Weekend Psalms

Psalm 126: The God Who Restores

2011-06-03T08:00:00.000-07:00

The weekend Psalm for:
June 4-5.2011
Read Psalm 126 from the English Standard Version
(Link Opens In a New Window)

The Big Idea
It has been just a couple of weeks since Joplin, MO, was decimated by a massive tornado. The day afterward, a dear friend who grew up in Joplin posted the following on Facebook: "Has anyone heard from Faith Dunn."

First off, I had no idea who Faith was. I had never met her. Somehow, just knowing that she was among the missing personalized the damage and destruction. I followed her story simply because one of my friends knew her. I watched as the number of missing went from 100, 43, 29, 17, 9, and finally down to zero. I learned of her death through Ozark Christian College's Facebook page.

In times like this--when a whole community faces such suffering and destruction--it's time to hang onto God. There is the promise here, that God is the one who will restore our fortunes.

Meditation
So, what about Faith? What about destruction, and the loss of things that will never be restored? I think it is fair to say: I just don't know, and still trust in the God created all, and is redeeming things, even now. In a culture obsessed with acquisition and success, these are hard truths.

The promise of the God who restores our fortunes is best seen in the life of Faith Dunn. Now, her fortunes are restored, far beyond our feeble imaginings. While God cares about our day to day wellbeing, it should give us pause to consider that the ultimate restoration of fortunes will come when those whom Christ has redeemed step out of time and into eternity.

This weekend, consider the fragility of your own life, and the indestructibility of it. God is not only the source of our fortunes, he is the only one with the power, ability, compassion, and grace to restore them fully.

Praying With This Psalm
You can pray scripture prayers for yourself or for others.

Father God, may your blessing, your good gifts, put shouts of joy and praise into _______'s mouth.
Oh, Lord, may ______ see you at work restoring their fortunes. May they put all of their hope in you.
Almighty God, as ______ is now sowing tears in their life because of some great loss, by your grace and faithfulness, may they reap joy. Again, Lord, may those who weep reap a harvest of joy.

Related Scriptures and Scripture Prayers

2 Corinthians 9:10. Righteousness is the crop...
Lord God, may _____ remember that all of your gifts are intended to bring about a harvest of righteousness, to your glory, and not to ours.
James 3:18. Sow peace...
Almighty God, may it be said of ______ that they are a maker of peace, that they sow peace. May they reap a harvest of rightousness because of your grace and faithfulness.
I Peter 5:10. The final restoration...
Father God, may _______ remain faithful to you through the times of struggle and suffering, confident that you will restore them and lift them into Christ's eternal glory.

(Some Rights Reserved, CC-BY-NC, 2011). L. J. Sam Helgerson, PhD

Sometimes, Life Happens

2011-05-21T14:20:00.000-07:00

My apologies for not posting for the last couple of weekends:

The weekend of the 12th, Blogger was down. I set aside three chunks of time to work on my post, and it was down during all of them
The next week, I was involved in the funeral and memorial for a dearly loved uncle.

Thanks for your patience. Weekend Psalms will be back soon.

Psalm 96: Credit Where Credit is Due

2011-05-06T06:00:00.000-07:00

The weekend Psalm for:
May 7-8.2011
Read Psalm 96 from the English Standard Version
(Link Opens In a New Window)

The Big Idea
I was a literature student when I was in college the first time (long story, nevermind). I remember reading things, typically poems, that included the byline: "Ascribed to John Donne" or some other such literary character. That word, ascribe shows up in this Psalm.

Bonus Information: I take the view that learning is mostly about learning how better to praise God. That's the point.

So, what does ascribed mean? In the literary sense, it means something to the effect of "the author didn't specifically sign his work, but given what we know, we know who the author is, so we are giving them the credit that is due them." The phrase ascribed to takes up way less space on a page.
The author, then, gets credit, and is the source. It is the same with this Psalm. Ascribe to the Lord glory and strength. He is worthy of glory and strength, and he is the very fountain from which glory and strength flow. He is the source.
This Psalm reminds us that God is both the Giver and the Claimer, the Creator and the Redeemer, the Recipient and the Source.

Meditation
God created all things, all creation, so shout his praise. He created us to to seek glory and strength for ourselves, but to seek His glory and strength. All of creation awaits that day when God gets all the glory that he is due.

This weekend, consider how much of your life and blessings you have ascribed to God. He is, indeed, the source of it all. He is, indeed, the only worthy recipient of it all. And all creation sings his praise and waits.

