When the Past Isn’t Enough

Scripture Reading: Psalm 44


1 We have heard with our ears, O God, our fathers have told us what work you did in their days, in the old times.

2 How did You drive out the heathen with Your hand and plant them; how did You afflict the people and cast them out?

3 For they got the land in possession by their sword, neither did their arm save them: but your right hand, arm, and the light of your countenance, because though it had a favor to them.

4 You are my King, O God: command deliverances for Jacob.

5 Through Your will, we push down our enemies: through Your name, we will tread them under that rise against us.

6 For I will not trust in my bow, neither shall my sword save me.

7 But You have saved us from our enemies and have put them to shame that hated us.

8 In God, we boast all day long and praise your name forever. Selah.

9 But You have cast off and put us to shame; and goes not forth with our armies.

10 You make us turn back from the enemy: and they which hate us spoil for themselves.

11 You have given us like sheep appointed for meat and have scattered us among the heathen.

12 You sell thy people for naught, and dost not increase thy wealth by their price.

13 Thou make us a reproach to our neighbors, a scorn and a derision to them that are round about us.

14 Thou make us a byword among the heathen, a shaking of the head among the people.

15 My confusion is continually before me, and the shame of my face hath covered me,

16 For his voice that reproach and blaspheme; because of the enemy and avenger.

17 All this comes upon us; yet have we not forgotten thee nor dealt falsely in thy covenant.

18 Our heart is not turned back, nor have our steps declined from thy way.

19 Though you have sore broken us in the place of dragons and covered us with the shadow of death.

20 If we have forgotten the name of our God or stretched out our hands to a strange god.

21 Shall not God search this out? For he knows the secrets of the heart.

22 Yea, for thy sake are we killed all day long; we are counted as sheep for the slaughter.

23 Awake, why sleep thou, O Lord? Arise, cast us not off forever.

24 Wherefore hide your face and forget our affliction and our oppression?

25 For our soul is bowed down to the dust: our belly cleave unto the earth.

26 Arise for our help and redeem us for thy mercies' sake.
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Trusting God When Life Doesn't Make Sense


"For I will not trust in my bow, neither shall my sword save me. But You have saved us from our enemies and have put them to shame that hated us." — Psalm 44:6-7 (KJV)

There comes a point in every believer's journey when faith is tested—not just in the small daily struggles but in the moments that shake your foundation. You grew up hearing how God provided, healed, and rescued His people. But what happens when life doesn't reflect those same victories? What happens when you pray, and the answer is silence?

Psalm 44 captures this tension. The writer reflects on God's past faithfulness, acknowledging the miraculous ways He helped their ancestors (Psalm 44:1-3). But then, the tone shifts. Despite their faith, they now feel abandoned (Psalm 44:9-26). This psalm is a raw cry of confusion and longing, mirroring many of us today's struggles.

Psalm 44 Connects to Psalm 43

If we step back, we see a natural progression from Psalm 43 to Psalm 44. Psalm 43 ends with a powerful declaration:

"Why art thou cast down, O my soul? … Hope in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God." (Psalm 43:5)

Psalm 44 is a psalm of personal struggle and hope, an individual seeking God's light in the darkness. However, it moves beyond personal hardship to communal suffering. The psalmist acknowledges past victories but wrestles with a present reality that doesn't align with those experiences.

This mirrors our faith journey. We begin by seeking personal reassurance in trials (Psalm 43), but as we mature, we grapple with bigger questions: Why does suffering exist? Why does God seem distant? Why do the faithful still face hardship?


Faith Beyond the Past

Psalm 44 teaches us that faith cannot rely solely on past testimonies. While the stories of how God delivered others are powerful, faith must eventually become personal.

"I will not trust in my bow, neither shall my sword save me." (Psalm 44:6)

The psalmist understands that victory does not come from human strength. But what happens when God, who once fought for them, now seems absent? This is a hard reality to face, but it's essential. Faith is easy when prayers are answered quickly, but true faith is built in silence, waiting, and struggle.

The Apostle Paul echoes this idea in the New Testament:

"For we walk by faith, not by sight." (2 Corinthians 5:7)
God's presence is not measured by how easy life is. Even when He seems distant, He is still working.

Choosing to Trust in the Silence

Psalm 44 ends with a desperate plea:

"Arise for our help, and redeem us for thy mercies' sake." (Psalm 44:26)

It's a cry for God to act—not because of their worthiness but because of His mercy. When facing confusion, we must trust not in what we see but in who God is.

Jesus Himself experienced this deep sorrow. On the cross, He cried out,

"My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" (Matthew 27:46)

Even the Son of God felt the weight of silence. Yet, His story didn't end in the grave—redemption came. The same is true for us.
Reflection & Challenge

Are you in a season where God feels distant? Have you been holding onto past testimonies but struggling to see His hand in your present? The challenge today is to trust, even in silence. Choose to believe that God's faithfulness isn't just a story of the past—it's a reality for today.


"God's silence is not His absence. His delays are not His denials. Trust Him beyond what you see." — Sherrie T.

Hold on. Keep trusting. Redemption is coming.


