Pastor Jesse’s Weekly Reflection
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Psalm 19
1 The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship.
2 Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make him known.
3 They speak without a sound or word; their voice is never heard.
4 Yet their message has gone throughout the earth, and their words to all the world. God has made a home in the heavens for the sun.
5 It bursts forth like a radiant bridegroom after his wedding. It rejoices like a great athlete eager to run the race.
6 The sun rises at one end of the heavens and follows its course to the other end. Nothing can hide from its heat.
7 The instructions of the Lord are perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple.
8 The commandments of the Lord are right, bringing joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are clear, giving insight for living.
9 Reverence for the Lord is pure, lasting forever. The laws of the Lord are true; each one is fair.
10 They are more desirable than gold, even the finest gold. They are sweeter than honey, even honey dripping from the comb.
11 They are a warning to your servant, a great reward for those who obey them.
12 How can I know all the sins lurking in my heart? Cleanse me from these hidden faults.
13 Keep your servant from deliberate sins! Don’t let them control me. Then I will be free of guilt and innocent of great sin.
14 May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.
Psalm 20
1 In times of trouble, may the Lord answer your cry. May the name of the God of Jacob keep you safe from all harm.
2 May he send you help from his sanctuary and strengthen you from Jerusalem.
3 May he remember all your gifts and look favorably on your burnt offerings.
4 May he grant your heart’s desires and make all your plans succeed.
5 May we shout for joy when we hear of your victory and raise a victory banner in the name of our God. May the Lord answer all your prayers.
6 Now I know that the Lord rescues his anointed king. He will answer him from his holy heaven and rescue him by his great power.
7 Some nations boast of their chariots and horses, but we boast in the name of the Lord our God.
8 Those nations will fall down and collapse, but we will rise up and stand firm. 9 Give victory to our king, O Lord! Answer our cry for help.
Psalm 21
1 How the king rejoices in your strength, O Lord! He shouts with joy because you give him victory.
2 For you have given him his heart’s desire; you have withheld nothing he requested.Interlude
3 You welcomed him back with success and prosperity. You placed a crown of finest gold on his head.
4 He asked you to preserve his life, and you granted his request. The days of his life stretch on forever.
5 Your victory brings him great honor, and you have clothed him with splendor and majesty.
6 You have endowed him with eternal blessings and given him the joy of your presence.
7 For the king trusts in the Lord. The unfailing love of the Most High will keep him from stumbling.
8 You will capture all your enemies. Your strong right hand will seize all who hate you.
9 You will throw them in a flaming furnace when you appear. The Lord will consume them in his anger; fire will devour them.
10 You will wipe their children from the face of the earth; they will never have descendants.
11 Although they plot against you, their evil schemes will never succeed.
12 For they will turn and run when they see your arrows aimed at them.
13 Rise up, O Lord, in all your power. With music and singing we celebrate your mighty acts.
Feeling broken? God is closer than you think!
Life can really beat us up and leave us feeling hurt, disappointed, or even broken.
Psalm 34:18 gives us a promise that meets us right in that place. The Lord is close to the brokeHhearted and saves those who are crushed in the spirit. God doesn't watch us from a distance when we're hurt. He draws close.
He sees the tears, the hurt and the grief, and knows the weight we carry. There are disappointments, losses, anxieties, and fears. And he doesn't just notice those things, but He promises to be in it with us.
This verse doesn't say we won't face challenges or difficulties. It says, when we do, God is close. His very nature is to care for all of His children.
His love is not distant or conditional. Remember today that God sees, He cares, and He's nearer than you think.