Praying With This Psalm
You can pray scripture prayers for yourself or for others.

Father God, may _________ ascribe all to you. May they see you as the source of all good things, and may they give you the glory you deserve.
Oh, Lord, may ______ know what it means to rejoice because they know you. May they fear you, love you, and turn to you.
Almighty God, show ______ how to worship you in the splendor of holiness.

Related Scriptures and Scripture Prayers

I Corinthians 10:31. One purpose in all...
Lord God, may everything that _____ does be done to bring glory to you.
Romans 8:19. All creation waits...
Lord God, all creation waits for the return of Jesus Christ and the revealing of your Children. May the desire of ______ be, first and foremost, to be your child.
Ephesians 1:19. True greatness...
Father God, help _______ to know the greatness of your power, and may they experience that through faith in you.

(Some Rights Reserved, CC-BY-NC, 2011). L. J. Sam Helgerson, PhD

Psalm 66: Bless The Lord

2011-04-29T06:00:00.000-07:00

The weekend Psalm for:
April 30-May 1.2011
Read Psalm 66 from the English Standard Version
(Link Opens In a New Window)

The Big Idea
Many times in my life, I've laid down, flat on my back, staring up at the night sky. People rave about crystal clear nights, but I always thought that partly cloudy nights were even better. Clouds, perhaps backlit by a waning moon, gently traverse the sky, obscuring a star here, a galaxy there.
There is something hypnotic and appealing about staring into that unfathomable void. But behind the appeal, there is the terror: The haunting awareness of my own insignificance.
Staring into space will take you in one of two directions: Either to despair, or to worship. The plan--God's sovereign grace at work--was that it would draw us to worship.
This Psalm reminds us the God is greater than His creation. We are insignificant. We are not in control.

Meditation
When all is still, all of creation shouts in praise to God. You can hear it, if you watch for it; and yes, I mixed that metaphor on purpose. The sounds of creation show us his Glory, the sights of creation shout his amazing Holiness. And all creation shouts his praise.

This weekend, consider your own response to God. There are a lot of unusual terms in this Psalm, at least by the standards of modern life, words like sacrifice, vows, and burnt offerings. Those were never really the point, anyway. The real point is the heart. Are you, day by day, living a life that says "I will tell you what he has done for my soul." Let this Psalm serve as a barometer of your own spiritual state. And be thankful that God's faithfulness is not based on how we feel or who we are, but on who we belong to, deep in our hearts.

Praying With This Psalm
You can pray scripture prayers for yourself or for others.

Father God, may _________ see all the good that you have done for the Children of Man.
If there is any pride in ______'s heart, may they allow you to purge it, and may they remember that your eyes are on them at all times. May they know that they are never out of your care, or out of your reach.
Oh, God Most High, remind ______ that when the hard times come, that these are times of refining. They are for their good. May ______ turn to you and know the place of abundance that flourishes only under the gracious rule and reign of Jesus Christ.
Almighty God, give _______ the peace and comfort that you have not rejected them, or withdrawn your steadfast love. Give them the assurance that they can receive that blessing by turning to you in repentance.

Related Scriptures and Scripture Prayers

Romans 1:19-20. Without excuse...
Lord, may ______ clearly see that your eternal power and divine nature has been clearly revealed.
2 Timothy 2:19. God knows. God always knows...
Lord God, thank you for knowing those who are yours. Thank you for the fact that your people are the ones who depart from iniquity. May those things be true of ______, and may that be the obvious character of their life.
I Corinthians 6:19-20. Bought with a price...
Father God, when we know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, we need to remember the price you paid. Help _______ know that they have been bought with a price, and give them the ability to honor you in what they do, and how they live. Remind ______ that living right before you does not gain us any points with you, but it is a way we can express our gratitude for saving us from the burden of our sin.

(Some Rights Reserved, CC-BY-NC, 2011). L. J. Sam Helgerson, PhD

Easter Weekend

2011-04-22T06:00:00.000-07:00

Psalm for Easter Weekend, 2011
In honor of Easter Weekend, a different kind of post.

This weekend commemorates the turning point of all history, in fact the turning point of all creation. It marks the fulfillment of the promise, and the starting point for the best news ever.

Here's a link to what has become my favorite Easter song. Miriam Jones (from Canada, now in the U.K.) sings it.

http://miriamjones.bandcamp.com/track/chase-me

When you click the link, you'll also need to click the Play button (black arrow, white background) on the page. The lyrics to the song are below the "Share" heading.

