feel the joy again. It is still in your spirit right now; you just don’t feel it because despair is blocking it, but it IS still there! ❤
Psalm 16:11 is one of my favorite verses. I long for the moments where His presence overwhelms me! There truly is no greater joy I have experienced than those moments in His presence. “At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore” every time I read that line, I see Jesus sitting at the right hand of the Father. He is our pleasure, our treasure, our “exceedingly great reward”!
100% this… such great truth ❤️ ❤️
Amen!
It worked there too, CEE GEE (on a post vs. a reply). Thank you! I’ve been out of the habit of checking that box, since it messed up reply options. Maybe if I just proofread better, it wouldn’t need to be an option for me!! I am working harder this year on proofreading my texts. Maybe I should add these posts to my list of things to proofread better!
I checked that box when replying, CEE GEE, and the edit function worked! Of course, now I can’t reply to others, so thank you SEARCHING re: Matt, and CHERYL BLOW, TAMI, KELLY (NEO)and CEE GEE for your comments on my anxiety and sleep.
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Will see if the edit function works on this post. Checking the box…
Try the trick of COMPLETING ALL REPLIES and on the LAST ONE for this period of ‘reading and replying’, CHECK THE BOX. You should be able to go back through your REPLIES to EDIT. Hope that makes sense!
In other words-
each time you open the page to catch up,
POST ALL RELIES you intend to post.
Then, CHECK THE BOX.
GO BACK and EDIT, if necessary.☺☺☺
❤️
I think what I love most about the psalms, especially those written by David, is his complete openness. He was so honest with God, he told it like it was – exactly as he was feeling it in the moment yet not in an ungracious, disrespectful way. And also these songs remind me of just how human David was, he was a sinner just like me, but one made righteous by God, just like me.
He wasn’t afraid to call out, “Help LORD”, or question, “How long LORD”. It didn’t make him any less righteous, but all the more dependent on God’s unfailing love.
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The verse I am going to think on today is Psalm 16:5, “LORD, you alone are my portion and my cup; you make my lot secure.” …What else more could I ask for!
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Just a little side note, Psalm 14 and Psalm 53 are almost exact!
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Happy Wednesday She’s have a beautiful day!❤️
HINT: ADRIENNE asked about the EDIT option on comments. Just to experiment, after I typed my reply to Adrienne, I checked the box to SAVE MY NAME, etc., and the edit option came back on EVERY REPLY I have written today!
Knowing that, I will try to remember to check that box AFTER I have replied to ALL the ones that I want to reply to, otherwise, it will prevent me from replying to more than a couple as we have all experienced.
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I hope that is as encouraging to you as it was for me! Ends a bit of frustration! ❤
I always wonder why my EDIT button is gone. Thank you CEE GEE. You are so tech savvy to notice these little tips and tricks.
yes, I have accused her of being tech savvy before ❤️
SEARCHING, you are such an encourager! See my reply to Mercy; it goes for you, too! ☺❤
How generous of you, Mercy! I am so far from being tech-savvy, but I am curious and tenacious! hahaha
These verses keep coming up in a couple of my studies.
“The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot. The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance. You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”
Psalm 16:5-6, 11 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/psa.16.5-11.ESV
He is our portion and He hold our lot. I have a beautiful inheritance!!
No matter what happens, we can hold on to this! God’s got us!!
Praying for all!
Today is Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent.
In my faith tradition it is customary to receive from a priest the symbolic imposition of ashes in the sign of the cross on the foreheads. Ashes from the burnt palm fronds of the Lent past. A visible sign of our connection to Christ.
This solemn act always reminds me of the Joni Mitchell song from the seventies, “Woodstock” (work with me here!) where the chorus is
“We are stardust. We are golden.
And we got to get ourselves
Back to the garden”.
We are spiritual beings, molecules assembled by the mind of God, gathered by His Grace, clothed by His hand in human flesh.“Remember that you are dust,
and to dust you will return.