Led by Light and Truth

Scripture: Psalm 43

1 Judge me, O God, and plead my cause against an ungodly nation: O deliver me from the deceitful and unjust man.

2 For You are the God of my strength: why do You cast me off? Why do I mourn because of the oppression of the enemy?

3 Send out Your light and truth: let them lead me and bring me unto Your Holy hill and to Your tabernacles.

4 Then will I go unto the altar of God, unto God my exceeding joy: yea, upon the harp will I praise thee, O God my God.

5 Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God: I shall praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and God.
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Finding Strength in Uncertainty


"O send out thy light and thy truth: let them lead me; let them bring me unto thy holy hill, and to thy tabernacles." — Psalm 43:3 (KJV)

Life in your 20s and 30s can often feel like a battlefield—pulling you between faith and fear, confidence and confusion. One moment, you’re excited about your future; the next, you’re weighed down by doubt. Maybe you’re dealing with financial struggles, trying to find your purpose, or feeling lost in relationships. Psalm 43 speaks directly to those wrestling with discouragement, reminding us that even in the darkest moments, God’s light and truth will lead us forward.

The Connection Between Psalm 42 and 43

Psalm 43 closely mirrors Psalm 42. Many Bible scholars believe these two psalms were originally one. Both express deep distress, asking, “Why art thou cast down, O my soul?” (Psalm 42:5, 11; 43:5). The repetition signals an ongoing inner battle—just like the daily struggles many of us face. Psalm 42 focuses on longing for God in the middle of suffering, while Psalm 43 shifts toward an active plea for divine guidance.

This shift is essential. When life feels overwhelming, it’s easy to dwell on our pain. But Psalm 43 urges us to seek God’s light and truth as the way out. Instead of staying stuck in sorrow, we’re called to let God lead us.

Guided by Light and Truth

"Send out thy light and thy truth: let them lead me." (Psalm 43:3)
When the psalmist asks God for light and truth, he isn’t just asking for comfort—he’s asking for clarity. Light illuminates our path, while truth keeps us from deception. 

Consider the challenges of navigating modern life: social media’s endless opinions, career uncertainty, and relationships that seem right but aren’t. Without God’s guidance, it’s easy to take the wrong path.

Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father but by me " (John 14:6). Therefore, this verse fulfills what Psalm 43 longs for—God’s light and truth embodied. If you’re searching for direction, the answer isn’t in self-help books or chasing worldly success. It’s in walking with Christ, letting His words shape your decisions, and trusting Him even when the road is unclear.

From Mourning to Joy

"Then will I go unto the altar of God, unto God my exceeding joy." (Psalm 43:4)
Notice the progression in this psalm. It starts with distress and ends with praise. The psalmist acknowledges his pain but refuses to let it define him. Instead, he pushes forward, choosing to worship. The phrase “exceeding joy” reminds us that joy isn’t found in circumstances but in God’s presence.

In Philippians 4:4, Paul instructs the church to "Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice." Joy isn’t about having a perfect life but knowing God is with you even in imperfection. Worship shifts our focus from problems to promises, from despair to hope.

Hope in God: A Final Encouragement

Psalm 43 ends with a familiar but powerful refrain: "Why art thou cast down, O my soul? … Hope in God: for I shall yet praise him." (Psalm 43:5)

Hope is an active choice. Even when you feel lost, prayers seem unanswered, or the future looks uncertain—hope in God. He has never failed, and He won’t start now.

Reflection & Challenge

Where do you turn when life feels overwhelming? Do you seek God’s light and truth or rely on your wisdom? If you’re feeling lost, pray Psalm 43:3 over your life today and invite God to lead you.

"God’s light never fades, and His truth never fails. Let the God of our salvation lead the way when life gets dark." — Sherrie T.

No matter where you are today, God is still writing your story. Choose hope. Choose truth. Choose to follow the light.

Thirsting for More

Scripture: Psalm 42


1 As the hart pants after the water brooks, so pants my soul after thee, O God.

2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?

3 My tears have been my meat day and night, while they continually say unto me, Where is thy God?

4 When I remember these things, I pour out my soul in me: for I had gone with the multitude, I went with them to the house of God, with the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude that kept holyday.

5 Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? I hope you in God, for I shall praise him for the help of his countenance.

6 O my God, my soul is cast down within me: therefore, will I remember thee from the land of Jordan, and of the Hermonites, from the hill Mizar.

7 Deep calleth unto deep at the noise of thy waterspouts: all thy waves and billows are gone over me.

8 Yet the Lord will command his lovingkindness in the daytime, and in the night his song shall be with me, and my prayer unto the God of my life.

9 I will say unto God my rock, Why hast thou forgotten me? Why am I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?

10 As with a sword in my bones, mine enemies reproach me; while they say daily unto me, Where is thy God?

11 Why art thou cast down, O my soul? And why art thou disquieted within me? Hope thou in God: for I shall praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.

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Finding Strength in Spiritual Dry Seasons


Have you ever felt spiritually empty, like no matter what you do, you can’t seem to feel God’s presence? Life gets busy, pressures pile up, and distractions keep you from seeking the One who truly satisfies. Psalm 42 captures this longing perfectly:

"As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?" (Psalm 42:1-2, NIV)

The psalmist describes a deep spiritual thirst that craving can’t be filled with anything else. Social media, relationships, career achievements, or church activities won’t quench it. Only God can.