Have a wonderful, joyful Resurrection weekend. God's grace is truly amazing, and redemption is an indescribable gift. I owe to Jesus Christ more than I can fathom, and my hope is that you can say the same. Rejoice in that this weekend.

Psalm 36: Two Paths, Two Destinies

2011-04-15T06:00:00.000-07:00

The weekend Psalm for:
April.16-17.2011
Read Psalm 36 from the English Standard Version
(Link Opens In a New Window)

The Big Idea
Where is your heart? Who are you, really? What is your heart really like?
This Psalm ought to be troubling: The first stanza is brutal. Let me paraphrase for you: Do you listen to transgression, or to God? Everyone has listened to transgression--we know its voice. Well.
We know what it is to flatter ourselves, we know what it is to cook up schemes, we know what it is to stir up trouble and deceit.
If you want to respond by saying that does not describe you, I know this. You are either delusional or lying.
The promise, though, is one of redemption. There is hope. In the midst of all the evils in my heart, the Love of God is greater.
Know God. Turn from evil.

Meditation
Weigh your heart. Where do your "heart voices" come from?
Be terrified at this: In your certainty of your goodness, you may be flattering yourself. Soak in that. Then repent.
The Psalm then offers some of the most beautiful, comforting words in all of Scripture, with the promise that God is where we can take refuge (even from ourselves and our sinful hearts). Repentance--turning from sin and toward God--puts you squarely at the heart of His steadfast love. He is a God who makes, and keeps, his promises.

This weekend, consider your heart. Where does it stand? What is the source of its voices, its drives, its motives, and its actions? Take time to pray for someone you care about, and pray that God will allow them to take an accurate inventory of their own heart, and that God will respond with the Steadfast Love He has promised.

Praying With This Psalm
You can pray scripture prayers for yourself or for others.

Father God, I ask that you show _________ the real state of their heart, that they will turn from evil and turn to You. Gently uncover their real motives, show them their need for you. Bring your mercy to them, because of your great mercy.
I pray, Father, that _______ will see your faithfulness all around them. Only by your grace will their eyes be opened.
Almighty God, may ________ seek shelter under your wings. May they dwell in your house, feast at your table, and drink from your rivers of delight.
Lord God, I thank you that continue your steadfast love to those who know you. Make that true of ______'s life. May _______ be found among the upright of heart.

Related Scriptures and Scripture Prayers

1 John 3:1--What God's Love is All About...
Lord Jesus, show ____ that the Love of God is the kind of love that will not allow us to stay as we once were. Demonstrate that it is that kind of love that draws us to be Children of God.
Luke13:34 -- Under His Wings...
Lord Jesus, may ____ know that it has always been your heart to bring people under the shelter of your wings
John 14:6 -- Way, Truth, Life...
Almighty God, may _____ turn to you in repentance, and may they realize that the only way to come to you is through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Savior and Lord. In all of their seeking, may they find him to be The Way. In all their questioning, may they find him to be The Truth. In all their hopelessness, may they find him to be The Life.

(Some Rights Reserved, CC-BY-NC, 2011). L. J. Sam Helgerson, PhD

Psalm 6: Through the Hard Times

2011-04-08T06:00:00.000-07:00

The weekend Psalm for:
April.2-3.2011
Read Psalm 6 from the English Standard Version
(Link Opens In a New Window)

The Big Idea I know someone--someone young--who has lost seven friends over the past 18 months. Accidents, shootings, disease, suicide: The way these young people died is a laundry list of all the things that are wrong with the world. And, incidentally, all the things that Jesus died to set right.
The Psalmist puts words around that kind of pain: How long, oh, Lord? How long? I'm weeping, I'm hurting, I'm in the midst of "clinical depression" (look at verses 1-3 and 6-7 if you doubt my interpretation).
At the end, though, there is hope. God has not abandoned you. The Psalmist knew that, claimed that and put hope that one day, all would be set right.

Meditation
Where do you stand? This Psalm is relational--a reminder that though you are facing difficult times, you can stand on the proven faithfulness of God. There is also the reminder, here, that some have chosen to live outside of that relationship with God. They are the evil ones, the enemies of God, and the enemies of God's people.
This weekend, consider your own life and your relationship with God. Just because things are hard, friends are dying, things seem hopeless, does not mean that we are alone. Clinging to God through the dry times depends not on your abilities, but on the promise that God is holding on to you through those times as well. Take time to pray for someone you care about who needs to know the God who is Faithful.