Over the next 40 days
we follow Christ to the cross
of our salvation.
“When I look at the night sky
and see the work of your fingers –
the moon and the stars
you have set in place –
what are these mortals that you should
care for us?”
Psalm 8:3-4.
❤️
❤️✝️
Thank God I Do by Lauren Daigle
.I’ve seen love come and
I’ve seen love walk away
So many questions
Will anybody stay?
It’s been a hard year
So many nights in tears
All of the darkness
Trying to fight my fears
Alone, so long alone
I don’t know who I’d be if I didn’t know You
I’d probably fall off the edge
I don’t know where I’d go if You ever let go
So keep me held in Your hands
I’ve started breathing
The weight is lifted here
With You, it’s easy
My head is finally clear
There’s nothing missing
When You are by my side
I took the long road
But now I realize
I’m home with You, I’m home
I don’t know who I’d be if I didn’t know You
I’d probably fall off the edge
I don’t know where I’d go if You ever let go
So keep me held in Your hands
I don’t know who I’d be if I didn’t know You
I’d probably fall off the edge
I don’t know where I’d go if You ever let go
So keep me held in Your hands
You’re my safe place
My hideaway
You’re my anchor
My saving grace
You’re my constant
My steadiness
You’re my shelter
My oxygen
I don’t know who I’d be if I didn’t know You
Thank God, I do
I don’t know who I’d be if I didn’t know You
I’d probably fall off the edge
I don’t know where I’d go if You ever let go
So keep me held in Your hands
I don’t know who I’d be if I didn’t know You
Thank God, I do
❤️
I will probably say this many times during this study – I love Psalms. Such rich, relatable, identifiable words that deeply resonate to every emotion we may feel. There is plea, petition and praise. It is so easy to “find myself here”, but more importantly to find our wonderful Savior here. He is where we find hope, help, a refuge, our safety, strength, peace, mercy, grace, forgiveness, His faithful presence, His justice, and great joy (for the Bible Recap readers, Psalm 16:11❤️).
I love verses 5 & 6 from chapter 13….’But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I sing to the Lord, for he has been good to me.’ These are verses of praise, but the question todays writer posed, caused me to pause, “Does my heart still rejoice in the good news of God’s deliverance?” On the surface, yes, but on this Ash Wednesday, do I truly feel the weight and gift of that? Or have I forgotten the great gift of sacrifice and salvation that a sinner like me has been given. I need to reflect and rest on this today as we step into the day Lent begins.
Such great comments from yesterday – I’m having trouble keeping up with reply/ responses. Have prayed for requests as I read through. I just want to mention and add a plug for the podcast. I find it is always so beneficial with great teaching and insight and such a fantastic additional resource. For those that mentioned Psalms can be a struggle perhaps the thoughts there will be helpful in your approach? Also a couple people mentioned that we are reading so much each day and it makes it hard to really meditate. I find it helpful to not only read the chapters but also listen on audio(I use You Version),coming back to it through out the day if I can.
Blessings on your day sisters. So grateful you are all here.❤️
❤
He’s where the joy is!
:) ❤️
❤️
Amen
As Abby mentioned the excitement of times growing up; I too miss those days. I have such good memories. Carefree. Todays society feels heavy. What’s good is bad and what’s bad seems good to many.
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I’m am thankful that we have a Savior that carries us through. That provides comfort when we most need it. Protection against opposition. And peace during such trying times.
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Simply put Psalm 16:2 “You are my Lord; I have nothing good besides you.”
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Psalm 16:11 You reveal the path of life to me; in your presence is abundant joy; at your right hand are eternal pleasures.
❤
Those carefree days were nice for sure, but I don’t think I’d choose to go back if I could because then I’d have to go through all the times in between then and now – and that would be rough!
Psalm 16:5 & 11 were the verses I highlighted today.
