Psalm 94

Life can feel unfair. People who do wrong seem to get away with it, while good people get hurt. That’s the world Psalm 94 speaks into. The writer cries out, “O Lord, God of vengeance, O God of vengeance, shine forth!” (Psalm 94:1). He wants God to act. He wants justice.

Then he names the evil: the proud crush the weak, kill the widow, the sojourner, and the fatherless. And they say, “The Lord does not see” (v. 7). That’s the lie we’re tempted to believe when things go wrong. But the psalm answers it: “He who planted the ear, does he not hear? He who formed the eye, does he not see?” (v. 9). God is not blind. He is not absent.

What really grips me is verse 18: “When I thought, ‘My foot slips,’ your steadfast love, O Lord, held me up.” That’s real. We all have moments when we’re about to fall. And verse 19 says, “When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul.” God doesn’t just watch. He holds. He comforts.

So Psalm 94 tells me two things. First, injustice will not win forever. God sees, and He will judge. Second, even now, His steadfast love keeps me from falling. When my heart is heavy, He is my stronghold and my rock of refuge.

Portions of this blog post are based on the Enduring Word commentary, (c) 2023 The Enduring Word Bible Commentary by David Guzik – ewm@enduringword.com“

“Scripture (bold and italicized) is from the English Standard Version, © ESV.org – www.esv.org”

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Psalm 93

Psalm 93 starts with a strong statement: “The Lord reigns; he is robed in majesty; the Lord is robed; he has put on strength as his belt. Yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved. Your throne is established from of old; you are from everlasting.” That’s the foundation. God is King. Not a king who worries. Not a king who is losing. He is dressed in majesty and strength. His throne is not new. It has always been. That means His rule is not shaky.

Then the psalm gets real. “The floods have lifted up, O Lord, the floods have lifted up their voice; the floods lift up their roaring.” Life can feel like that. Problems come in waves. The news is loud. People are loud. Fear is loud. But verse 4 says, “Mightier than the thunders of many waters, mightier than the waves of the sea, the Lord on high is mighty!” The point is simple: the noise is real, but God is stronger. He is not drowned out.

Verse 5 ends with trust and holiness: “Your decrees are very trustworthy; holiness befits your house, O Lord, forevermore.” God’s Word can be trusted. And because He is holy, His people should live holy lives. Not perfect, but set apart.

So what do I take from Psalm 93 today? When everything feels unstable, remember who is on the throne. When the waves roar, listen for the voice that is mightier. And let trust in His Word shape how you live. That’s fresh for me, and it’s true.

Portions of this blog post are based on the Enduring Word commentary, (c) 2023 The Enduring Word Bible Commentary by David Guzik – ewm@enduringword.com“

“Scripture (bold and italicized) is from the English Standard Version, © ESV.org – www.esv.org”

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Psalm 92

Praising God in the Morning and at Night

Psalm 92 is called “A Song for the Sabbath.” It teaches that praise is not just for good days. It is a habit that shapes the whole day. The psalm begins: “It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praises to your name, O Most High; to declare your steadfast love in the morning, and your faithfulness by night” (Psalm 92:1–2). Morning and night are bookends. Start with God’s love. End with His faithfulness. That rhythm keeps the heart steady.

The psalm also faces a hard question: Why do wicked people seem to succeed? The writer says they are like grass that quickly withers. God’s justice is sure, even when it is not immediate. So don’t envy or get confused. Look higher. Let eternity reset the scoreboard. Praise helps the heart see clearly. God is not absent, and He is not unfair.

Then comes a beautiful promise: “The righteous flourish like the palm tree and grow like a cedar in Lebanon” (Psalm 92:12). Palm trees grow in dry places. Cedars grow strong and tall. God’s people can thrive in hard conditions because they are planted in His house. They are not self-made. They are rooted in Him.

The best part is verse 14: “They still bear fruit in old age; they are ever full of sap and green” (Psalm 92:14). God’s purpose does not expire. You can be useful and fruitful at every stage of life. The key is to keep remembering His faithfulness, keep thanking Him, and keep sharing what He has done. Praise is not denial of pain. It is a declaration that God is still good. That is a lesson for every day—morning and night.