Praying With This Psalm
You can pray scripture prayers for yourself or for others.

Father God, I ask that you hear the cries of _________ and that you will comfort them in their struggles with the hard stuff of life.
I pray, Father, that you will help ________ endure, knowing that you alone have the answer to the "how long?" question.
Almighty God, If there are areas of ________'s life that evil and rage hard against You and against others, I pray that you will show them, and give them a desire to know you, oh Lord.
Lord God, I thank you that you uphold the righteous and accept their prayer. Make that true of ______'s life. May _______ know you faithfulness and may you sustain them.

Related Scriptures and Scripture Prayers

2 Corinthians 12:9--Jesus is enough.
Lord Jesus, let ____ know you and learn that your grace is sufficient to carry them through. May _____ boast of your strength even when they are painfully aware of their own weaknesses.
Jude 1:20-21 -- Keep yourselves in the love of God.
Lord Jesus, help ____ to keep themself in most holy faith, and to be in-tune with the leading of your Spirit. May _____ keep themself in the love of God, and cling to the mercy that You alone provide.

(Some Rights Reserved, CC-BY-NC, 2011). L. J. Sam Helgerson, PhD

Psalm 125: Is You Is, Or Is You Ain't

2011-03-24T22:17:00.000-07:00

The weekend Psalm for:

March 27-28, 2011

Read Psalm 125 from the English Standard Version

(Link Opens In a New Window)

The Big Idea
A certain insurance company has used the advertising slogan "Get a Piece of the Rock," along with a picture of the Rock of Gibraltar. Gibraltar is the southernmost tip of Spain, at the narrow isthmus between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea.
How solid are you? This Psalm asks that question. If you are one of God's people, you are far more solid than the Rock of Gibraltar. Trusting in the Lord provides a level of stability, perseverance, and confidence that is beyond the understanding of those without faith.

Meditation

A challenge awaits in this Psalm. A prayer that God will turn toward the righteous, and away from the unrighteous. In includes a fearful promise that "the scepter of wickedness shall not rest on the land of the righteous," unless the righteous "stretch out their hands to do wrong." This Psalm weighs the heart, and draws us to ask the question: Where do I stand? Am I one of the righteous?

This weekend, take inventory. Remember, as Christians, we are saved by grace, so this is no time to be setting up rules to follow. This is a time to assess the condition of our hearts, and our willingness to lay them bare before the God who loves us beyond all measure.

Praying With This Psalm

You can pray scripture prayers for yourself or for others.

Father God, may _________ put their trust in you. May they stand firm in their faith.
Almighty God, you have promised us that you surround us. Make _______ aware of your protection and your presence.
Lord, by your grace and mercy, protect _____ from the desire and tendency to stretch out their hand to to evil.
Lord Jesus, may _______ be found upright in their heart. This happens not by their effort, but by your grace. May _______ not be found among the evildoers who fall out of your favor.

Related Scriptures and Scripture Prayers

John 15:6-7 -- Same criteria...
Lord Jesus, it is only by abiding in you that we have hope. May ______ abide in you and know your provision. May they not turn from you and know desolation.
1 John 5:18 -- The promise of protection...
Almighty God, you have promised your protection for those who are born of God. May this be so of _______.

(Some Rights Reserved, CC-BY-NC, 2011). L. J. Sam Helgerson, PhD)

Psalm 95: All Together, Now...

2011-03-18T06:00:00.000-07:00

The weekend Psalm for:

March 20-21, 2011

Read Psalm 95 from the English Standard Version

(Link Opens In a New Window)

The Big Idea
What a week. Japan lies shredded by what insurance companies might call an "Act of God." When we have so many questions, this Psalm reminds us of the Goodness of God. Even in the midst of heartbreak and unbelievable suffering, He is worthy of our praise. Even when we don't feel like it. Even when we can't find the words to defend God from accusations of those who do not know him.

Meditation

Familiar phrases come up in this Psalm. Words like "Rock of my Salvation," "the sea is his," and "we are...the sheep of his hand." The Psalm begins in praise, but ends in a warning. Don't be like the people who grumbled against God at Massah and Meribah--their short-sighted grumbling earned them nothing but judgement.

This weekend, take time to praise God. Even if you don't feel like it. Enter into God's presence and ask him to reveal his holiness and, yes, his goodness. Rather than grumbling, be intentional about praising him.