The Battle Within


There are seasons when we feel distant from God, times when we wonder if He’s even listening. The psalmist struggled, too:

"Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God." (Psalm 42:5, NIV)

Doubt, fear, and spiritual dryness can creep in, but notice what the psalmist does to his soul. He doesn’t let his emotions dictate his faith. Instead, he reminds himself to put his hope in God.


The Living Water


In the New Testament, Jesus speaks directly to this kind of thirst:

"Whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life." (John 4:14, NIV)

Jesus offers a constant, life-giving source of refreshment. But to experience it, we must come to Him daily through prayer, worship, and the Word.

Dig Your Well


If you’re in a dry season, don’t wait for someone else to bring you water. Dig deep into God’s presence yourself. Set aside time to pray, fast, and worship—even when you don’t feel like it.

"Desperation for God is not weakness; it’s the key to supernatural strength." — Sherrie T.

God is not distant; He is waiting. He promises to fill the hungry, refresh the weary, and restore joy to the broken. Will you seek Him today?



Faith That Triumphs

 When Life Feels Unfair

Scripture: Psalm 41

1 Blessed is he that considers the poor: the Lord will deliver him in time of trouble.

2 The Lord will preserve and keep him alive, and he shall be blessed upon the earth: and thou wilt not deliver him unto the will of his enemies.

3 The Lord will strengthen him upon the bed of languishing: thou will make all his bed in his sickness.

4 I said, Lord, be merciful unto me: heal my soul; for I have sinned against thee.

5 Mine enemies speak evil of me; when shall he die, and his name perish?

6 And if he comes to see me, he speaks vanity: his heart gathers iniquity to itself; when he goes abroad, he tells it.

7 All that hate me whisper together against me: against me do they devise my hurt.

8 An evil disease, say they, cleaves fast unto him: Now that he lieth, he shall rise up no more.

9 Yea, my familiar friend, whom I trusted, who did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me.

10 But thou, O Lord, be merciful unto me, and raise me up, that I may require them.

11 By this I know that thou favor me because mine enemy doth not triumph over me.

12 And as for me, thou upholds me in mine integrity and sets me before thy face forever.

13 Blessed be the Lord God of Israel from everlasting, and to everlasting. Amen, and Amen.

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Navigating Betrayal, Blessings, and God’s Faithfulness

“Blessed is he that considers the poor: the Lord will deliver him in time of trouble.” – Psalm 41:1

Life can feel unfair. You do right, you help others, yet sometimes, you still face betrayal, hardship, or illness. If you've ever felt like you're being attacked for no reason or that the people closest to you have let you down, you're not alone. King David felt it, too. Psalm 41 reveals a moment when he was sick, abandoned, and betrayed by someone he trusted. But this psalm also reminds us that God sees, knows, and rescues.

The Reality of Betrayal

One of the most painful experiences in life is being hurt by someone you trusted. Psalm 41:9 echoes this heartbreak: “Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me.” Have you ever been in a situation where someone you thought was for you turned against you? Maybe a friend spread rumors, a relationship ended in betrayal, or people you helped turned their backs on you.

Even Jesus experienced this. In John 13:18, He referenced this very psalm when speaking of Judas’ betrayal. If our Savior faces betrayal, we shouldn't be surprised when we do too. But here’s the hope—betrayal doesn’t have to define your story. Instead, it can refine you.

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God Sees and Rewards the Faithful

David starts this psalm by reminding us that those who care for the poor and needy will be blessed. It’s easy to focus on our pain and forget that God honors our obedience. Are you living in a way that considers others? Are you showing kindness even when others don't return it?

Luke 6:35 tells us: “But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest.”

God’s justice is more significant than any betrayal or hardship you face. He promises to strengthen, preserve, and bless those who walk in integrity. Your faithfulness is never wasted!

The Strength to Keep Going

When you’ve been knocked down by life, staying there is tempting. But David didn’t. In verse 10, he cries: “But thou, O Lord, be merciful unto me, and raise me up.”

The enemy wants you to believe you’ll never recover, that this season of hardship defines you. But God is a lifter! No matter how broken you feel, He can restore you.

Here’s the challenge: What if you trusted God to use your pain for a purpose? What if instead of letting betrayal make you bitter, you let it make you better?

"Your trials may shake you, but they cannot break you—because God's faithfulness holds you together." – Sherrie T.

A Call to Action

Forgive and Move Forward – Don’t let betrayal keep you stuck. Forgiveness doesn’t mean trusting again; it means freeing yourself from bitterness.

Stay Faithful in Kindness – Keep doing good even when it’s hard. God sees it all and will reward you.

Trust God's Timing – He will lift you in due time. The pain won’t last, but His promises will.

Psalm 41:12 declares: “And as for me, thou uphold me in mine integrity and sets me before thy face forever.”

God sees you. He upholds you. He is for you. And in the end, His favor will triumph over your trials!



From the Pit to the Rock

 Scripture: Psalm 40 (KJV)


1 I waited patiently for the Lord, and he inclined unto me and heard my cry.

2 He brought me out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.

3 And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, fear, and trust in the Lord.

4 Blessed is that man that maketh the Lord his trust, and respects not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.

