Tag Archives: the book of Psalms

“When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?” (Psalm 8:3-4, NIV)

Today’s reading from the psalms was written by David.

He was a pretty accomplished man: Published poet, renowned musician and composer, heralded warrior, combat hero, king.  Instead of looking at his noteworthy accomplishments, David looked up to the heavens — the same heavens we see today — and remembered his lowly place in the universe.

We, too, can benefit from a gaze toward the night sky.  Hopefully, we will not only sense our cosmic insignificance; but also our remarkable significance to the Creator of it all.

What is mankind that God is mindful of us? Who are we that God would care for us? Ponder these questions today — and rejoice that the Creator of the moon and the stars loves us, and desires our fellowship.  – Luther

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“Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.”  (Psalm 55:22, NKJV)

The key to longevity and stability in a wide variety of aspects (e. g. moral, emotional, spiritual, relational) is the act of casting your cares on the Lord.  The more of our cares we give to Him, the more of His wisdom, confidence, and strength we receive in return.

The times we prefer to coddle our concerns in the privacy of our minds is the precise time we ought to be casting — throwing — those same concerns onto our heavenly Father.  Sharing multiplies our joys and divides our sorrows. 

When we choose to keep to ourselves the very concerns that wring all of the joy from life, we deprive ourselves of a Confidant who has never revealed a secret; a Friend who has never betrayed a trust; a Defender who has never been defeated.  – Luther

Reminder: Daily Encouragement will be on its usual Sunday break tomorrow.  Lord willing, see you again on Monday.  Have a great time in Sunday worship.  God is good!

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“I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the LORD sustains me.” (Psalm 3:5, NIV)

The arrival of another weekend provides the opportunity to rest, reflect, and re-engage. 

The writer of this psalm (David) wrote it while on the run from his son Absalom (a rogue child if ever there was one). See 2 Samuel 15 for the background.

In critical times, we are reminded of our fragility. We awake from our slumber only because God awakens us. We live, only because God sustains us.

However, we need also to remember that God sustains us when life is sweet and everyone is at peace with us. In every circumstance, give thanks to God for his grace.  – Luther

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