Praying With This Psalm

You can pray scripture prayers for yourself or for others.

Father God, may _________ desire to make a joyful noise to praise you.
Almighty God, assure ______ of your goodness, even in the time of trial. By your grace, give them peace, and give them the grace of trusting you when there is no earthly explanation.
Almighty God, you are sovereign. The sea is yours, you made the dry land. May _______ see this and worship you without hesitation and without reservation.
Lord, if there is any bitterness, any grumbling in _______'s heart, grant that he/she may not put you to the text. Change their heart so that it is fully yours.

Related Scriptures and Scripture Prayers

I Corinthians 10:9-11 -- Let this be your warning....
Father God, grant ______ the grace to live before you without grumbling.

(Some Rights Reserved, CC-BY-NC, 2011). L. J. Sam Helgerson, PhD)

Psalm 65: You Trust Him--Whether You Know it or Not

2011-03-11T06:00:00.000-08:00

The weekend Psalm for:

March 12-13, 2011

Read Psalm 65 from the English Standard Version

(Link Opens In a New Window)

The Big Idea
Eero Saarinen, the architect of the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, famously stated: “God is in the details.” It's like he read this Psalm.

God really does work through the details of our lives. This Psalm was written for an agricultural community, reminding the people how God was at work in the day-to-day work of growing crops. Let's not miss this: We may see the store as the final source of our food supply, things really haven't changed that much. We may do all the right things, but ultimately, the growth comes from his hand.

Every day, every meal, every breath, everything that we enjoy—ultimately everything is a gift of God's amazing Grace. Think how vulnerable we are...and tremble.

Meditation

In the Psalmist's eye, the only reasonable response is praise. When times are bad, we must remember that God atones for our transgressions. When we are totally taken up with the perfect holiness and explosive grace of God, we find satisfaction in him. This is a fine place to refer to St. Augustine, who said “Because God has made us for Himself, our hearts are restless until they rest in Him."

This weekend, take time to enter into God's presence and ask him to reveal his holiness and his grace. Take time to consider—do your mornings and evenings (vs 8) shout for joy? Why don't you join the pastures, the wilderness, the hills, the valleys, and the meadows, (vs.12-13) and praise him.

Praying With This Psalm

You can pray scripture prayers for yourself or for others.

Father God, remind _________ that you are the God who hears prayers.
Oh Lord, our Redeemer, assure ______ that you always answer with righteousness. Give them the grace they need to have confidence in your goodness and love.
Almighty God, show ______ that you are sovereign over all things, water, land, and all creation, from here to the nethermost parts of the earth.
Lord, may you soften _______ heart with showers, and turn their heart toward you.

Related Scriptures and Scripture Prayers

1 Corinthians 3:-7.In God's kingdom, growth is up to Him...
Father God, let ____ to recognize that everything is futile without your blessing.
Titus 3:4-5. God's Goodness today...
Lord Jesus Christ, you saved us not because of righteous things we have done, but because of your mercy. May _____ know that reality in their life, and turn to you in repentance.

(Some Rights Reserved, CC-BY-NC, 2010). L. J. Sam Helgerson, PhD)

Psalm 35: Who cares how you feel

2011-03-04T06:00:00.000-08:00

The weekend Psalm for:
March 5-6, 2011
Read Psalm 35 from the English Standard Version
(Link Opens In a New Window)

The Big Idea
In our culture, we're obsessed with self esteem. It's not popular, or even smart, to point out that feeling good about one's self has no connection to being able to function in life. In fact, studies indicate that the people with the greatest self esteem are often delusional about their own abilities: Let's just say that they often have delusions of adequacy.

You may never have thought about this, but the gospel is not about self esteem. Jesus did not die so that you could be self-fulfilled. He died to bring salvation.

This Psalm is God's prescription when the whole world seem to be turned against you. Are circumstances against you? How about people? How about your work situation? God may not choose to fix all that (then again, he might). Either way, we can be sure two great promises. The first is in vs 10: " All my bones shall say, “O Lord, who is like you, delivering the poor from him who is too strong for him, the poor and needy from him who robs him?” The second is near the end of the Psalm: "Great is the Lord, who delights in the welfare of his servants." Nice to know that even in very difficult times, God delights to lift us out of our troubles and do good to us--even in the midst of the jeers of others and the throes of our own self-doubts.

Meditation
Is what you do--the stuff of your life and the force behind your activities driven by feeling good about yourself and gaining prestige in the eyes of others. You can be honest: I too am guilty as charged.