Have a beautiful day! ❤️
❤️
ABBY FLYNN- I could have highlighted 90% of your empathetic devo!!! Thank you so much for sharing and encouraging on this subject!!!
Abby said, and I give a hearty amen:
“It sounds dramatic — until you’ve lived it. Until you’ve pleaded for clarity, reached for peace, and still felt like heaven was quiet.
David knew what it was to wrestle with anxious thoughts in the dark, to carry burdens he couldn’t fix and feel pressed in by fear and still choose trust.”
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pleaded for clarity
reached for peace
felt like heaven was quiet
hmmm, my life for too many years to count, BUT GOD is SOVEREIGN – I am only human – who am I to question Him?
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Standout verses for me today:13:5-6, 15:1-3, 16:8 and 11.
Psalm 13:5-6 NLT
5 But I trust in your unfailing love. I will rejoice because you have rescued me.
6 I will sing to the Lord because he is good to me.
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Psalm 16:11 NLT-
11 You will show me the way of life,
granting me the joy of your presence
and the pleasures of living with you forever.
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SONG SHARE- EVEN IF by Mercy Me-
MercyMe – Even If (Official Lyric Video)
✨✨✨
Love, hugs, and prayers! ❤
“It sounds dramatic—until you’ve lived it. Until you’ve pleaded for clarity, reached for peace, and still felt like heaven was quiet.” This resonated with me to Cee Gee! So many times I can recall feeling the silence of heaven and wondering…. Thanks for sharing, have a blessed day! ❤️
❤
“It sounds dramatic — until you’ve lived it” – 100% i love this too. It reminds me not to misjudge when someone (hubby) got so dramatic over their things. I repent Lord. I don’t know their pain. Thank you CEE GEE for the song.
❤
Amen
I love the MSG version of Pslam 16:11.
Now you’ve got my feet on the life path,
all radiant from the shining of your face.
Ever since you took my hand,
I’m on the right way.
oh yes, I like that so much! “Ever since you took my hand, I am on the right way!” I must repeat that today at jail ministry. It still can look so bleak to them…but hold his hand!!
Reading in different versions can often make the verse more clearer and easier to understand. I hope that it helps you to love the psalms more – as you mentioned on Sunday.❤️
Amen. Thank you for being near Lord.
David’s anxious words often mirror those of my own! May we continually remember that peace is a promise You keep, O Lord.
Thank you Jesus
The weight of the evil in this world has been heavy on my mind and heart lately. These verses gave me such comfort knowing that this feeling of the unrighteousness ‘winning’ and the good ‘losing’ has been a theme and a burden on people since the fall. And the overwhelming message I’m seeing here is, but God.
Libby, these were my feelings exactly. Such a beautiful relief in that “But God….”
That struck me also!! How what is UNGODLY is sold as good / kind / peaceful and GODLY is bad / oppressive/ backwards / etc…
PSALM 12
6 The words of the Lord are pure words,like silver refined in an earthen furnace,purified seven times
7 You, Lord, will guard us;
you will protect us from this generation forever
8 The wicked prowl all around,
and what is worthless is exalted by the human race.””
**
Another verse that struck me (…it stands out differently in the CSB version)
was: “I will provide safety for the one who longs for it.” which made me think of Jesus asking the lame man by the Pool “Do you want to be made well?” (John 5:6)
so agreed. It is so backwards, I am so glad the word tells us to expect this in this age! I cling to that truth..God sees, and will judge. We must stand on his word,and we will be a small remnant, and that is such a great comfort.
I, too, have felt this weight lately, Libby!
In preparation for Lent I have been praying fervently for peace in my soul regarding the state of our country and world. Then I remember that this is nothing new for God’s people and I need to lean in even closer.
But God.
I as well felt the same feelings of our crazy world right now.
Completely agree Libby!
He is faithful. He is near. And because He is faithful, deliverance IS coming.
Me too.
The heart of Psalms 11-16 woven into the Lord’s Prayer.
