Morning Psalm and Prayer

The Lord surrounds His people even as the mountains surround Jerusalem. Think of that! You are surrounded -- by the love and goodness of God Himself! That's true for every moment of this day and every day for people who follow Jesus. This psalm ends with a reminder to pray for peace in Israel.

Against all odds, the nation of Israel has survived many attacks by vicious foe. Even today they suffer attack. Yet Your hand continues to see them through. As believers, we too have been given a miraculous escape from death through the shed blood of Jesus Christ our Lord. Bless His name today!

Jesus purchased His people at the cost of His blood. He brought us into His family and will welcome us into His home. Unlike arrogant masters, our Master is loving and merciful. Praise Him!

Jerusalem is God's Holy City. Yet it has continually been under siege. God instructs us to pray for the peace of Jerusalem -- and promises blessing for those who pray for Jerusalem and seek its prosperity.

We all need help in this life. Where does our help come from? Our help comes from the maker of heaven and earth - nothing is too difficult for Him! Look to Him today. Be confident and comforted by the fact that God is always watching out for you.

Solomon was the wisest man to ever live. He wrote in Ecclesiastes that there is a time and season for every activity under heaven... including a time for war and a time for peace. This psalm reveals the truth that sometimes we cannot avoid conflict because our enemy will not accept peace. But someday the Prince of Peace will return and end war forever.

The revealed Word of God is more precious than pure gold! The verses of scripture are wonderful to those who follow Jesus. Every precept and command is designed to guard us from harm and set up free in your Truth. Meditate on God's Word today so that you can discern the times according to Biblical Truth.

This longest of all Psalms emphasizes meditating on God's Word. Every verse mentions the Word of God and the benefits of knowing and following God's statutes. You'll find that His Word instructs you, makes you wise, steers you into pleasing paths and lights your path of life.

You will be blessed when you meditate on God's Word! Psalm 119 gives you 176 reasons why meditating on God will bless your life. Today I read verses 1-18 and we will continue in Psalm 119 one the next couple of days. Be blessed!

God's love never fails and never runs out. You will always be loved. But there is more - God is also your joy, your victory, your defense and salvation! Praise the Lord!

Praise the Lord! Extol Him! And do so for His character of enduring love and faithfulness! Let God be praise in every nation!

When you are in distress, call on the name of the Lord! He hears the prayers of His people. Time and again, God has rescued us. From untold dangers and snares, God has delivered us. Praise Him and walk before Him in gratitude!

It's easy to fall into the trap of seeking the praise of people. But the one who deserves the praise and glory is the living God! Trust him today. He blesses His people and He makes us flourish in His presence!

Nothing is too hard for God! When God intervenes, even the laws of nature are bent and defied. This psalm recalls God's intervention to part the Red Sea and rescue Israel from slavery and oppression. God's love intervened for you at the cross -- there He defeated sin, hell and death. Walk in the freedom of the Lord today!

Jesus is the name above every name! Praise His name! Think of the many names of Jesus in the Bible... use them all to praise His name. Pray and work that His name is praise around the world.

The Lord's blessing is not only on the righteous ... but His blessing surrounds them. There is a zone of blessing that extends to their home and their children. Make it your aim today to live a life that's upright, compassionate and gracious. When you do, others are blessed and your heart becomes steadfast.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. The awareness of His great holiness and faithfulness helps us live in ways that are wise. His precepts give us understanding. Praise the Lord and His character of love and faithfulness, justice and faithfulness. Worship Him today.

This prophetic psalm is a brief picture of events associated with the return of Jesus to this earth. Phrases from this psalm are quoted by more than one New Testament writer. Be blessed by this description of Jesus coming victory - to the glory of God and to the benefit of all believers.

Words can heal or hurt. Sometimes even words of a friend can cut deeply. What then? You have a choice: victim or victor! You have a choice: hold close hurtful words or hold close the loving words of God in His Word. Take your identity in who God says that you are in Christ!

The Lord's love is higher than the heavens! He is our victory and salvation! Today, make your heart steadfast to the Lord. Sing and rejoice in your Savior. Turn to the Lord and trust Him to fight your battles.

The Lord is good! So good that He continually rescues us from our own folly! We can each identify with this psalm because it's about wandering spiritually, reaping the consequences, and yet when we called to the Lord He graciously forgives and saves. If He has saved you, tell others about God's goodness to you!

Did you ever run away from home? What about spiritually? Most of us can think of times when we ran away from God to chase after our own sinful desires. This psalm shows a persistent pattern of rebellion -- but also the tenacious love of God who continually forgives and restores.

God is faithful. When He gives His word He will follow through and make good on it. He gives promises and makes covenants. He remembers those to a thousand generations. Plus He intervenes in goodness and faithfulness for His people. Remember His goodness in your life and give God praise!

God created the heavens and the earth. The wonder of His creation is a testimony to His wisdom, goodness, and imagination. Take in the wonder of His creation today and give praise to the Lord!

Do you talk to yourself? In this psalm, the psalmist speaks to his own soul. He tells his soul to bless the Lord. He gives his soul a pep talk, reminding himself of the goodness of God. This psalm is a go-to psalm for many when they need a word of encouragement. Mark it so you can turn to it often, and remember all the benefits of salvation.