Psalms

Psalm 15 is built on the timeless truth that God promises eternal fellowship with him as a reward for perfect obedience to his law. Verse 1, which we sing as a chorus, expresses our longing to live with God and have this fellowship. We see God’s law described in the rest of the psalm, and although we have failed to obey, we know that Jesus Christ himself is the perfect Law-Keeper described by these words. Jesus has earned the right to dwell with God, and if we are in Christ, this privilege will be ours as well.

To Dwell With God - Psalm 15

No human experience can compare to the thrill of worshiping God in the company of his people. Psalm 122 is David’s meditation on this reality. He uses the city of Jerusalem to picture the joy and peace and blessing that characterize God’s people when they gather together. We get a taste of this joy when we meet in our local churches every Sunday. How much more can we look forward to the heavenly assembly that will gather when Christ makes all things new!

House Of The LORD - Psalm 122

When we sing Psalm 61, we pray for God’s blessing both on ourselves and on our king. We do this because God’s purpose for leaders is that they would be agents of protection and salvation for their people. Whether we have kings or presidents or something else, this psalm still teaches us to be mindful of our national context when we pray. More importantly, though, it points us not to a political leader but to Jesus Christ. He is the king of kings, and he is the only one who can truly save us and bring us to dwell with God forever.

Hear My Cry - Psalm 61

We often say that God is good, but Psalm 121 reminds us just how weak our words are. God is far better than we can ever imagine! In this psalm God promises perfect and complete protection for his people, now and forever. This does not mean that God’s people will never experience suffering in this life; it does mean that God will always hold us in his hands, and that he will bring us to a heavenly home where we will have perfect peace forever.

I Lift Up My Eyes - Psalm 121

Psalm 27 describes some of the most painful personal suffering that a human can endure. David is surrounded by enemies and abandoned by friends, and even his own mother and father have forsaken him. Despite all this, his faith is steadfast. He seeks God with his whole heart, knowing that no one else can help him in his distress. He will not let go of hope, no matter how great the suffering or how long the wait. May God grant us to have this kind of faith when our time of suffering comes!

One Thing I Ask - Psalm 27

Why does God allow his people to suffer? Why do God’s enemies get so many victories? Why is there so much evil in this world? Psalm 89 doesn’t answer these questions or suggest that we will ever fully understand the answers in this life. Instead, it teaches us that we can bring our struggles to God, and in our despair we can find the courage to worship. No matter what, we will always sing, “Blessed be the LORD, forever, Amen and amen!”

Forever - Psalm 89.46 - 52, 1

Psalm 46 is a statement of indomitable faith. This psalmist knows that the world is falling apart: there are natural disasters, wars, plotting, scheming, and wholesale rebellion against God. But faith says, “That won’t shake me. I stand firm in the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God.” God will put an end to all rebellion and human pride, he will save his people, and he will be glorified over all things.

LORD Of Hosts - Psalm 46

Psalm 132 celebrates the way that God fulfills all his promises to his people. God’s covenants promise that he will gather his people together in righteousness and joy under his chosen king. The Psalmist can see that this is starting to come true, and he celebrates the progress of God’s promises while praying that God will continue to fulfill them. Now that Jesus has come, he is the “Yes” and “Amen” of all God’s promises. We have even more reason to celebrate, and also to pray that God’s kingdom will come!

Covenant King - Psalm 132

Psalm 84 is a journey psalm. It is for people who like the psalmist are captivated by the beauty of God’s house, but who know that they have not arrived there yet. This journey we are on requires a faith that perseveres through hardships and yet still believes that God will give his people every good thing. As believers in Christ, we sing this song knowing that he has gone to prepare a place for us where someday we will be with him forever.

Highways In Our Hearts - Psalm 84

What should you do when life is so dark that you cannot even see God? These psalms teach us the answer: worship God anyway. These psalms are the honest cry of someone who is not at all okay and who cannot find God to help. And yet there is one thing he knows to tell himself: “Hope in God, for I again shall praise him, my salvation and my God.” Learn to sing these words! They can be your God-given anchor when you cannot find any other hope.

Psalms

Songs for My Mom