5 Many, O Lord, my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered.

6 Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire; mine ears hast thou opened: burnt offering and sin offering hast thou not required.

7 Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me,

8 I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart.

9 I have preached righteousness in the great congregation: lo, I have not refrained my lips, O Lord, thou knowest.

10 I have not hidden thy righteousness within my heart; I have declared thy faithfulness and salvation: I have not concealed thy lovingkindness and truth from the great congregation.

11 Withhold not thou thy tender mercies from me, O Lord: let thy lovingkindness and truth continually preserve me.

12 For innumerable evils have compassed me about: mine iniquities have taken hold upon me so that I cannot look up; they are more than the hairs of mine head: therefore my heart fails me.

13 Be pleased, O Lord, to deliver me: O Lord, make haste to help me.

14 Let them be ashamed and confounded together that seek after my soul to destroy it; let them be driven backward and put to shame that wish me evil.

15 Let them be desolate for a reward of their shame that they say unto me, Aha.

16 Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: let such love thy salvation say continually, The Lord be magnified.

17 But I am poor and needy; yet the Lord thinketh upon me: thou art my help and my deliverer; make no tarrying, O my God.
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Trusting God’s Timing- Psalm 40:1-3 


"I waited patiently for the Lord; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the Lord."

Life makes us wait—waiting for a job, a relationship, and an answer from God. The waiting season can feel like sinking into uncertainty, fear, and frustration. But David reminds us in Psalm 40 that God hears our cries, pulls us up, sets us on solid ground, and gives us a new song.

Waiting is not just about passing time; it’s about trusting God’s timing. In a world where everything is instant—fast food, fast WiFi, fast success—the idea of patience feels unnatural. But God doesn’t work on our timeline; He works on His perfect, divine schedule.

Lessons on Waiting

David, a man after God’s heart, experienced deep lows before reaching the throne. Although he was anointed king in his youth, he had to wait years before stepping into his calling. He endured betrayals, exile, and battles but held onto God's promises.

Jesus also demonstrated this principle. In John 11, when Lazarus was sick, Jesus didn’t rush to heal him. Instead, he waited, allowing the situation to become impossible before stepping in to perform a greater miracle—raising Lazarus from the dead.

Is your delay setting you up for something greater? What if your waiting season is actually preparation for your breakthrough?


What to Do While You Wait
  1. Worship While You Wait—David didn't just wait silently; he praised God. Elevating your worship and trusting God's promises shifts your focus from doubt to belief.
  2. Trust God’s Character—Verse 5 reminds us that God has innumerable thoughts about us. If He’s thinking about you, He hasn’t forgotten you.
  3. Speak Life Over Your Situation – David said, “He hath put a new song in my mouth” (v. 3). Don’t let waiting make you bitter; let it make you better. Declare God’s faithfulness even before you see it.
Your Pit is Temporary

Maybe you feel like you're in a pit right now—whether it’s depression, financial struggles, heartbreak, or uncertainty about the future. The good news is that the pit is not your final destination. God is in the business of bringing people out.

When Joseph's brothers threw him into a literal pit, it wasn’t the end of his story. God used that situation to elevate him to a palace. Your pit may be the very thing God uses to promote you.

"God’s delays are not His denials; they are His divine setups for something greater." —Sherrie T.

A Challenge for You

Instead of seeing waiting as wasted time, start seeing it as preparation time. What if your current season is building the endurance, wisdom, and faith you’ll need for the next level?

Today, reflect on what God has already brought you through. Write down three things you’re trusting God for and declare: “Lord, I trust Your timing.”


Living with Eternal Perspective

Scripture: Psalm 39


1 I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me.

2 I was dumb with silence; I held my peace, even from good, and my sorrow was stirred.

3 My heart was hot within me, while I was musing the fire burned: then spoke I with my tongue,

4 Lord, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is: that I may know how frail I am.

5 Behold, thou hast made my days as a handbreadth; and mine age is as nothing before thee: every man at his best state is vanity. Selah.

6 Surely every man walketh in a vain shew: surely they are disquieted in vain: he heaps up riches and knows not who shall gather them.

7 And now, Lord, what wait I for? My hope is in thee.

8 Deliver me from all my transgressions: make me not the reproach of the foolish.

9 I was dumb; I opened not my mouth; because thou didst it.

10 Remove thy stroke away from me: I am consumed by the blow of thine hand.

11 When thou with rebukes dost correct man for iniquity, thou makes his beauty to consume away like a moth: surely every man is vanity. Selah.

12 Hear my prayer, O Lord, and give ear unto my cry; hold not thy peace at my tears: for I am a stranger with thee, and a sojourner, as all my fathers were.

13 O spare me, that I may recover strength, before I go hence, and be no more.

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"Lord, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is; that I may know how frail I am… And now, Lord, what wait I for? My hope is in thee." Psalm 39:4-7 (KJV)

Life moves fast. One moment, you're planning for the future; the next, you're wondering where the time went. Psalm 39 is a powerful reminder of how fleeting life is and how much we need God to give meaning to our days. King David wrestled with his words, emotions, and perspective, ultimately realizing that true hope can only be found in the Lord.