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Our Father in heaven,
You reign from Your holy throne; You see and examine every heart.
When foundations shake, help us trust in You.
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Hallowed be Your name.
Purify our words and our hearts.
Rise and defend the needy; make us truthful and just.
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Your kingdom come, Your will be done.
Search us and remove any foolishness within us.
Teach us to walk with integrity on Your holy mountain.
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Give us today our daily bread.
You are our portion and our cup.
Let us be content in You above all else.
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Forgive us and make us faithful.
Guard our lips from deceit and our lives from compromise.
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Lead us and deliver us.
When we cry, “How long, Lord?” anchor us in Your steadfast love.
Be our refuge and our hope beyond the grave.
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For Yours is the kingdom.
You show us the path of life.
In Your presence there is fullness of joy.
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Amen.
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Amen. Thank you for this❤️
So good!!
I needed this today. Thank you, Kimberly!!
Amen! Beautifully written. Thank you for sharing this.
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AMEN
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Thank you, Kimberly! I love the idea of weaving scripture into the Lord’s prayer as Jesus wove scripture into His teachings. ❤
Beautiful
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Amen
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❤️ so good sister
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❤️!!!!
I love this!
❤️ Amen
Good morning, Shes.
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Feels like were are rushing through these psalms as there is so much to meditate on!
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Psalm 15 gripped my heart today. With only 5 verses, it is a good gut-check for reflection and confession.
Have I slandered with my tongue?
Have I harmed a friend or discredited my neighbor?
Do I despise the one rejected by the Lord and honor those who fear the Lord?
Have I kept my word whatever the cost?
Have I lent my silver at interest or taken a bribe against the innocent (used my treasure in unrighteous ways)?
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By Your grace, Lord, may I live blamelessly, practicing righteousness, and acknowledging the truth in my heart.
Yes Kelly – me too! I’m not sure I like my answers to some of those questions!
I also feel like we are just trying to read as many as possible to read the whole book. Not sure if I like this way.
It does seem like the speed read..I am glad the theme stays strong through them all! But God!
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Yes Kelly these verses hit me too- I fall short everyday yet I am relying on the grace of God to make me new each day!!! Thanks for sharing!
This too convicted me!
I hear ya, Kelly! Very sobering questions, for sure! I find encouragement in this note and verse:
From the NIV APPLICATION BIBLE:
No one can live up to this standard. Where, then, do we turn for hope (see 2 Co 5:21)?
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2 Corinthians 5:21 NLT
21 For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.
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PRAISE GOD from Whom ALL blessings flow! ❤
“No one can live up to this standard. Where, then, do we turn for hope (see 2 Co 5:21)?
2 Corinthians 5:21 NLT
21 For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.”
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Thank you Cee Gee for this reminder!
Good questions to ponder – especially that first one – ouch!
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Warren Wiersbe said this in his Psalm 15 study – “Psalm 15 is not a prescription for being saved, but a description of how saved people ought to live..” I thought that was a good summation.
Have a blessed day! ❤️
I felt rushed too.
In Him is fullness of joy! Only Him!!!
My verses for today from Psalm 16: “Lord, you are my portion and my cup of blessing;
you hold my future…I will bless the Lord who counsels me – even at night when my thoughts trouble me. I always let the Lord guide me.” Let me always look to you Lord!
Psalm 16:11 was my verse for today too! ❤️
“He is faithful. He is Near”. Amen!
KIRA H – praying for Harper! The stress of the situation, compounded by a several month wait for treatment, wow. Praying for parents and med team, knowing God is with them in the waiting.
ADRIENNE – thank you for the Matt update, love that his personality is shining through in the midst of everything going on. Continuing to pray.
MERCY – “They openly dismiss divine justice, God’s judgments are “far above” them, not because God is absent, but because the wicked refuse to see.” Thank you! And for the reminder that what we say (and for sure, how we say it) has an effect on the listener – not neutral, always build up or tear down.
