Hidden Streams

Uniquely attributed to Moses, this Psalm offers a grand recalling of the creation account and God's covenant faithfulness though the generations. Last described is the frailty of our humanity and sinful lives that bring suffering and death. Rebekah Caggegi sings "Generation to Generation." Support The Show

Chad talks about the practice of prayer and the offering of incense. The tradition of meditating on the psalms helps explain and the symbolism involved in these practices. Izzi Ray sings the hymn "Sweet Hour of Prayer." Support the Show

Chad explains the context and background of Psalm 52 and explores the destructive power of the tongue. The Psalm demonstrates why you cannot trust in your own ability and must rely on God for righteousness and salvation.  Alissa Gifford sings "In the Eyes of The Lord." Support the Show

Verse 12 begins with a description of God's blessings to the faithful. Here we are reminded that this life is a struggle and fight, and that our only hope for victory is in Christ. Chris Lizotte sings "Saving Me From Myself." Support the Show

Calling on the God's vengeance, this militant prayer is aimed against the enemies of God and his people. Here we are reminded that the God of Israel is not a dead idol but active and powerful. Izzi Ray sings "Rise Up." Support Hidden Streams

Using agricultural images, the Psalmist speaks of suffering and the persecutions that Israel endures. These words were sung alongside the declarations that "yet they have not prevailed against me." This Psalm contains images of a future when there will be a righteous reversal of all that is wrong in our world. Leon McCrary sings "They have not prevailed." Support the Show

Israel cries out to God, to remember his promises. Chad meditates on how to speak honestly to God. Chad also explains covenantal language, and how we are in a relationship that we are committed to, even when things seem to go poorly. We ask God not to forget us. Kris Winrich sings "Don't Forget Me." Support the Show

The first section of Psalm 44 teaches about the life of the redeemed. Chad highlights the nature and simplicity of christian life. These first verses demonstrate that the promised land is not a reward for good living but a pure an act of God's grace and favor. Izzi Ray sings "Grace and Favor." Support Hidden Streams

Chad meditates on what it means to look to God and how He looks at us. The Scripture leads us away from ourselves so that we look to and trust in God alone for our salvation. Izzi Ray sings "Until You Show Your Mercy" Show Notes:  Support Hidden Streams

Words have great power to destroy. Chad meditates on the power of words in scripture and the contrast being the pure words of the Lord and the speech that tears down and brings shame and fear. This prayer cries out to God for the saving Word, the Word made flesh and for God to speak into us His living word and the gift of bringing those healing words to those around us. Morea Arthur sings "Speak Y...

When we are suffering persecutions, falsely accused and battling our own emotions, the truth of His grace is greater than anything that can attack us, including ourown thoughts. Christ prays this Psalm, and it gives us words to pray when we are persecuted for the sake of righteousness and drawn into the deep waters. Christ abides with us. Jeff Macare sings "Give me Your hand." Support the Show

Asking God to be gracious to me, because my enemies are trampling on me. My enemies attack me with such pride, and spend time and energy devising ways to destroy me. But I trust in God and am unafraid. Chad meditates on God being for us, not against us. Chad shows us how to structure a prayer when we are fighting battles and facing uncertainty. We cry out to Him for mercy and protection until we e...

The Psalm is written in the cave, referring to the time David was hiding from Saul and his soldiers. Chad meditates on the meaning of caves in the Old Testament. Sometimes God ministers to us in times of aloneness. David pours his complaint to the Lord. David cries out with his voice. The voice is significant. We will emerge from this time of loneliness, clinging to our Savior and our common Fathe...

David states a very bold accusation that God has rejected and abandoned him. The land is quaking, shaking and full of tragedy. Sometimes our experience leads us to the conclusion that God has abandoned us as well. The Psalms give us language to express this rejection that we feel. Once again we see Christ hanging on the cross. God is on our side, joining our sins to Himself on the cross, and we ar...

This Psalm describes the wicked and the arrogant thoughts and scenes of wicked preying upon the poor. David prays that God will not forget the poor. Calls for eternal justice. Chad meditates on the lament that God has hidden Himself and allowed such evil to prosper. Our minds want to first figure out the "why's of our pain, while God calls us to look at the crucified Christ. Izzy Ray sings "Why."...

A call for God to hear our cries, a call for the Good Shepherd to carry His people. Going down to the pit, a prayer that God rescue him, lest he end up stuck there forever. Even in the midst of pain we bless the name of God and our heart trusts in Him, our saving defense and He's one of us, joining us in our pain. Kris Winrich sings the hymn " O Thou In Whose Presence." Support the Show

In Psalm 3, David is fleeing from Absalom, and many are saying there is no God that will save him. We can feel these thoughts when we are under duress. At the end of this Psalm David declares that Salvation belongs to the Lord and will put his trust in Him. Chad sees the picture of Christ's death and resurrection in this Psalm. Rebekah Caggegi sings "Arise O Lord." Support the Show

Psalm 7 is a prayer that gives expression to those who have experienced persecution. Christ prays the Psalms and as we pray these Psalms we pray in Him and He prays in us that these prayers might go to the ear of the Father. God is described as a warrior who goes to battle for us. We can trust in Him to fight the battle that only He can win. Dave Irish sings " You Are My Refuge." Support the Show

As this Psalm is set in the the time of the Babylonian exile, Chad Bird meditates on the types of exile we find in scripture and in our lives. Also when all we value is lying in ruins, how do we respond? Kirsten Ford sings "By the Rivers of Babylon". Support the Show

There are times when we feel farther away from God than we used to be. This reminds us that even though we feel exiled, God is with us in our exile. "I Will Remember" is sung by John Andrew Schreiner. Support the Show

Look away from me, that I may smile again. Rather than putting on a happy face, it might be better to honestly grieve during seasons of heartbrokenness. We are able to speak openly to God in this brief life and view our tears as a watery hope that gives birth to the life that is to come. John Andrew Schreiner sings "Look Away. Support the Show

Psalm 13 is a story of sorrow and joy, confession and absolution, it declares that God has answered all our trouble. " But I have trusted in your steadfast love;  my heart shall rejoice in your salvation.  I will sing to the L ORD ,  because he has dealt bountifully with me." Presented by 1517.org Support the Show

Psalm 55 instructs us to call out to God and look to His sure promises when sin and darkness assails us. " But I call to God,  and the L ORD will save me." Presented by 1517.org Support the Show

Is there any assurance when it doesn't feel like God is with you? Has God forgotten to be gracious?  Has he in anger shut up his compassion?" Presented by 1517.org Support the Show

The Psalmist speaks about how God delivers the poor and needy. "I waited patiently for the L ORD ;  he inclined to me and heard my cry.  He drew me up from the pit of destruction,  out of the miry bog,  and set my feet upon a rock,  making my steps secure." Presented by 1517.org Support the Show