Portions of this blog post are based on the Enduring Word commentary, (c) 2023 The Enduring Word Bible Commentary by David Guzik – ewm@enduringword.com“

“Scripture (bold and italicized) is from the English Standard Version, © ESV.org – www.esv.org”

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Psalm 91

Finding Shelter When Fear Comes Knocking

Psalm 91 is a psalm of confidence. It speaks to the fear that lives in every human heart: fear of danger, sickness, and the unknown. The first verse sets the tone: “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty” (v. 1).

This isn’t a promise that trouble will never come. It’s a promise about where we can run when it does. To “dwell” in God’s shelter means making Him our home, not just visiting Him when there’s an emergency.

The psalm names real threats: “the snare of the fowler,” “the deadly pestilence,” “the terror of the night,” and “the arrow that flies by day” (vv. 3, 5). But God promises, “He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler” (v. 4).

 Picture a mother bird guarding her young. We don’t have to be strong enough to defend ourselves. We just have to be close enough to be covered.

The psalm does include a condition. Its protection is for those who say, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust” (v. 2). It isn’t a lucky charm. It’s a relationship. Even the promise that “no evil shall be allowed to befall you” (v. 10) is best understood in an ultimate sense, because God works all things for the good of His people.

The most comforting part comes at the end, when God Himself speaks: “Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he knows my name” (v. 14). This isn’t about behaving perfectly. It’s about holding on to God. And He promises, “When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble” (v. 15).

For anyone who feels anxious or overwhelmed, this psalm is a deep breath. We don’t face this world alone. The invitation is simple: come under His wings and find a peace nothing can break.

Portions of this blog post are based on the Enduring Word commentary, (c) 2023 The Enduring Word Bible Commentary by David Guzik – ewm@enduringword.com“

“Scripture (bold and italicized) is from the English Standard Version, © ESV.org – www.esv.org”

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Psalm 90

Living Wisely in the Time We’re Given

Psalm 90 is the oldest psalm in the Bible. It’s a prayer written by Moses, who spent forty years leading a stubborn people through the wilderness. He starts with the truth that holds everything else steady: “Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations… from everlasting to everlasting you are God” (vv. 1–2).

God has no beginning and no end, but we do. Moses compares us to grass that flourishes in the morning and withers by evening. He says it plainly: “The years of our life are seventy, or even by reason of strength eighty; yet their span is but toil and trouble; they are soon gone, and we fly away” (v. 10). That’s a sobering thought, but it isn’t meant to depress us. It’s meant to wake us up.

That’s why the heart of the psalm is this prayer: “So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom” (v. 12). Numbering our days doesn’t mean being obsessed with death. It means seeing every day as a gift. When the clock is ticking, we can’t afford to drift.

Moses is also honest about sin, but he doesn’t stop at judgment. He turns to God’s mercy: “Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days” (v. 14). We can’t earn God’s favor, but we can ask for it. When our joy comes from His love, it doesn’t rise and fall with how things are going.

The psalm ends with a request worth praying every day: “Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands!” (v. 17).

Our lives are short, and we can’t add a single day to them. But when we offer them to the eternal God, He can make them count, for us and for the generations that follow.

Portions of this blog post are based on the Enduring Word commentary, (c) 2023 The Enduring Word Bible Commentary by David Guzik – ewm@enduringword.com“

“Scripture (bold and italicized) is from the English Standard Version, © ESV.org – www.esv.org”

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Psalm 89

Psalm 89 is about one of the most important truths in Scripture: God is faithful.

Ethan begins with confidence: “I will sing of the steadfast love of the LORD, forever; with my mouth I will make known your faithfulness to all generations.” (Psalm 89:1, ESV)

Two words appear again and again in this Psalm: steadfast love and faithfulness.

That is who God is. His faithfulness isn’t based on circumstances. It doesn’t change when life becomes difficult. God doesn’t make promises and then forget about them.

The writer looks at creation as evidence of God’s power. “The heavens are yours; the earth also is yours; the world and all that is in it, you have founded them.” (Psalm 89:11, ESV)

God created everything. Nothing is outside His authority. Nothing catches Him by surprise.

The Psalm then turns to God’s covenant with David. God had promised that David’s line would continue and his throne would be established.

God said: “My steadfast love I will keep for him forever, and my covenant will stand firm for him.” (Psalm 89:28, ESV)

But God also made it clear that disobedience mattered. If David’s descendants rejected God’s commands, there would be consequences. God’s love didn’t eliminate discipline. That’s an important truth.