The Struggle with Time and Priorities

For many young adults, life is filled with ambition, dreams, and a pursuit of purpose. Society encourages us to chase success, wealth, and experiences. Yet, Psalm 39 confronts us with a sobering truth: Our lives are brief, like a vapor that vanishes quickly (James 4:14).

David expresses frustration when he sees people striving and accumulating, yet not knowing who will benefit from their labor (Psalm 39:6). Have you ever felt like you're running a race with no finish line? Despite working hard, does something still feel incomplete? Without an eternal perspective, even our best achievements are temporary.


Silence, Reflection, and the Fire Within

David initially chooses silence in the face of wickedness (Psalm 39:1-2), but his inner turmoil grows until he can no longer hold back. "My heart was hot within me, while I was musing the fire burned: then spoke I with my tongue" (Psalm 39:3).

Many of us keep our struggles bottled up. We scroll through social media, overwhelmed by everyone else's highlight reels, while feeling stuck in our reality. But God doesn’t want us to suppress our emotions—He invites us to process them through prayer and His Word.

Jesus echoes this in Matthew 6:19-21 when He warns against storing up treasures on earth, where moths and rust destroy. Instead, He calls us to invest in what lasts—our relationship with God and serving others.

Living with Purpose

David’s plea, “Lord, make me know mine end” (Psalm 39:4), isn't about fearing death—it's about living wisely. When we recognize how short life is, we stop wasting time on distractions and focus on what truly matters.

So, what are you living for?

Are you seeking temporary success or eternal significance?

Are you letting fear and doubt silence you, or are you speaking life into the world around you?

Are you putting your hope in unstable things, or is your hope entirely in God?

As you reflect on these questions, remember this truth:

"A life without God at the center is like a beautifully wrapped gift with nothing inside. It looks good on the outside, but it lacks true value. Let your life be filled with the eternal, not just the temporary." – Sherrie T.

A Prayer for Perspective

Lord, help me see my life through Your eyes. Teach me to value each day, invest in what matters, and place my hope in You alone. Guard my heart from distractions and remind me that my true purpose is found in You. Amen.



The Weight of Sin and the Hope of Grace

Scripture: Psalm 38

O Lord, rebuke me not in thy wrath: neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure.

2 For thine arrows stick fast in me, and Your hand presses me sore.

3 There is no soundness in my flesh because of thine anger; nor is there any rest in my bones because of my sin.

4 For mine, iniquities have gone over my head: as a heavy burden, they are too heavy for me.

5 My wounds stink and are corrupt because of my foolishness.

6 I am troubled, bowed down greatly; I go mourning all day long.

7 My loins are filled with a loathsome disease, and there is no soundness in my flesh.

8 I am feeble and sore broken: I have roared by reason of the disquiet of my heart.

9 Lord, all my desire is before thee, and my groaning is not hidden from thee.

10 My heart pants, my strength fails me: as for the light of my eyes, it is also gone.

11 My lovers and my friends stand aloof from my sore, and my kinsmen stand afar off.

12 They also seek after my life lay snares for me: and they that seek my hurt speak mischievous things and imagine deceits all day long.

13 But I, as a deaf man, heard not; and I was as a dumb man that opens not his mouth.

14 Thus I was as a man that heareth not, and in whose mouth are no reproofs.

15 For in thee, O Lord, do I hope: thou wilt hear, O Lord my God.

16 For I said, Hear me, lest otherwise, they should rejoice over me: when my foot slips, they magnify themselves against me.

17 For I am ready to halt, and my sorrow is continually before me.

18 For I will declare mine iniquity; I will be sorry for my sin.

19 But mine enemies are lively, and they are strong: and they that hate me wrongfully are multiplied.

20 They also that render evil for good are my adversaries because I follow the thing that good is.

21 Forsake me not, O Lord: O my God, be not far from me.

22 Make haste to help me, O Lord, my salvation.

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Have you ever felt the weight of guilt so heavy that it seemed you couldn’t breathe? Like David in Psalm 38, there are moments when we find ourselves overwhelmed by the consequences of our actions. The psalmist describes a deep, crushing sorrow—his body aches, his heart is heavy, and even his closest friends distance themselves from his pain. He acknowledges his sin, realizing the burden is too much to bear alone.

David’s words are raw and honest, much like the struggles we face today. Whether it’s mistakes we’ve made, poor choices that led to broken relationships, or the silent shame that keeps us up at night, we all know what it’s like to feel spiritually drained. But the good news is that God doesn’t leave us in that state.

Acknowledging Our Need for God

Psalm 38:18 says, “For I will declare mine iniquity; I will be sorry for my sin.” David knew that the first step toward restoration was confession. Too often, we hide our failures, hoping they will fade away with time. But unconfessed sin festers, creating distance between us and God.

Jesus gives us hope in Matthew 11:28-30 when He says, “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

What a beautiful contrast! While sin weighs us down, Jesus offers us rest. He doesn’t demand perfection—He simply asks us to come to Him, be honest about our struggles, and let Him carry what we were never meant to bear alone.
A Personal Reflection

Think about your own life. Are there burdens you’re carrying that are too heavy for you? Are you holding onto shame, guilt, or fear that keeps you from moving forward?