This weekend, take time to consider your own self-assessment, and the pride that often goes along with that. Then, take the time to consider God's assessment of your character, your actions, and the core of who you are. Praise God, grace is at work here, too. He will transform you, if you let him. That's part of what Redemption is all about. Then you will be able to say, with the Psalmist, "I will thank you in the great congregation; in the mighty throng I will praise you."

Praying With This Psalm
You can pray scripture prayers for yourself or for others.

Father God, give _________ the grace of not assessing themselves by how others see them. May they view measure themselves by the yardstick of your Truth.
Oh Lord, our Redeemer, when _____ is faced with malicious people and terrible situations, give them the confidence and calm assurance of your faithfulness.
Almighty God, do not be silent in ______'s life. May they hear from you and know you are active, and that they are not abandoned.

Lord, may _____ know that there is no one is like you,delivering the poor;from him who is too strong for him.May they know that you are great and that you delight in the welfare of your servants."

Related Scriptures and Scripture Prayers

Hebrews 12:7.God's children sometimes face discipline...
Father God, sometimes you disipline us. Help ______ to recognize how challenging times can be used by you to help them grow in holiness and be truly transformed.
1 Peter 3:17. Suffering can have its merits...
Lord Jesus Christ, may _____ know that it is better to suffer for doing good, and not for doing evil.
Matthew 5:10. Suffer for the right reasons...
Father, when ____ is suffering, may it be because they are doing the right thing. Remind them that the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who suffer on its behalf.
(Some Rights Reserved, CC-BY-NC, 2010). L. J. Sam Helgerson, PhD)

Psalm 5: What is God really like?

2011-02-25T06:00:00.000-08:00

The weekend Psalm for:

February 26-27, 2011

Read Psalm 5 from the English Standard Version

(Link Opens In a New Window)

The Big Idea

Do you know anyone famous? Have you actually had a chance to sit down with some celebrity (major or minor) and have a conversation? Chances are good that if you did, and your friends found out about it, they wanted to know the details. They probably asked: "What are they like?"

If your meeting was cordial, you probably described it with the highest praise offered in our society: "He/She is pretty cool," followed by some generic descriptions that would make it clear that this was a significant brush with greatness.

So, are you a Christian? If so, how would you describe God, when someone asks "What's he like?"

This Psalm provides God's self description--the kind of things he might put on a calling card can be found in verses 1-7. Verses 9-10 talk about the character of those who rebel against God. This is not a Psalm of judgement, though--it is a Psalm of comparison. Why would anyone reject God? Why would anyone choose a character contrary to his? The final two verses are a song of praise to God, his character, and the blessings of his favor.

Meditation

This Psalm is another psalm of praise. Think about it. God is:

The God who hears (vs 3);

The God who does not delight in wickedness (vs 4);

The God who does not tolerate evil (vs 4);

The God who cannot tolerate the boastful;hates the actions of the evildoer, destroys those who speak lies, and abhors the bloodthirsty deceivers (5-6)

The God who leads (vs 8);

The God who provides refuge (vs 11)

The God who spreads protection over his people (vs 11)

This weekend, take time to consider God's character, as it is revealed here. So often our view of life hinges on our view of God, and you need to ask yourself this question: "Do I trust God?" No matter what the answer, search your heart and ask God to reveal his true, righteous, holy, and perfect character to you, more and more.

Praying With This Psalm

You can pray scripture prayers for yourself or for others.

Father God, let _________ look to you and find confidence in your character. May they praise you for being a holy, just, and merciful God.
Oh Lord, our Redeemer, grant _____ your refuge and your covering. May they know the comfort of your protection.
Almighty God, may ______ examine themselves to see if they know you and are growing ever more righteous, for if they are growing ever more deceived, selfish, and ruthless. Call ____ to repentence, in your mercy.

Related Scriptures and Scripture Prayers

1 Peter 3:15. Be ready with God's Calling Card...
Father God, your word tells us that when people harden their hearts you give them up to think, and live, separated from you. Oh, Lord God, may this not be true of ______.
2 Tim 1:12. There's an Old Hymn with these words...
Lord Jesus Christ, may _____ know you as the one they have believed. May they be convinced that you will guard what you have entrusted to them until the day when you redeem all things.

(Some Rights Reserved, CC-BY-NC, 2010). L. J. Sam Helgerson, PhD)

Psalm 124: Who Is At Your Side?