God’s faithfulness doesn’t mean He ignores sin. A loving father disciplines his children because their choices matter. God can be completely faithful to His promises while correcting disobedience.

Then Psalm 89 takes a dramatic turn. What Ethan sees happening doesn’t seem to match what God promised. David’s kingdom appears broken. The crown has been brought down. The walls have been destroyed. Enemies are celebrating.

So Ethan asks the question many people eventually ask: God, what happened? “How long, O LORD? Will you hide yourself forever?” (Psalm 89:46, ESV)

There is tension between what Ethan knows about God and what he sees happening around him. That’s where faith gets tested. It is easy to trust God when circumstances make sense. Faith becomes much harder when God’s promises and present reality seem miles apart.

Psalm 89 doesn’t provide Ethan with a quick explanation. Instead, it leaves the reader holding onto what was established at the beginning.

God is faithful. God’s character is greater than current circumstances. And God’s promises are bigger than what can be seen today.

The story also wasn’t finished.

God’s promise to David ultimately pointed beyond an earthly king to Jesus Christ. What may have looked like a broken promise was actually part of God’s much larger plan. That’s often the problem with human perspective. Only one page can be seen while God knows the entire story.

Psalm 89 teaches an important lesson for difficult seasons.

• Remember who God is.
• Remember what God has done.
• Remember what God has promised.
• Ask the hard questions.

But don’t allow temporary circumstances to redefine God’s eternal character. Life won’t always make sense. God will always be faithful. “Blessed be the LORD forever! Amen and Amen.” (Psalm 89:52, ESV)

Portions of this blog post are based on the Enduring Word commentary, (c) 2023 The Enduring Word Bible Commentary by David Guzik – ewm@enduringword.com“

“Scripture (bold and italicized) is from the English Standard Version, © ESV.org – www.esv.org”

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Psalm 88

Psalm 88 is one of the darkest chapters in the Bible. Most Psalms of lament eventually turn toward hope. The writer describes the problem, cries out to God, and then remembers God’s faithfulness.

Psalm 88 is different. The darkness never really lifts.

Heman begins with these words: “O LORD, God of my salvation, I cry out day and night before you.” (Psalm 88:1, ESV)

That first sentence is important. Heman is hurting deeply, but he still calls God “the God of my salvation.”

• He hasn’t stopped believing.
• He hasn’t stopped praying.
• He hasn’t stopped coming to God.

But he is struggling. Heman describes himself as being near death. He feels forgotten, overwhelmed and alone. He even believes God is responsible for some of what he is experiencing: “You have put me in the depths of the pit, in the regions dark and deep.” (Psalm 88:6, ESV)

Those are difficult words. But God allowed them to become part of Scripture. That should tell us something important about prayer. God doesn’t require people to pretend everything is fine when it isn’t.

Prayer can be honest. There are times when life hurts. There are seasons when God’s plan makes no sense. There may even be times when God seems far away and prayers appear unanswered.

Psalm 88 gives permission to bring those feelings directly to God.

Heman does exactly that: “Every day I call upon you, O LORD; I spread out my hands to you.” (Psalm 88:9, ESV)

Notice what he does not do.

• He doesn’t walk away.
• He keeps praying.

That may be the greatest lesson in the chapter. Faith isn’t always standing on a mountaintop praising God for a victory. Sometimes faith is getting up tomorrow and praying again when nothing has changed.

Heman asks God hard questions: “Why, O LORD, do you cast my soul away? Why do you hide your face from me?” (Psalm 88:14, ESV)

God can handle hard questions. Questions aren’t necessarily a lack of faith. Sometimes asking God “why?” is evidence that someone still believes God is there and is still listening.

The Psalm ends in a surprising way: “You have caused my beloved and my friend to shun me; my companions have become darkness.” (Psalm 88:18, ESV)

That’s it.

• No sudden rescue.
• No happy ending.
• No explanation.
• Just darkness.

Sometimes life has chapters like that. But there is one fact that shouldn’t be missed. Heman wrote the Psalm to God. Even in the darkness, he kept talking to Him.

Psalm 88 teaches that faith doesn’t require having all the answers. It doesn’t require pretending pain isn’t real. And it doesn’t mean every problem gets resolved quickly. Faith keeps turning toward God.