It’s easy to fall into a cycle of self-punishment, believing that we must “fix ourselves” before coming to God. But the truth is, we don’t have the power to save ourselves. Only God’s grace can cleanse, heal, and restore.

"Grace isn’t a reward for the perfect, but a refuge for the broken. Run to God, not from Him—He is your safe place." ____Sherrie T.

The Challenge: Will You Surrender?


David ends Psalm 38 with a desperate plea: “Forsake me not, O Lord: O my God, be not far from me. Make haste to help me, O Lord my salvation.” (Psalm 38:21-22).

This is a powerful reminder that no matter how deep our pain, how great our failures are, or how distant we feel from God, He is always near to those who call on Him.

So here’s your challenge: Take a moment to pray. Be honest with God about the things that weigh you down. Confess your struggles and ask for His help.
Reread Matthew 11:28-30. Let Jesus’ words sink in—He invites you to exchange your burdens for His rest.
Take a step toward freedom. Maybe it’s apologizing to someone, forgiving yourself, or seeking accountability. Do one thing today that moves you closer to healing.

You don’t have to stay trapped in guilt or regret. God’s grace is more significant than your mistakes, and His love is deeper than your shame. Will you let Him carry your burdens today?

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I come to You with all my burdens, regrets, and struggles. I confess that I cannot carry them alone. Thank You for Your grace and mercy. Help me to trust in Your forgiveness and walk in the freedom You offer. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Faith Over Frustration

Scripture: Psalm 37

Fret not thyself because of evildoers, nor be thou envious against the workers of iniquity.

2 For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb.

3 Trust in the Lord, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and you shall be fed.

4 Delight thyself also in the Lord: and he shall give the desires of thine heart.

5 Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.

6 He shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light and judgment as the noonday.

7 Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.

8 Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.

9 For evildoers shall be cut off, but those that wait upon the Lord shall inherit the earth.

10 Yet, a little while and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be.

11 But the meek shall inherit the earth; and delight themselves in the abundance of peace.

12 The wicked plot against the just and gnash upon him with his teeth.

13 The Lord shall laugh at him: for he seeth that his day is coming.

14 The wicked have drawn out the sword, and have bent their bow, to cast down the poor and needy, and to slay such as be of upright conversation.

15 Their sword shall enter their heart, and their bows shall be broken.

16 A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked.

17 For the arms of the wicked shall be broken: but the Lord upholds the righteous.

18 The Lord knoweth the days of the upright: and their inheritance shall be forever.

19 They shall not be ashamed in the evil time: and in the days of famine, they shall be satisfied.

20 But the wicked shall perish, and the enemies of the Lord shall be as the fat of lambs: they shall consume; into smoke shall they consume away.

21 The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again: but the righteous shows mercy and giveth.

22 For such as be blessed of him shall inherit the earth, and they that be cursed of him shall be cut off.

23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and he delights in his way.

24 Though he falls, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholds him with his hand.

25 I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.

26 He is ever merciful, and lendeth; his seed is blessed.

27 Depart from evil, and do good, and dwell for evermore.

28 For the Lord loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved forever: but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off.

29 The righteous shall inherit the land and dwell therein forever.

30 The mouth of the righteous speaketh wisdom, and his tongue talketh of judgment.

31 The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide.

32 The wicked watcheth the righteous, and seeketh to slay him.

33 The Lord will not leave him in his hand nor condemn him when judged.

34 Wait on the Lord, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see it.

35 I have seen the wicked in great power and spreading himself like a green bay tree.

36 Yet he passed away, and, lo, he was not: yea, I sought him, but he could not be found.

37 Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace.

38 But the transgressors shall be destroyed together: the end of the wicked shall be cut off.

39 But the salvation of the righteous is of the Lord: he is their strength in the time of trouble.

40 And the Lord shall help and deliver them: he shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them because they trust in him.
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Trusting God in an Unfair World

"Trust in the Lord, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. Delight thyself also in the Lord: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass." Psalm 37:3-5

Have you ever scrolled through social media, watching others flaunt their success while you struggle to stay afloat? It’s easy to feel discouraged when people who don’t honor God seem to thrive while you wrestle with setbacks. Psalm 37 speaks directly to this frustration, reminding us that God sees, knows, and ultimately rewards those who trust Him.

The Principle: Trust, Delight, Commit

Psalm 37 provides a clear roadmap for believers stuck in the tension between what they see and believe. 
  • Trust in the Lord and do good – This isn’t passive waiting; it’s an active reliance on God’s character while continuing to walk in obedience.
  • Delight yourself in the Lord – When God becomes your greatest joy, your desires align with His will.
  • Commit your way to the Lord – Surrender your plans, knowing that God’s way is higher and better than yours.
The reward? God will establish your steps and bring His purposes to pass. 

The Promise: The Righteous Will Inherit the Land

Psalm 37 repeatedly emphasizes that those who trust God will inherit the land (v. 9, 11, 22, 29, 34). In the Old Testament, this meant the physical Promised Land. In the New Testament, Jesus echoes this promise in Matthew 5:5, saying, “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” The principle remains: God provides and establishes those faithful to Him.