FOSTER MAMA – praying for this little one’s strength of faith
TAMI – praying for your mission team
Adding my prayers to the above as well.
Thank you ❤️SEARCHING and KELLY(NEO) ❤️
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SEARCHING – apologies!
I typed my reply to Kelly under her post and have no clue how it posted here! ❤❤❤
Praying
Thank you SEARCHING for being so faithful in prayers ❤️
Adding my prayers as well!
My verses today: Lord, You are my portion and my cup of blessing; You hold my future. I will bless the Lord who counsels me – even at night when my thoughts trouble me. Ps 16:5; 7
Can’t we all relate to how things were easier, simpler, more joyful when we were very young! Snow days were a fun break from school with sledding and snowball fights – now they are falls or car accidents waiting to happen! The anxieties of ‘grown up’ life become real and troublesome. Today, Father, may we like David remember that even in the seasons of waiting You are still close, working and faithful!
These were my verses too today and including verse 8. “I always let the Lord guide me. Because he is at my right and, I will not be shaken.” The psalms often mention God being at our right hand and that visual has helped me in times of stress, just picturing Jesus at my right hand, even holding my hand.
Today’s reading reminded me how kind the book of Psalms is. The Psalms don’t rush past fear, doubt, or waiting. They give us language for all of it. But they also gently keep pointing us back to who God is.
One thing that stood out to me today is how often the psalmist brings everything to the Lord instead of away from Him. Questions, frustration, trust, praise, all of it. That feels like helpful wisdom for this season. We don’t have to clean up our emotions before we pray. We just bring them.
O so true!
That is good! So true!
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The Good News Translation says it this way… verses 5-6
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I rely on your constant love;
I will be glad, because you will rescue me.
I will sing to you, O Lord, because you have been good to me.
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Knowing what I know, knowing WHOM I believe in, TRUSTING the One true GOD, these words from David, remind me of wedding vows, promises made and promises received.
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I make this declaration, my own ‘Psalm’ now..
Lord God, I will rely on your constant, faithful through the ages, love, and trust that because of this unconditional love, covered in your mercy and grace, you will, as you have promised, indeed, rescue me.
Because of that, I will sing, I will shout, I will dance, I will rejoice, for I see your goodness, your generosity and kindness to me every day..! EVERYDAY!
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Thank you Lord God..
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Thank you..
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Thank you.
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BUT GOD.
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Happy Wednesday my peeps! Wrapped in much love and hugs and absolutely covered in prayers, continued as requested or otherwise..❤️❤️❤️
AMEN.
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Amen!
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Hey… what happened to the edit function on posts? I just noticed it was missing. Maybe it has been gone a while. (Thankfully I opened and closed my parentheses on my last post… I hate it when I mess that up!)
Before I even read Abby’s devotion, I was really honing in on Psalm 13. I feel like Psalm 13 was written just for me. I am dealing with some anxiety right now (and sleep eludes me… can you tell… 1:30 am, central… ugh!), and not relying on the One that could take care of it, you know?
May you be able to let Him carry your load tonight and rest in peace
So so true!
Ha ha – that was meant for someone else which goes back to your point about the edit! Adrienne. Praying that tonight you will find restful sleep and that you are able to surrender your cares to the Lord!
Praying for peace and that you are able to bring that anxiety to the feet of Jesus! Easier said than done! Sometimes I have to do it over and over!
So sorry, Adrienne! Praying for better rest tonight as you ‘rest’ in those verses throughout the day! No worries over typing mistakes! I am very familiar with those no matter how well I proof, especially when my eyes are blurry like they are this morning. ❤ HINT: Just to experiment, after I typed my reply I checked the box to remember my name, etc., and the edit option came back on EVERY REPLY I have written today! Knowing that, I will try to remember to check that box AFTER I have replied to ALL the ones that I want to reply to, otherwise, it will prevent me from replying to more than a couple as we have all experienced.
By the way, I use a Kindle.