• Keep praying when God seems silent.
• Keep trusting when the answer hasn’t come.
• Keep showing up when feelings say it doesn’t matter.

Darkness may describe the circumstances. It doesn’t have to determine the direction. When nothing else makes sense, keep turning toward God.

Portions of this blog post are based on the Enduring Word commentary, (c) 2023 The Enduring Word Bible Commentary by David Guzik – ewm@enduringword.com“

“Scripture (bold and italicized) is from the English Standard Version, © ESV.org – www.esv.org”

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Psalm 87

Psalm 87 is short, but it contains a powerful picture of God’s plan for His people. The sons of Korah write about Zion, the city of God, and the special place it has in His heart.

The Psalm begins: “On the holy mount stands the city he founded; the LORD loves the gates of Zion more than all the dwelling places of Jacob.” (Psalm 87:1-2, ESV)

Jerusalem was important because God chose it as the place where His presence would dwell among His people. But Psalm 87 quickly becomes about something much bigger than a city.

It becomes about people. “Glorious things of you are spoken, O city of God.” (Psalm 87:3, ESV)

What makes Zion glorious?

The surprising answer is who God says will belong there.

The Psalm names Rahab, which refers to Egypt, along with Babylon, Philistia, Tyre and Cush. These were foreign nations. Some had been enemies of Israel. They weren’t the people anyone would expect to be listed as citizens of God’s city.

Yet God says of them: “This one was born there.” (Psalm 87:4, ESV)

That’s an amazing statement. God’s plan was always bigger than one nation.

Throughout Scripture, God makes clear that His desire is for people from every nation to know Him. Israel had a special place in God’s plan, but God’s blessing was never intended to stop with Israel. It was intended to reach the nations.

Psalm 87 gives an early picture of that truth.

God isn’t impressed by where someone was born, what family they came from, how much money they have, or what position they hold. Human beings tend to create categories. God looks at whether a person belongs to Him.

Verse 6 says: “The LORD records as he registers the peoples, ‘This one was born there.’” (Psalm 87:6, ESV)

God keeps the record. That matters.

People spend a lot of energy building an identity around things that won’t last. Careers end. Titles disappear. Possessions get passed to someone else. Human recognition is quickly forgotten.

The most important question isn’t whether a name is known on earth. It is whether that name is known by God.

Psalm 87 points forward to the larger story of Scripture. Through Jesus Christ, the invitation into God’s family extends to every tribe, tongue and nation. People who once were outsiders can become part of God’s household.

That’s grace.

The Psalm ends with celebration: “Singers and dancers alike say, ‘All my springs are in you.’” (Psalm 87:7, ESV)

The picture is one of joy because God is the source of life. Everything ultimately flows from Him.

Psalm 87 challenges the tendency to make faith too small. God’s plan isn’t limited to one church, one community, one country or one kind of person.

God is building a family. And His family will include people nobody expected.

• That should change how God’s people look at others.
• There are no people beyond God’s reach.
• There are no nations outside His concern.
• There are no outsiders that His grace cannot bring home.
• God keeps the record.
• God opens the door.
• God provides the life.

And belonging to Him is the identity that matters for eternity.

Portions of this blog post are based on the Enduring Word commentary, (c) 2023 The Enduring Word Bible Commentary by David Guzik – ewm@enduringword.com“

“Scripture (bold and italicized) is from the English Standard Version, © ESV.org – www.esv.org”

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Psalm 86

Psalm 86 is a prayer of David. He is in trouble and needs God to act. But this Psalm is about much more than getting help during a difficult time. David shows what it looks like to depend completely on God.

He begins: “Incline your ear, O LORD, and answer me, for I am poor and needy.” (Psalm 86:1, ESV)

David was a king, but he understood something important. Position, power and possessions didn’t remove his need for God.

That’s humility. The world teaches self-sufficiency. Figure it out. Work harder. Take control. David takes a different approach. He admits that he needs God.

And he keeps asking. “Be gracious to me, O Lord, for to you do I cry all the day.” (Psalm 86:3, ESV)

David isn’t treating prayer as a last resort. He knows where his help comes from.

Why does David have that confidence? Because he knows God’s character. “For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you.” (Psalm 86:5, ESV)

David’s confidence isn’t based on the size of his faith. It is based on the character of his God. That’s an important difference.