The Blessing: Peace and Provision

In verse 25, David reflects on his own life and declares, “I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.” This is a testimony of divine provision. God never abandons His people; those who follow Him will experience His faithfulness firsthand.

Jesus reinforces this in Matthew 6:33: “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” If we prioritize God’s way, He ensures our needs are met.

The Curse: The Wicked Will Fade Away

Psalm 37 doesn’t shy away from the reality of judgment. The wicked may seem to prosper momentarily, but their success is fleeting. Verse 10 reminds us, “For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be.” Their actions lead to destruction: “Their sword shall enter into their own heart” (v. 15).

Galatians 6:7 affirms this principle in the New Testament: “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” Those who choose wickedness will ultimately reap its consequences.

Choose Trust Over Envy

So, what will you do? Will you waste energy comparing yourself to those who take shortcuts, or will you plant your trust in God?

Here’s a challenge:
  • Refocus your heart – Stop scrolling in frustration and start soaking in God’s Word. Meditate on Psalm 37 this week.
  • Pray for realignment – Ask God to help you trust Him fully and delight in His will for your life.
  • Take a bold step of faith. Whether it’s tithing, serving, or taking a God-given opportunity, commit your life to Him.
"We all have a story that God is writing about our lives. Two stories will never meet. The wicked seem to win, but their story ends in eternal death, while the believer's story will end in eternal life."___Sherrie T.

Hold onto God’s promises. Trust Him beyond what you see. The best is yet to come.


Overflowing Love

Scripture: Psalm 36

1 The transgression of the wicked saith within my heart, that there is no fear of God before his eyes.

2 For he flatters himself in his own eyes until his iniquity be found to be hateful.

3 The words of his mouth are iniquity and deceit: he hath left off to be wise and to do good.

4 He devises mischief upon his bed; he sets himself in a way that is not good; he abhors not evil.

5 Thy mercy, O Lord, is in the heavens; and thy faithfulness reaches the clouds.

6 Thy righteousness is like the great mountains; thy judgments are a great deep: O Lord, preserve man and beast.

7 How excellent is thy lovingkindness, O God! Therefore, the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings.

8 They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house, and thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures.

9 For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light.

10 O continue thy lovingkindness unto them that know thee, and thy righteousness to the upright in heart.

11 Let not the foot of pride come against me and let not the hand of the wicked remove me.

12 There are the workers of iniquity fallen: they are cast down and shall not be able to rise.





Drinking Deep from the Fountain of Life

"Your love, Lord, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies." — Psalm 36:5 (NIV)

Life can feel like a constant pursuit—chasing after purpose, love, success, and fulfillment. In a world that demands so much of us, we often try to satisfy our deepest longings with temporary fixes: achievements, relationships, or social approval. Yet, despite our best efforts, we still find ourselves thirsty, longing for something more profound.

Psalm 36 reveals a striking contrast between the emptiness of wickedness and the richness of God's love. David describes the wicked as those who “flatter themselves” and live without the fear of God (Psalm 36:1-2). But in contrast, those who trust in the Lord experience an unshakable, overflowing love that reaches the heavens (v. 5). In this love, we find the very thing our souls crave—real life.

A Love That Satisfies


Our generation has been raised in a culture of options—an endless buffet of experiences, entertainment, and distractions. But nothing truly satisfies, like the presence of God. David describes God as the source of true satisfaction: “They feast on the abundance of your house; you give them drink from your river of delights” (Psalm 36:8). Imagine a table filled with the richest food and the purest water, freely given to those who come. This is what life with God is like—abundant, satisfying, and overflowing with goodness.

Jesus echoes this truth in the New Testament. In John 7:37-38, He invites those who are thirsty to come to Him and drink: “Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” Jesus offers more than a temporary fix—He offers an unending, internal life wellspring that sustains us every season.

Stepping into the Flow

The challenge for many of us is not whether God’s love is available but whether we are willing to step into it. The world is loud, constantly calling for our attention, but God’s love is deeper, stronger, and more lasting. It’s easy to get caught up in temporary pursuits and forget the eternal source of life that is freely available.


“God’s love is not a mere drop; it’s an ocean, limitless and unfailing. If you want to experience it, don’t just stand at the shore—dive in.” — Sherrie T.

Dive In Deeper

God’s love isn’t just a distant concept—it’s an invitation to intimacy, an open door to a truly satisfying life. He is calling you deeper. Will you accept?

Three ways to step in the flow of God's presence: 
  • Spend intentional time with God. Start your day by reading Psalm 36 and meditating on His steadfast love.
  • Examine what you are chasing. Ask yourself: Am I seeking satisfaction in things that fade or in God who fills?
  • Be a vessel of His love. As you receive from the fountain of life, pour into others by showing kindness, encouragement, and grace.

When you dive deeper into His presence, you’ll find that God's love is more than enough—it’s overflowing.

Are you drinking from the world’s empty wells or drawing from the fountain of life?

Let’s choose today to drink deeply from the fountain of life. He is waiting, ready to satisfy your soul in ways nothing else could.


When God Is Your Defender

 Scripture: Psalm 35 

Plead my cause, O Lord, with them that strive with me: fight against them that fight against me.

