When the Darkness Does Not Lift (Psalms 42-43)
Psalms 42 and 43 introduce Book II of the Psalms with a severe crisis of faith.[1] By the end of Book I, David has been delivered and enthroned in Jerusalem.…
Drown Out the Dogs (Psalm 59)
Psalm 59 describes David once more surrounded by his enemies: “A Miktam of David, when Saul sent men to watch his house in order to kill him.” This event refers…
Restored to Teach Repentance (Psalm 51)
Psalm 51 is “A Psalm of David, when Nathan the prophet went to him, after [David] had gone in to Bathsheba” (2 Sam 11:1-12:25).[1] During a certain time in David’s…
When You Feel Like Cussing (Psalm 58)
Psalm 58 is a miktam of David—a memorial to God’s faithfulness within a series of psalms in which King Saul pursues David (Pss 52-59). Yet even though David prays this…
When You Feel Pressured (Psalm 57)
Over the past three Psalms, we have addressed the difficulties we face because of others. In a fallen world, people sin against us all the time. They do us wrong—sometimes…
When You Feel Trapped (Psalm 56)
Psalm 56 is “A Miktam of David, when the Philistines seized him in Gath.” It hearkens back to an event in David's life when King Saul was pursuing him: And…
When You Need Some Help (Psalm 54)
Psalm 54 records David's plea for deliverance when men of his own tribe give up his position to the enemy. For even though David was their champion against the Philistines,…
When You Are Betrayed (Psalm 55)
Psalm 55 provides a biblical example of how to feel or what to do when a close friend or a loved one betrays you. The author is David, who has…
When You Are Born a Fool (Psalm 53)
David’s words minister comfort to all of us born as fools. Though we often stray, God promises to forgive and draw us back to him. We simply must confess our…
Whiter Than Snow (Isaiah 1)
Isaiah 1:18 Come now, let us reason together, says the LORD: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson,…