David then makes one of the most powerful requests in the chapter: “Teach me your way, O LORD, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name.” (Psalm 86:11, ESV)

David doesn’t merely ask God to fix his circumstances. He asks God to change him.

• Teach me.
• Help me walk in truth.
• Give me an undivided heart.

That last request deserves attention. A divided heart wants God and something else. It trusts God but also wants control. It wants obedience but also wants its own way. It wants God’s direction until that direction becomes inconvenient.

David asks God to unite his heart around one purpose—honoring Him. That is a prayer worth praying.

David also understands that worship should involve everything: “I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart, and I will glorify your name forever.” (Psalm 86:12, ESV)

Wholehearted faith leaves little room for part-time obedience.

David’s problems haven’t disappeared. Arrogant and violent men are still after him. Yet he keeps his focus on who God is. “But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.” (Psalm 86:15, ESV)

Circumstances change. God’s character doesn’t.

Psalm 86 provides a good pattern for prayer. Admit the need. Call on God. Remember who He is. Ask for His direction. Then ask Him to change the heart, not merely the situation.

It is easy to pray, “God, change this.”

Psalm 86 points toward a deeper prayer:

• God, teach the way.
• God, make obedience real.
• God, unite the heart.

The greatest answer to prayer may not be God changing what is happening around someone. It may be God changing what is happening within them.

An undivided heart is fully available to God.

Portions of this blog post are based on the Enduring Word commentary, (c) 2023 The Enduring Word Bible Commentary by David Guzik – ewm@enduringword.com“

“Scripture (bold and italicized) is from the English Standard Version, © ESV.org – www.esv.org”

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Psalm 85

Psalm 85 is a prayer for restoration. The sons of Korah look back at what God has done, recognize the condition of God’s people today, and ask Him to do it again.

The Psalm begins by remembering God’s faithfulness: “LORD, you were favorable to your land; you restored the fortunes of Jacob. You forgave the iniquity of your people; you covered all their sin.” (Psalm 85:1-2, ESV)

God had restored His people before. He had forgiven their sin and turned away His anger.

Remembering what God has done matters. When things aren’t going well, it is easy to focus only on today’s problems. But God’s past faithfulness gives confidence for today’s challenges. The God who worked yesterday is still God today.

The writer then asks: “Restore us again, O God of our salvation, and put away your indignation toward us!” (Psalm 85:4, ESV)

Notice where restoration begins. The writer doesn’t blame the surrounding nations. He doesn’t point fingers at other people. He asks God to restore us.

Revival always needs to begin close to home.

It is easy to see what is wrong with the world. It is much harder to look in the mirror and ask God what needs to change within us.

The heart of the chapter comes in verse 6: “Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you?” (Psalm 85:6, ESV)

Revival isn’t about creating excitement. It isn’t about having better programs or bigger crowds. Revival is God bringing His people back to spiritual life and restoring their joy in Him.

But there is another important part. “Let me hear what God the LORD will speak, for he will speak peace to his people, to his saints; but let them not turn back to folly.” (Psalm 85:8, ESV)

God’s people need to listen. And then they need to obey.

There is little value in asking God for restoration while continuing to make the same foolish choices. Repentance means turning around. It means changing direction.

God speaks peace, but His people must not return to the sin that created the problem.

The Psalm then gives a beautiful picture of what happens when God restores His people: “Steadfast love and faithfulness meet; righteousness and peace kiss each other.” (Psalm 85:10, ESV)

God doesn’t compromise righteousness to provide peace. His love, faithfulness, righteousness and peace work together perfectly.

The chapter ends with confidence: “Yes, the LORD will give what is good, and our land will yield its increase.” (Psalm 85:12, ESV)

Psalm 85 gives a simple pattern for renewal.

• Remember what God has done.
• Recognize where things have gone wrong.
• Ask God to restore.
• Listen to what He says.
• Don’t return to foolishness.
• Then walk in obedience.

It is easy to pray for God to change the world. Psalm 85 challenges God’s people to begin with a different prayer: God, revive us again.

Portions of this blog post are based on the Enduring Word commentary, (c) 2023 The Enduring Word Bible Commentary by David Guzik – ewm@enduringword.com“

“Scripture (bold and italicized) is from the English Standard Version, © ESV.org – www.esv.org”

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