2011-02-18T06:00:00.000-08:00

The weekend Psalm for:

February 19-20, 2011

Read Psalm 124 from the English Standard Version

(Link Opens In a New Window)

The Big Idea

Way, way back in the last century, there was a movie called My Bodyguard. I saw it then, and really liked it (I hesitate to recommend it, only because I remember too few of the details). In it, a much-picked on kid befriends the new arrival--a big guy with big muscles and a sketchy past. It doesn't spoil the movie to say that together, they triumph.

Have you ever wanted to have that kind of big guy standing next to you, protecting you, helping you to stand your ground? Someone who could be there to stand up to the work bully, the overbearing professor, the person who just seems to have it in for you?

This Psalm provides God's answer to that need. Curiously enough, it provides it not as a promise--looking forward, but as a reminiscence--looking back. "If it had not been God on our side," it begins, and then presents a litany of all the ways that the situation could have turned out worse.  It is a psalm of hope, based on the proof of the past.

Meditation

This Psalm is another psalm of ascent, and it was sung on the uphill road to Jerusalem, when God's people gathered there for worship. It sings praise to God for his past faithfulness, and the way it leads us to worship in the here and now.

All of worship is built on God's activity in creation, in sustaining creation, and in seeing to the needs of his people. Things don't always turn out the way we want them to, but God's faithfulness gives meaning to all things and all situations.

This weekend, take the time to recount the ways that God has led you, and the ways he has protected you when things could have been much worse. Remember, no matter what the situation, look back to look forward. You will continue to find your help "in the name of the Lord, who created heaven and earth" (vs 8).

Praying With This Psalm

You can pray scripture prayers for yourself or for others.

Father God, let _________ examine their life, and the way you have proven yourself faithful. Remind them that you are the one who is by their side.
Oh Lord, our Redeemer, show _____ your faithfulness in not giving them over to the enemy, and may they know the comfort of having you by their side.
Almighty God, may ______ know that their help is in the Name of the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.

Related Scriptures and Scripture Prayers

Romans 1:28. May God not give up...
Father God, your word tells us that when people harden their hearts you give them up to think, and live, separated from you. Oh, Lord God, may this not be true of ______.
Acts 17:24. Of course God made it...
Lord Jesus Christ, reveal to _____ that you are the maker of heaven and earth. May they know that they are not abandoned. Open their eyes to the truth of your Word.

(Some Rights Reserved, CC-BY-NC, 2010). L. J. Sam Helgerson, PhD)

Psalm 94: Things set right...

2011-02-11T06:00:00.000-08:00

The weekend Psalm for:

February 12-13, 2011

Read Psalm 94 from the English Standard Version

(Link Opens In a New Window)

The Big Idea

It's standard fair in movies, TV, and books. The bad guy has been causing trouble, in comes the good guy to dish out a hungry-man-sized serving of vengeance. Crowds cheer. Roll credits.

This Psalm shows that deep down desire we have for justice. When we see people oppressed--we want vengeance on the oppressors. Think about it: Why has this been an over-arching theme in our media and entertainment. It seems to me that the Psalms resonate with our need to see things set right, and this is particularly true of this Psalm.

I've heard people complain that the Psalms are full of vengeance and violence. Really. So is most prime-time television, and I don't hear anyone whining about that. Yes, there is violence and vengeance here, but that's not what this Psalm is about. It's about the old phrase; "Whose side are you on?"

We want some one to stand up for us when we have been wronged. We want someone to swoop in and save the weak. In this Psalm, God's people have the promise that he will stand up for them, and he misses nothing. I love the image in the middle (beginning at vs 8). The one who planted your ears certainly can hear. The one who formed your eyes can certainly see. Don't be deceived--God is not missing anything: Not the big picture; not the small picture.

This is a Psalm of promise. The assurance that someday, in God's time and in God's perfect understanding, things will be set right. Like last week's Psalm, it demonstrates the truth that God will ultimately see that justice is done.

Meditation

This Psalm is a promise of justice. The problem is, I am often unjust. Often, I have to wrestle with my own heart to keep from taking advantage of others. There are areas of my life--areas that God wants to work on--wherein I am the oppressor. Deep down, I know that the judgement falls on my own head.

In the midst of the talk about vengeance, this Psalm talks about God's discipline. God corrects my ways, to save me from the justice that will come to us all. There is an equation here: Ignore discipline and you will Face judgement.