2 Take hold of the shield and buckler and stand up for my help.

3 Draw out the spear and stop the way against them that persecute me: say unto my soul, I am thy salvation.

4 Let them be confounded and put to shame that seeks after my soul: let them be turned back and brought to confusion that devises my hurt.

5 Let them be chaff before the wind: and let the angel of the Lord chase them.

6 Let their way be dark and slippery: and let the angel of the Lord persecute them.

7 For without cause have they hid their net for me in a pit; without cause, they have dug for my soul.

8 Let destruction come upon him unawares, and let the net that he hid catch him. In that very destruction, let him fall.

9 And my soul shall be joyful in the Lord: it shall rejoice in his salvation.

10 All my bones shall say, Lord, who is like unto thee, which delivers the poor from him that is too strong for him, yea, the poor and the needy from him that spoils him?

11 False witnesses did rise; they laid to my charge things that I knew not.

12 They rewarded me with evil for good to spoiling my soul.

13 But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth: I humbled my soul fasting, and my prayer returned into mine own bosom.

14 I behaved as though he had been my friend or brother: I bowed down heavily as one who mourns for his mother.

15 But in my adversity, they rejoiced, and gathered themselves together: yea, they gathered themselves together against me, and I knew it not; they did tear me, and ceased not:

16 With hypocritical mockers in feasts, they gnashed upon me with their teeth.

17 Lord, how long wilt thou look on? Rescue my soul from their destructions, my darling from the lions.

18 I will give thanks in the great congregation: I will praise thee among many people.

19 My enemies wrongfully rejoice over me: neither let them wink with the eye that hate me without a cause.

20 For they speak not peace: but they devise deceitful matters against them that are quiet in the land.

21 Yea, they opened their mouth wide against me and said, Aha, aha, our eye hath seen it.

22 You have seen this, O Lord: keep not silence: O Lord, be not far from me.

23 Stir up thyself, and awake to my judgment, even unto my cause, my God and my Lord.

24 Judge me, O Lord my God, according to thy righteousness; and let them not rejoice over me.

25 Let them not say in their hearts, Ah, so would we have it: let them not say, We have swallowed him up.

26 Let them be ashamed and brought to confusion together that rejoice at mine hurt: let them be clothed with shame and dishonor that magnify themselves against me.

27 Let them shout for joy, and be glad, that favor my righteous cause: yea, let them say continually, Let the Lord be magnified, which hath pleasure in the prosperity of his servant.

28 And my tongue shall speak of thy righteousness and of thy praise all day long.

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Trusting Jehovah in Life’s Battles

Life is a battlefield; whether we like it or not, we are constantly engaged in spiritual warfare. Sometimes, the attacks come from unexpected places—people we thought were friends, situations we never saw coming, or even our doubts and insecurities. In Psalm 35, David cries out to God, pleading for His divine intervention against those who seek to destroy him. He does not take revenge into his own hands but instead calls upon the Almighty to fight on his behalf.

"Plead my cause, O Lord, with them that strive with me: fight against them that fight against me." (Psalm 35:1)

David understood something many of us struggle with: victory doesn’t come from retaliation, manipulation, or even our strength. It comes from putting our battles in God’s hands.

When Opposition Comes

As young adults, we face opposition in various ways. Maybe you’ve experienced betrayal in a close friendship, workplace politics that try to tear you down, or even spiritual battles that leave you questioning your faith. The enemy’s strategy is often deception, discouragement, and division. But God has given us an incredible promise: He fights for His children.

In Exodus 14:14, as the Israelites stood at the Red Sea, afraid and surrounded by their enemies, Moses declared:

“The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.”

This is the same God who defends you today! No matter who rises against you, no matter what challenges you face, you are not alone.

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Responding Like Christ

Fast-forward to the New Testament, and we see Jesus demonstrating the greatest example of trust in God’s justice. When He was falsely accused, beaten, and crucified, He did not fight back with earthly weapons. Instead, He committed Himself to the One who judges righteously (1 Peter 2:23). Jesus knew God’s justice was better than man’s revenge.

This is where it gets personal—how do we respond when we feel attacked? Do we lash out in anger, seek revenge, or become bitter? Or do we bring our case before the Lord, trusting Him to vindicate us?

A Heart Check

Psalm 35 also challenges us to examine our hearts. David prayed for justice and showed love to his enemies, mourning for them when they suffered (Psalm 35:13-14). Jesus commanded us to“Love our enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you” (Matthew 5:44).

It’s not about weakness—it’s about yielding to God’s greater plan.

"Trusting God’s justice requires faith, patience, and a heart aligned with His. When you let go of the need to control outcomes, you give God room to move in ways beyond your imagination." — Sherrie T.

Call to Action

Identify Your Battles: What situation do you need to let go of, keep calm, and let God handle your battle? Write it down and commit it to Him in prayer.

Trust His Justice: Meditate on Exodus 14:14 and Psalm 35 this week. Remind yourself that God is your defender.

Respond in Love: Instead of retaliating against those who hurt you, choose to pray for them. It’s not easy, but it’s powerful.

God sees every injustice, hears your cries, and fights for you. Will you trust Him today?


When the Past Isn’t Enough

Scripture Reading: Psalm 44 1 We have heard with our ears, O God, our fathers have told us what work you did in their days, in the old times...