This weekend, pay attention to what God is up to around you, and look for areas where he is trying to correct your path and mete out discipline. Better to take his discipline than face his wrath. Remember this: "When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul" (vs 19).

Praying With This Psalm

You can pray scripture prayers for yourself or for others.

Father God, let _________ examine assess their own life. Are they among the proud and arrogant who take advantage of those who are weak? Give them the grace and the understanding to repent and turn from their ways and to you.
Oh Lord, our Redeemer, may _____ know the comfort of your discipline, the protection of your vengeance, and the consolation of your steadfast love.
Almighty God, may ______ know what it means to rejoice in you because of your great salvation.

Related Scriptures and Scripture Prayers

Romans 11:28. Some people just don't get it...
Father God, your word tells us that some people harden their hearts so much that they end up being unable to hear your word or see your activities. Oh, Lord God, may this not be true of ______.
Hebrews 12:6-7. Whose kid are you, anyway?...
Lord Jesus Christ, may _____ understand and recognize the Father's discipline, and learn from it. Remind them that you only discipline your children.
1 Corinthians 15:27-28. All things under the sovereignty of Christ...
Almighty God, may ______ put his life under subjection to Christ now, and willingly. May they know your disicpline, and by that, avoid your wrath. May they know you as their all in all.

(Some Rights Reserved, CC-BY-NC, 2010). L. J. Sam Helgerson, PhD)

Back, After a Lengthy Hiatus

2011-02-07T06:00:00.000-08:00

Weekend Psalms is back this coming weekend, after a year-long hiatus. Changes in my work responsibilities and learning my new roles took me away from blogging, but it is time to get back to it.

Join us this weekend as we rejoin the Psalms where we left off.

(You can join our partner site--Great Ridge Station--as well, and already in progress).

Psalm 93: Stronger Than Water

2009-12-18T04:00:00.000-08:00

The weekend Psalm for:
December 19-20.2009
Read Psalm 93 from the English Standard Version
(Link Opens In a New Window)

The Big Idea

My wife and I just spent a long weekend in Iowa. On Monday, we decided to go into Cedar Rapids and meander around in the downtown area. With all respect to Cedar Rapidians, this proved to be a waste of our time.

About two years ago, Cedar Rapids--and most of Iowa--were inundated by flood waters. As we wandered around the skyway system, we found closed stairways and roped-off escalators. In one building, we looked down from a mezzanine to the closed first floor, where windows clearly showed the water-line. It was high on the windows, just under 8 feet up.

Water is strong. Even today, downtown Cedar Rapids is mostly closed up. Offices on upper floors are open, but the first floor retail spaces are mostly abandoned. Just down the road, the Veterans Memorial building is still closed--with hopes of reopening next year.

If you've ever had to deal with water, you know what a force it is. It is heavy (8 lbs per gallon), destructive, and persistent.

This Psalm offers the reminder that when you face troubled waters, God is stronger. The waters rise up, they roar, they thunder--and against that unrelenting force, God reigns. They are no match for his power.

Meditation

Water. We count on Goldilocks Quanities: The just right amount. Too much, and we can be swept away by the flow. Too little, and we face withering drought. Either one can end in death.

Remember, whether the waters of your life are too high, too low, or just right, that God is sovereign over all. His grace abounds.

This weekend, look at the raging waters of uncertainty, and put your hope on God. Look at the dry riverbeds in your life, and put your hope on God. The Lord is Holy, and the Lord is Trustworthy. He is better, and stronger, than water.

Praying With This Psalm
You can pray scripture prayers for yourself or for others.

Father God, may _________ know that you reign, and that you are robed in majesty.
When ______ faces unrelenting waters of difficulty in life, may they rest confidently in the fact that you are stronger than the waves and the tempest.
Almighty God, when the floods overwhelm ______, may they know that you are still in control. May they cry out to you for rescue, but may they also cry out to you in praise.
Lord God, may _____ understand that your decrees are very trustworthy, and that holiness befits your household and your people.

Related Scriptures and Scripture Prayers

Ephesians 6:14. Tighten your belt...
Lord, just as you wear strength as your belt, you have given your people to wear truth as their belt. May _____ put on that belt in their life.

Titus 1:9. Trustworthy decrees, trustworthy Word...
Lord Jesus, may ______ know the trustworthiness of your Word, and may they know the trustworthiness of your very self.

(Some Rights Reserved, CC-BY-NC, 2009). L. J. Sam Helgerson, PhD